BEHIND THE BADGE
MICHAEL VARKER Rank: Police Custody Officer (PCO) Supervisor Age: 61 Graduated: July 2016 Station: Geelong Police Station What did you do before becoming a PCO? I was a Victoria Police officer for 16 years. I mainly worked in the uniform branch in the Geelong area, but I also did some time in drug squads, antibikie taskforces and crime investigation units. I also did some proactive work at schools, where I talked about drug use and bike education. After that I spent 16 years at the Australian Federal Police (AFP), where I was initially a shift supervisor at Melbourne Airport. For the last 12 years of my time at the AFP, I was the team leader in the Air Marshals flying on domestic and international deployments. This involved counter-terrorist hijacking capability and security on board Australian registered aircraft travelling interstate and overseas. I also trained air marshals from the Philippines, Singapore, United States, New Zealand and Japan.
Tell us about being a PCO Supervisor. I manage the PCOs on my shift. Our duties include running the daily operations of the cells and ensuring the welfare of detainees. We also arrange fingerprinting, hospital guards, prisoner transport, court escorts and more. What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy working with my colleagues and being part of a team that makes cell management such a smooth operation. Now there are PCOs embedded in police stations, police are free to focus on other work. I also get to see my daughter whenever she’s on shift, which is a bonus. You have won numerous Police and Emergency Services Games medals. Which sports do you compete in? I’ve been competing in the Police and Emergency Services Games since 1984; in fact I kicked off the police games triathlon many years ago. I’ve never missed a competition and have won the Victoria Police triathlon 13 years in a row. Just recently, I won silver medals in cycling, road racing and a gold medal in the aquathon. I have also been taking part in the Australia and New Zealand Police Games, World Police and Fire Games, the International Law Enforcement Games and civilian triathlons since 1983. It’s really important to maintain a healthy body and mind. Physical fitness is like the fountain of youth.
What made you decide to apply for the role of PCO? After resigning from the AFP, my daughter suggested I look at the PCO role. She is a senior constable in Geelong and heard good things about the position. I think law enforcement is in your blood, so you sort of gravitate back towards that. My passion has been law enforcement for 32 years, so it’s pretty hard to get it out of your system. Coming back to Geelong has been like coming back home. It’s fantastic because a lot of the sergeants here were trainees under me many years ago as young constables. The superintendent was even my squad mate. It’s great to come back and work with the old comrades from way back when.
Find out how you can join Victoria Police at policecareer.vic.gov.au Editorial: Ashlee Williams Photography: Scott McNaughton POLICE LIFE | WINTER 2018
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