Police Life AUTUMN/WINTER 2022

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CONNECTING THROUGH CULTURE In that time, it has quickly become a significant part of Victoria Police’s commitment to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

experiences, while strengthening the relationship between Victoria Police and the state’s African communities.”

Moreland Crime Investigation Unit’s Tactical Intelligence Officer Senior Constable Arsène Juste Bounda, Chair of the Network, said VICPOLAEN is shaping the force’s relationship with the African-Australian community by simply being present.

But it’s Sen Const Bounda’s life experience that really sheds light on the importance of the network.

“The benefits of the network are two-fold,” Sen Const Bounda said.

“It provides a safe platform for employees of African background to connect and share

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Just three years since its launch, the Victoria Police African Employee Network (VICPOLAEN) is making strides in the diversity and inclusion space.

POLICE LIFE |

AUTUMN/WINTER 2022

“I was born in the Congo-Brazzaville and arrived in Australia as a refugee in 2004,” he said.

Despite his passion for policing, Sen Const Bounda recalls feeling “a little bit lost”.

That was until he read a Police Life story celebrating the achievements of an AfricanAustralian employee.

“It was an inspiration for me,” Sen Const Bounda said.

“I had never seen another employee of African “I joined the force in 2015 because I knew I wanted heritage wearing the Victoria Police uniform, to be a police officer, but I didn’t know of any let alone recognised in print.” members with African background.

He was thankful that he had found someone “I was pretty much on my own.” he could turn to.