BEHIND THE BADGE
JANELLE TRAN Rank: Senior Constable Age: 37 Graduated: 2008 Station: Sunshine Prosecutions Tell us about yourself. I was seven years old when my mum, step dad and I came to Australia from Vietnam as refugees. After three days at sea, we arrived in Pulau Bidong, Malaysia, in 1984. We spent about three months in a Malaysian refugee camp before being granted a permanent Australian visa. I remember my parents spoke about those times as very tough. My father was sent to what was known as a re-educational camp soon after the fall of Saigon. I never really knew what happened to him during those times but we were reunited about six years ago in Vietnam. Why did you join Victoria Police? My mum died unexpectedly about nine years ago. This was a bit of an epiphany for me. I decided I needed to do something with my life, to make every day count. Around the time she passed away, a family friend who was very new in Australia and didn’t speak English had her house burgled when she was at home with her three young children. She couldn’t communicate with the attending officers and I was asked to assist and interpret. It was a defining moment in my life as I realised it was something I could do, so I joined Victoria Police to continue to help people.
How did your family and friends react to you joining Victoria Police? They were surprised, concerned and sceptical at first. They were surprised because being a police officer is not a role that many Vietnamese would choose, concerned because they were worried about my safety and sceptical because there is a negative perception of police in Vietnam. It was hard for people to understand why I would want to become a police officer but seeing me in this role has helped change the perception of police for people in my community. My family is proud of my achievement. What does your role as a police prosecutor involve? I represent police when their matters are listed in the Magistrates’ Court. I liaise with the defence, accused and police investigator to address issues and negotiate outcomes. What has been the most memorable moment of your career? In 2012 I was named a Victoria Police Human Rights Champion, which was a big honour for me. I had enrolled in an advanced human rights and policing course and my major project was to conduct an audit of the Werribee Police Station cells. The report was well-received and I was nominated for the award. I am also proud of my achievement in becoming a police prosecutor. It wasn’t easy, but I made it and I am now continuing my law studies at Victoria University. People are always surprised when I tell them I was a refugee and they see how far I have come. I think it shows that no matter what your background, if you work hard, you can achieve your dreams.
Editorial: Belle Nolan Photography: Shane Bell POLICE LIFE | WINTER 2015
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