MELBOURNE, 30 April 2022: Chief Commissioner Shane Patton today congratulated the officers at the Victoria Police Academy on the first day of the two-day graduating ceremony event, which will conclude on 1 May. Victoria Police’s 300 newest officers are graduating at the biggest graduation in the force’s history.
The constables, who have already commenced their crime-fighting career across the state, today had the opportunity to celebrate with their friends and family after missing out on traditional graduation because of coronavirus restrictions in the past two years.
They represented a variety of ages having diverse career histories, each bringing unique experiences to their new role.
Those graduating include former flight attendants, hospitality workers, electricians, carpenters and a scuba dive instructor. They also represent various ethnicities, coming from 50 different countries, including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Egypt, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Thailand.
Honouring tradition, this weekend’s graduation ceremonies will be held outside and will feature the police band, the mounted branch and Shrine guards. The constables have been deployed to regional and metropolitan police stations across Victorian including Moe and Malvern.
Constable Virginia Brandi, graduating on Saturday, says her dad Acting Sergeant Roy Brandi, a police officer of almost 30 years, inspired her to join the job.
Acting Sergeant Roy Brandi, whose career has involved working mostly on the frontline in the Melbourne CBD, says he looks forward to congratulating his daughter at the ceremony.
She completed her 28-week police training course in May 2021, but her family couldn’t attend the graduation due to coronavirus restrictions. She is now stationed at the Fawkner Police Station.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said, “These past two years were like no other, and this meant our newest officers were not able to celebrate with their friends and family after months of hard work.”
“This is the biggest graduation in the force’s history, and we are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to our newest constables who have chosen to attend this weekend.”
“It means our newest constables, who have dedicated their lives to protecting fellow Victorians, can formally celebrate their achievements with their friends and family.”
