Two Bundaberg Region officers have shared inspiring stories about the adversities faced on their path to joining the Queensland Police Service as part of a new recruitment campaign.
The You're Made For It campaign aims to help people identify that their personal value, derived from life, growth and career experience, has shaped them in a way that enables them to be a great asset to the QPS.
The launch of the campaign introduces four serving police officers across Queensland, including Officer in Charge of Gin Gin Police Station Sergeant Sharon Morgan and Bundaberg Police Senior Constable Danielle Loftus, each with a different story to tell.
Sergeant Morgan found herself trapped in an abusive relationship for seven years. For some of this time she was also a police recruit.
She now channels her own experience into providing understanding and support for other victims of domestic and family violence.
“I was a victim of DV for a long time so I wanted to bring that to my role and say, well you know I do understand what you've gone through, especially when dealing with victims,” Sergeant Morgan said.
“When I had my interview with the police, I said it sounds so stupid but I just want to change the world I live in.
“I just want to be a better person and help people and that's why we do it.”
Sergeant Morgan said while she had experienced some very difficult situations, she had continued to push through to follow her dream.
“When I first joined the police and I was subjected to domestic violence, I was told I'd never amount to anything,” she said.
“Now I'm a sergeant in charge of a police station.
“I would say to any woman, or anyone who wants to join the police, as long as you've got that dream and that determination, you can do anything.”
Bundaberg Police Senior Constable Danielle Loftus has also been featured in the police recruit campaign, telling the story of how her life drastically changed after she was hit by a car at the age of 10 while walking home from school.
The serious incident left her with severe injuries.
She overcame these injuries, including learning how to speak and write again, and made it through the recruitment process.
“I didn't realise what I had been through until I actually got to investigate traffic matters and saw different aspects of road safety that we were trying to prevent, and just realising how fortunate and lucky I was that I survived what I went through,” Snr Const Loftus said.
“Having life experience is essential for policing because you can be placed in situations where someone may be a new parent, there's child safety, there's road safety and with your experience, you can pass messages on.
“We're human as police officers also and people need to understand that yes, someone else may have been in that situation and they can learn from that.”
You're Made For It: Police recruitment campaign targets all
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the You're Made For It campaign aimed to spread the message that QPS was recruiting real experience to make a real difference.
“The QPS is looking for applicants with diverse backgrounds and life experience which reflects the community we serve. You need integrity, community values, professionalism and show respect and fairness at all times,” she said.
“As a Service we realise that, often, it’s what’s on the inside that makes an incredible officer.
“Every bit of adversity you’ve overcome makes an impact.
“Every challenge, every tight spot, from your proudest moments, to your toughest times, in this line of work your life experiences are your greatest assets.”
To take the first step towards a dynamic and rewarding career, apply now at policerecruit.com.au.
All you police officers in the Gin Gin district do a fantastic job for the community well done all