A new path to police

Now she has encouraged all others who want a career with the police to have a go.

“There is an over representation of Aboriginals in prisons and the percentage of Aboriginals in the police force is too low,” she said.

“IPROWD (Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery) was created to bridge the gap between Aboriginals and the police force.

“The support IPROWD  gives is incredible.

“They not only help students academically, but offer support with fitness, diet, accommodation, life skills and anything else which could be a barrier for people wanting to get a career in policing.”

She said no matter your age, if policing is something you’re passionate about then this is the place to start.

“There was this woman in my class, 36 and a single mother of three, they helped her with everything academically and she passed all her subjects, she struggled, but she passed,” she said.

“They just help with everything, any barrier that could be preventing you from starting your application they help you with it.

“The police commissioner Andrew Scipione said he wanted 1000 Aboriginal police officers within the next ten years and without IPROWD I don't think something like that could be possible.”

She is still as passionate as ever about becoming a police officer but says there are other careers you can get out of this course.

“Even if you say to them, well this isn't what I want to do any more then they ask you 'what you do want to do and let's help you with that’,” she said.

“People who haven’t chosen a police career after the course have gone into corrections, security and other government jobs.”

People in the Riverina have the opportunity to complete this program at Wagga Wagga tafe next year. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in joining this program should call the IPROWD team on 1300 830 177.