Geraldton Police Station looking for ‘motivated’ locals in their search to fill custodial management jobs

WA Police are prioritising locals in their recruitment campaign for specialised role in custodial management at Geraldton Police Station.

The station has three auxiliary officers who manage the lock-up and support police officers in the admission, custody and release of detainees. But police are looking to bring that number up to as many as seven.

Police auxiliary officer Kristi March started in the role more than three years ago, and said every day was different.

“Some days I feel like I’m a waitress, you know, feeding 10 people in custody. Other days, you’re like a counsellor, when you’re just somebody for them to talk to and you just listen,” she said.

Ms March said her people skills from working in retail were important to her current job and would say that “anything’s possible” for people looking for a change in career.

She said the “very busy” role came with its challenges, but it had made her stronger.

Fellow police auxiliary officer Sharne Vanderplank, who has worked in Geraldton for more than a year, agreed that one of the benefits of the role was how much she had learnt, including about the procedures involved around holding someone in custody.

“We’ve got safety of the people in custody, and ensuring that all of the paperwork that’s required to have somebody in custody is done correctly, because to have someone’s freedom removed from them, it’s a big deal,” she said.

Senior Sergeant Russell Hurst said it was vital to focus on local recruitment.

“Geraldton people are special type of people. We understand one another. We understand what being remote is like . . . we understand the challenges that people have in this town. And I think by finding that right person locally, they can help to address those issues,” he said.

Ms Vanderplank added: “If you’re recruiting, say, from Perth, you’re asking someone to come into a new job, meet new people, and establish their roots in a different environment. So, I think finding people that are local and want to remain local, and being in their home place it also gives us the hope that they would stay longer.

“I think life experience goes a really long way in this job.”

A paid period of seven weeks of training in Perth, with accommodation included, is part of the deal.

The station is hiring for initial 12-month contracts.

Sen. Sgt Hurst emphasised they were looking for “motivated” people over specific work experience or qualifications.

Further details can be obtained by contacting Sen. Sgt Hurst at Geraldton Police Station or going to the Let’s Join Forces website.