Looking for new blood – That’s why I went to the police

Strong job, strong team – We asked a police officer why they decided to become a police officer and why they continue to do this job. The answers were diverse and surprising at the same time. Very few professions offer interesting tasks, a secure job and a secure income.

In addition to the challenging and varied work at a police station, the police profession offers many opportunities for specialization in areas such as criminal investigation or traffic services, in special assignments such as the Cobra task force or the aviation police.

Why did you go to the police?

Dominic: The police profession was practically born in my cradle. My father, who is a role model for me, was a police officer until recently. Now he is retired. My uncle and our neighbors at the time were also police officers. That obviously contributed to me wanting this career.But I realized that I don’t want a monotonous job, but rather a varied job where I can help people and experience something new every day.

Martina: For me it was definitely the change. I couldn’t imagine having a job where every day was scheduled Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with everything planned until the lunch break. Hence my decision to report it to the police. The variety is certainly there and I don’t regret anything. You can plan when you are on duty, but you simply cannot plan what happens on duty.

What has been your best experience with the police so far?

Dominic: Over the past twelve years I have had different experiences. Official actions such as the arrest of a perpetrator after a serious robbery, after burglaries, but also successful searches for missing persons, where the relatives were happy that we found their loved ones. Beautiful experiences are often very banal things such as being together with colleagues and the friendships that arise.

Martina: There was a time when I could help a young woman a lot. She was in a difficult situation, but I was able to encourage her through long conversations and describing my own experiences. She thanked me at the end and turned a tiring day into a really fun day. Overall, it’s important to keep an eye on the positive in this job because we’re usually called upon when something bad has happened before. You may not be able to save a life every day, but often saving someone’s day is enough.

What advice would you give to people considering joining the police force?

Dominic: I think it is important that applicants know that fun is not forgotten in daily police work. However, it is also important to know that being a police officer involves a lot of responsibility and that there are new challenges every day.Especially for young people, it can be an advantage to know that personal goals such as owning a car or traveling long distances can be achieved with the help of paid overtime.

Martina: Think carefully. The police profession is not just about uniforms and weapons. If you decide to become a police officer, this is certainly a job that can give you satisfaction. Also because you have a lot of choice. I can recommend it to anyone who wants to throw themselves into this profession with heart and soul. A major advantage is equality between women and men, especially when it comes to salary. It depends on what the people do and whether you like the work.

Strong job, strong team – apply now!
Do you want a job that is interesting, that offers a lot, and that can simply do more? Then register with the state police of your choice. Information about your position, application, application documents and the selection process can be found at polizeikarriere.gv.at.