The Victoria Police interview
the panel, the values, the questions

Victoria Police lists 11 stages from online application to the candidate pool. The panel interview is step 10, after the entrance exam, background checks, fitness test, psychological testing, medical and comprehensive checks. By the time you reach it, you've cleared every test; the panel decides whether you're the person Victoria Police wants.

1. 1

   Online application

   Personal, employment and education details, plus prior offences and police dealings.

2. 2

   Eligibility checks

   Driving, criminal history and behavioural responses.

3. 3

   Victoria Police Entrance Exam

   Numeracy, abstract reasoning, literacy and report writing; you must pass all parts. Fee $284; 3 months to sit. Exemptions for degree holders, ATAR 65+ with English 25+, ADF, paramedics/firefighters, VPS Grade 3+, final-year criminology students and others.

4. 4

   Background checks

   Document pack and fingerprints at a local station (free).

5. 5

   Video interview

   Listed among the stages in a public summaries of the official site but not shown in the fetched recruitment page; not verified.

6. 6

   Fitness test

   About 1.5 hours at the Academy, plus a 100 m swim in 4 minutes completed independently beforehand.

7. 7

   Psychological testing

   Online; allow 30-40 minutes.

8. 8

   Medical

   Hearing (audiologist), vision (optometrist or ophthalmologist), GP holistic assessment and 5-year history; the applicant pays.

9. 9

   Comprehensive checks

   Associations, social media and values.

10. 10

    Panel interview

    Interview stage

    40-50 minutes at the Victoria Police Centre, 311 Spencer St, Docklands; behavioural and scenario questions. Victoria Police calls the panel interview usually the final step.

11. 11

    Candidate pool

    Wait for an invitation to the Academy. The whole process averages about 6 months (other official text: 6-9 months).

Victoria Police says the whole process averages about 6 months, with other official text putting it at 6 to 9 months. Our Victoria Police joining guide covers every stage, and the entrance exam guide explains the four-part exam and its exemptions.

Victoria Police's recruitment page is unusually specific. Here's what it says, as read on 9 October 2026.

Position in the process

What Victoria Police says

Usually the final step

Panel

What Victoria Police says

Two members of Victoria Police

Length

What Victoria Police says

Approximately 40–50 minutes

Location

What Victoria Police says

Usually the Victoria Police Centre, ground floor, 311 Spencer Street, Docklands

Question types

What Victoria Police says

Behavioural and scenario-based questions

Also assessed

What Victoria Police says

Your verbal communication skills

Dress

What Victoria Police says

Business attire

Arrival

What Victoria Police says

15 minutes early

Knowledge required

What Victoria Police says

You are not expected to know police powers, policy or procedure

Recommended structure

What Victoria Police says

STAR: Situation, Task, Actions, Result

Detail	What Victoria Police says
Position in the process	Usually the final step
Panel	Two members of Victoria Police
Length	Approximately 40–50 minutes
Location	Usually the Victoria Police Centre, ground floor, 311 Spencer Street, Docklands
Question types	Behavioural and scenario-based questions
Also assessed	Your verbal communication skills
Dress	Business attire
Arrival	15 minutes early
Knowledge required	You are not expected to know police powers, policy or procedure
Recommended structure	STAR: Situation, Task, Actions, Result

Victoria Police tells candidates to prepare examples showing four things: successful work relationships, communication skills, personal drive and integrity. It also assesses your verbal communication throughout, which means how you answer matters as much as what you say.

Work relationships

What the panel is likely listening for

You build trust, handle friction and contribute to a team

Example sources

A difficult colleague, a team project, a customer you won round

Communication skills

What the panel is likely listening for

You listen, adapt, explain clearly and de-escalate

Example sources

Calming someone down, explaining a decision, teaching someone

Personal drive

What the panel is likely listening for

You set goals, persist through setbacks and take initiative

Example sources

Study while working, a sporting goal, a self-taught skill

Integrity

What the panel is likely listening for

You do the right thing when it costs you, and use proper channels

Example sources

Reporting a problem, admitting a mistake, refusing a shortcut

Verbal communication

What the panel is likely listening for

Concise, structured, calm answers; you let the panel finish

Example sources

Every answer you give

What's assessed	What the panel is likely listening for	Example sources
Work relationships	You build trust, handle friction and contribute to a team	A difficult colleague, a team project, a customer you won round
Communication skills	You listen, adapt, explain clearly and de-escalate	Calming someone down, explaining a decision, teaching someone
Personal drive	You set goals, persist through setbacks and take initiative	Study while working, a sporting goal, a self-taught skill
Integrity	You do the right thing when it costs you, and use proper channels	Reporting a problem, admitting a mistake, refusing a shortcut
Verbal communication	Concise, structured, calm answers; you let the panel finish	Every answer you give

Victoria Police also advises candidates to stay calm, introduce themselves, let interviewers finish speaking and be concise. That last point is underrated. A focused two-to-three-minute answer that hits every part of STAR scores better than a five-minute story that drifts.

Victoria Police scores how you speak as well as what you say. Concise beats comprehensive.

Victoria Police's annual report lists seven organisational values that underpin its policies and how its people deal with the community and each other. The panel's four preparation areas map closely onto them, so an example for each value covers most of what you could be asked.

Respect

How Victoria Police describes it

“Everyone is treated fairly and with dignity and feels valued and included.”

Example to prepare

A time you included someone who was being left out, or treated someone fairly despite friction

Leadership

How Victoria Police describes it

“Being people-focused, confident but still humble and committed to living our values.”

Example to prepare

Leading a group while staying open to others' ideas; owning a decision

Professionalism

How Victoria Police describes it

“Being accountable, transparent and committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct.”

Example to prepare

Admitting a mistake openly; keeping standards when no one was checking

Support

How Victoria Police describes it

“Having empathy and being genuinely committed to responding to the needs and wellbeing of others.”

Example to prepare

Noticing someone struggling and doing something practical about it

Integrity

How Victoria Police describes it

“Acting with honour, being fair and respectful of both the law and human rights.”

Example to prepare

Doing the right thing at a cost to yourself; challenging unfair treatment

Safety

How Victoria Police describes it

“Safety is at the heart of our purpose, it is fundamental to, and underpins, everything we do.”

Example to prepare

Spotting and acting on a risk at work, in sport or in the community

Flexibility

How Victoria Police describes it

“Providing a service that is agile and evolves with the community's needs.”

Example to prepare

Adapting how you worked when the people you served changed

Value	How Victoria Police describes it	Example to prepare
Respect	“Everyone is treated fairly and with dignity and feels valued and included.”	A time you included someone who was being left out, or treated someone fairly despite friction
Leadership	“Being people-focused, confident but still humble and committed to living our values.”	Leading a group while staying open to others' ideas; owning a decision
Professionalism	“Being accountable, transparent and committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct.”	Admitting a mistake openly; keeping standards when no one was checking
Support	“Having empathy and being genuinely committed to responding to the needs and wellbeing of others.”	Noticing someone struggling and doing something practical about it
Integrity	“Acting with honour, being fair and respectful of both the law and human rights.”	Doing the right thing at a cost to yourself; challenging unfair treatment
Safety	“Safety is at the heart of our purpose, it is fundamental to, and underpins, everything we do.”	Spotting and acting on a risk at work, in sport or in the community
Flexibility	“Providing a service that is agile and evolves with the community's needs.”	Adapting how you worked when the people you served changed

Victoria Police's stated vision is a Victoria where everyone is safe and feels safe. If you're asked why you want to join, linking your motivation to safety and support for the community, with a real example, is stronger than a general wish to help people.

Victoria Police's recruitment page tells candidates to research current affairs in Victoria, including issues facing Victoria Police and the community. Here are the recruiting and workforce facts from our research. Use them to show understanding, and stay neutral on anything political.

The recruiting push is the biggest story. Victoria Police doubled its intake, cut foundation training to 25 weeks and now inducts recruits every two weeks. 450 retired officers applied to return as reservists in 2026. A regional academy in Mildura is due to start on 18 January 2027 for up to 25 recruits per course.

Police numbers are also an election issue. Victoria votes in November 2026; Labor has pledged 1,500 extra police and a new academy in Wyndham, and the ABC has reported a larger Liberal pledge. If it comes up, describe what each side has proposed in neutral terms or simply say you'd serve under whichever government is elected. Panels are not testing your politics.

These are original questions written around the seven values, the four preparation areas and current issues. They are not Victoria Police's questions. Work through them out loud, and check that your example bank covers each value at least once.

1

Tests

Safety

Practice question

Victoria Police says safety underpins everything it does. Tell us about a time you spotted a safety risk and acted on it.

What a strong answer covers

The risk, why others had missed or ignored it, what you did, and what changed.

2

Tests

Respect

Practice question

Tell us about a time you made sure someone felt included when they were being left out.

What a strong answer covers

What you noticed, how you acted without embarrassing them, and the effect on the group.

3

Tests

Leadership

Practice question

Describe a time you led a group while staying open to other people's ideas.

What a strong answer covers

Confidence and humility together: setting direction, listening, changing course when someone had a better idea.

4

Tests

Professionalism

Practice question

Tell us about a time you held yourself accountable for a mistake in front of others.

What a strong answer covers

Transparency, no excuses, fixing it, and what you do differently now.

5

Tests

Support

Practice question

Describe a time you noticed someone's wellbeing was suffering. What did you do?

What a strong answer covers

Empathy, a practical response, respecting their privacy, and knowing when to involve others.

6

Tests

Integrity

Practice question

Tell us about a time you treated someone fairly even though you didn't like them or agree with them.

What a strong answer covers

Fairness as a choice, separating feelings from actions, and the outcome.

7

Tests

Flexibility

Practice question

Tell us about a time you had to change how you worked because the people you served needed something different.

What a strong answer covers

Recognising the change, adapting quickly, and checking the new approach worked.

8

Tests

Work relationships

Practice question

Describe a successful working relationship you built with someone you initially found difficult.

What a strong answer covers

What made it hard, the steps you took, and the result for the work.

9

Tests

Personal drive

Practice question

Tell us about a goal you worked towards over a long period despite setbacks.

What a strong answer covers

Persistence, how you handled setbacks, and what reaching (or not reaching) the goal taught you.

10

Tests

Communication

Practice question

Tell us about a time you had to explain a decision to someone who was upset by it.

What a strong answer covers

Clear reasons, empathy, listening, and staying calm. Victoria Police assesses verbal communication throughout.

11

Tests

Current affairs

Practice question

What do you see as the main issues facing Victoria Police and the Victorian community right now?

What a strong answer covers

Two or three balanced, informed points: recruiting and vacancies, training changes, community safety. No politics.

12

Tests

Current affairs

Practice question

Victoria Police has doubled its recruit intake and shortened academy training. What do you think that means for a new constable?

What a strong answer covers

A realistic view: busy stations, a lot to learn on the job, the value of field training and asking questions.

13

Tests

Scenario

Practice question

In your first week, a senior constable tells you not to bother recording a minor complaint from a resident. What do you do?

What a strong answer covers

Professionalism and integrity: record it properly, raise it respectfully with the colleague, escalate if needed.

14

Tests

Scenario

Practice question

You attend a burglary where the victim speaks little English and is very distressed. How do you approach it?

What a strong answer covers

Safety and support first, patience, getting an interpreter, checking understanding, and respect.

15

Tests

Motivation

Practice question

Applications are at a seven-year high. Why Victoria Police, and what would you bring?

What a strong answer covers

Specifics about Victoria Police and your own evidence, not generic praise or pay.

#	Tests	Practice question	What a strong answer covers
1	Safety	Victoria Police says safety underpins everything it does. Tell us about a time you spotted a safety risk and acted on it.	The risk, why others had missed or ignored it, what you did, and what changed.
2	Respect	Tell us about a time you made sure someone felt included when they were being left out.	What you noticed, how you acted without embarrassing them, and the effect on the group.
3	Leadership	Describe a time you led a group while staying open to other people's ideas.	Confidence and humility together: setting direction, listening, changing course when someone had a better idea.
4	Professionalism	Tell us about a time you held yourself accountable for a mistake in front of others.	Transparency, no excuses, fixing it, and what you do differently now.
5	Support	Describe a time you noticed someone's wellbeing was suffering. What did you do?	Empathy, a practical response, respecting their privacy, and knowing when to involve others.
6	Integrity	Tell us about a time you treated someone fairly even though you didn't like them or agree with them.	Fairness as a choice, separating feelings from actions, and the outcome.
7	Flexibility	Tell us about a time you had to change how you worked because the people you served needed something different.	Recognising the change, adapting quickly, and checking the new approach worked.
8	Work relationships	Describe a successful working relationship you built with someone you initially found difficult.	What made it hard, the steps you took, and the result for the work.
9	Personal drive	Tell us about a goal you worked towards over a long period despite setbacks.	Persistence, how you handled setbacks, and what reaching (or not reaching) the goal taught you.
10	Communication	Tell us about a time you had to explain a decision to someone who was upset by it.	Clear reasons, empathy, listening, and staying calm. Victoria Police assesses verbal communication throughout.
11	Current affairs	What do you see as the main issues facing Victoria Police and the Victorian community right now?	Two or three balanced, informed points: recruiting and vacancies, training changes, community safety. No politics.
12	Current affairs	Victoria Police has doubled its recruit intake and shortened academy training. What do you think that means for a new constable?	A realistic view: busy stations, a lot to learn on the job, the value of field training and asking questions.
13	Scenario	In your first week, a senior constable tells you not to bother recording a minor complaint from a resident. What do you do?	Professionalism and integrity: record it properly, raise it respectfully with the colleague, escalate if needed.
14	Scenario	You attend a burglary where the victim speaks little English and is very distressed. How do you approach it?	Safety and support first, patience, getting an interpreter, checking understanding, and respect.
15	Motivation	Applications are at a seven-year high. Why Victoria Police, and what would you bring?	Specifics about Victoria Police and your own evidence, not generic praise or pay.

Free tool

Rehearse with Victoria Police selected

Pick Victoria Police in the AI mock interview, answer out loud, and get a score out of 10 with a STAR breakdown and your biggest fix. Two free scored answers a day; A$34.99 for 30 days of full access.

Start a Victoria mock interview →

Scenario questions ask what you would do in a situation you might face as a constable. Because Victoria Police says you aren't expected to know police powers or procedure, the panel is testing your values and judgement, not the law. Show your reasoning out loud.

1. 1

   Make it safe

   Start with the safety of everyone present, including you and the people in the wrong. Safety is the value Victoria Police puts at the heart of everything.

2. 2

   Support the people affected

   Victims, witnesses and vulnerable people first: empathy, communication, interpreters where needed.

3. 3

   Act with integrity

   Do what's right even if it's awkward, such as recording a complaint a colleague wants ignored, or reporting misconduct.

4. 4

   Use the right channel

   Speak to your supervisor or follow policy. Saying 'I'd seek advice from my sergeant' is a strong answer, not a weak one.

5. 5

   Explain why

   Link your choice to public trust, fairness and the values. The 'why' is what the panel scores.

Expect follow-up questions that push you. "What if your sergeant tells you to drop it?" is a test of whether your integrity holds under pressure. Stay calm, stay respectful, and keep the same direction: you'd escalate through the proper channel.

Question: "Describe a successful working relationship you built with someone you initially found difficult." An original model answer to show the structure; your own example will be different.

Situation: "I was a team leader in a distribution warehouse. A long-serving forklift driver on my shift openly ignored my instructions and told others I was too young to be in charge. Pick errors on his section were the highest on the floor."

Task: "I needed to get his section's accuracy up and stop the friction spreading, without going straight to formal discipline."

Action: "I asked him for a coffee before shift and asked what he thought wasn't working. He said the layout changes had been made without asking anyone who did the job. He had a point. I asked him to walk me through his section and suggest fixes."

"I took two of his ideas to the operations manager, credited him by name, and we trialled them. I also told him plainly that undermining me in front of the team had to stop, and that I'd prefer he bring disagreements to me directly. We agreed a quick check-in at the start of each shift."

Result: "Within six weeks his section's pick errors dropped to the floor average and he began training new starters. He later backed me when the next change came in. I learned that respect and directness work together: listening first earned me the right to set the boundary."

Built a relationship through listening and credit

Linked to

Work relationships; Respect

Was direct about behaviour without escalating

Linked to

Communication; Professionalism

Led while staying humble and open to ideas

Linked to

Leadership

Measurable result and a clear lesson

Linked to

Personal drive

What the panel hears	Linked to
Built a relationship through listening and credit	Work relationships; Respect
Was direct about behaviour without escalating	Communication; Professionalism
Led while staying humble and open to ideas	Leadership
Measurable result and a clear lesson	Personal drive

Victoria Police's own advice for the day is simple: business attire, arrive 15 minutes early at the ground floor of 311 Spencer Street, stay calm, introduce yourself, let interviewers finish speaking and be concise. Here's how to put that into practice.

Expect each panel member to take notes as you speak. Long silences while they write are normal and don't mean you've answered badly. Wait for the next question rather than filling the gap.

Give yourself at least two to three weeks between being told you've reached the interview stage and the day itself, at 30 to 60 minutes a day.

For more questions across every competency, use our national police interview questions guide. If you're still working through the earlier stages, the Victoria Police fitness test guide covers the test and the swim.

If you're successful, you join the candidate pool and wait for an invitation to the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley. With recruits now inducted every two weeks, waits should be shorter than in the past, though Victoria Police doesn't publish a typical time in the pool.

Academy, weeks 1–12

What happens

Police Foundation Training Program at Glen Waverley

Pay

$61,187 a year (Recruit rate from 1 June 2026)

Sworn in

What happens

Probationary Constable at the end of week 12; training continues to week 25

Pay

$84,060 a year (Constable 1)

Probation

What happens

Runs to week 116, ending with the Diploma of Policing

Pay

Constable increments plus allowances

Stage	What happens	Pay
Academy, weeks 1–12	Police Foundation Training Program at Glen Waverley	$61,187 a year (Recruit rate from 1 June 2026)
Sworn in	Probationary Constable at the end of week 12; training continues to week 25	$84,060 a year (Constable 1)
Probation	Runs to week 116, ending with the Diploma of Policing	Constable increments plus allowances

The Constable 1 figure is the enterprise agreement's ordinary rate and excludes allowances such as the Operational Readiness and General Duties allowances. See the Victoria Police salary guide for the full picture.