That was the case for 19-year-old Sabien Mack, who has always been driven by a single career aspiration: “I have wanted to be a police officer since I was four years old."
Raised in a family with a strong connection to emergency services, Sabien's passion for policing has been fuelled by his personal experiences and the stories shared by his relatives. "Having a great uncle who served in the police force, in the Major Crash Division and as a motorbike police officer, has greatly influenced my career choice.”
Before applying to become a police officer, Sabien joined as a cadet in 2022. “It was an eye-opening experience that solidified my commitment to policing," he said. After working at Wembley Police Station for eight months he decided to apply to become a police officer.
The foundational policing skills he learnt as a cadet were highly valuable as he trained as a police recruit at the WA Police Force Academy, graduating to frontline policing in June 2023.
Sabien is no stranger to a key value of the WA Police Force - teamwork. "Beyond my passion for my career, I am an avid sportsman, he said. “I have participated in various sports such as football, cricket, netball, baseball, and basketball.” He proudly represented Western Australia in the Super 6s netball tournament in Queensland. “As a cadet, I also had the honour of being part of the WA Police Force basketball team in 2022, which was an incredible experience."
The Cadet Program is open to individuals aged 17 to 19. Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand Citizens or hold Permanent Australian Residency status. 16-year olds can also apply, but must wait to turn 17 before commencement.
Once successful in the application process, paid training will commence at the WA Police Force Academy in Joondalup. Cadets get to work alongside police officers and the community in their daily duties.
“I’m looking forward to the many opportunities I will experience in the WA Police Force,” said Sabien, with aspirations to take a regional posting and learn about various areas of policing, including the Canine Unit as one of many options in the future, explaining, “the WA Police Force is not just a job, it’s a life time career for me.”
Applications for Cadet and Aboriginal Cadet Programs are open until 14 October 2023. Start your journey with the Western Australia Police Force here.