After initially signing up as a protective services officer (PSO), Sam Galpin became a sworn-in policeman in February, joining dozens of new officers hitting the beat across Geelong. He speaks to Luke Voogt about working in Geelong, COVID-19 and what he hopes to achieve in blue.
Tell us about you…
I’m 26-years-old and a lifetime local of the Surf Coast area.I have been with Victoria Police for just over four years now, with two and a half of those as a protective services officer. I don’t have any kids but I have a kelpie-cross, Rocky, who is just as energetic as a small child. My hobbies include surfing, fitness and computer games.
What’s your Geelong connection?
My connection with Geelong includes going to high school in Geelong and my father working in the Geelong CBD for most of my life.
Why did you join Victoria Police and what do you hope to achieve as an officer?
My motivation in joining Victoria Police started from family friends, seeing their flexible work and hearing the stories they would tell. As I joined, I started to enjoy the law side, constantly learning and helping people. The thing I mostly hope to achieve is a long-running career, wherever that takes me in the force, we’ll have to see.
How do you like working in Geelong?
I enjoy working in Geelong as you get the city aspect and also the suburban, we get a great mix in Geelong. We still get to help out Corio, Waurn Ponds and Bellarine in their areas, so it’s not all Geelong CBD.
What are your favourite things to do locally?
My favourite things to do in Geelong and the surrounding regions are visiting our endless coastline, various locally-owned shops and taking my dog to one of the multiple dog beaches or the bush.
How has COVID-19 changed your job?
The only thing I have noticed, personally, about the change in police work is the roadblock at Little River.
How has COVID-19 impacted your life?
Personally, I am coping fine with COVID-19, it hasn’t really changed how I live my life too much, apart from the gyms being closed for the better part of a year. I am mostly looking forward to things going back to how it was pre-COVID-19, such as attending AFL matches and no two-hour time limit at pubs.
