Having previously worked in administrative and hospitality roles, and volunteered her time to work with children with Down syndrome, Const Ciufoli was attracted to the diversity that a career in the police force offered.

“Being in a variety of challenging situations which were different every day was something that really appealed to me,” she said.

“Being able to get out within the community and utilise skills that I have learnt in previous roles is something I find satisfying.”

Determined to gain a position in the police force, Const Ciufoli worked tirelessly to prepare for the thorough recruitment process, which lasted around 18 months in her case and included an entrance exam, physical and psychological testing, medical assessments and a series of interviews.

“For me fitness was something I had to work on to reach the required standard and I trained for several months leading up to my assessments,” she recalled.

Once selected as a recruit, Const Ciufoli maintained her fitness and strength to successfully complete an intense 33-week course in which she had to meet fitness requirements and gain sufficient knowledge on topics such as legislation and policy in order to pass.

The hard work was certainly worth it for Const Ciufoli, who loves the exciting and dynamic nature of her job which makes every day a new adventure.

“I love the teamwork and the people that I have met and worked with in my short career,” she said.

“We meet people in unfortunate situations and are able to make a positive impact on their lives.”

One of the most rewarding moments that Const Ciufoli has experienced to date occurred early in her career, when she attended a family violence incident after a 12-year-old girl had called 000 to report a physical altercation between her parents.

“Upon attending the address my partner and I were greeted at the front door by the young girl who led me to her bedroom where her mum was sitting on the floor in tremendous distress; she had been verbally and physically assaulted by her husband,” she recalled.

“I spent over an hour with the lady calming her down and ensuring her that I would do what I could to help the situation.”

Concerned for the woman’s safety, Const Ciufoli obtained a statement from her and had her partner tracked down and dealt with by police.

As Const Ciufoli left the home, the woman repeatedly thanked her for her assistance before reaching out for a warm embrace.

“This was the first time I felt that I had made a difference in the community and assisted someone who was vulnerable and in desperate need of the right help and support,” she said.

“Moments like these are not only rewarding, they make me feel proud to be a police officer.”

Though Const Ciufoli wouldn’t change her career for the world, it does come with its challenges, including the shift work which is inevitable in the 24/7 world of policing.

“The work load can be quite demanding at times so it is very important to balance your life outside the uniform,” she explained.

“Sometimes it can be difficult having to miss certain commitments or important occasions, but it helps that my family and friends are very supportive and understanding of the circumstances which surround my job.”

Growing up a second generation Italo-Australian, Const Ciufoli has always valued family, and tries to enjoy a work-life balance which allows her to spend as much time with her loved ones as possible.

“Being in an Italian family is all about FAMILY - coming together to make our own wine and tomato sauce and sharing our superb recipes and cooking skills in traditional Italian cuisine.”

Her nonno migrated from Grottaferrata, a small town 20 kilometres southeast of Rome, in the 1950s to work in the sugarcane fields.

Her nonna arrived from Veneto a few years later, working in an Italian continental shop where she would serve her nonno sliced prosciutto for lunch and where they would soon fall in love.

“We still hold a lot of Italian customs and traditions but have well adjusted to the Australian lifestyle,” Const Ciufoli said.

“It makes me proud when other Italians in the community can recognise my surname on my name badge and feel open and comfortable to approach me for help, to report an incident or just to say hello.”

Const Ciufoli explains that aside from the demanding shift work and the confronting situations she is faced with at times, a career in the police force can be exciting and rewarding beyond belief.

“It also allows for a lot of personal and professional growth and you see the benefits of the work you do first hand,” she added.

Const Ciufoli recommends that those looking to become one of the 3000 or so officers that Victoria Police will recruit over the next four years do some research into the nature of the role.

“Speak to as many people as possible to get an understanding of what being a police officer really entails and if that truly is a good fit for you personally.”

If making a difference in your community, being challenged on a regular basis, and working in an environment which changes day to day is appealing to you, your dream job could be awaiting you with Victoria Police.

To find out more about entrance requirements, the application process and to take a test visit www.policecareer.vic.gov.au.