Seven years into her career as a Scenes of Crime officer with the Queensland Police Service, Senior Constable Alyce van der Walt still pinches herself that she is performing the role she once dreamt about as a youngster.
Her role combines her twin passions for working with fascinating scientific processes while also helping the community- something she has wanted to do from a young age.
“I’m living my childhood dream. I absolutely love learning the new methodologies and procedures of forensics and then putting them into practice, but I’m also helping people by playing a key role in community safety as part of frontline operations,’’ Senior Constable van der Walt says.
With her interest in science, Senior Constable van der Walt decided to pursue an animal science degree at university, but upon graduating, she realised that this was not her career calling.
As a youngster she loved hearing friends and families who worked in the Queensland Police Service talk about their job.
“Growing up I loved hearing about the strong community spirit and the camaraderie in the QPS, so it was a lightbulb moment when I realised, I could use my science degree in the Police Service, as policing has such a strong forensic aspect,’’ Senior Constable van der Walt said.
“This idea re-ignited my interest in joining the police as I knew a role where you are gathering scientific evidence and solving crime would be very rewarding.’’
Senior Constable van der Walt served almost three years as a general duties officer, before successfully applying to join Forensics Services Group (FSG) as a Scenes of Crime officer.
“I had to do a 12-month Diploma of Investigation, where at FSG they literally take you under their wing with in-field training while at the same time you do your diploma study,’’ Senior Constable van der Walt details.
Senior Constable van der Walt says every day is different in her role as a Scenes of Crime officer, which offers challenging and rewarding opportunities.
“As part of my role I have to gather evidence at scenes including taking photographs and video recordings, taking fingerprint impressions, collecting physical evidence such as weapons, while there is also a lot of lab work where I’m analysing the evidence,’’ she says.
For those considering a career in the QPS, Senior Constable van der Walt says key qualities required for forensic science include having a detail-oriented memory, strong communication skills, including showing care and empathy for victims, an interest in science and an ability to work autonomously.
“My job is so rewarding; it’s everything I expected and more. I really feel part of a big family here, as we all care about the same thing and have a passion for helping communities,’’ Senior Constable van der Walt said.
“When we attend and assist in investigations for very serious crimes, it is very satisfying to know our hard work is vital in providing indisputable evidence to prove the guilty party, which ultimately leads to a conviction and a safer Queensland.’’
To find out how you can join Forensic Services Group go to: www.policerecruit.qld.gov.au/specialised-roles-and-areas