Tiny rookies: Students experience police work up close

During their visit, they were given a special tour of the station and met with different units, including crime scene services — where they learnt about all things fingerprints and DNA.

Highway patrol team members showcased their vehicles and shed light on road safety.

Senior Sergeant Shane Biderman also put some students to the test with a push-up challenge — a great warm-up before students met with the detectives from the crime investigation unit.

Sen Sgt Biderman said the visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to interact with officers and gain an understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within Victoria Police.

“We regularly visit schools across Greater Shepparton to help educate students on a range of safety issues, including cyber safety, road safety and how to seek help if they are feeling unsafe,” he said.

“These visits help students see us as more than just officers, but as people that live in their community they can relate to.”

Dookie Primary School principal Luke Kleinig said the visit by the 12 students was inspired by the proactive policing unit’s Senior Constable Mitchell Bull, who had visited the school several times during the past two years.

“He’s built a great connection with the students,” he said.

Mr Kleinig said the visit was a hit with the youngsters.

“They loved looking at their fingerprints especially,” he said.

“We were very impressed with how much time the police gave us.

“They (the students) were in awe of the people they met.

“It’s developed a strong relationship between the school and Victoria Police.”