Hume’s new Inspector Anthony Brown talks to Alexandra Laskie about joining the police force as a 19-year-old in 1987, growing up in Melbourne’s west and his stint as an advisor to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
You were an apprentice cabinetmaker before going back to high school to join the police force as a 19-year-old. What prompted this?
I quickly decided cabinet-making wasn’t for me. I had an uncle in the police force, so I knew quite a bit about it through him, and I questioned him pretty heavily before joining. It’s pretty corny, but I’ve always liked the idea of being able to help people. And it was a good opportunity to have a career, rather than just a job.
What is it that motivates you to get up and go to work each morning?
I love the fact that’s it’s a challenging work environment. I like to keep busy, and [I like] the variety of challenges that the Hume job has, as well as the people that you get to work with and meet during the course of the day.
Did outgoing Hume Inspector Lisa Hardeman impart any words of wisdom you can share with us?
[Laughs] Lisa loved her time here and she was well respected by the community. I think it’s just a matter of keeping on top of the day-to-day work. And the big thing is working closely with our stakeholders, particularly Hume council, to make sure we get the best results for the community.
Where did you grow up and what do you like about the Hume area?
I grew up in Braybrook in Melbourne’s west and have worked in the north west for the majority of my career, so I think I have a pretty good understanding of the issues and demographics of the area. I love the diverse cultures – we recently had a great night out at the Hume Islamic Youth Centre.
What do you do outside of work hours?
I like fishing in Port Phillip Bay. I get too tired now to do the things I used to love though [laughs]. I do enjoy taking trips with my family. I have two teenage daughters.
What qualities do you think make for the best police officers?
I think if you stick to Victoria Police’s values – flexibility, leadership, respect, integrity, support and professionalism – on and off duty, then you’ll do well.
You’ve been in this role for three months. Prior to this, where did you work?
Predominantly in crime investigation. I have worked at various ranks at stations, including Moonee Ponds, Flemington, Coburg criminal investigation unit (CIU), Footscray CIU, Keilor Downs CIU, and have spent some time in the crime department. In 2010, I was seconded to the regional assistance mission to the Solomon Islands, where I worked as an advisor to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for two years.
What’s on the horizon now?
I have a great team of police in Hume and look forward to continuing to provide a great policing service to the community. Priorities include a continued commitment to reducing incidents of family violence, reducing volume crimes, such as burglary and theft of and from motor cars, and reducing the incidence and impact of road trauma.
