Aboriginal police cadet Andrew Benning on his way to becoming a fully qualified police officer

A young man from a small Aboriginal community in the East Kimberley is on his way to becoming a fully fledged police officer after working as a cadet at Broome Police Station. Hailing from the small remote community of Dodnun on the Gibb River Road, about 375km west of Kununurra, Andrew Benning decided he wanted to become a police officer after participating in Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation’s Pinakarra Youth Program. Under the wing of Pinakarra senior youth worker Jack Roe and Nirrumbuk Learning Centre co-ordinator Cath Borthwick, Mr Benning completed a multi-layered application process to become a police cadet. Before joining the Broome Police Station, Mr Benning travelled to Perth to complete three weeks of basic training at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup where he learnt administration, communications and weapons handling skills alongside 16 other Aboriginal trainees. Mr Benning said he has enjoyed his training and the different types of police work he is able to practice while at Broome Police station. “I have been in the job a few months now and I’m very happy,” he said. “I have experienced different duties like youth policing, highway and foot patrols, welfare checks and dealing with front-counter inquiries.” “Everyone at Broome Police Station is so helpful and friendly.” Mr Benning said without the help from Nirrumbuk and their Pinakarra Youth Program completing his application to become a police cadet would’ve been difficult. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without their help,” he said. “I would recommend Pinakarra to any Indigenous youth needing help with getting a licence or a job. It can make a big difference to your life.” With his sights set on becoming a fully qualified police officer, Mr Benning plans to complete a further two years of training and probation to become a police constable after finishing his 12 month cadetship at Broome Police Station.