Inspector Joanne Stolp describes policing as “a career not a job”. She’s worked all over the state, with her main experience in drug and criminal investigation.

Diversity of work and people is one of the things that attracted Jo to policing and she is now in charge of People Support, delivering welfare, psychological, and health and safety services. It’s a role that sees her dealing with issues and supporting people in ways that were not conceived when she was a Constable.

A mother to a blended family of five including two girls at university, a 10 year old boy and seven-year-old twin boys, Jo says that managing the demands of a busy home life and a busy work life is
a constant challenge.

She studied for the Inspectors course, now a university-level graduate diploma, while she was pregnant with her twins.

“The opportunities are available to go up the ladder and specialise – you just have to pursue it, and perhaps work on your life juggling skills,” she said.

Jo was also promoted in January 2015.