By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
INSPECTOR Bruce Kitchen was looking for an “exciting and secure” job when he joined the police force.
On both scores, the vocation has not disappointed.
Inspector Kitchen, who oversees the Greater Dandenong police service area, was recently awarded for 35 years’ service mainly in Melbourne’s south-east. His enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed over that time.
“It’s certainly not a boring job. I still find it challenging and exciting,” Inspector Kitchen said.
“I still like coming into work. I can’t remember the last time I took a sick day.”
Technology has changed the job markedly – identity card checks that once took up to 15 minutes can be done instantly on computer.
Inspector Kitchen remembers typing up reports using carbon paper. He learnt the hard way that leaving half-written reports in typewriters was an invitation for office pranksters.
“We’re also more accountable these days because of social media.
“These days, everyone’s a reporter with their mobile phones. Isolating communications (such as in last month’s Sydney siege) doesn’t happen anymore.”
The rise of drug-addled criminals has also changed policing methods. “Alcohol has always been an issue but the influence of drugs is more unpredictable.
“Because of that, we have to be more safety conscious. Policing is a lot harder.”
Inspector Kitchen’s youth was spent in Carrum Downs and Noble Park; his family had recovered after losing everything in a house fire in Skye.
In 1988, he settled with his wife and three boys in the house he built in Dandenong North.
He joined the police after “a few kicks up the backside” from prominent Springvale police identity Jack Ledger left a character-forming mark.
Along the way, he received wise counsel from former Chief Commissioner “Mick” Miller while working in the Russell Street communications unit.
He first wanted a role in search and rescue, but built his career in general policing at Springvale, Dandenong, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Oakleigh and Moorabbin stations.
As he moved up the ranks, he did stints at the former station at Russell Street as well as Colac and Geelong.
He returned to Dandenong in his current role as the police service area’s manager in late 2012.
“There’s a bit of life in me yet. I haven’t thought about retiring.”
