First Constable Ashwani Dhiman went from growing up in India, to serving on the frontline with New Zealand Police, to starting a new chapter with Victoria Police in Melbourne. In this PolicingTV interview from ANZPAA 2025, he discusses his motivations for joining the police force, the cultural differences he has encountered, and the welcoming environment of Victoria Police.
Ash is joined by Sergeant Zac Bull for a walk-through of Victoria Police frontline kit – from ballistic vests, tasers and body-worn cameras to the sidearm and tech on the belt – and how it compares to his equipment in New Zealand, highlighting the importance of adapting to new environments in law enforcement.
Takeaways
- Ash’s policing story spans India, New Zealand and now Victoria.
- Family military background sparked his passion for service.
- New Zealand Police gave him experience in custody, road policing and family violence.
- Victoria’s diverse communities and busy workload make it a challenging but rewarding move.
- Victoria Police supported his transition with academy accommodation and tailored training.
- Frontline kit in Victoria includes body-worn camera, taser and routinely carried firearm.
- New Zealand Police issue similar PPE, but officers don’t routinely carry firearms or body-cams.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ashwani Dhiman’s Journey
02:53 Transition from New Zealand to Victoria Police
05:37 Settling into Victoria and Community Engagement
08:38 Comparing Police Equipment: New Zealand vs Victoria
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