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Parenthood No Barrier to Policing Career

For Detective Senior Constable Tanya Dooley, being a mother to a four-year-old has not been a barrier to a career in policing.

With 14 years of service under her belt, Tanya has worked in a variety of areas before gaining a position in Southern Drug Investigation Services.

“Initially I worked at the Hobart and Glenorchy Uniform Divisions before becoming an instructor at the Rokeby Police Academy,” Tanya said.

The opportunity to undertake development courses and secondments to major task forces saw Tanya pursue a career path into drug investigation.

She also undertook promotional studies in front line supervision to attain the rank of senior constable.

“There are many aspects of policing which appeal to me,” said Tanya.

“They include the versatility, camaraderie amongst your workmates, diversity of jobs and the ability not to just be reactive, but being able to be proactive.”

So how does Tanya balance the role of being a detective and a mother?

“Tasmania Police has allowed me to go part-time which enables me to be available to care for my daughter,” said Tanya.

“This flexibility allows me to choose and vary my hours as need be. Having said this, I certainly give the same commitment back to the job.”

“I do the love the job and would recommend it to any parent who has perhaps considered a policing career.”

"Being a parent certainly isn’t a barrier to doing this job.”