What’s It Actually Like Being a Police Officer in a Mountain Town?

Ever thought about swapping the office desk for mountain trails? For Sergeant Chris Russo, that’s just a regular workday. The only difference is, he’s doing it in uniform.

I’ve spent more holidays than I can count hiking the trails of the Grampians National Park in Victoria (and replenishing my energy with a seemingly endless supply of flaky pastries and ice cream from Halls Gap #IYKYK). I’ve swum in waterfalls, shared sunrises with kangaroos, and watched the sunset from shelters along the Grampians Peaks Trail.

What I’ve never done is stop to think about who’s keeping hikers like me safe.

Treacherous terrain | @jackjbrookes

For Sergeant Chris Russo of Victoria Police, that’s the job.

After nearly 30 years on the force, Chris now calls Halls Gap home. His beat isn’t a street or a city block, it’s the rugged trails, rocky escarpments, and dense bushland of one of Victoria’s most loved national parks. We went for a hike, to find out more. 

Brooke: So Chris, tell us more about what you do

Chris: I’m a Sergeant with Victoria Police based out of Halls Gap in the Grampians, about 250km from Melbourne. I do a lot of work in search and rescue here, which makes up the majority of my role with the police nowadays. I’m also a member of the Halls Gap Country Fire Authority (CFA). A lot of the police up here are – there’s a lot of crossover in the skills needed.  

No one knows the tracks like these guys | @jackjbrookes

What does a typical search and rescue job look like for you?

We help a lot of people off the trails. We get it all: injuries, getting lost, mental health incidents. It ranges from minor stuff like a rolled ankle to really serious incidents. In peak season we can have two or three callouts a day, most of it in the Grampians National Park. Alongside the bush rescues we also get everything else from car accidents to general policing.

What skills do you have that help with your work?

Emergency management is key for my role with the police but also the CFA. The experience I’ve had in one helps in the other. Having strong partnerships with Ambulance Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, State Emergency Service (SES) and other CFA units also really helps. Familiarity with the bush and tracks is a big one too. It means I can bridge communication between services and get things moving quickly when something happens. 

Many organisations work together on search and rescue efforts | @jackjbrookes

Talk us through how a rescue works

A hiker rings triple zero, which usually dispatches Ambulance Victoria, but it also activates police and other emergency services. Victoria Police is the control agency, which means that we take charge of the whole operation.

That might mean heading out on foot with SES search and rescue crews, or calling in a helicopter if the terrain’s tricky or the injury is serious. We coordinate the response, go out on the hikes ourselves, and run the command structure. We’ve got strong relationships with SES, ambulance, CFA, both paid and volunteer crews. I’m one of many. We’re not heroes, we’re just people who get the job done. 

What’s your favourite part of the job?

So many things. The variety, being able to be outdoors in this environment, helping people. Especially out on the trails, doing rescues, meeting people from all walks of life, even interacting with high-level events and athletes. And the scenery…how can you beat this? This backdrop is magic. In the city, you can’t just walk out your door and head up a mountain or have a creek to yourself. Out here, you’ve got that connection to nature, kangaroos and emus coming right up to you. You don’t get that anywhere else.

How did you end up in Halls Gap?

I’ve been in Halls Gap for a bit over two years, but I’ve been with Victoria Police since I was 19, so nearly 30 years now. My wife and I visited about a year before we moved and we really enjoyed it. The outdoor lifestyle is right on your back doorstep. I’ve also got some family nearby, and I’d been here as a kid too, dragged along on family holidays, like everyone else. So there’s a bit of nostalgia in it.

Halls Gap is a proper mountain town | @jackjbrookes

Have you always worked in rural policing?

I started my rural policing journey pretty early on. After training at Knox I took a position out in Moe. That opened my eyes. One day someone might be your offender, the next, your victim. Integrity is the most important part and you’ve got to hold on to that. And I feel like that’s one of my strong points.

What makes it different to policing in the city?

It’s the community connection. You know people here, you see them at the shops, you say g’day. You’re the local police officer. They remember what you do and what you say. There’s no hiding behind anonymity. This means you’re policing with your community, not over it. You’re accountable, and that builds integrity. You get real, tangible outcomes, and you actually see the impact of your work. You’re part of the community and that makes it incredibly rewarding.

Any unexpected challenges of working here?

The Grampians is a big tourist destination so language is one. I’ve resurrected some of the French I learnt as a kid and drawn on my Italian heritage. You’re dealing with people from all over the world. And the isolation is another thing. Even with minor injuries, if someone’s immobile, it’s usually a helicopter job. 

What would you say to someone wanting to work in rural policing?

If you’re thinking about rural policing, do it. Your backup is miles away, so you need to be resourceful. It means you’ll learn more about yourself and become a better copper. And, you’ll have the chance to work from some of the most beautiful places in the world. I still can’t believe this is my backyard.

Off on another mission | @jackjbrookes

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