Every day, Leading Senior Constable Teina Kambouridis steps into the aftermath of crime scenes across Melbourne—charged with the delicate task of preserving the truth hidden in the smallest details.
She photographs, documents, and collects crucial DNA and fingerprint evidence to ensure it is preserved and presented accurately in support of investigations – work that ultimately helps detectives solve crimes and secure convictions.
“It definitely requires an eye for detail,” Kambouridis told Neos Kosmos, reflecting on her 15-year journey with Victoria Police. “You have to be the ‘eyes’ at the scene, making sure nothing is missed, and collecting all available evidence to help investigators include or exclude suspects.”
Kambouridis moved from Halkidiki to Melbourne at 19, bringing with her a determination to serve and protect her new community. She encounters victims daily and knows she is often meeting them on one of the worst days of their lives.
“It can be challenging, but most victims are relieved to see police respond,” she said. “We talk to them, explain the process, give crime prevention advice, and try to help them through what is often the hardest experience of their lives.”
Crime Scene Services attend a wide range of incidents: burglaries, vehicle crimes, murders, unexplained deaths, and sometimes post-mortems. Their first priority is always to secure and preserve the scene to prevent contamination of evidence.
“Being able to piece together evidence to assist investigators in solving crimes, while also reassuring victims, is what I love most.”
Joining the police was always “in the back of my mind. I wanted to do something to help the community and help people,” Kambouridis recalled, describing her idyllic childhood by the sea in Halkidiki before moving to Australia with her family. Both parents, of Greek heritage, had grown up in Australia and later moved to Greece to raise their children.
“I had just finished high school when we came here. I enrolled to do a degree in Biological Sciences and while I was studying, I decided to try and join the police. But I didn’t tell anyone,” she laughed.
It was only once she was accepted that she shared the news.
“My family were concerned about me deferring my studies, but once they realised I could pursue my interest in science through policing, they were supportive.”
Strong-willed and community-minded, Kambouridis pursued her goal of becoming a detective, an achievement she is most proud of, and later expanded into forensic fields.
“I like being challenged and learning new things, and Victoria Police has so many different avenues. I didn’t complete my university degree, but I’ve gained other qualifications through the job that have led me to where I am today.”
For her, the most rewarding part has been the friendships formed along the way. “The friends you make, especially in the Academy, become like family. That support is everything.”
Resilience in this job, she says, is essential. “You see a lot. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Having resilience helps you keep going and work through things. A strong support network is also really important,” she adds.
The job has taught her important lessons about the world.
“People come in many different types and I have learned to adapt my communication style to suit different audiences,” Kambouridis explains.
She has also come to realise that she is stronger than she thinks and that “when I set my mind on something, I can actually achieve it.”
Although Kambouridis has faced situations that required her to stay alert and mindful of her surroundings, she says she has never truly felt afraid. In her current role in particular, “we normally arrive after the incident has occurred, to carefully examine the scene.”
Even off duty, vigilance stays with her.
“Most police officers don’t really switch off. I’m very mindful at home, and I encourage my family to be vigilant too, since I am aware of the things that happen to everyday people. You can’t let it take over your life, but it’s always good to have that awareness, at the back of your mind,” Kambouridis tells Neos Kosmos.
Off duty, she is just as dedicated, this time to her two young children.
“They keep me very busy. We’re always out and about, playing, cooking, staying active.” Her daughter, the eldest, beams with pride. “She tells me she wants to be a policewoman too,” Kambouridis smiled.
While policing has long been seen as male-dominated, she believes things have shifted.
“Modern-day policing is pretty equal. Opportunities have been the same for me as for anyone else.”
When she does find time to relax, she admits to enjoying true crime shows and podcasts.
“Like many people, I just find it fascinating, seeing how investigators get to the bottom of something and the different techniques they use.”
Her curiosity and passion for forensics have also taken her into specialist areas over the years. She has worked in detective roles, and in units such as the CBR/DVI (Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Disaster Victim Identification) and the Clandestine Laboratory Squad, which investigates illegal drug manufacturing operations.
Her advice to young people considering a career in policing?
“First, gain as much life experience as you can. Travel, learn about different cultures, live your life. It’s always nice to have a bit of life experience before joining the Police. Work on your resilience and people skills. We talk to people every single day, so being able to communicate well is essential. And above all, be passionate about helping people. Just go for it.”