any aussie cops help me out?

[sutty451]

Hi all. Very new to this site so be gentle with me

Came accross it whilst looking for a forum where I could pick the brains of Australian officers, particularly those from WA.

I may in the near future be 'applying' for a job with WA, but would like a bit of background info first (mainly to convince the wife that we are doing the right thing!) so if anyone could help me out with the list of questions I have, or point me in the right direction I would be most grateful.

So, here goes.........

1. what is the public perception of cops over in Australia, WA in particular? and do you have a general difficulty in Oz recruiting cops?

2. what are the pay and conditions like? (I know the starting/cadet salary and what it goes up to when leaving the academy, but cant find anything after that) Do you get incremental pay rises with every year of service?

3. do you have a pension scheme, and if so, is it any good, and would you happen to know if its feasable to transfer a uk cop pension over there?

4. After leaving the academy, do you work a set shift pattern, (ie, days afternoons and nights) and do you receive shift allowance (pay wise)?

5. what is the general standard of living/cost of living like in WA?

6. How do your wages compare to the rest of society, (ie poorly paid, mid range or well paid) and do you manage ok on what you get?

7. What are house prices like, to live in a decent area, and what do you get for your money. (i have been looking at estate agent websites, but dont really know the areas and what they are like)

The most important question so far (yes I know, Im a wuss!)

8. SPIDERS!! do you generally see a lot of them and how do you cope?
I have a four yr old daughter and am worried to death about her getting bitten! (and I dont particularly like them myself!)

I have a very good friend who is now at the academy in Adelaide, having been part of the first course taken on by SAPOL in their recent UK recruitment. He is really enjoying it, and is feeding me a lot of info, but, he's up to his neck in study and finding somewhere for his wife and kids to live, so they can move over there and join him, and he's still finding his feet!

Im sure Ill think of loads more questions once ive finished this thread so I may post back with more!

If anyone can help me out I would be eternally grateful, (and promise to buy you a cold one when/if I get out there!)

You can post on here or please feel free to email me through the site.

Many thanks.

[JohnKelly]

As your questions are directed more towards Western Australia, I will leave it to the Sandgropers to give you all the good info on life in 'The Lucky Country'.

In relation to your concern over spiders, here is a Link to a Post on Life Down Under.

http://forums.officer.com/forums/sho...1&page=2&pp=25

Are you aware of a UK Police Forum which has been established by UK Police Officers who have applied to the South Australian Police. There has also been some discussion about the WA Police.

PM me, if you would like the URL.

Cheers.

[sutty451]

john

Many thanks for that site. Spent most of today reading it, and have just posted my first thread.

Just keeping my fingers crossed now, hoping that A) it happens, B) they'll have me, and C) I manage to get there!

Tony

[JohnKelly]

No worries mate, but keep your eyes open because there are a couple of WA Police Officers that drift in here.

Actually talking about the WA Police!

Did you know that the WA Police have the largest police jurisdiction in the world.

Who knows, in a few months time you could be Stationed in the Outback and going out on Patrol for 7 days.

Here is some sad news from Outback WA.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/050412/21/txe7.html

[jason584]

sutty451, or did I read Tony?
I am West yorks officer living in Halifax. I have read your posts and seem to be following you around the various forums with the same questions. We may be able to help each other! I am married with 14 years service and three children ( 1 aged 17 as of today and twins soon to be 3). I am interested in applying for WAPS as you appear to be. In your posts you refer to an officer in SAPOL is that Alistair? who has just transferred ? if not I also have a friend in SAPOL.
I have asked all the questions re pension etc and have some answers.
I have also been in touch with the WAPS recruiting SGT and received several emails. Have you received any?
I have done lots of research and it would be good to discuss what u have learned and I will forward you the info that I have.
If u want to phone my mobile is 07931 183839 .
I work at Odsal which I presume you will know as you appear to live somewhere near to me , I live at Shelf.
Thanks
Jason

[ron9572]

Sutty

If you want any info, send me an email on "judgeron@hotmail.com". I am with the WA Police, coming up to 10 years service so have a pretty good idea about the job

[co911]

QPS and SAPS also offer laterals...

[sutty451]

Originally Posted by ron9572

Sutty

If you want any info, send me an email on "judgeron@hotmail.com". I am with the WA Police, coming up to 10 years service so have a pretty good idea about the job

Ron

Thanks for the kind offer. Have emailed you.

[sutty451]

Originally Posted by jason584

sutty451, or did I read Tony?
I am West yorks officer living in Halifax. I have read your posts and seem to be following you around the various forums with the same questions. We may be able to help each other! I am married with 14 years service and three children ( 1 aged 17 as of today and twins soon to be 3). I am interested in applying for WAPS as you appear to be. In your posts you refer to an officer in SAPOL is that Alistair? who has just transferred ? if not I also have a friend in SAPOL.
I have asked all the questions re pension etc and have some answers.
I have also been in touch with the WAPS recruiting SGT and received several emails. Have you received any?
I have done lots of research and it would be good to discuss what u have learned and I will forward you the info that I have.
If u want to phone my mobile is 07931 183839 .
I work at Odsal which I presume you will know as you appear to live somewhere near to me , I live at Shelf.
Thanks
Jason

Hi mate, nice to find a fellow 'hopeful' I have emailed you all I know!

[Lothian&Borders]

Does anyone know if Western or Southern Australia will be looking to recruit more UK cops and if so whn will this be starting.

[JohnKelly]

South Australia Police have been recruiting in the UK. There are currently a number of ex UK Officers doing a Conversion Course at the SA Police Academy and there are currently UK Officers who have been successful and are awaiting their departure date from the UK. I think they recruited around 150, but that is about it, at this stage.

Western Australia Police - I heard whispers that WA Police were thinking of following the SA lead and recruit experienced UK Officers but very early days yet and nothing official has been heard.

As you can see from the previous Threads, suty451 has done a fair bit of research and maybe he might be able to give you some clues.

Failing that, give Australia House in London a bell and see what they have to say.

Cheers.

[sutty451]

Originally Posted by Lothian&Borders

Does anyone know if Western or Southern Australia will be looking to recruit more UK cops and if so whn will this be starting.

Hi mate, this aint particularly good news so dont get your hopes up!

SAPOL, as you may be aware have done their recruitment, and the first 80 cops have just graduated from the academy. There is another course of 29 starting in July. There are in the region of 150 cops still here, who have passed all the interviews etc, and are in a 'pool' waiting to be offered a course by SAPOL. Whats going to happen with them is anybody's guess, but that pretty much rules out SAPOL from doing any more recruiting at this time.

WAPS have been rumoured to be doing a similar scheme, and have interviewed some of the sapol UK cops about their experiences. They have not said anything definate yet, and its just a case of 'watch this space' (ie, checking their website everyday). There are a lot of rumours floating around, but nothing substantial, one of the rumours is that July sounds good, as its the start of the new financial year in WA. just have to wait and see what happens.

I know this isnt much help, but keep your fingers crossed and keep the faith. There are an awful lot of cops over here who seem to be waiting for this!!

[pauly]

Sutty,

I have been onto WA police for some time now but my only hurdle is obtaining a visa. Were you able to get a permanant residence visa or is there another way. I know that under the migration act ,a tempory visa can be used. Can you shed any light on the subject as i've been banging my head against a brick wall.

Ta, Paul......