Calgary Police
Aug 11th 2009 | 4:33 am
#1411
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 341
From: SW Calgary, AB, Canada!
Re: Calgary Police
mine was 28 days
ive given them about 10 weeks though as i just wanted to get it in!
ive given them about 10 weeks though as i just wanted to get it in!
Aug 12th 2009 | 5:19 am
#1412
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 43
From: Tyneside, NE England
Re: Calgary Police
if you are renting you place out you should look at setting up an canadian immigration trust, if you don't you will have to pay capital gains on your uk property (50%). the imm trust allows you to be free of capital gains tax and income tax on monies received from your UK property, just search in google/yahoo for more info
as for career breaks.... hopefully my CC or ACC's aren't part of the rising numbers wishing to leave and are blissfully unaware of my intentions... however the rest of the force seem to know somehow. wonder just HOW popular this forum actually is...??
Aug 12th 2009 | 7:53 am
#1413
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 341
From: SW Calgary, AB, Canada!
Re: Calgary Police
you will be surpirsed jsut how many colleagues of yours are thinking of making the move!
can someone please give me the email address of their file manager? mine is carry and i have sent her 3 emails but not received a reply, so assume she is on holiday. I have some pretty urgent questions that i need answering!
pm me if possible!
can someone please give me the email address of their file manager? mine is carry and i have sent her 3 emails but not received a reply, so assume she is on holiday. I have some pretty urgent questions that i need answering!
pm me if possible!
Aug 12th 2009 | 7:53 am
#1414
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 59
From: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
Re: Calgary Police
6 month Cananniversary
Hi all, Well I haven't been on here for a long time, and can't believe today is our six month anniversary. I thought I would give you all a quick insight into life here for the new expat, and maybe answer a few of the recent questions whilst I am at it.
Life here is at a slower pace to the UK, and the community we have choosen to move into (Okotoks) reminds me of my own childhood back in the late 70's early 80's when it was still safe to go out and be a child, without an adult looking over your every move. We have not encountered the hoodie culture that was more than apparant in our North Beds Village we came from. (Like any where this does exsit in some parts but not here)
There is so much more for the Kids to do here alot of which is free, but be aware the sports club can be expensive, I.E Hockey for our 10 & 5 yr old for next season, costs $1350.00 (total for both) and thats without all the gear you have to buy which can cost another $1000,00.
Groceries, You won't go far wrong allowing the same amount of money that you did in the UK for your weekly shop. Its true that a lot of the items can be cheaper than the UK, but as a whole we spend around $220,00 per week on food (its best to shop around here and get membership of somewhere like Costco to buy in bulk, then it works out cheaper.
Everyday living, I.E utilities, etc. We purchased as 2000sq ft brand new property and our bills have been as follows.
Gas bill: averages about $50 per month
(not had a full winter yet but was -25 when we first moved in)
Electric: averages about $60 per month
Something to be aware of, we got charged an extra $200 on the Gas & Electirc bill the first time as a retainer, something we get back after a year of paying our bills!!!!!!
Water Services & Garbage collection: $20 per month
Telephone/internet/TV (Shaw package) $120 per month
Property tax: $260 per month
Insurances, Make sure you shop around we used a company through Calgary Police.
Car Insurance: (this was with 10 years no claims from UK)
(Ford Escape , about the same as a Landrover freelander) $64 per month
House contents & Building ( includes accidental) $63 per month
Working for CPS,
I have to say as corney as it may sound, I Love it! After almost 17 years in the UK police I was beginning to think it was a chore to go to work. Here I enjoy it all over again. The four on four off is great and makes up for the little leave you get (120 hours per year). I was on the last 10 week course, which as others have said was very intense. Everything was crammed into each day which meant, lots of injuries in SCT (Skills, UDT etc). I have now been on my district for 8 weeks, The people are fantastic and very welcoming to the UK (re-treads) get used to the name.
As for pay issues, Being paid every two weeks is great, my basic take home based on a first class Cst is $1940 every two weeks. Although as my wife does not work I claim her tax allowance to get this much. It is a challenge to survive on just one wage at first (used to two wages back in the UK) but we have managed sofar, without any major hiccups. There is still alot of opportunities for O/T which is paid at double time to boast your money..
Credit History:
This is by far the worst thing about moving to a new country. In the UK, we both had great credit history having had a mortgage, credit cards and all that for 20 years.
When we landed here we became 18 again!!!! Basically the only time our credit history was taken into account was when we applied for a Mortgage
. You will have to start all over again here. This is something to note if you are coming here with little money, and need to furnish your house (you may not quailify for loans or buy now pay later options at furniture shops).
All in all it was the best decision we have made, yes the TV is crap and some of the food takes some getting used too, but when you wake up every day and look out of your window at the Rockies, you realise life is about enjoying this wonderful country and what it has to offer, Sure beats rain drenched North Beds any day!!!!!!!!!
This is just a quick insight, if you are moving or considering moving here I will be more than happy to help. PM me by all means.
Gary & The Clan
Hi all, Well I haven't been on here for a long time, and can't believe today is our six month anniversary. I thought I would give you all a quick insight into life here for the new expat, and maybe answer a few of the recent questions whilst I am at it.
Life here is at a slower pace to the UK, and the community we have choosen to move into (Okotoks) reminds me of my own childhood back in the late 70's early 80's when it was still safe to go out and be a child, without an adult looking over your every move. We have not encountered the hoodie culture that was more than apparant in our North Beds Village we came from. (Like any where this does exsit in some parts but not here)
There is so much more for the Kids to do here alot of which is free, but be aware the sports club can be expensive, I.E Hockey for our 10 & 5 yr old for next season, costs $1350.00 (total for both) and thats without all the gear you have to buy which can cost another $1000,00.
Groceries, You won't go far wrong allowing the same amount of money that you did in the UK for your weekly shop. Its true that a lot of the items can be cheaper than the UK, but as a whole we spend around $220,00 per week on food (its best to shop around here and get membership of somewhere like Costco to buy in bulk, then it works out cheaper.
Everyday living, I.E utilities, etc. We purchased as 2000sq ft brand new property and our bills have been as follows.
Gas bill: averages about $50 per month
(not had a full winter yet but was -25 when we first moved in)
Electric: averages about $60 per month
Something to be aware of, we got charged an extra $200 on the Gas & Electirc bill the first time as a retainer, something we get back after a year of paying our bills!!!!!!
Water Services & Garbage collection: $20 per month
Telephone/internet/TV (Shaw package) $120 per month
Property tax: $260 per month
Insurances, Make sure you shop around we used a company through Calgary Police.
Car Insurance: (this was with 10 years no claims from UK)
(Ford Escape , about the same as a Landrover freelander) $64 per month
House contents & Building ( includes accidental) $63 per month
Working for CPS,
I have to say as corney as it may sound, I Love it! After almost 17 years in the UK police I was beginning to think it was a chore to go to work. Here I enjoy it all over again. The four on four off is great and makes up for the little leave you get (120 hours per year). I was on the last 10 week course, which as others have said was very intense. Everything was crammed into each day which meant, lots of injuries in SCT (Skills, UDT etc). I have now been on my district for 8 weeks, The people are fantastic and very welcoming to the UK (re-treads) get used to the name.
As for pay issues, Being paid every two weeks is great, my basic take home based on a first class Cst is $1940 every two weeks. Although as my wife does not work I claim her tax allowance to get this much. It is a challenge to survive on just one wage at first (used to two wages back in the UK) but we have managed sofar, without any major hiccups. There is still alot of opportunities for O/T which is paid at double time to boast your money..
Credit History:
This is by far the worst thing about moving to a new country. In the UK, we both had great credit history having had a mortgage, credit cards and all that for 20 years.
When we landed here we became 18 again!!!! Basically the only time our credit history was taken into account was when we applied for a Mortgage
. You will have to start all over again here. This is something to note if you are coming here with little money, and need to furnish your house (you may not quailify for loans or buy now pay later options at furniture shops). All in all it was the best decision we have made, yes the TV is crap and some of the food takes some getting used too, but when you wake up every day and look out of your window at the Rockies, you realise life is about enjoying this wonderful country and what it has to offer, Sure beats rain drenched North Beds any day!!!!!!!!!
This is just a quick insight, if you are moving or considering moving here I will be more than happy to help. PM me by all means.
Gary & The Clan
Aug 12th 2009 | 7:59 am
#1415
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 341
From: SW Calgary, AB, Canada!
Re: Calgary Police
great to hear Gary!
i start on the October 26th course and cant wait!
how is the policing over there?
i love proactive policing, and am i bit worried about being in a 'lazy culture' of which ive heard is apparent over there?
i start on the October 26th course and cant wait!
how is the policing over there?
i love proactive policing, and am i bit worried about being in a 'lazy culture' of which ive heard is apparent over there?
Aug 12th 2009 | 8:33 am
#1416
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 59
From: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
Re: Calgary Police
Policing here is much the same as the UK, If you want to be proactive there is a lot of opportunities for it, as the calls are not as thick and fast coming in as most UK forces. Also as most clients are dealt with at street level by field officer charge and release,No need to interview/fingerprint wait hours for solicitors to come at custody, you can deal with far more people in a shift than back home. I am averaging 2 proactive none call related arrests a shift (Warrants etc), on top of any call related ones..
Congrates to you on getting this far, I am sure you will love it here, have you decided on an area to live yet?
Gary
Aug 12th 2009 | 8:52 am
#1417
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,866
From: Cochrane, Alberta
Aug 12th 2009 | 10:13 am
#1418
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 93
Re: Calgary Police
you will be surpirsed jsut how many colleagues of yours are thinking of making the move!
can someone please give me the email address of their file manager? mine is carry and i have sent her 3 emails but not received a reply, so assume she is on holiday. I have some pretty urgent questions that i need answering!
pm me if possible!
can someone please give me the email address of their file manager? mine is carry and i have sent her 3 emails but not received a reply, so assume she is on holiday. I have some pretty urgent questions that i need answering!
pm me if possible!
Aug 12th 2009 | 10:26 am
#1419
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 93
Re: Calgary Police
6 month Cananniversary
Hi all, Well I haven't been on here for a long time, and can't believe today is our six month anniversary. I thought I would give you all a quick insight into life here for the new expat, and maybe answer a few of the recent questions whilst I am at it.
Life here is at a slower pace to the UK, and the community we have choosen to move into (Okotoks) reminds me of my own childhood back in the late 70's early 80's when it was still safe to go out and be a child, without an adult looking over your every move. We have not encountered the hoodie culture that was more than apparant in our North Beds Village we came from. (Like any where this does exsit in some parts but not here)
There is so much more for the Kids to do here alot of which is free, but be aware the sports club can be expensive, I.E Hockey for our 10 & 5 yr old for next season, costs $1350.00 (total for both) and thats without all the gear you have to buy which can cost another $1000,00.
Groceries, You won't go far wrong allowing the same amount of money that you did in the UK for your weekly shop. Its true that a lot of the items can be cheaper than the UK, but as a whole we spend around $220,00 per week on food (its best to shop around here and get membership of somewhere like Costco to buy in bulk, then it works out cheaper.
Everyday living, I.E utilities, etc. We purchased as 2000sq ft brand new property and our bills have been as follows.
Gas bill: averages about $50 per month
(not had a full winter yet but was -25 when we first moved in)
Electric: averages about $60 per month
Something to be aware of, we got charged an extra $200 on the Gas & Electirc bill the first time as a retainer, something we get back after a year of paying our bills!!!!!!
Water Services & Garbage collection: $20 per month
Telephone/internet/TV (Shaw package) $120 per month
Property tax: $260 per month
Insurances, Make sure you shop around we used a company through Calgary Police.
Car Insurance: (this was with 10 years no claims from UK)
(Ford Escape , about the same as a Landrover freelander) $64 per month
House contents & Building ( includes accidental) $63 per month
Working for CPS,
I have to say as corney as it may sound, I Love it! After almost 17 years in the UK police I was beginning to think it was a chore to go to work. Here I enjoy it all over again. The four on four off is great and makes up for the little leave you get (120 hours per year). I was on the last 10 week course, which as others have said was very intense. Everything was crammed into each day which meant, lots of injuries in SCT (Skills, UDT etc). I have now been on my district for 8 weeks, The people are fantastic and very welcoming to the UK (re-treads) get used to the name.
As for pay issues, Being paid every two weeks is great, my basic take home based on a first class Cst is $1940 every two weeks. Although as my wife does not work I claim her tax allowance to get this much. It is a challenge to survive on just one wage at first (used to two wages back in the UK) but we have managed sofar, without any major hiccups. There is still alot of opportunities for O/T which is paid at double time to boast your money..
Credit History:
This is by far the worst thing about moving to a new country. In the UK, we both had great credit history having had a mortgage, credit cards and all that for 20 years.
When we landed here we became 18 again!!!! Basically the only time our credit history was taken into account was when we applied for a Mortgage. You will have to start all over again here. This is something to note if you are coming here with little money, and need to furnish your house (you may not quailify for loans or buy now pay later options at furniture shops).
All in all it was the best decision we have made, yes the TV is crap and some of the food takes some getting used too, but when you wake up every day and look out of your window at the Rockies, you realise life is about enjoying this wonderful country and what it has to offer, Sure beats rain drenched North Beds any day!!!!!!!!!
This is just a quick insight, if you are moving or considering moving here I will be more than happy to help. PM me by all means.
Gary & The Clan
Hi all, Well I haven't been on here for a long time, and can't believe today is our six month anniversary. I thought I would give you all a quick insight into life here for the new expat, and maybe answer a few of the recent questions whilst I am at it.
Life here is at a slower pace to the UK, and the community we have choosen to move into (Okotoks) reminds me of my own childhood back in the late 70's early 80's when it was still safe to go out and be a child, without an adult looking over your every move. We have not encountered the hoodie culture that was more than apparant in our North Beds Village we came from. (Like any where this does exsit in some parts but not here)
There is so much more for the Kids to do here alot of which is free, but be aware the sports club can be expensive, I.E Hockey for our 10 & 5 yr old for next season, costs $1350.00 (total for both) and thats without all the gear you have to buy which can cost another $1000,00.
Groceries, You won't go far wrong allowing the same amount of money that you did in the UK for your weekly shop. Its true that a lot of the items can be cheaper than the UK, but as a whole we spend around $220,00 per week on food (its best to shop around here and get membership of somewhere like Costco to buy in bulk, then it works out cheaper.
Everyday living, I.E utilities, etc. We purchased as 2000sq ft brand new property and our bills have been as follows.
Gas bill: averages about $50 per month
(not had a full winter yet but was -25 when we first moved in)
Electric: averages about $60 per month
Something to be aware of, we got charged an extra $200 on the Gas & Electirc bill the first time as a retainer, something we get back after a year of paying our bills!!!!!!
Water Services & Garbage collection: $20 per month
Telephone/internet/TV (Shaw package) $120 per month
Property tax: $260 per month
Insurances, Make sure you shop around we used a company through Calgary Police.
Car Insurance: (this was with 10 years no claims from UK)
(Ford Escape , about the same as a Landrover freelander) $64 per month
House contents & Building ( includes accidental) $63 per month
Working for CPS,
I have to say as corney as it may sound, I Love it! After almost 17 years in the UK police I was beginning to think it was a chore to go to work. Here I enjoy it all over again. The four on four off is great and makes up for the little leave you get (120 hours per year). I was on the last 10 week course, which as others have said was very intense. Everything was crammed into each day which meant, lots of injuries in SCT (Skills, UDT etc). I have now been on my district for 8 weeks, The people are fantastic and very welcoming to the UK (re-treads) get used to the name.
As for pay issues, Being paid every two weeks is great, my basic take home based on a first class Cst is $1940 every two weeks. Although as my wife does not work I claim her tax allowance to get this much. It is a challenge to survive on just one wage at first (used to two wages back in the UK) but we have managed sofar, without any major hiccups. There is still alot of opportunities for O/T which is paid at double time to boast your money..
Credit History:
This is by far the worst thing about moving to a new country. In the UK, we both had great credit history having had a mortgage, credit cards and all that for 20 years.
When we landed here we became 18 again!!!! Basically the only time our credit history was taken into account was when we applied for a Mortgage
. You will have to start all over again here. This is something to note if you are coming here with little money, and need to furnish your house (you may not quailify for loans or buy now pay later options at furniture shops). All in all it was the best decision we have made, yes the TV is crap and some of the food takes some getting used too, but when you wake up every day and look out of your window at the Rockies, you realise life is about enjoying this wonderful country and what it has to offer, Sure beats rain drenched North Beds any day!!!!!!!!!
This is just a quick insight, if you are moving or considering moving here I will be more than happy to help. PM me by all means.
Gary & The Clan
Aug 12th 2009 | 11:39 am
#1420
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 341
From: SW Calgary, AB, Canada!
Re: Calgary Police
does anyone know if i can use the CPS office as my mailing address for the first few weeks?
i need to set up a bank account to get my funds transferred over, but will only be staying in a hotel for a week, and so cannot provide an address?
i have heard that this is ok, but need to hear it from someone before i set it up!
i have sent half a dozen emails, but received no answer!
i also need to sort out my PARE and uniform and medical etc, but have no contact!
i know i dont land for another 7 weeks (not that im counting ) but i just want to be prepared!
good to hear that i can be proactive. i love rolling round with my warrants list and mug shots, so will look to carry this on over there!
i need to set up a bank account to get my funds transferred over, but will only be staying in a hotel for a week, and so cannot provide an address?
i have heard that this is ok, but need to hear it from someone before i set it up!
i have sent half a dozen emails, but received no answer!
i also need to sort out my PARE and uniform and medical etc, but have no contact!
i know i dont land for another 7 weeks (not that im counting
) but i just want to be prepared!good to hear that i can be proactive. i love rolling round with my warrants list and mug shots, so will look to carry this on over there!
Aug 12th 2009 | 2:27 pm
#1421
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 59
From: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
Re: Calgary Police
does anyone know if i can use the CPS office as my mailing address for the first few weeks?
i need to set up a bank account to get my funds transferred over, but will only be staying in a hotel for a week, and so cannot provide an address?
i have heard that this is ok, but need to hear it from someone before i set it up!
i have sent half a dozen emails, but received no answer!
i also need to sort out my PARE and uniform and medical etc, but have no contact!
i know i dont land for another 7 weeks (not that im counting ) but i just want to be prepared!
good to hear that i can be proactive. i love rolling round with my warrants list and mug shots, so will look to carry this on over there!
i need to set up a bank account to get my funds transferred over, but will only be staying in a hotel for a week, and so cannot provide an address?
i have heard that this is ok, but need to hear it from someone before i set it up!
i have sent half a dozen emails, but received no answer!
i also need to sort out my PARE and uniform and medical etc, but have no contact!
i know i dont land for another 7 weeks (not that im counting
) but i just want to be prepared!good to hear that i can be proactive. i love rolling round with my warrants list and mug shots, so will look to carry this on over there!
I'm Gary's other half, he had Carry as his file manager! Dont worry about getting your PARE/Uniform/Medical etc, before you arrive, once you have landed it will make it alot easier to contact her. Gary started in the April & did his medical/PARE/uniform approx 2 weeks before he was due to start!
With regards to using the address for mail untill you get here I'm not 100% sure, will get Gary to double check for you
Aug 12th 2009 | 2:29 pm
#1422
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 59
From: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
Re: Calgary Police
cheers gary it was a nice insight to what to expect, glad to hear everything has gone well and you're settling in. how long are the shifts? i am currently doing my last shift, nights, stuck in the front office but hope to get off early so i can get up nice and early to collect the visa's which will be ready at 2 PM!!!!
Glad you found post useful. The shifts are a mixture of 12hours, 10hours & 8 hours. Congratulations on getting the visa's it is a lovely feeling, then it all starts to feel, not just a dream.
Aug 12th 2009 | 2:32 pm
#1423
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 341
From: SW Calgary, AB, Canada!
Re: Calgary Police
Hi Paul
I'm Gary's other half, he had Carry as his file manager! Dont worry about getting your PARE/Uniform/Medical etc, before you arrive, once you have landed it will make it alot easier to contact her. Gary started in the April & did his medical/PARE/uniform approx 2 weeks before he was due to start!
With regards to using the address for mail untill you get here I'm not 100% sure, will get Gary to double check for you
I'm Gary's other half, he had Carry as his file manager! Dont worry about getting your PARE/Uniform/Medical etc, before you arrive, once you have landed it will make it alot easier to contact her. Gary started in the April & did his medical/PARE/uniform approx 2 weeks before he was due to start!
With regards to using the address for mail untill you get here I'm not 100% sure, will get Gary to double check for you
good to see Gary's other half is also called Gary
i will wait to hear i guess.
i just need to get my funds transferred over (before i spend them) !
Aug 12th 2009 | 5:01 pm
#1424
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 459
From: Okotoks Albetra
Re: Calgary Police
does anyone know if i can use the CPS office as my mailing address for the first few weeks?
i need to set up a bank account to get my funds transferred over, but will only be staying in a hotel for a week, and so cannot provide an address?
i have heard that this is ok, but need to hear it from someone before i set it up!
i have sent half a dozen emails, but received no answer!
i also need to sort out my PARE and uniform and medical etc, but have no contact!
i know i dont land for another 7 weeks (not that im counting ) but i just want to be prepared!
good to hear that i can be proactive. i love rolling round with my warrants list and mug shots, so will look to carry this on over there!
i need to set up a bank account to get my funds transferred over, but will only be staying in a hotel for a week, and so cannot provide an address?
i have heard that this is ok, but need to hear it from someone before i set it up!
i have sent half a dozen emails, but received no answer!
i also need to sort out my PARE and uniform and medical etc, but have no contact!
i know i dont land for another 7 weeks (not that im counting
) but i just want to be prepared!good to hear that i can be proactive. i love rolling round with my warrants list and mug shots, so will look to carry this on over there!
If you need to setup a bank account before you arrive or you need a postal address, please feel free to send me a PM and I can organise this for you. I'm ex UK job and I've done this for quite a few people who have joined CPS.
Sam
