hi, I'm a U.K. Police officer 42 years old with 20 years service. What are my chances of getting a job as a police officer in Australia?
If I couldn't be a police officer what type of work could I get?
Also what visa would I apply for?
My partner is a secondary school philosophy teacher.
Would it be likely to be able to become residents and get work?

we are just starting out on researching this,

You would need to look at going on your partners skills.

Does she have 4 years of university education and is she under 45 years of age?

Thank you. How easy was it to get a job as an ex police officer? Im a detective working on historical cases. To be honest I would take any well paid job if it meant I could raise my family in Australia. How did you get into the country?
sorry for all the questions, I'm just starting out on this path.

Imposible to say. It would be similar to looking at new career in the UK. Though, we did find ageism a bit more rife. It will be part of the gamble.

Visas though are the number one. It will be harder at your age as points drop a lot after the age of 40.

It was irrelevant in my case because I moved from the UK to the US where I couldn't join the police farce anyway as I wasn't a citizen. I moved to Australia six years ago and I was too old and, again, didn't qualify on residency grounds.

Police Officers often leave the job without any transferable skills so often end up in security jobs. I ended up retraining as a Traffic Controller and that works for me just fine. Best of luck though. I absolutely love life downunder and have no regrets whatsoever.

I had a lovely career in the Met but I certainly wouldn't want to do police work again. Someone described it as pushing a wheelbarrow with a puncture with one hand tied behind your back. Probably not far off the truth.

Thanks for all your helpful replies.
Yes policework is the only thing I know as I joined very young. I think most police officers want out as things have changed and the pressure is intense. Unfortunately I have many more years left until I can get my pension as the government did us over, making us work longer, pay more contributions and cut the pension by a considerable lot. The contracts we signed at the beginning of our service meant nothing. I will be old and grey by the time I get out, so I desperately want a better quality of life and I thought Australia could provide me with that.
Anyone got any ideas or know of companies that would like to employ an ex british copper?

Jumping ahead, I know, but when you're looking at places in Australia to move to, please don't ignore small town Australia. My wife and I left the hustle and bustle and expense of Brisbane and bought some acreage in the sticks. We got rid of our mortgage so don't need nearly the income that we used to. With this pressure removed we are blown away by how many opportunities for work that have come our way. My wife has set up a little business in town and even I with my previous lack of skills am bringing in decent money.

None of this could have happened in Brissy as there are thousands of people clamouring for work to pay for their over priced houses. Not that I'm bitter or anything! Download the book 'Unjobbing' and read it a few times. It changed our lives.

Beware of the "better quality of life" trap. its something indefineable, and although some find they can pursue hobbies, sports etc better in Aus, there are also many of us who work longer hours, have less free time, and learn to dread the heat which stops us enjoying life