Wanderlust

Dear all,

Asking for a friend....
Does anyone know if, once you have a PR visa, it is possible to join the Australian police force, and if possible, would UK police experience count? (E.g. if you were a Detective Sergeant here, would the skills transfer?)
I've looked at the Aussie police website,but nothing seems to answer so specific a question.

Anyone? Anyone?

Cheers!

W

diddy

This came up a while ago mate. Try a search.

I think that so long as you have PR you can join the Oz police. No idea about the experience thing though.

Paul.

Pollyana

No you can't transfer, and I think you have to be an Aussie citizen. You have to apply with everyone else, and then work your way up. Experience would be useful once you're in, but you still have to come in at the bottom.

JAJ

You don't have to be an Australian citizen.

Most state police forces will recruit permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.

The Australian Federal Police normally requires citizenship.

Peter Ryan didn't. He came in straight at the top (NSW Police Commissioner).

To the original poster. Most police recruitment is directed at entry-level. They normally are able to source experienced officers from within.

However - occasionally a police force does find it needs some experienced officers and can't wait to train new recruits. That's when you may find opportunities to join at a grade more reflective your experience. If you keep in touch with developments in all seven state and territory police forces (ACT is covered by the Federal Police) and are flexible about where you live in Australia, you may find something comes up.

I've heard that the Queensland Police has recruited experienced officers from New Zealand in the past.

Jeremy

Wanderlust

Thank you all very much for the input - its been really helpful!

Cheers!

W.