Nickola

Well I have only heard negative things of Edmonton Police.
In that although they seem to be actively recruiting UK bobbies, the actual numbers of UK bobbies that get in are few.

My experience of them is....
Visited Alberta in July 06 and sat all the test with Calgary, being successfull in the process, with the intention of then going to Edmonton to take the remainder of their tests and an interview, all arranged prior to the trip to Alberta. [applying for the two forces increasing my chances]

When I eventually contacted the Edmonton recruiting dept [from Banff having a great time]. and explained I only needed to complete an interview and physical, I was told 'Oh sorry all the testers and interviewers have gone on vacation'........NICE ONE

We visited Edmonton anyway, and we didnt like it at all. May have had something to do with the NICE way I was dealt with???? But Edmonton seems a dump, and seeing a police man at the hotel I was suprised to see him get out of the car never mind do at least 10 pull ups!!!!!!!

Anyway they did have the decency to email me on my return to the UK and offer me to come over again and complete the process......Umm let me think about that......I dont think so.

But there is a silver lining to my tainted view of EPS
1. We all had an awesome holiday.
2. I have been offered a job with Calgary police who seem to have their act sorted out on how to deal with experienced police officers who have something to offer.
3. Our house has just been sold and looking forward to being in Calgary for Christmas.

Elli and Paul

Out of interest do Calgary do the same as EPS in that you have to do the full acadamy and 18months probations, do they offer any oppertunity to specialise or seek promotion early than a new recruit. Good luck with the job and it is a shame you had such a bad experiance of EPS as they were fantastic for me and could not be more helpful. At least you will still be able to escape this country

Nickola

Hi
Just getting a few threads in before mornings tomorrow[gwent traffic]

Yes its in training for 6 mths and then probation for another 12. regardless of experience. To be honest Im quite looking forward to the training again, its been 15yrs for me.
Im not sure about the opportunity to specialise. I hope so because Im on traffic and thee tactical team at the mo. But it might be all different out there back on routine patrol. In anycase we cant wait to get out there.

Not sure if the area is ready for a welsh towny family with 3 bots in tow..........stand by stand by!!!!!!

Nickola

OOPS supposed to say BOYS in tow not bots

Elli and Paul

Good luck nice place to spend xmas we are hoping to have visa in time for early Jan so still lots of snow for the children

Nickola

When do you start then??
I start Jan 8th

Elli and Paul

I have a start date of 29/1 with a 3 day pre course on the 22nd but I have to redo fitness as it is over 6 months old and a 2 day first aid conversion - not much as well as settling in with two small children but worth it

Nickola

Thats excellent, will have to bump into you somewhere in between the two cities. Maybe a trip to the Mall

Elli and Paul

Yes keep us posted on your progress, have you got your visa sorted we are still waiting for London to send us for medicals but have the PNP agreed so fingers crossed will get sorted soon

Nickola

Yes we all have our visas. We only applied in March last year and had the visas through by 15 December 05. Very lucky indeed.

Infact we have all 'landed' and are PR of Canada, the only thing holding us back was an offer of a job. But with that secured we are busy trying to sell everything electrical. mechanical and surplus to requirements. to keep the bill for shipping down to a minimum. Cant believe how much that costs.
I still havn't told work yet but will enjoy it when I do.

Elli and Paul

Great, we have just sold our house and got rid of all our excess property on ebay.

ralstne

Hi Elli and Paul, That sounds familiar! I think we sold almost all our worldly goods on ebay! I just noticed you guys are from Kent and are headed out this way. We're also from Kent and arrived here in Edmonton a couple of months ago now. Neil's with the EPS so we kind of know what you're going through at the moment. Weird old process isn't it? Up's and down's galore! Anyway I just thought I'd say hi and feel free to PM us if there is anything you think we might be able to help you with. Oh and well done for getting through, I know its pretty damn tough!
Sophie and Neil

sym13

Hi both,

Sorry to bother you but I'm a DC in Cardiff thinking of applying to one of the Canadian forces.

I'm glad to hear you got in and will be off soon.

Any advice on the whole process will be gratefully received.

Many thanks.

Sy

Nickola

Hi Sy
Send us a PM and I will give you our number for a chat.

Edmonton police are recruiting as are Calgary police. Both are offering PNP places. But I think they are limited to only 25 PNP places per year. So I think they are overwhelmed with UK applicants and chances of getting a place are thin, but it isnt to say that everyone that passes the tests wont go on for further testing.

Speak to you soon
Andrew & Nickola

Elli and Paul

Again I am happy for you to PM and if you go for Edmonton I will pass on as much as I can. As far as I am aware Calgary are offering 25 PNP but Edmonton have around 100 a year on offer so if it is a quick move then Edmonton but I have heard of some people doing both.

All the best

Paul