Chris_Zuzi

I came out to Oz on the 2010 course and have to say that the winters are not cold..... I think the coldest it got down to was 5C overnight. During the day it drops to about 8-10 for a period of 2 -4 weeks. Its currently autumn and it has been sunny and between 22-28C this week.

The job is ok in my opinion, some like it some don't - I guess it depends if you have it in you to start again be out on patrols for the first year as you won't instantly jump back into your old specialisations until you have learnt the job out here - which can be quite a bit different at times.

If you look upon it as a 'different' job and make the most of the lifestyle and the weather you will enjoy it. There will always be some that don't like it and returnn home, but the majority of my course are still here, and the 17% payrise that is currently going through is certainly a better offer than the pay freezes and cuts that are happenning in the uk.

romsey19

Hi Chris_Zuzi
What are the current shift patterns?

Regards
Dave

gmdpol

Hi Thanks for your reply,
Do you think that ur quality of life has improved since joining oz police in 2010? I am torn because I like the idea of moving to a warm climate with better slightly more house for your money etc etc but on the flip side I am very close to my family that I would leave behind and I am due to sit my inspector exams this sep.

Chris_Zuzi

Hi,

There's no simple answer to the shift pattern question because it varies depending on where you are posted and what role you are in. On the plus side you get shift penalties - 15% for an afternoon, 25% for nights and 50% for weekends, so for once patrols benefit.

I guess the family issue is the biggy for most people, but despite missing our family/friends greatly I personally would not consider for a minute returning to the UK to live again, as there is no quick fix the the economic mess that is ongoing.

Work/life balance is much improved and people seem far less stressed over here....

romsey19

Thanks for that. One more question - what pay grade do you go in on?

Chris_Zuzi

you spend 12 weeks at the academy on cadet wages! Then your out as a probie for 6-12 months depending on years served. After that you gain half your years served back....eg 6 years in = 12 month probation - then onto constable level 3 pay.

If you carry rank - you skip straight to Snr constable rank after probation

gmdpol

Hi
Just wondering do you get much choice where you are based as I have read about nice areas near to the south Adelaide beach areas???By the way thanks for all the info ur providing

romsey19

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it. I was also wondering if SAPOL pay for any relocation costs?(I.e flights etc)

Chris_Zuzi

not a bean....

gmdpol

Hi all...just to say we received an email this morning from Sapol to confirm that application needs to be hand written and scanned on, then emailed along with all other documents to them. They did note that the application has not been changed for international purposes so some parts are to be left blank.

If you have not received this email...i would suggest you email sapol so they can forward it to u.

desperately seeking

Anybody got any idea what a proclaimed police officer is with regards to witnessing signatories?

Also, i asked before, but anyone who has done the fitness test know what sort of sit ups they want? If they allow your feet restrained then i can knock out the number required, if feet are free then i can't do one

Chris_Zuzi

The sit ups were pinned when I did this in 2009..... A proclaimed police officer out here is just a non probationer who has done a 1 day course for certifying documents. I was confused when I applied, so just got a lawyer to sign them at a cost of about 1 pound per page - I figured it was 40 quid well spent given the small timeframe involved, my reluctance to have my force knowing I was applying, and being unsure if getting my sgt to sign would suffice.....

Noms

Hi, I too am interested in applying in the current SAPOL recruitment drive. How easy or difficult was it to get the necessary documents from your HR department at work? And who did you get to authorise them?

Thanks

96keri

I am interested in this too but only just realised they were recruiting from the UK which makes time very tight for deciding, am considering putting in the application then doing the research on the basis that I can always change my mind if was fortunate enough to be successful, lots of worries though.. family of 6 living off one wage to begin with? Would the lifestyle improve enough to justify the huge upheaval, is everyone applying looking at selling up and going with money in hand or is it possible to turn up there with nothing and just start work and get on with it?? I think my main concern is having enough money to live on for the first year?

Kiwijack

It does cost a lot of money but it's really an investment for you and your family. It pays off for most but not all, so no guarantees.

You need to set out the push and pull factors. What's pushing you out of your current job and country, and what's good about Adelaide and Aus that's pulling you here. You can't really score it, but setting it out gives you a good starting point and a way to talk with your partner.

Mainly it comes down to 1. If you have very strong family and friends connections in the UK you'll find it hard. 2. It's a big adventure and if you like that kind of thing you'll find it easier to make the move and settle.

Also when you do move it's important to keep flexible with where you live as it takes a good year or two to find the right suburb, lifestyle, and develop new friends (which is a long time - so stay focussed on the big picture). A good friend network for you, partner and kids will take about three years.

Don't get stuck in the first suburb you land in - it's unlikely to be the best area and you need to do a bit of leg work in the first year getting a good feel for the good areas, good schools and lifestyle you want. Don't move half way around the world and live in a dump of a suburb. If it doesn't feel like you are living the aussie dream (e.g., sun, sand and surfing !) then you need to move and make it happen.

Good luck