Originally Posted by Pincher

OK, so I am sure that there are a few people wondering why they should relocate if WA Pol is having similar issues as their existing force.
Yes, retention is an issue. There's a variety of factors at play here; officers bent over backwards to carry on working during COVID to cover sick colleagues and those that had been seconded to the various task forces. There's an overwhelming feeling of being underappreciated, even more so now the government is quibbling over our latest industrial agreement for pay and conditions. Commissioner Dawson also really stuck the boot in too with his e-mail about enforcing Regional postings, moral really dropped after that. Then the cherry on the cake was weeks later he resigned and got the plum job of State Governor which left a bad taste in a lot of mouths. Also there are greater employment opportunities post COVID, so those feeling unhappy have just not put up with it and have moved on. The new Commissioner, Col Blanch has visited a lot of stations and the feeling with him is very positive. He has admitted that WA Pol has made mistakes and is reviewing a lot of things that have been taken issue with. Most people believe he is being sincere and truly wants to fix things.

Like the UK, The Job here is tough at times, but it will never be as tough as it was in the UK. When my Aussies colleagues bump their gums, I just tell them some of the awful things UK cops have to endure and they keep quiet. The State government, public and press are generally very supportive of the police here. WA Pol have a very good social media presence and are always lauding the good work we do here. Then it's just the little things, like the public actually talking to you while you queue in the cafe for coffee and thanking you for your service (which never happened to me in the UK).

The pay and conditions are better. You will always be double crewed. The kit's good and there heavily investing in mobile policing technology to help you out in the field. There's plenty of opportunities to specialise and if you have had enough of the big city, you can always go Regional (plenty of people do and never come back to Perth). There's no being made to stay on. Obviously you finish what you're doing, but if at the end of the shift and you're a clear unit, you go home. The district could be on fire, but I have never heard of anyone being forced to stay on duty.

I just do my job to the best of my ability and then I go home forget about it and enjoy my time off. I do way more off duty here than I ever did in the UK, always out and about in the CBD or doing sports or activities. Yes I miss family and friends but it's a small price to pay for the better quality of life moving here has provided.

Hope this helps some of you with your decision.

Originally Posted by Bazandbeanz

Hi Guys, new to the forum. All very informative.
I've also applied and have an interview on 16th Feb. Could I get the details for the WhatsApp group?

Thanks

Barry

Originally Posted by Ben_capitan

The thoughts that thrash through your mind, I can completely understand this. You’ve got visas, medicals, houses to sell, cars to sell, kids to leave schools and find new ones, flights to book, wives and husbands to find new jobs, furniture to buy, pension to freeze, new pension (superannuation) scheme to join, school holidays childcare? etc etc. It’s a giant leap of a decision, minds battered. Hopefully WAPOL will provide help and guidance along the way.

Originally Posted by Pincher

So, I don't want to be a kill joy. I'm all for you all coming over here (as is most likely evident from all my posts) and experiencing all that I have. But I just want to talk about something I call 'The Wobble".

I was fortunate in that I always intended to emigrate and my getting here took years of planning. But for most of you it's going to be a very quick move coming here. You see the advert, talk to the partner and family, apply and before you know it you're stepping out off Terminal 1 jet lagged and blinded by the Sun wondering about how fast the time has passed. It is such a big decision moving here, and don't make the mistake of thinking it's UK with Sun. It's a different country with a different culture to get used to.

Now you have to settle in; find a home, job for the partner, school for the kids etc. It's going to be tough at times, so tough for some that they throw in the towel as it's all too much and seriously think about returning to the UK, or actually do; The Wobble.
From research I conducted prior to my own move, the general consensus on this and other expat forums is that the first year is always the hardest; birthdays and Christmas without family, kids feel out of place at school, you have a bub and miss the familial support network, partner can't get a job and is sitting at home, bored convincing themselves they were better off in the UK.
But, if you can cope for that first year you are more likely to stay rather than return. Remind yourselves of why you wanted to come here in the first place. Get involved in sports, be social and make contacts and friends who will help support you through any difficult times. Embrace Australia and all it has to offer.

Don't get me wrong, I miss family and friends, but I would never go back. I would rather be a garbo sweeping the streets than go back to Coppering in the UK. I love the life I have here, one I could only dream of while in the UK..
So, while getting swept up in all the excitement of a move, don't forget that for some it will be difficult at times, but if you can stick it out it'll be worth it.

Originally Posted by Pincher

So, I don't want to be a kill joy. I'm all for you all coming over here (as is most likely evident from all my posts) and experiencing all that I have. But I just want to talk about something I call 'The Wobble".

I was fortunate in that I always intended to emigrate and my getting here took years of planning. But for most of you it's going to be a very quick move coming here. You see the advert, talk to the partner and family, apply and before you know it you're stepping out off Terminal 1 jet lagged and blinded by the Sun wondering about how fast the time has passed. It is such a big decision moving here, and don't make the mistake of thinking it's UK with Sun. It's a different country with a different culture to get used to.

Now you have to settle in; find a home, job for the partner, school for the kids etc. It's going to be tough at times, so tough for some that they throw in the towel as it's all too much and seriously think about returning to the UK, or actually do; The Wobble.
From research I conducted prior to my own move, the general consensus on this and other expat forums is that the first year is always the hardest; birthdays and Christmas without family, kids feel out of place at school, you have a bub and miss the familial support network, partner can't get a job and is sitting at home, bored convincing themselves they were better off in the UK.
But, if you can cope for that first year you are more likely to stay rather than return. Remind yourselves of why you wanted to come here in the first place. Get involved in sports, be social and make contacts and friends who will help support you through any difficult times. Embrace Australia and all it has to offer.

Don't get me wrong, I miss family and friends, but I would never go back. I would rather be a garbo sweeping the streets than go back to Coppering in the UK. I love the life I have here, one I could only dream of while in the UK..
So, while getting swept up in all the excitement of a move, don't forget that for some it will be difficult at times, but if you can stick it out it'll be worth it.

Originally Posted by sphlsctt96

I’ve just had the interview this morning.
I’ve asked to join the Facebook group, pending approval. Could I request the link to the WhatsApp group please?

Originally Posted by sphlsctt96

Two people yeah, my interview lasted around 45 minutes I don’t want to say too much and jeopardise myself but it was okay. Nothing scary.

Originally Posted by sphlsctt96

I’ve just had the interview this morning.
I’ve asked to join the Facebook group, pending approval. Could I request the link to the WhatsApp group please?