The Elk

I've put in an application to WA police and have just been informed that I have over the 7 years service: I have 6 years service with a British police force but I also spent 2 years with a Home Office approved "private" police force.

Naive as I am I didn't for one second think that this service would be included by WA.

My question is can anyone give me some insight into why WA are specifying 3-7 years, as I hoping there is a way round getting my service "discounted"?

russmcp

I believe its not WA themselves but the Department of Immigration who are stipulating this.

The reason being that most 3 year to 7 year officers are front facing and won't have specialised as much as those longer in service.

As your application shows 9 years in total, I think you may have missed the boat.

The Elk

Thanks for your reply. I thought it might be something like that. I had to fully retrain upon re-entry, so although I have these 2 extra years, I'm no further along my "career path" than a 6 year service officer. Very frustrating.

brisbec

Slightly incorrect Russ.
The Dept of Immigration stipulate the minimum of 3 years, WAPol have put an upper limit of 7 years, we think due to the reason you have given.
There is talk of the upper limit being extended to 10 years but for now it is 7 years.

powellfamily

Hi,

Sorry to hear this, I have received and email from WAPOL yesterday as I asked if they would be increasing their service length and the reply i got was there is no indication at this time that they will be.

Saxon89

Hey mate

From what I understand the reason behind this new 3-7 years service is they are hoping to recruit younger and more junior officers who will provide WAPOL with several years of service and hopefully extended frontline service.

The last intakes they did they recruited a lot of senior or more experiences guys, 10-15+ years, who obviously didn't intend on giving so many more years service, there was a large percentage of people returning to the UK after a few years and also once they gained PR or citizenship they left WAPOL and got other jobs.

To slide in under you need to some how have your 2 years in the other service excluded from your experience - some how.

The Elk

Yes thanks for all the replies. I have my heart set on this (and more importantly so does the wife), so I'm absolutely gutted. The 2 years was with a non Home Office force, for all intents and purposes a private police force, so I'm going to see if they'll discount it.

Saxon89

If you are unlucky I "HEARD" around the place that they might increase the total service to 10 years as the current state government is about 500 officers short of the promises they had made pre election

Mr James

Sorry for hijacking your post. But could someone tell me if a ccj will stop my application to WAP?

Many thanks

gregster10217

My wife has just been told that her service with BTP won't be considered if she were to apply (she's not) and they are essentially a private force. I'd email WAPol and ask why yours is being considered if they won't even recognise BTP.

Who is your previous service with?

DM1432

I don't know why they think BTP is a private force, they do the exact same as every other home office force and are trained to the exact same standards, sounds as if WAPOL need to be re-educated. They can even as we know transfer between BTP/Home office forces with all service recognised -that should also be pointed out to recruitment.

Previously they took officers from BTP (me included), if you agree with them BTP is a private force that is feeding that impression. They are funded differently, and answer to different Government Minister, The majority of their work is very similar to what WAPOL deal with. I have no idea why they have had this change of policy. Just a thought.

DM1432

Not quite true some of us with 15+ years are still here giving many more years of service. Yes a few did move on or return but the figures are not as large as some people will have you believe, if compared to local applicants in the same bracket. You got PR once you got the visa, some abused it, again the figures aren't that drastic. Some people do not see the police as a 30 year career here and tend to go from job to job.

It is purely financial, more than 9 years service they would pay you a senior constables wage assuming you completed the promotion exams etc. My own belief is the upper service bracket will have to raise, as we still can't get the local applicants to apply. Although I haven't heard the "rumor" of 10years cut off.

The Elk

Yeah my previous service is with a Home Office "recognised" Force but is essentially private. I was basically doing a security guards role (no disrespect to security guards). Transfers aren't accepted so I had to start training from scratch when I moved.

I've contacted WAP and am just awaiting a decision. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

gregster10217

Good luck.

The Elk

Just seen the Stepforward updated website. Some good news at last.