SA Police - Recruiting from the UK

[snifter]

Any UK police looking for an opportunity, this might appeal.

 

More British bobbies bound for SA as local recruits dry up

Nigel Hunt From:Sunday Mail (SA) March 13, 2011 12:00AM

 

SOUTH Australia is set to recruit another 90 police officers from the UK because of a severe shortfall in local applicants.

 

Assistant Police Commissioner Graeme Barton said the current recruiting climate was a "challenge" and there was no alternative but to seek extra British police to maintain current targets. This is despite many of the overseas recruits leaving after their original three-year contract expires. "Our primary objective is to recruit locally," Mr Barton said.

 

Applications to join SAPOL have fallen in recent years as the job market strengthened with the economy in recovery. Police have received just 777 applications from potential recruits since July 1 last year, compared to 1636 applications in 2008-09 financial year, and 1586 in 2009-10.

 

"Many applicants are eliminated through early testing and other factors such as integrity checks," Mr Barton said. "And unfortunately not all of them are successful on the first occasion."

 

In many instances applicants initially rejected are advised to enrol in suitable TAFE courses to improve their future chances, while others lack maturity or life skills and are advised to apply again later. "We are looking for people who have the skills, ability and aptitude to do the job," Mr Barton said. "Younger people are lacking in life skills and experience. However, if we can identify they have the leadership, problem-solving and communication skills we require in a police officer we would recruit them at a younger age and put in processes to ensure they are developed through their cadet and probationary periods."

 

Mr Barton said the decision to take more UK recruits followed an unsuccessful bid to recruit from New Zealand. A campaign there led to just 40 registrations of interest and only a handful of applications, which were still being assessed. SAPOL has recruited 517 British police officers so far but of those 139 have left with 378 still serving in various areas. The attrition rate for British recruits is now about 21 per cent - double the rate of 10.3 per cent for local recruits.

 

"We expected the rate to be higher because people came for the lifestyle, they came to become Australian citizens and policing gave them that opportunity," Mr Barton said. "Once they fulfil their contractual obligation to stay with us for two years, some decide to move on. We expected that.

 

"The great thing about them is they are fully trained and have been on the road for many years and they bring that experience with them."

 

Mr Barton said SAPOL had about 1000 listed inquiries from prospective British recruits because of the economic conditions they were experiencing in the UK. He said a team of SA police would likely head to London in July to process applicants and the first course for new intakes would start next February and March.

 

Mr Barton said while the current recruiting rate was below target, several other strategies had been examined, with one being to ask recently retired officers if they wished to return to SAPOL. "We have had two or three say `yes' they want to come back," he said.

 

Mr Barton also expected significant pay rises just awarded to police in a new enterprise bargaining agreement would provide an incentive for local recruits to apply.

 

Constable Ben Mann, 28, is one of the 517 UK police officers who have joined local ranks since 2005 and he says he "loves it". He arrived in Adelaide in September 2009 after five years as an officer with West Midlands police in Birmingham where he worked on general patrols.

 

He was initially stationed at Elizabeth after arriving in Adelaide but last month was transferred to city patrols. He says he was attracted to Adelaide for "the whole lifestyle".

 

"When this opportunity came up after I saw it on the website, I snapped at it to come out for the sunny, laid-back lifestyle."

 

And while 139 of his fellow UK recruits have left the force, Const Mann says he loves his job. "It took me 12 months to settle down but you always get the odd one who gets homesick or don't fit in," he said. "But the majority love it here because of the lifestyle that comes with it. I don't think anyone came out here just for the job."

 

 

Source news article

[kildorragh]

Speaking as one of the 20% that has left SAPOL, I urge you all to pass this on to any mates you have in the UK old bill.

 

The recruitment campaign is very competitive although once through, the visa's are progressed by immigration extremely quickly.

 

As it's a state sponsored visa, you receive family assistance payments as soon as you arrive which is a massive help.

 

Spent three and a half years with SAPOL - only left as I received a much better offer which meant that I was home every night and weekend - a godsend after 28 years of policing.

 

Spread the word boys and girls.

[Guest mikeya]

Will be applying for a potential transfer, can't believe they want so much information in such a short space of time.

 

Just hope they don't bomb the application if the smallest piece of information is missing.

 

Anyone else experienced this in the past?

[Guest BurgessFamily]

it was only a month back they were talking about cutting front-line services... Commissioner worried about police savings targets - ABC Adelaide - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

 

i guess that's just politics though.

[kildorragh]

Will be applying for a potential transfer, can't believe they want so much information in such a short space of time.

 

Just hope they don't bomb the application if the smallest piece of information is missing.

 

Anyone else experienced this in the past?

 

 

Don't worry too much mate - it will all come together.

 

Bit of a rollercoaster but well worth it in the end.

 

If accepted, it gets even more manic.........but a nice manic!!

 

Let me know if I can help in any way.

 

Cheers,

 

Tony

[ratters2005]

Having been through it and still with SAPOL, I can help if you need some answer to many questions.

Just remember to leave the job satisfaction back at home, that's if you still have any left..

SAPOL are learning to deal with UK recruits and their own officers better, but its still early days.

The life certainly is better than back in the UK.

Sunshine is free, the shifts are not that good but your days off are FAB.

I can also advise you to try it, as the doors will not open that often here to Oz.

The visa you get is one of the best one's here down under, the family get PR on the basis that you get state sponsorship. Anyone will tell you that this is worth its weight in gold with good medical options and a good Super.

You can also apply for a mortgage within a very short period of time, I have a great contact who can help if you need some advice.

If your looking for fast promotion and the ladder of success, stay where you are!!!

They certainly do not recognise previous qualification or any of your specialised roles or previous experience, in less they want to !!

So be warned and don't bang your gums when you lose the chance to follow the role you did have.

You will get Senior Constable if you were a Sgt (Qualified, not tow bar or whatever that was called) after your probation, which will not be reduced. That can be 6,9,12 months depending on years in service.

I can get you RPL through a contact if you need to get your qualifications changed over to help in your exit strategy once here.

Overall great way to get to Oz and live a life far more relaxed than back at home.

Oh and just been given a 33% increase over the next 2 years, not like back at home!!

Good luck and if you want a rose tinted perspective join the police forum site..

Certainly worth the stress and changes made in our lives..

Now doing something in policing that I would never have had the opportunity to do back in the Uk. but my life does not revolve round police work any more!!

GOOD LUCK in your applications

[Guest aic]

I am also applying with 9 yrs in on a 24/7 shift. My concerns are mainly for my family as i will work my butt of anywhere. The concerns are:

1. Where will they put me as I have a 8 and 5 year old.

2. Cost of the move??

3. Work for my wife, she is a nurse (20yrs experience)

4. Cost of living? Pay scale for someone like me?

5. Pension (can we transfer it and what it like with SAPOL)

Any info on this or anything to stop the wife worrying would be great.

 

Cheers

[Guest aic]

one more thing regarding the application, the application form do you need to write it then scan it into your computer. this is because you cannot type onto the form that you down load? help someone please.

[Guest mikeya]

one more thing regarding the application, the application form do you need to write it then scan it into your computer. this is because you cannot type onto the form that you down load? help someone please.

 

The advice that I have received is to send it, keeping a copy yourself.

 

The cost to ship it will be about £20-£30, but worth doing. DHL offer a tracking capability.

 

The only worry I have is that it gets boshed for not having the right thing for each piece of paper.

 

The year 12 school report is also not required.

[Guest mark&rachel]

also try www.police-forum.com has all the answer you will need regarding this

[Guest gmdpol]

one more thing regarding the application, the application form do you need to write it then scan it into your computer. this is because you cannot type onto the form that you down load? help someone please.

We are going to fill out all forms , scan and then email...because it does say to email. Email I think would be the quickest safest option too.

[ratters2005]

They can pit you anywhere, they will pit you more than likely in Adelaide as they have lots of spaces. Can't really answer that although you could offer to go country.

Cost depends on lots of things, anywhere from flights only to about 15-25k sterling

Wife should be able to work maybe start asking hospitals as you get closer. She would be a great choice for hospital as she would be a permanent resident

Cost of living it's certainly going up, if you were both working in about 12-18 months you would be comfortable on two wages. Police gave just secured good pay boost.

Pending yes you can transfer but make sure your staying before you do as it can not go back

Good luck

Be aware the forum site iissues Rose tinted glasses and does not promote the truth about the move

 

1. Where will they put me as I have a 8 and 5 year old.

2. Cost of the move??

 

4. Cost of living? Pay scale for someone like me?

5. Pension (can we transfer it and what it like with SAPOL)

Any info on this or anything to stop the wife worrying would be great.

 

Cheers

[Guest mikeya]

Has anyone had problems getting the email through the SA Police gateway???

[Guest kimnjamie]

I'm going to send mine on Friday 1st April. Hopefully that's enough time???!!!! As a form of insurance I'm scanning it to a friend who's going to drop it in at the recruitment office.

[Guest kimnjamie]

Fingers crossed and good luck everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kildorragh]

Good luck all - get in touch if you need some advice.

[Guest mikeya]

Application finally sent - fingers crossed & playing the waiting game!!!

[Guest danboy]

Eeeekkk!!!! I've finally completed my application form!!! Having to fork out £50 for a medical from my GP did not sit easily with me considering I was in there 10 minutes!!!

 

Just need to scan the bits and bobs onto the computer and email it off. I take it that's the way people are doing it and not mailing it?

 

Cheers.

 

Dan.

[Guest mikeya]

Dan,

 

Be sure that the size of the email is not bigger than about 5mb, which means you'll have to a few emails. I had to send 5 in total, but I did scan all my police certificates and some professional ones as well.

 

I asked them to reply that it had been received & got an email stating that it had been fully received.

 

Good luck mate & we may meet on one of the examination days.

[Guest danboy]

Dan,

 

Be sure that the size of the email is not bigger than about 5mb, which means you'll have to a few emails. I had to send 5 in total, but I did scan all my police certificates and some professional ones as well.

 

I asked them to reply that it had been received & got an email stating that it had been fully received.

 

Good luck mate & we may meet on one of the examination days.

 

Thanks very much for the info buddy. I wouldn't have known otherwise. Hope to see you in London.

[Guest Daveydog]

Well, my application has been scanned and sent. Had the e-mail to say they had got my application.

Really hope all goes well after spending so much time and effort AND money on medicals.

Time will tell.

[Guest Daveydog]

Had my invite to go to London for the recruitment exams.............

[Guest mikeya]

Had my invite to go to London for the recruitment exams.............

That doesn't bode well, having checked through your posts Daveyboy I sent mine in before yours!!

[Guest mikeya]

Finally got my invite, apparently it was sent last week but I didn't recieve it, good job I chased it up!!

[Guest mikeya]

Anyone know how strict the physical testing is or is it quite lenient??? Just need to know for planning my fitness regime.