Twenty-seven international officers are part of a 30-person transitional training squad
The group will spend the next three months completing a rigorous training program
All recruits have a minimum of three years on the job experience
More than 1,400 international applications have been received in the past 12-months
WA Police Force aims to recruit 750 officers from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and New Zealand over a five-year period
Thirty frontline officers – made up of 27 overseas recruits, two interstate officers, and one re-engaging WA Police employee – began an intensive 13-week transitional training course at the Joondalup Police Academy today.
All of the recruits join with a minimum three years on the job experience, and vary in age from 26 to 51-years-old.
Among them is National Police Bravery Award recipient Sergeant Ben Woods. The 33-year-old was recognised for his heroic efforts in 2015, which saw him rescue a woman from a crumbling cliff in East Sussex.
Detective Constable Anna Miller, who is a 38-year-old, brings with her a decade of tailored experience from her time working in a specialist unit which investigated domestic violence, child protection and sexual related crimes.
Over 1,400 officers have applied to join the WA Police Force since the international campaign began in October last year.
More than 100 of those are in a selection pool waiting to commence transitional training, while approximately 600 others are at various stages of the application process.
In July, the Cook Government announced Joondalup Police Academy doubled its capacity in preparation to train 1,000 officers in 12 months.
Under a Labour Agreement signed between the Federal and State Government, skilled police officers from the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland can be granted entry under the Employer Nominated Scheme (subclass 186) visa, which enables their employment with the WA Police Force and places them on a pathway to citizenship.
The deal allows WA Police to recruit up to 750 experienced international officers over a five-year period.
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
“The response to the State Government’s international recruitment campaign has been extremely positive, meaning WA Police can handpick the best of the best as it unashamedly poaches talented officers from overseas.
“Western Australia is a great place to live and work. Compared to the UK and Republic of Ireland, we have higher wages, a lower cost of living, and the perfect climate for year-round adventure.
“The WA Police Force rightfully enjoys a reputation as being one of the top law enforcement agencies in the world, which is assisting with attracting applicants.
“Twenty-three of the officers in this transitional course hail from the United Kingdom, three are from the Republic of Ireland and one joins us from across the ditch in New Zealand.
“Western Australia’s Labour Agreement with the Federal Government provides these highly trained and sought-after officers with a fast-tracked pathway to Australian citizenship.
“On behalf of the community, I thank all of the new recruits for choosing to serve and protect here in WA.”
As stated by Police Commissioner Col Blanch:
“On behalf of the Western Australia Police Force, I welcome our new recruits from the UK, Republic of Ireland and New Zealand.
“We live in an incredible place where we are privileged to protect an amazing community.
“Our Police Force is dedicated to supporting our Western Australian community, and as a result, the community has rewarded us with their trust and their support.
“We must never take that for granted and always strive to be the best we can be.
“Our agency is made up of people from all backgrounds, nations and walks off life.
“Our strength is that we all work together to uphold our policing values and concentrate on delivering our policing fundamentals – and you’ll meet some great people and make some great mates doing it.
“With our local recruitment also ramping up, I look forward to your contribution in policing excellence performed by the thousands of Western Australian police officers across our State every day.”
