Anyone a serving member of the AFP?

[jimmy_c]

I am looking at a career change from being a high level computing support person in a fairly safe and sedate job :

But the boredem is killing me and I have always wanted to know what it was like to be a police officer.

I have a few friends from when i lived in QLD joining up (or trying to) they are into the 2nd phase of testing.

I mentioned my expressions of interest to my parents, qld friends and my gf, they seem to think i have the right nature for it and will support me if I decide to go through with an application.

Does anyone have any thoughts or views on the subject?

[TUF_302]

Guns are fun!! : , serioulsy try looking on the police web site, im sure theres plenty on there to help you out.

[fiery]

Try this website (it is the QLD Police one)
http://www.police.qld.gov.au/join/

All information pretty much is there.. There is a course that Tafe run to help those of you that wish to join the force (you have to do 200hours I think from memory)....

It is hard to get into the Queensland service simply because there are so many trying to get in..

I have been told by some of the guys that I did the course with (no, I didn't do it to join the service, I did the complete diploma so I could then go on to get my Bachelors) that they have since applied for different areas.. Some have applied in WA others in NT... apparently much easier and quicker..

Good luck with it all.. just remember one thing that has been told to me over and over by friends who have had family join ....
The person who is joining must remember to pick up their personality as they are leaving the academy... If you don't pick it up you will not have one...

Cheers
Kerri

[jimmy_c]

Thanks guys.

I have just gone through the whole Federal process just need to get my Typing Certificate, 100mtrs swimming and first aid cert.

Then comes the tests .


Although i am happy because i may be just about to pick up a fairmont ghia.

I drove a Ghia and XR8 back to back and the Ghia is nicer to drive.

[Shonky]

Jimmy, I am assuming you are a resident of ACT?

Regarding your first aid course... Contact St John Ambulance Australia.

St John Ambulance (ACT): http://www.stjohnact.com.au/Training.html
St John Ambulance (NSW): http://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/

Deadset the best first aid training provider in the country.

[Captain Stubing]

I heard a rumour in the last month, that they may be trying to increase the recruit intake level in the next 12 months in Qld, following NSW's lead {apparently}.

If that is the case, the standards for acceptance may have been relaxed.

Joining any police service can give you a wide option for applying your skills, from the hated ticket writer, the dog handler, electronics expert, detectives, forensics, community support...

and, as with any job, you can always quit if you don't like it!

[rag top]

What about the other arm of the AFP - the AFP Protective Services?

[JAJH]

Originally Posted by jimmy_c

I am looking at a career change from being a high level computing support person in a fairly safe and sedate job :

But the boredem is killing me and I have always wanted to know what it was like to be a police officer.

I have a few friends from when i lived in QLD joining up (or trying to) they are into the 2nd phase of testing.

I mentioned my expressions of interest to my parents, qld friends and my gf, they seem to think i have the right nature for it and will support me if I decide to go through with an application.

Does anyone have any thoughts or views on the subject?

Mate, I don't know your age or marital stautus, but the Police Force has the highest rate of suicide, alcoholism and divorce rate of all professions. I spent several years in the Vic Police, the first 2 didn't get me but the 3rd did. In all seriousness, depending on what field you want to get into, the police force can offer some fantastic opportunities and you will make lifelong friends/colleagues. I would recommend if you are young, unmarried and willing to commit yourself to a career with great prospects, it would be something well worth while. It was never something I wanted to do for 35 years, it was simply a path I took for several years, but each to their own!

[XR Martin]

Just remember with the AFP you can be posted anywhere, including Timor, Africa and other undesirable areas (like the ACT : )

[Shonky]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Just remember with the AFP you can be posted anywhere, including Timor, Africa and other undesirable areas (like the ACT : )

THATS GOLD!

[promina]

Originally Posted by JAJH

but the Police Force has the highest rate of suicide

can you explain this? is it from the things they see ? or the pressures they are under ?

[JAJH]

Originally Posted by promina

can you explain this? is it from the things they see ? or the pressures they are under ?

A bit of both. As a police officer, you tend to see lots of things the average person wouldn't see in a lifetime, so it does affect some more than others and can lead to the grog or taking things out on your partner.

[Agent86]

Originally Posted by promina

can you explain this? is it from the things they see ? or the pressures they are under ?

can you imagine scraping up people after fatalities on the roads?

how about children?

then having to visit the family in the middle of the night to break the news?

the suicides...

the domestic violence.

ETC ETC.

its not an easy career path, but if your cut out for it, it can be rewarding at times..

we have family friends who are police.. the whole family are...

look into it, follow what you feel you will be happy with, but always remember, its not worth making yourself miserable for ANY job. there are so many opportunities that there is no need to..

Good luck