Adapting to a life in Policing
Joining the Western Australia Police Force isn't just a career choice, it is a lifestyle change. There are a number of support systems and programs that can assist you throughout your journey in policing.
The WA Police Force offers structured rosters, flexible leave and wellbeing support to help you stay balanced and resilient, on and off duty.
Work Hours
Officers are rostered on to shifts depending on availability and coverage, as determined by senior officers, and may be asked to work recall shifts or overtime. Rosters will often see officers work in blocks covering 40 hours, before having multiple days rostered off.
Shifts will cover days, afternoons and nights, which includes working overnight. Additionally, officers will be expected to work on public holidays and weekends, if rostered. Officers receive penalty rates for some shifts, depending on time of day.
Annual Leave
Police Officers are entitled to six weeks of paid annual leave, in addition to other leave, including sick leave, carers leave, rest days, cultural leave, military leave and bereavement leave.
Recruits are discouraged from taking annual leave throughout their training at the WA Police Academy to ensure they receive the best training to graduate on time.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources
At the WA Police Force, the safety and wellbeing of our people is our number one priority. We understand that even the most resilient people can be affected by stress, trauma and challenging situations, at work or at home. We provide ongoing support, tools and resources to ensure the physical, psychological and spiritual safety of our workforce.
- The Western Australia Police Force Psychology Unit exists to provide psychological care to better the wellbeing and mental health of the entire Western Australia Police Force. The Psychology Unit are employed by the WA Police Force to provide specialist clinical support and treatment to employees, as well as provide 24/7 crisis and critical incident response.
- Peer Support Officers provide confidential support to other Officers, and help employees seek the appropriate assistance. They are not counsellors or psychologists, but provide support and advice from a familiar face, who understand the experiences of other Officers.
- Police Chaplains contribute to the spiritual health and wellbeing of WA Police Force personnel. They provide Officers with spiritual care, pastoral counselling, and critical incident support, as well as support services for personal, family and work-related issues.
Support Services
WA Police Legacy
The WA Police Union represents more than 7,000 Members, including Police Officers, Police Auxiliary Officers and Police Cadets across the State, advocating for their best interests in the workplace. WA Police Union assists Members by providing a range of services including industrial, legal and welfare.
WA Police Union
The WA Police Union represents more than 7,000 Members, including Police Officers, Police Auxiliary Officers and Police Cadets across the State, advocating for their best interests in the workplace. WA Police Union assists Members by providing a range of services including industrial, legal and welfare.
Fortem Australia
Fortem Australia is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of First Responders and their families, through social connection, clinical support, career management and disaster resilience.
WA Police Sports Federation
WAPSF is host to 10 club teams, including AFL, Bowling and Triathlon. Aiming to enhance the physical health and fitness of all members of the WA Police Force community, over 2,000 members are part of the WAPSF’s various sporting teams.
Joining the WA Police Force, you’ll have the opportunity to explore our beautiful state and meet some great people along the way – all while being paid and advancing your career.
Kick start your Policing journey with 28-weeks paid training and a competitive salary. After Graduation, Police Officers receive annual incremental pay increases as service and experience continues.
From new locations to new vocations, the variety of the WA Police Force will ensure an exciting journey. Beginning on the frontlines as a Patrol Inquiry Officer, your career can take any direction.
Your Questions Answered
What does shift work look like?
Officers work in shifts, including day shift, evening shift and night shift. These shifts are usually in 10-hour blocks.
Will I work five days a week?
Police officers will be scheduled on to work throughout all 7-days of the week, however, will not work all 7-days. Schedules are based on what is needed in that area, and can include day, afternoon or night shifts.
How many hours a week will I work?
Police officers are expected to work 40-hours per week. However, that does not include overtime or recall shifts.
How much annual leave will I get?
Police Officers are entitled to six weeks of paid annual leave. Plus you’ll have access to other leave including sick leave, carers leave, rest days, cultural leave, military leave and bereavement leave.
Do parents have flexible working hours?
Any flexible working arrangements are dependent on your role, location, resourcing and organisational needs at the time.
How will maternity leave affect my career progression?
As an equal opportunity employer, we understand the value of a diverse workforce and the importance of supporting female employees that take maternity leave, and in the time leading up to it.
We offer 14-weeks paid maternity leave (to the main carer) which won't impact career progression, your opportunities to apply for promotions or changing career paths. We value our people and strive to create an inclusive, supportive workplace for all employees.
Can I talk to my family and friends about what I may experience at the WA Police Academy or on the job?
It is expected that any information that is confidential, or that could compromise the integrity of the WA Police Force, is not shared with civilians, including family and friends.