Training at the Academy
If your application to join the WA Police Force is successful, you'll be offered a 13-week transitional training course at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup.
Complete the Transitional Course
If your application is successful, you'll undertake a short 13-week transitional course at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup. Please note that transitional courses are limited.
Contact our Recruiting team for specific information relating to your individual circumstances.
Who has to Complete the Transitional Training?
Successful applicants who are currently Police Officers or have experience serving as a Police Officer within the last 18-months, have completed probation, have a minimum of two years and eight months of service from the below jurisdictions have to complete the transitional training course.
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Australian Federal Police (excluding Protective Services)
Get Paid to Train
Officers completing their Transitional training at the WA Police Academy are paid throughout the 13-week period.
After Graduation, Police Officers receive annual incremental pay increases as service and experience continues.
What you'll learn
Our experienced Academy Trainers will be with you every step of the way, encouraging, supporting, and guiding you through your retraining.
Training modules will take place in lecture theatres, classrooms, inside the gym and outside locations. You'll learn about policing policies, procedures and legal power in Western Australia, so you're ready to take on your new beat.
Police Studies
Operational, Safety & Tactics Training
Legal Studies
Driver Training
Scenario Training
Physical Training
Finding the Academy
The WA Police Academy is located 30km from Perth CBD in the northern suburb of Joondalup. Limited parking is available on site and in the surrounding areas.
It's a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride from the Joondalup Train Station. To find the best route to the WA Police Academy via public transport, use the Transperth Journey Planner.
Your questions answered
When does training commence and what does the 13-week training program include?
It is expected successful applicants are available to commence as soon as possible after visa approval. Specific commencement dates will be discussed with successful applicants.
During your transition course, you will be provided orientation and training in all aspects of policing in WA including:
- Officer Safety & Tactics Training
- Driver Training
- IT Applications
- Prosecution and court file preparation
- Applied procedures including station procedures, custody, duty of care, dealing with drugs, firearms, bail, coronial enquiries, family violence, etc
- Physical Training and Empty Hand Training
- Forensics and fingerprinting
- Ethics, Diversity, Aboriginal and Cultural Awareness Training
- Legal procedures including giving evidence, powers of search & arrest, assaults, drugs, weapons, sex offences, stealing, burglary, damage, etc
- Investigations including suspect/witness interviewing, completing crime files and completing witness statements
- Effective communications
- First-Aid
Should I research or study anything prior to starting at the WA Police Academy?
There are no expectations to have prior knowledge or a level of understanding of any specific topics before you start training. Everyone will start at the same level, covering the same topics.
Can I study externally while I'm at the WA Police Academy?
We suggest holding off on any study commitments until you have finished your academy training. Once you become a Police Officer there are many additional opportunities for development and study.
Am I allowed to have secondary employment?
Yes. However, approval will be given only if it maintains the integrity of the the WA Police Force, operational capabilities and workplace safety plus avoids any real or perceived conflict of interest with police duties and responsibilities. Applications for certain occupations that are considered 'high risk' will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
Is time off allowed while undertaking training at the Academy?
Due to the rigorous training program, it is not possible to take time off during your training at the WA Police Academy.
It is expected during the training period that recruits do not take any personal leave, unless otherwise approved.
