This article is part of a recurring series catching up with the cast of Brit Cops Down Under (West Coast Cops).
Patrolling the Wheatbelt
When Jay Khan appeared on Brit Cops Down Under, he was in the early stages of adapting to a new policing system, a new country and a new way of life. Several years later, that transition is complete, and Jay now describes Western Australian policing as simply “normal”.
Jay is currently based at Southern Cross Police Station, where he has spent more than 14 months policing across the Wheatbelt. Now working at Senior Constable rank, he says regional policing has been a positive and fulfilling experience, particularly when it comes to community engagement.
“I’ve really been enjoying country policing and engaging with local communities,” Jay says. “At present, I’m happy staying in general duties. Ask me again in a couple of years and I might consider Sergeant.”
Life in regional WA has brought changes beyond the job itself. One of the most noticeable differences since arriving has been adapting to the climate. While many people associate Western Australia with consistent warmth, Jay quickly learned that the Wheatbelt delivers both extremes.
“Hot summers here take some getting used to,” he says. “But the winter months can be very cold as well. In the Wheatbelt it can drop to minus four degrees on some days. That’s probably been the biggest change, getting used to both extremes, but no complaints.”
From a professional perspective, the biggest adjustment came with learning new systems and operating within a very different custody framework. Jay admits that some aspects of WA policing initially came as a surprise.
“The biggest surprise was getting used to new systems and not having a custody Sergeant,” he explains. “I still find it surprising that we only detain for six hours here, compared to 24 hours in England.”
Over time, however, those differences have become second nature. Jay says that after several years in WA, UK policing feels increasingly distant.
“It feels normal now,” he says. “I’ve started to forget UK policing. WA has become the norm.”
Settling in with the help of community
Settling into Australian life was not without challenges. Jay describes finding a suitable rental property as the hardest part of relocating, something he had not expected before arriving.
“Finding a nice rental property was the hardest task when I arrived,” he says. “I didn’t realise how difficult it would be.”
What came much more easily was building connections. Jay speaks highly of the support he received from WA Police colleagues and the wider community, particularly the local mosque community, which played a key role in helping him and his family settle.
“I had a lot of help from WA locals and the mosque community,” he says. “I got to know some really amazing people who went out of their way to help and guide me at the start. I can’t thank them enough.”
Looking back, Jay is able to laugh about the early stages of his transition. Asked what advice he would give himself before starting training, his answer is characteristically honest.
“Maybe read more about the Criminal Investigation Act,” he says. “And do more running.”
Despite the challenges, Jay has no hesitation in recommending the move to other international officers. For him and his family, relocating to Western Australia was a clear success.
“It was definitely the best move me and my family made,” he says. “I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a new adventure and a new experience.”
Jay believes WA policing suits people who are open to change and ready to start a new life in a warmer climate. Reflecting on his time in the UK, the contrast is clear.
“When I think back to life in the UK, rain, snow and traffic come to mind,” he says. “Cold days and long shifts at the police station.”
While he still misses family and friends, regular visits back to the UK every couple of years help maintain those connections. For Jay Khan, the move to Western Australia has delivered professional satisfaction, community connection and a lifestyle that feels right.