Brit Cops Down Under: Where Are They Now? - Maggie

When audiences last saw Maggie Hamilton on Brit Cops Down Under, she was settling into life at Perth Police Station, and into life in Australia, as her probationary period came to an end.

Since then, Maggie’s policing career has seen her travel throughout Western Australia. Currently stationed at Mirrabooka Police Station, Maggie works as a Patrol Inquiry Officer at the Senior Constable rank.

Making the Move

When the opportunity to move to Western Australia and continue to pursue a career in policing first came up, Maggie admits she was slow on the uptake. An elderly dog held her back from making the leap – and it was the grief of losing him that pushed her to take the next step.

“I was so pleased each time I ‘achieved’ a part of the process and was on to the next,” she said. “It was exciting even though I tried not to get ahead of myself.”

It was her adaptability and independence that helped Maggie find her feet as she transitioned into life in Western Australia, carving her own path. The arrival of fan-favourite pooch, Ruby, and finding non-temporary accommodation helped her to put down roots and settle into life on the other side of the world.

“I started with the mindset of ‘I live here now’, and although each day at the start had it’s ‘pinch me’ moments, I just got on with it.”

While it was difficult, Maggie shared, not being able to spend time with her friends in Scotland, and she misses having them close by, it was easier than expected to make friends and grow her life in Australia – whether it was joining a new martial arts club or sourcing a butcher.

“I am so pleased to have a good friend from the WA Police Academy, a good friend from my first team [in the WA Police Force] and a random friend I just happened to befriend on a night out!”

Thriving in Western Australia

Life in Western Australia has been busy for Maggie, with Regional Shield deployments seeing her stationed at 5 different stations since her time on Brit Cops Down Under.

“My career is a busy one and continues to be very transient,” she said. “I didn’t think I would like all the change and movement, but I am actually embracing it.”

Consistently stepping outside her comfort zone has seen her grow in confidence in her new home, sharing that while she was initially just glad to graduate and get her boots back on the ground, the more service and procedures completed, the more policing in Western Australia has begun to feel like the norm.

“I feel a lot happier overall in Australia,” Maggie shared, attributing the change to do with the sunshine, in a lot higher abundance than in her home country of Scotland. “I think it is an incredible mood booster which just makes everything better.”

Jokingly, she added that Australian slang has become the norm for her, too – much to the judgement of those back home.

While policing in Western Australia is different from policing in Scotland, Maggie shared that she would, “... would 100% recommend the move.”

“Forget everything you learned in Strathclyde Police [or Police Scotland] because it’s not the same!” she remarked, referencing the trials of learning of WA Police Force’s procedures after 15 years of policing in Scotland.

As for advice she’d give to those from back in the United Kingdom and Ireland looking to make the jump?

“I would advise that you really need to seriously consider the implications of leaving your family and friends behind.”

That, and, to pack your winter gear – “… My only regret is not packing my thicker duvet and fluffy blanket thinking I’d not need them. I have well and truly acclimatised now, and winter there was actually cold. I am an embarrassment to Scotland!”

The Let’s Join Forces team would like to send our deepest condolences to Maggie on the loss of her dog, Ruby. From stealing the spotlight on Brit Cops Down Under to helping transition to life in the West – she will be missed.