For recently appointed probationary constables, the first eighteen months of their careers with the Western Australia Police Force will put them amongst the community, being exposed to everything from traffic operations to regional deployment, to general duties.
Taking the first steps in their careers, the experienced gained following graduation helps officers develop a broad range of skills and experiences they can apply to specialised roles later on in their career.
For police officers, no two days are the same, and that begins from the first day on the beat.
Directly out of the Academy, some probationary constables choose to make the trip into Western Australia’s regional areas, stationed out amongst the bush and red dirt. The Western Australia Police Force covers the world’s largest geographical policing jurisdiction, taking in 2.5 million square kilometres with more than 150 police stations across eight metropolitan and seven regional districts.
It’s not your usual beat, for officers stationed in Regional WA, with some of the state’s most amazing landscapes right outside their door. Completing general duties, Regional Officers live and serve diverse communities, ensuring public safety and engaging in vital investigations.
But there’s additional benefit too, for those who take the leap into regional work: free or subsidised rent in designated locations, excellent employment prospects, and assistance with moving, to name a few.
Officers assigned to Breath and Drug Operations will find themselves on the front lines of Traffic Enforcement, providing a visible, reassuring presence in the community as vital eyes and ears on the road. In their identifiable “Booze Bus”, Breath and Drug Operations are often seen throughout the Metropolitan area, dealing with the enforcement of drink and drug driving laws, as well as phone usage, authority to drive and current registrations.
Keeping the roads safe from harm caused by drink or drug driving, Breath and Drug Operations play an important role in the enforcement of traffic law, giving probationary constables first-hand experience building their community engagement skills through direct daily contact with the public.
Day 1 on the job in General Duties could throw anything in the path of a probationary constable, from resolving street disorders, to attending critical incidents and emergencies, to intervening in family or domestic violence. As Patrol Inquiry Officers, they are the first responders who arrive in times of need, responding to calls from the WA community.
Beyond the beat, general duties can include community engagement, helping to build positive relationships with the community. This can include visiting schools and interacting with kids, to participating in operations at major sporting events.
As probationary constables in general duties positions, officers develop a broad range of skills and experiences they can apply to specialised roles later on in their career.
At WA Police Force, your role as a probationary constable is just the beginning. We believe if you're given the right tools to keep learning, you'll be better placed to seize more opportunities and advance yourself - both personally and professionally.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Begin your application today.