Joining Queensland Police Service with New Zealand policing experience

Duration: 4:09 678 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

The speaker explains their decision to join the Queensland Police Service (QPS) from New Zealand, highlighting several key factors that made this move appealing. Among these were positive recommendations from friends and colleagues who had already relocated to Southeast Queensland, an attractive remuneration package, and affordable housing options. The region's nickname, "the Sunshine State," reflects its pleasant climate, which has been a welcome change since arriving. A significant part of the transition involved joining the Pace program, specifically designed to recruit experienced officers from other jurisdictions by providing them with comprehensive training at the QPS Academy over a period of 20 weeks. This intensive course covers local policies, procedures, and legal systems; however, because New Zealand legislation is quite similar, the speaker found the adaptation process relatively smooth thanks to knowledgeable instructors who facilitated an easy transition. Upon completing the academy, new officers enter the first-year constable program alongside those entering policing for the first time in Queensland. The Pace initiative offers substantial support during this initial phase, including a $20,000 relocation package split into two payments: one upon graduation from the academy and another after successfully completing 12 months of operational service. During the critical first two months on duty, known as the mentor phase, officers are paired with Field Training Officers (FTOs) to ensure consistent guidance and a strong support network. Furthermore, regular meetings every two months with an Education Training Officer allow for ongoing progress reviews and assistance in overcoming challenges. This structured approach means that Pace officers often complete their first-year program faster than standard recruits, typically finishing within four to six months while still receiving the same high level of dedication and care as new constables. The speaker also emphasizes how much they have appreciated the leadership culture at Oxenford and across the Queensland Police Service overall. From day one, there has been a strong sense that their skills, knowledge, and experience are valued rather than taken for granted. A notable example was meeting Assistant Commissioner Morris early in their tenure, who took time to understand their background as an ex-senior sergeant from New Zealand. Throughout their first year, senior staff such as inspectors and sergeants have actively sought the speaker's input and advice, creating a positive environment that has helped them settle quickly into life in Queensland. This welcoming attitude extends beyond just professional respect; it fosters a sense of belonging where international experience is recognized as an asset rather than a hurdle to overcome. Ultimately, the speaker expresses deep admiration for both their home country's policing standards and the quality of officers produced by New Zealand Police. They believe that QPS leadership recognizes this high standard and actively seeks out top-tier talent like Kiwis who are eager to contribute to the Queensland community. The combination of financial security offered through competitive pay packages, a supportive mentorship structure, and an inclusive organizational culture has made the relocation experience perfect so far. Looking ahead, there is excitement about continuing a career in policing that they love while enjoying the benefits of living in a sunny state with family and friends only a short flight away. The speaker concludes by noting it makes sense why Queensland Police want more officers from New Zealand given their shared values and professional excellence.

Read the full video transcript

Yes, so when I was looking at opportunities in Australia, I looked at all the jurisdictions and Queensland really stood out to me for a number of reasons. Firstly, I knew people who had already joined the Queensland police and had positive things to say about living in Southeast Queensland. The remuneration package was very attractive and also affordability housing also played a big role. And those were the main sort of factors in my decision to to jump across the ditch. It's been perfect. It's called the Sunshine State for a reason. I've been issued a a jumper part of my uniform. It's still in the plastic bag. I haven't used it once. And the great thing about being in Queensland is family and friends are only a short flight away. Yeah, the pace program is a program designed to attract and bring experienced police officers from other jurisdictions to Queensland. So you spend it's 20 weeks at the Queensland Police Service Academy. And those 20 weeks are really used to train you up in the Queensland Police's policies and procedures and the legal system and law. Coming from New Zealand, legislation is very similar. So the transition was made really simple with the help of really knowledgeable instructors at the academy. Pace officers are eligible for the $20,000 relocation package. That consists of two $10,000 payments. So upon graduating the QPS Academy, you receive your first 10,000 and at the completion of your first 12 months of operational service, you get the second 10,000. Upon graduating the academy, pace officers will enter the first year constable program and this is the same program that actual first year constables who are new to policing enter as well. What really impressed me about uh program was the support that pace officers receive. Uh you're not expected to know everything uh from day one. The first 2 months uh are what we call the mentor phase. And that includes working with uh two FTOs uh a roster at a time. So, you really get that dedicated support and consistency uh in your first uh 2 months with the Queensland Police on the road. Uh then you meet with the education training officer every 2 months, and they discuss your progress, uh talk about any challenges you're facing, uh and basically assist you to get uh to the end of the program. With pace officers, we also have the option of exiting the first year program early. Uh on average, pace officers spend anywhere between uh 4 to 6 months uh to get through that program. Uh while salary uh isn't the only uh factor in my decision, it does play a big role, and it does offer me uh financial security um while continuing to uh be involved in a career that I love. You have been really impressed with uh the leadership uh at Oxenford and the Queensland Police overall. Um from day one uh at the academy through to my first uh 12 months in here in Queensland, uh my skills, knowledge, and experience um has been really valued by the Queensland Police. I was fortunate enough to meet with Assistant Commissioner Morris in my first week uh at Oxenford, and he took the time to talk to me and get to know me, uh and was really interested in my background, especially coming uh over as a ex-senior sergeant. Uh and the way the uh inspectors, senior sergeants, and shift sergeants really value uh my input. They ask questions, uh they take advice on board. It's been really positive, and I think that's contributed to helping me settle uh here in Queensland so quickly. And I truly believe that New Zealand Police uh do produce some of the the best police officers in the world, and what's exciting for me at the moment is Queensland Police have identified that. They want the best and they're not afraid to go after that for the Queensland community. I can see why the Queensland Police want more Kiwis here.