Chris Iliff, a former UK Chief Inspector, shares his experiences transitioning to life and work as a probationary constable in South Australia.

He discusses the warm welcome from SAPOL, the challenges and adjustments his family faced, and the differences in policing culture between the UK and Australia.

Chris highlights the positive public perception of police in South Australia and reflects on the rewarding aspects of his new role.

Takeaways

• SAPOL provided exceptional support during the transition.
• The family felt welcomed and quickly adapted to their new life.
• Chris’s children made friends easily, easing the transition.
• The Australian school system offered opportunities not available in the UK.
• Chris’s wife found work quickly, enhancing family stability.
• The policing culture in Australia differs significantly from the UK.
• Public respect for police in South Australia is notably high.
• Chris felt a strong sense of belonging in his new team.
• The transition from academy to real-life policing was smooth.
• Chris appreciates the diversity and excitement of street policing.

UK Police officers who are considering a new job down under – complete with a great salary, competitive benefits and warmer climate – can find out more about policing in South Australia at an exciting new roadshow coming to the UK next month.

The Move to South Australia UK Roadshow takes place in London, Newport, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, where South Australia Police (SAPOL) will host sessions showcasing the career and lifestyle opportunities available to experienced police officers in South Australia.

As well as hearing about the ins and outs of relocation, postings, roles and benefits, officers will have the opportunity to meet with Brits who have already made the move, to gain an insight into what life in South Australia is really like.

One of those Brits is Inspector John Henderson, who left Northumbria Police to join SAPOL in 2012, motivated by the lifestyle, climate and a desire to raise a family in Australia. After a period of adjustment, John found real camaraderie with his new SAPOL colleagues, who helped him settle in. John said: “I can confidently say it’s the best decision I’ve made for my career and family. Since joining SAPOL, my career has taken me across various roles in metropolitan and regional areas.

A highlight has been the time I spent in Port Lincoln – a regional seaside city on the Eyre Peninsula. From the welcoming community, to living five minutes away from the beach, regional policing was a truly rewarding experience.” Now settled near the Barossa (South Australia’s famous wine region) with his wife and two children, John encourages others considering the leap to “stop hesitating and sign up” – highlighting the blend of metropolitan and regional living, the living space, the lifestyle, and the supportive policing environment. He said: “I am excited to be part of a team travelling across the UK this October to meet with experienced police officers.I strongly encourage any officer considering the move to register for one of the sessions.”

The South Australia roadshow will take place on the following dates, with two sessions each day:

● London, Saturday 11th October (sessions begin at 9:30am and 12:30pm), Pan Pacific Hotel

● Newport, Sunday 12th October (sessions begin at 12:30pm and 3pm), ICC Wales

● Birmingham, Tuesday 14th October (sessions begin at 12:30pm and 5:30pm), Eastside Rooms

● Manchester, Thursday 16th October (sessions begin at 12:30pm and 5:30pm), The Stoller Hall

● Glasgow, Saturday 18th October (sessions begin at 9:30am and 12:30pm), The Studio

Successful UK and Irish applicants, who need a minimum of three years’ continuous experience in the past five years (not including their training period), will take part in a 15-week condensed training course before being deployed operationally. Officers receive a competitive salary during their training period, and will earn between $109,724 to $119,244 AUD upon permanent appointment; they also receive a 12% superannuation contribution. They get six weeks’ annual leave, up to 12 programmed days off per year, and up to two years’ parental leave, of which up to 20 weeks is paid. SAPOL police officers also get access to subsidised gym memberships and subsidised housing and relocation support for regional postings. SAPOL will reimburse successful UK recruits the costs associated with obtaining a permanent visa for themselves and their families.

For more information and to register your interest, visit www.movetosouthaustralia.com

We have launched a YouTube channel where you can also view our videos – just click here and please like and subscribe PTV Youtube