The Everyday Lives of WA Police Recruits

We spoke to two budding cops about the process.

This article is presented in partnership with WA Police Force.

Yeah, we’ve all seen the gritty training sequences in movies, but what is it actually like?

We sat down with 23-year-old WA Police Force Recruits Tia Flynn and Sam Drew to take us through their lives in the WA Police Academy, from the fun and camaraderie to the hard yards. 

“I always looked up to police officers as a kid,” Tia said. “It’s always been a bit of a dream of mine.”

The WA Police Academy is a 28-week training program where recruits will be placed in a 30-person squad and learn everything there is to know about policing, including legal studies, driving courses, investigative scenarios and physical training.

It’ll be a mix of theory and practical learning that will provide you with the tools you need to become an effective police officer.

Unlike some other job-training courses, as a police recruit, you’ll actually be paid a full-time wage during your course so you can fully focus on becoming a top cop.

Sam said the application process was “very straightforward” and involved an online application form and then a series of interviews and tests before he and his peers were admitted to the academy.

So far, Sam and Tia said the program has been really rewarding.

“It’s been awesome fun,” Tia said. “I’m just learning something new every day.”

“The training is full on, but it’s just the best fun ever.”

Sam said the process of learning all the different parts of policing has kept every day interesting.

“Everyone starts off with legal training,” he said. “Learning your laws, your powers and what you can do.”

He said they then go into physical training, including drills and marching.

Overall, both Tia and Sam said one of the best, but most unexpected parts of the course is the ability to make new mates and work as a team.

“Teamwork is just really drilled down hard on you about that sort of thing and it's great. I didn't expect that to be such a big core part of everything,” Sam said.

“Every day is just fun, getting to work with a great group of people,” Tia agreed.

As a highlight, Tia said her favourite aspects of the course have been the weapons training, and getting to investigate scenarios acted out by real actors.

Although Tia knew it wasn’t all easy.

“I kind of tasered myself,” she laughed.

The police academy can be challenging, they said, but so rewarding at the same time.

“They take in people from all walks of life, different ages and different backgrounds, it’s definitely something to have a crack at,” Sam said.   

“Just do it,” Tia said. “If you want to challenge yourself, 100 per cent do it.”

Want to learn more? Head to the WA Police website to find out more and apply today.

Header image: WA Police Force Recruits Tia Flynn and Sam Drew. Image: WA Police Force.