Rejoin Recruitment

In late 2021, Police introduced a change in the Rejoin Appointment Policy that involves the recruitment of Rejoins from an EOI-driven process to be a vacancy-based and merit-driven process. This new approach is designed to meet our evolving organisational needs.

Previously, potential Rejoin candidates who successfully completed the selection process often experienced long wait times to be offered a role.  Also, the process was somewhat driven by individuals expressing interest in rejoining which may not be reflective of the organisational recruitment needs.

By moving to a vacancy and merit-based approach, Police can select the best person for a vacancy. There is now a clear and structured process which is more reflective of current organisational and District requirements and provides more certainty around the likelihood of getting a job offer.

The Recruitment team now uses a ‘Registration of Interest’ database for those interested in returning to Police. This makes it easy for potential Rejoins to be emailed approved constabulary vacancies for which Rejoins may apply.

If you’re not on this database, you won’t be notified of vacancies open for Rejoin applicants.

From time to time, we may also invite potential Rejoins to apply for roles which are outside of standard sworn permanent positions.  These could be either non-sworn, project-based and/or fixed-term roles.

A potential Rejoin must complete the ‘Registration of Interest’ and be on the database.  Following this step, the Recruitment team will discuss a candidate’s intention to return to Police with his/her previous District to review a candidate’s suitability to return to policing. 

This process will include Recruitment talking to various representatives within District, including the District Commander, HR Manager and previous supervisors.  

Districts will support those Rejoin candidates who demonstrated exceptional performance whilst serving as a Police Officer, and whom they consider will add further value to the organisation if rehired. 

District senior leaders are not obligated to support a candidate’s application.  If applicants are not supported by their previous District, then Recruitment staff can arrange for District representatives to discuss directly with candidates the reasons why.

It’s important to understand that Rejoin applicants must obtain their previous District’s support to be considered as an applicant for a vacancy.

In order to be rehired under the new Rejoin process, applicants need to have successfully completed:

• the application process,
• have been appointed to a position and commenced work for Police prior to the five-year anniversary of their previous cessation of employment.

Former Police Officers who wish to rejoin and are outside of the timeframe may be eligible to reapply as a recruit - provided previous District support is obtained. 

Those wanting to return as a recruit will need to complete the full recruit selection process.  If successful, candidates are required to complete the 20-week Initial Training Course at the Royal New Zealand Police College. 

However, occasionally, on a case by case basis, the relevant Assistant Commissioner can exercise discretion and apply the Rejoining Police policy to those who are slightly outside the timeframe.

No.

As the Police moves to a vacancy-based approach, Probationary Constables may not be suited for the positions advertised to Rejoins due to the limitations of not completing their Career Foundation Initial Training.

We invite probationary officers to register their interest in rejoining however probationary officers need to be aware that they may find it challenging to be shortlisted for vacancies as they may not meet the requirements of the role.

A former Police Officer who wishes to rejoin and did not obtain a permanent appointment may be eligible to reapply as a Recruit - provided District support for the appointment is obtained.

I heard about a couple of vacancies coming up in my preferred workgroup, can I apply for these?

Not all constabulary positions will be open for Rejoins to apply for.  Vacancies must be approved by the organisation as being suitable for Rejoins to apply.  To receive notifications of when vacancies are open for Rejoins to apply,  please register your interest.

A vacancy open for Rejoin applicants is required to be approved at a District Commander / Director-level; or in some circumstances, the relevant Assistant Commissioner / Executive Director.

Generally, a Nationally Advertised Vacancy (NAV) process will need to be completed before a Rejoin selection process can commence.

Once the vacancy has been approved for Rejoin candidates, those who have registered their interest will be emailed a link inviting them to submit an application.

Rejoin applicants are not limited to any particular level. Successful applicants will be appointed to the rank that is required for the role. 

For example:

• If you resigned as a Sergeant and the role you apply for is a PST Constable, you will be appointed as Constable.
• If you resigned as a Detective and the role you apply for is a Detective, you will be appointed as a Detective

Please contact us for guidance before registering your interest. 

Generally, if an applicant’s previous District has advised that they do not support their return, this decision will be upheld. 

Rejoin candidates need to wait for a Rejoin-approved vacancy to come up before applying for a role.  There is no set timeframe once applicants have registered their interest in returning to the Police and the roles becoming available.

Those eventually selected as the preferred applicant for a Rejoin-approved vacancy, need to keep in mind that it may still take some time to complete the requirements of the selection process. 

No, these are no longer requirements of the process.