Estonian police launch campaign to hire people from other walks of life

TALLINN - In a recruitment campaign lasting from Monday to Jan. 22, the Estonian police force is looking for people working in other professions who are willing to change their careers and start working as patrol officers.

The new police officers will primarily be employed in East-Viru County, but staff is needed also elsewhere in Estonia.

"We are looking for people who are expecting new challenges from life and who are ready to test themselves in a new profession. Perhaps you wanted to become a police officer when you were a child and are now ready to make your dream come true?" the message from the Police and Border Guard Board reads.

The candidates do not need to have police training.

"If you join the police force, you will be trained to be a police officer on the job, and we will pay you a salary while you are on the training program. The training takes place in the form of distance learning at the Police and Border Guard College of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences in Tallinn, Paikuse, and Narva -- the location depends on the schedule of training and the items being taught. Students will be provided with free accommodation and travel expenses will be reimbursed if the place of work is different from the place of study," the announcement says.

The aim is to recruit up to 25 patrol officers, who will start working mainly in Jõhvi and Narva, but also in Haapsalu, Paide, Rapla and Tallinn.

Eligible candidates must be Estonian citizens, be fluent in Estonian at the C1 level, undergo background vetting and a medical examination, pass physical tests and meet the professional suitability requirements of a police officer. More detailed application conditions depend on the position sought.

Those applying for the position of patrol officer must have at least two years of work experience in any field; secondary education with experience supporting entry into the police profession, such as experience as an assistant police officer or member of the Kaitseliit (Defense League) volunteer corps, or vocational or higher education. Category B driver's license is also required.

The training will begin on April 7.

The salary of a patrol officer in Harju and East-Viru counties is 2,050 euros a month and in other regions 1,850 euros a month gross. Extras are paid for on-call time, work during night hours and on public holidays.