Q) Is the Retired and Former Police Association (RFPA) the same organisation as the Police Association of NSW (PANSW)?

A) No. The RFPA and the PANSW are two separate and independent organisations. The PANSW is the industrial union which represents serving NSW Police Officers whereas the RFPA is a social organisation which represents retired and former NSW Police Officers including former sworn NSW Police Officers, former sworn Police Officers from any Police Force and, Associates who were not sworn Police Officers.

Q) What are the Categories of Membership?

A) Full Membership is available to retired or former members of the NSW Police Force (Service) who have disengaged by whatever formal process as having performed honourable service.

Associate Membership is available to any widow, widower, spouse or partner of a Full Member, or a former police officer from another recognised force, or unsworn former police employee who has disengaged after honourable service, or any other suitable person nominated by two full Members and whose interaction with the RFPA would be valued.

Q) Why does the RFPA require an annual fee for membership?

A) We require payment to cover Membership costs, including Member ID card issue, Gazette production and delivery, and the financing of Branch and general Membership activities and providing at-cost merchandise. This also covers approved costs of office maintenance and secretarial services, web hosting, communications and Committee of Management business activities. We operate as a Tier 2 Incorporated Association under the Fair Trading Act No 68 of 1987 as amended and hold professional indemnity insurance for nominated office-bearers acting in good faith and in compliance with the governing legislation. Committee of Management and local Branch officials are all VOLUNTEERS.

Q) Do I have to belong to a Branch?

A) Upon joining the RFPA you can nominate to be attached to one of the 27 Branches throughout the State. Being attached to a branch doesn’t mean you have to attend branch meetings or be involved with the activities of a branch.

However, being attached to a branch will ensure that you will be informed of Branch and RFPA activities and announcements which may affect you. The branch may add your email to their mailing list so that, like other members, you can be kept up to date with RFPA social and other activities.

Normally members nominate to be attached to their closest branch to where they live but, they can also nominate to be attached to any of the 27 State-Wide branches if it is more convenient.

You can change the branch you are attached to at any time, and for any reason, by completing a Branch Transfer Form on this website under RFPA Forms.