A former Victorian police officer, automotive office manager, and competitive dance instructor are among the 16 Course 73 members to graduate today from the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Academy.
Ranging in age from 19 to 40, eight men and eight women are eager to hit the road and bring diverse backgrounds to policing, including Italian and Slovenian.
Other graduates offer work experience as a former Police Security Officer and in Defence, as an events manager, working on oil rigs, in childcare, and in sales.
Prior to joining SAPOL, Myah was studying as a full-time university student in Law and Criminology.
"I believe this prior study has greatly assisted me in understanding legislation as a SAPOL member," she said.
"I was also working part-time as a competitive dance instructor, and at a trampoline park.
"My most memorable experience throughout my training was the relationships that were established from the very beginning of the course that remained strong throughout."
Fellow graduate Craig was a serving Senior Constable from Victoria Police before deciding to pursue a South Australian lifestyle.
"The decision to transfer was for a change of scenery for my family and I, with a goal of coastal living. I moved to South Australia with my wife and two young daughters," he said.
"My experiences as a police officer of seven years have assisted me throughout the recruit training process. The extra training and refreshing I experienced further developed my skills as a police officer.
"I was drawn to South Australia itself, rostering that suits a family lifestyle, generous pay and job security."
Before becoming a police officer, Melanie worked full-time as an office manager in the automotive industry, also playing and umpiring netball.
"Both experiences helped me throughout my training as being confident and taking charge were imperative to being successful, like on the netball court," she said.
"I was expecting the academy to be competitive, but everyone was helpful and wanted us to succeed.
"To those thinking of joining, the academy will test you both mentally and physically, but you're not alone, the whole academy and especially your course are there to support and help you."
Myah hopes to one day work in the domestic and family violence field, while Craig is interested in advancing SAPOL's digitalised police workforce. Melanie feels experience on the road will influence her future direction but has identified community engagement as an area of interest.
Course 73 members will be stationed at metropolitan and regional areas, including Port Lincoln, Berri and Port Pirie.
SAPOL is currently recruiting and is keen to hear from people interested in an inspiring career with unmatched experiences and rewards.
If you're looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities visit Achievemore - Join Us (police.sa.gov.au)
Melanie, Myah, and Craig are among Course 73 members to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.
