Today marks a special day for the 20 police officers of Course 52 who graduated at the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Academy.
The course is comprised of a diverse group with members ranging in age from 20 and 47 years. Prior to joining SAPOL, the recruits had experience working in a range of different industries. This includes the areas of clothing retail, food retail, cleaning, hospitality, plumbing, health and fitness, sales and personal care.
The recruits will be posted to a range of locations including nine members who will be going to country areas including Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Barossa and Mt Gambier.
One graduate is Ella who has lived in Adelaide her whole life and is passionate about safe communities. Growing up, Ella was inspired by police officers and was attracted to a policing career because of the career progression opportunities and the chance to work closely with others.
Reflecting on the Academy training experience, Ella believes it has set her up for success.
"I am extremely excited to graduate and get out on the road. The course is both challenging yet rewarding. The skills and development you gain while at the academy is something extremely unique," Ella said.
"Being around people every day who have the same goal as you makes the experience all the better. The course has become a family and you gain friendships that will last forever."
Ella will be posted to Port Pirie where she is looking forward to gaining experience in country policing.
Another graduate is Amit who moved to Australia from Fiji when he was 11 years old.
Amit worked in liquor retail as an assistant manager prior to joining SAPOL. Wanting a challenge, Amit felt it was time to make a change.
Reflecting on the reasons why he chose to join SAPOL, Amit sees this as an opportunity to give back to communities after his positive settlement experience in Australia.
"This country has given my family and me an opportunity for a better life. I wanted to give back to the community that has accepted us as one of their own for so many years and continues to do so. I love the different career options available in SAPOL and it just felt right, " said Amit.
Amit found the Academy experience challenging on different levels but said the support by fellow peers, the teamwork and the feeling of being part of a family helped make it possible for him to complete the training.
Amit will be posted to Whyalla where he is looking forward to being part of a busy environment and the friendly team.
SAPOL is currently recruiting and is keen to hear from people from who have aspirations to be a police officer. Positioning us an employer of choice, SAPOL is calling for people who see themselves as community leaders, confident problem solvers, champions of change, high flyers, adventurer, fitness fans and champions of change to consider joining the 6500 strong workforce at SAPOL.
To make the application process easier, SAPOL has implemented a range of initiatives – including the transition to an online application process and covering the cost of the SAPOL TAFE recruitment test (for a limited time only).
If you're looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities please visit https://www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us
Image above: Ella and Amit
