South Australia Police (SAPOL) is proud to announce the arrival of the second group of experienced international and interstate police officers, who are being sworn-in today.
The result of an international and interstate recruitment campaign, 34 officers, with a collective experience of more than 228 years, will bolster frontline policing across South Australia.
Hailing from England, Scotland, and Victoria, the recruits are well-equipped to enhance public safety in our state and bring a wealth of experience in general duties policing and specialist areas, such as Counter Terrorism, Crime Investigation, and Community Policing.
A recruit from Scotland Police is bringing 14 years of experience across Response and Community Policing. Another is not only an experienced officer but has also served as a reservist in the Royal British Army as a Royal Engineer. Furthermore, a recruit from the West Yorkshire Police brings eight years of experience in the Roads Policing Unit, dealing with serious injury and fatal road traffic incidents.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said these recruits are set to graduate on 9 May 2025, and will be deployed to areas such as Port Augusta, Eyre Peninsula, and the broader metropolitan area (Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western districts).
"With an even larger group of experienced police officers joining us this year, in these courses, we are significantly enhancing and accelerating our capacity to ensure safer communities across South Australia," Commissioner Stevens said.
"We are looking forward to welcoming further intakes across 2025."
SAPOL is committed to supporting the personal and professional lives of its recruits. Of the 34 officers in this cohort, 13 have relocated with their families.
Over the weekend, the new recruits and their families enjoyed a meet and greet barbeque with members of the SAPOL Recruitment Team, who have supported them throughout their application and migration process.
Robert Graham and Aimee Lenathen are two recruits being sworn-in today. Robert, who arrived in South Australia on New Years Day with his wife and two young children, said it took a great amount of planning and preparation to move and that SAPOL's support throughout had been invaluable.
"South Australia Police are professional, well organised, and extremely supportive. The recruitment team were on hand, every step of the way, with advice and guidance when required. It has certainly been an easier process with their assistance," he said.
"It's an honour to become part of the organisation and to be able to serve the community whilst furthering my career in policing."
Aimee, from Scotland, made the decision to move to South Australia after speaking with the Recruitment Team in Scotland.
"When speaking with the officers at the recruitment event I heard their stories about the job and day-to-day life. The work/life balance really appealed to me, as I felt this was something I was really missing in my previous role," she said.
"SAPOL also presented many opportunities for training and professional development and seemed like they have a solid and supportive workplace culture."
The first course of international and interstate recruits, who commenced with SAPOL in November 2024, are being supported through their transition course and are already demonstrating their wealth of experience and commitment to providing excellence in policing.
The course is currently in week 11 and due to graduate on 4 March 2025.
While SAPOL continues to prioritise opportunities for local South Australian applicants, this cohort forms part of a broader strategy to recruit up to 200 experienced officers from across the UK, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, and interstate.
SAPOL's domestic and international recruitment drive is a testament to our commitment to building a diverse, highly skilled police service dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all South Australians.
For more information on SAPOL's recruitment programs, including opportunities for domestic, international, and interstate applicants, visit www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us
