South Australia Police (SAPOL) has welcomed the arrival of the first group of experienced international and interstate police officers, who were sworn in today.
The result of an international and interstate recruitment campaign, the 15 officers, with a collective experience of over 123 years, will bolster frontline policing across South Australia.
Hailing from the United Kingdom (including eight from England and four from Scotland), New Zealand, and interstate jurisdictions they are well equipped to enhance public safety in our State. The recruits bring a wealth of experience in general duties policing and specialist skills, such as Major Crime, Child Protection, Community Policing, and Domestic Violence Prevention, said Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens.
Unlike the traditional 9 month cadet program for local recruits, these recruits will go through a streamlined 15-week transition course designed specifically for experienced police officers with at least three years of service.
“By recruiting experienced police officers, we are fast-tracking the process of getting highly skilled professionals on the ground. These recruits will make an immediate impact and enhance our ability to contribute to our vision of ‘Safer Communities’,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“The benefits of recruiting internationally and interstate go beyond just boosting numbers. These officers bring with them diverse perspectives and strategies that complement SAPOL’s commitment to innovative and effective policing.”
Officers have been sworn in upon arrival recognising their prior experience.
The recruits are set to graduate on 4 March 2025, and will be deployed to areas such as Port Pirie, Whyalla, and the broader metropolitan area (Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western districts).
Minister for Police Dan Cregan said the group was an important part of the Government’s $12.2 million commitment to expand recruitment campaigns at home and abroad.
“Substantial investments are being made to attract and retain officers to ensure we can have as many frontline officers as possible,” Minister Cregan said.
“International and interstate efforts are complementing our targeted local recruitment drive to support police resourcing and community safety.”
SAPOL says it’s committed to supporting the personal and professional lives of its recruits. Of the 15 officers in this cohort, nine have relocated with their families. To aid in their transition, successful applicants receive financial support to assist them with the relocation, and support from SAPOL to ensure a smooth transition into their careers and lives in South Australia.
Oliver Lamb and Emma Hollywood (pictured) are two of the recruits sworn in today.
Oliver praised the onboarding support, saying: “Choosing SAPOL was an easy decision as the recruitment process and sense of community here is unmatched. It’s a big, stressful decision to move to the other side of the world, but the SAPOL team have been extremely helpful and have guided and supported me through every step.”
Emma said applying for SAPOL has been a long-held goal.
“I’ve been visiting South Australia since I was 12 and have always loved the lifestyle and weather here. So, the opportunity to join SAPOL was a dream come true,” she said.
This cohort forms part of SAPOL’s broader strategy to recruit up to 200 experienced officers from across the UK, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, and interstate. The next intake is scheduled for January 2025, with additional courses planned throughout the financial year. This approach aligns with SAPOL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen recruitment both domestically and internationally, while continuing to prioritise opportunities for local South Australian applicants.
For more information on SAPOL’s recruitment programs, including opportunities for international and interstate applicants, visit www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us.
