South Australia Police has today welcomed 25 new graduates to its ranks.
The organisation says the new police officers bring diverse skills from a variety of employment backgrounds, including in security, education, hospitality, retail, corrections, the Navy, pharmaceutical and disability sectors, and as a flight attendant, truck driver, gymnastics coach, Department for Child Protection worker and Police Security Officer.
Some have journeyed from overseas and interstate, including from Switzerland, India, Sydney, Victoria and Tasmania.
Probationary Constable Bagus has an Indonesian/Australian background and lived in Bali for five years before moving to Adelaide in 2017.
Prior to joining SAPOL, he worked as a barista and competed in amateur boxing.
“Competing in boxing helped me to have better situational awareness. In boxing matches, I constantly had to read the opponent’s body language and stay alert,” Bagus said.
“This translates well to policing, especially for dynamic or unpredictable situations. Competing in boxing also gave me the ability to stay calm and keep composure in high-stress situations.”
Fellow graduate, and single mother, Sarah, previously worked in retail, aquaculture, hospitality and truck logistics, and was most recently a lead cook at her local country hospital/aged care facility.
“I am a single mother to one, and love country life, 4×4 driving, opal mining, bush hiking, but most of all spending quality time with my son riding horses, playing backyard cricket and football,” she said.
“Being a single parent has taught me to be resilient, adaptable, understanding, patient, kind, forgiving and assertive – all qualities that a police officer requires.”
Similarly, Lauren, has developed impressive time management skills to reach graduation day while also being a mother.
“Prior to joining SAPOL, I lived for two years in North Carolina, United States, where I was a waterfront director and lifeguard, and then I moved to Finland for a year before coming back to Australia to have my daughter,” she said.
“Before becoming a police officer, I was a mum to my one-year-old and worked causally in retail and swim coaching.”
Bradley worked in retail for 7.5 years, managing teams in different departments while also playing cricket, football, golf, and the guitar.
“I felt like working in a team environment helped me throughout the academy, through interactions with course mates,” he said.
“The customer-service aspect will be important for how I interact when on the road and dealing with various types of people.”
Eventually, Bagus would like to work in SAPOL’s Security Response Section (SRS) and later Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR), while Sarah hopes her career will lead to theDog Operations Unit. Lauren has her sights set on working in the Major Crime Investigations Branch or Child and Family Violence Investigation Section, while Bradley aims to work anywhere in Forensic Services.
All four graduates encouraged anyone interested in a SAPOL career to “take the leap” and prepare early for what is expected.
Course 81 members will be stationed to metropolitan and regional postings, including Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, and Berri.
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).
