Course 82 ready to don blue

Ranging in age from 19 to 46, three women and 12 men bring vast experience to policing, including from the Australian Defence Force, teaching, banking, sales, corrections, nursing, personal care, and as a Police Security Officer.

Some Course 82 members have international backgrounds, including Sri Lankan, Indian, and South African. One member is fluent in French and Spanish.

Before moving to South Australia to join SAPOL, Lakshay lived in Melbourne for 10 years and worked as a diesel mechanic while playing competitive cricket.

“This career helped me develop practical problem-solving skills and attention to detail and cricket taught me discipline and teamwork,” he said.

“I’ve also travelled to America, New Zealand, France, Italy, and Japan – experiences that improved my adaptability and cultural awareness.

“These qualities have supported me during training and will be valuable in my policing career.”

Fellow graduate, Pip, previously worked as a legal receptionist and has been in the Air Force Reserves for more than eight years.

“My administration background has developed organisation skills and helps with completing paperwork,” she said.

“My time at the academy has also improved study skills and time management.

“Our course also shared study notes and practice questions, and went for runs together to keep fit and encourage one another.”

Before becoming a police officer, Charlie worked in hospitality and at a major supermarket chain, and similarly enjoys sport, playing cricket and football.

He found the academy training to have a good balance of physical and mental challenges.

“If you’re thinking about joining jump into anything and be comfortable being uncomfortable,” he encouraged.

“There’s many people at the academy to help you and we work as a team, building each other up by giving honest feedback and improvements to help each other develop.”

One such person is Sergeant First Class Steve Arnold, who has spent a rewarding three years as an academy trainer, and 17 years as a police officer.

The Course 82 mentor offered valuable advice to anyone considering a SAPOL career.

“With additional training on offer, your career could develop to roles beyond your wildest imagination, including investigational or tactical roles, or even advocacy in the courtroom or to our most vulnerable members of the community,” he said.

“Qualities I believe make a good police officer include open-mindedness, fairness, a sense of curiosity, critical thinking, resilience, a sense of adventure and desire to try new things.”

The trainer considered his role incredibly fulfilling.

“I am proud to see these former students in the field performing their roles with distinction and even teaching me a thing or two,” Sergeant First Class Arnold added.

“Listening to fresh perspectives from the students is a highlight of my position. We are all lifelong learners who grow along with the community of South Australia.”

Meanwhile, Lakshay and Pip hope to one day work in specialist areas like Serious and Organised Crime Branchand Charlie has his eyes set on Criminal Investigations Branch and the Internal Investigation Section.

Course 82 members will be stationed to metropolitan and regional areas including Port Augusta, Whyalla, and Murray Bridge.

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)

Charlie, Pip, and Lakshay were among 15 new police officers to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.

Sergeant First Class Steve Arnold has spent a rewarding three years as an academy trainer, and 17 years as a police officer. He encourages anyone interested to join SAPOL.