SAPOL reaches international recruitment milestone

The newly sworn in officers join SAPOL from England, Scotland, Wales and Queensland, bringing decades of operational experience to South Australian communities.

This cohort of experienced police officers has contributed significantly to returning the state’s police force to full establishment levels for the first time since 2018.

SAPOL has sworn in more than 800 officers since 2023, and South Australia now boasts the highest number of sworn police per capita of any state in the country.

The international recruits will now go through a Transition Program specifically for officers who already carry policing experience from other jurisdictions.

The program allows experienced recruits a streamlined pathway through a condensed Academy course, equipping them to step straight into general duties and start making a difference in their communities within weeks.

Talent Acquisition Acting Director, Inspector John Henderson, said the swearing in today represents a proud milestone for SAPOL.

“This cohort of 27 international recruits takes the total number of experienced police officers sworn in since 2024 to 200, which is a major boost to frontline policing across South Australia,” Inspector Henderson says.

“The Transition Program forms part of a broader recruitment strategy to strengthen a modern, capable and responsive police service, with experienced officers complementing local recruitment pathways to meet growing policing demands.”

Want more from your life? Want to make an impact in your community? 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 www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us/achievemore.