For a limited time only, South Australia Police is accepting applications without the pre-requisite of prior completion of the SAPOL Recruitment Test with TAFE SA.
You can APPLY NOW and after we have reviewed your application, you will be invited to sit the SAPOL Recruitment Test with TAFE SA at no cost to you.
A career with SA Police is both highly challenging and deeply rewarding. As a police officer, you’ll need to be able to handle a variety of tasks – from routine paperwork to managing violent, difficult or distressing situations. That’s why we value and look for specific skills and qualities in all our candidates.
Can you show leadership, act decisively, communicate clearly, and solve problems? Do you have the courage to maintain strength in the face of adversity? Can you demonstrate integrity, initiative, sound judgement, respect and strength of character?
Whether you’re a school leaver or currently in the workforce and looking for a change, if you think you’re ready for the challenge of becoming a police officer, we want to hear from you.
Before applying, learn more about the entry requirements for SA Police below. Our quick self-assessment checklist can also help you confirm your eligibility.
You must either be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold Australian permanent residency to join SA Police.
You need to be at least 18 years old before you submit an application. There is no upper age limit – all applicants undergo the same application and testing process.
To apply for a position as a police officer, you need to hold a C class (car) Australian driver’s licence and have experience driving both manual and automatic vehicles.
A provisional licence is also acceptable; however, you must not have accrued any demerit points or be on a Safer Driver Agreement.
To participate in academy training and police duties, you'll need to meet the required medical standards. Your health, including medical conditions and medications will be assessed to ensure you meet the required standards.
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Read more about our medical standards.
As a police officer, you’ll need to maintain a high level of fitness to meet the physical demands of the job. Throughout the recruitment process, we will carry out physical examinations, including the 'Fit for duty' test, to evaluate your fitness level.
Applicants over the age of 35 will need to undertake an exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) before participating in physical testing.
Read more about the 'Fit for duty' test and the physical testing you will undertake during the recruitment process.
For a limited time only, South Australia Police is accepting applications without the pre-requisite of prior completion of the SAPOL Recruitment Test with TAFE SA.
You can APPLY NOW and after we have reviewed your application, you will be invited to sit the SAPOL Recruitment Test with TAFE SA, at no cost to you.
The SA Police Recruitment Test covers the minimum requirements for reading, literacy and numeracy.
The current pass marks for the SA Police Recruitment Test for police officers are:
Country and interstate applicants will undertake the SA Police Recruitment Test with the Recruiting Section during their testing days in Adelaide and are not required to sit the test with TAFE SA prior to submitting an application.
As a police officer, you need to have a current basic first aid certificate prior to commencing at the Police Academy. You can get this by completing a one-day course with one of the following organisations or an accredited organisation of your choice:
Your training should cover bleeding control and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
At this time there is no SAPOL policy or direction that requires applicants to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
SAPOL has a dress standards policy which includes the requirements relating to visible tattoos, hair and body art. Hair length and style is gender neutral; however for those wearing longer hair, the hair must be bound appropriately at the back of the head to comply with health and safety requirements.
In line with SAPOL’s professionalism and values, an employee may have visible, non-offensive tattoos including a full ‘sleeve’ style on their arms. This however, does not include tattoos which are on the ears, face, head, scalp, front or sides of the neck. Tattoos on the rear of the neck may be permitted but must not extend forward of the neck beyond an imaginary line drawn down vertically to the shoulder behind the back of the ear.
If you are uncertain as to your eligibility in these areas, please contact SAPOL recruiting.
In most cases a subsequent application will not be accepted for a period of 12 months. However, SAPOL encourages you to contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 7322 3353 or sapol.recruiting@police.sa.gov.au to discuss your individual circumstances and to seek feedback on how to improve your performance for future applications.