SA Police has a long and proud commitment to volunteering, historically through programs such as Neighbourhood Watch and Blue Light. In 2010 SA Police embraced the broader use of volunteers across a range of functions in support of our everyday business, and more recently brought other long-standing activities under the banner of the Police Volunteers Program, such as the Police Historical Society and police chaplains.
Recruitment to some activities is limited by availability of places, and the need for specific individual or organisational skills. For specific programs and roles, eligibility criteria may also apply. All volunteer applicants undergo probity checking before being accepted as a police volunteer.
If you are interested in one of the roles listed below contact the Volunteer Coordination Unit.
SAPOL’s Volunteer Program celebrated 10 years in 2020 with 7 of the original 16 members still making a great contribution to SAPOL in front counter duties and role playing to train our police and staff, amongst other jobs. Read more
SAPOL volunteer Rosemary (Rose) Hime is this year's recipient of the South Australia Police Volunteer Program – Commissioner's Volunteer of the Year award for 2023. This annual award, celebrated during National Volunteer Week, was presented to Rosemary by Commissioner Grant Stevens during a ceremony this morning recognising her outstanding dedication to volunteering in SAPOL.
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2023 is 'The Change Makers'. By making change together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better and Rose certainly embodies this.
Rose commenced her volunteering journey with SAPOL in January 2010 in a public relations role at Holden Hill Police Station. For the past 13 years Rose has volunteered at the Ottoway property office, Communications Centre and Call Centre, as a role player for the Police Academy and she has assisted with STAR courses, Mounted Operations and at combined emergency services field exercises held at Adelaide Airport.
Rose is the first volunteer to achieve the milestone of 4000 hours of volunteering service to SAPOL.
Congratulations to Rose and all our volunteeers.
Volunteers provide a meet and greet role at the front counter of metropolitan police stations, offering support to staff and customer service to the public.
Through its unique partnership with SA Police, Neighbourhood Watch provides members and the broader community a means to build a safe and connected community. Whether you want to be a leader for change in your community, build your skills to improve your CV or employment prospects, or simply catch up with the neighbours, Neighbourhood Watch provides you with many opportunities to get involved and make a difference. Volunteers are able to participate in local crime prevention activities such as crime prevention displays, neighbourhood improvement projects, plate safe days or participate in events such as the Australia Day Parade.
In partnership with SA Police, Blue Light provides young people with entertainment and activities in an environment free form alcohol, drugs, smoking an violence. Volunteers assist with supervision and other activities at Blue Light Discos, camps and approved Blue Light programs. There are Blue Light groups across the state.
Volunteers are involved in tasks including delivering a range of information sessions to the public, preservation and restoration of police property and memorabilia, and participation in events which support SA Police. Guided tours at the facility, which is located at Thebarton Barracks on Port Road, are also conducted.
Volunteers are recruited and trained in relation to role playing to support the training in areas including recruit training at the Academy, Detective Development course training, training for the Call Centre and Communications courses, Mounted Operations and Special Tasks and Rescue training. Opportunities also exist for volunteers to participate in joint emergency services operation training.
Volunteers provide assistance and support with the delivery of approved school programs at the Road Safety Centre. Volunteers work weekdays to assist with the delivery of the program to students who attend the Centre from across the state.
Download the Volunteer at the Road Safety Centre flyer.
Volunteer police chaplains support the spiritual welfare of employees and retired members of SA Police, their partners and immediate families. Chaplains provide coverage across the state and work in conjunction with SA Police’s Employee Assistance Program.