Ambitious graduates bring high‑calibre skills to policing

Aged between 20 and 39, the cohort represents a broad mix of life experience and backgrounds, including members with Aboriginal, Slovenian, Greek, UK, Romanian and Vietnamese heritage.

Graduates will begin their policing careers across metropolitan and regional South Australia, with postings including Whyalla, Port Augusta, Victor Harbor, Murray Mallee and the Barossa.

Among the graduates is Nathan, 22, who completed a Bachelor of Construction Management and worked in retail. He said his university studies helped him build strong leadership and communication skills that he has carried into policing.

“Studying a degree focused on management allowed me to build strong leadership and collaborative techniques, which have greatly helped me in my training as a police officer,” he said.

Nathan described firearms and driver training as standout moments and says those considering a policing career should confidently pursue the path.

“It is the most rewarding and challenging career with unlimited opportunity and experiences that you will never forget.”

Nathan will begin his career in Port Augusta and hopes to one day work in the State Operations Support Branch (SOSB).

Athena, 39, brings more than two decades of experience across customer service, resolution enquiries, and advisory roles. She said her customer service background shaped her communication skills and resilience.

“These experiences have given me the tools and ability to communicate well with people and enjoy working in a team environment,” she said.

Athena said hearing from civilians about their lived experiences with domestic violence was a powerful part of training, and she found learning police powers and legislation both interesting and surprising.

She will begin her career at Western District.

Benjamin, 30, previously served as a Police Security Officer, gaining confidence in police procedures and communication through daily interactions with the public.

“The position provided me with valuable experience in applying police procedures, maintaining professionalism under pressure, and making sound decisions in dynamic environments,” he said.

Balancing Academy study with family life and raising children was initially a challenge, but Benjamin commends the support efforts of the Academy.

“The Academy staff were incredibly supportive and provided me with a range of study strategies and techniques. By applying their guidance, I was able to identify study methods that suited my learning which helped me manage my workload effectively” he said.

He described Echunga and driver training as highlights that strengthened course camaraderie.

Benjamin will begin his career at Eastern District and hopes to work in the Security Response Section or Dog Operations Unit in the future.

Graduates said the Academy experience challenged them both mentally and physically, while building resilience, confidence and strong friendships across the course.

Benjamin (left), Athena (middle), Nathan (right)

Athena (right), Benjamin (middle), Nathan (right)