Graduation welcomes 22 police officers to the ranks

Course 62 graduates range in age from 19 to 44 years and bring various employment backgrounds, including as a paramedic, lawyer, dental assistant, nurse, radio station producer, and member of the Australian Federal Police.

Some course members have ventured from interstate, including from Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.

Mark spent 20 years working in the media industry before deciding to pursue a career change.

“Working in the media, you need to have strong communication skills which I believe is a huge asset for me to carry forward as a police officer,” he said.

“If you are like me, early to mid-40s, feeling tired and bored at your current role, give policing a go. It will open so many doors for you. The academy process is an awesome challenge; it’s tough but so rewarding at the end.”

Tayla brings a legal background to policing and found her prior work experience invaluable when it came to exams and assessments.

“I have become stronger both physically and mentally as a result of the academy. I have also become more confident in my abilities,” she added.

“My course members and I were always checking-in with each other and making sure everyone was coping with the workload. We would also frequently see each other outside of the academy.”

Leyla, who was previously studying to become a registered nurse, similarly felt supported throughout the nine months training at SAPOL’s academy.

“The majority of the course came from a range of different backgrounds, and with that, members brought different skills to the course,” she said.

“By having such a diverse group of individuals in the course allowed members to support one another when it was needed, and the course also socialised outside of work which was an important aspect of developing a healthy work-life balance.”

Rhys was recruited from interstate and did much of the process online in pursuit of a change in lifestyle.

“I was not in South Australia during some parts of the process, and being able to do some components online allowed me to continue to do what I was doing (working for various universities) while progressing with my application,” he said, while encouraging others to apply.

“To those who may be interested in policing just have a go, you don’t know until you try.”

The Course 62 graduates share long-term career goals in policing, including to work in major crime, intelligence, surveillance, child protection, family violence or mounted operations.

The new police officers will be stationed in metropolitan Adelaide and regional areas, including Gawler, 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 www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us

Mark, Rhys, Leyla and Tayla are among 22 new police officers graduating today.