Love for community leads to policing

The graduates, including 15 men and eight women, are the perfect match for their respective metropolitan and country postings, including Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Whyalla, Murray Bridge and Mount Barker.

Ranging in age from 19 to 39, the graduates offer a variety of former work experience, including as a Police Security Officer (PSO), track rider, sports coach, correctional officer, financial planner, SAPOL call centre consultant, personal trainer, hospitality worker, and in emergency medical dispatch.

Prior to joining SAPOL, Braden spent the past two years living and working in Beijing, China as a sports coach.

“This job allowed me to develop my communication skills, as I was having to converse with people speaking a different language and being of different cultural backgrounds,” he said.

“Policing has been something I wanted to do since finishing schooling. I have always felt a need to contribute to the community, as I felt I have something to offer. Living in China only fuelled my motivations further, as I got a taste of real positive community engagement abroad and wanted to have a positive impact back home.”

Lauren previously worked as an insurance broker, real estate office manager, and was employed as a client services officer at the Murray Bridge Police Station before following her heart into policing.

She encouraged anyone interested in a career in blue to be persistent, especially if previously unsuccessful in applying.

“I applied more than once, and I feel this helped me on my successful application, as I was more aware of the process,” she said.

“My advice to others who have applied in the past is to not be disheartened and to re-apply.

“I am now so excited to be able to work in a beautiful country posting while still being close to Adelaide.”

Jonathan, who came to Australia from Ireland 10 years ago, chose SAPOL for job variety, career development and job security.

Prior to policing, he worked in the horse racing industry as a track rider.

“My role was to educate and exercise racehorses in preparation for race day,” he said.

“A long-term ambition of mine is to work for mounted police.”

Isaac was a financial planner for 10 years prior to becoming a police officer, and wanted to “get out from behind the desk” and make a difference in the community. He considers his time at SAPOL’s academy as invaluable.

“I enjoy endurance sports, completing several ultra-marathons, and my communication skills and resilience learned from finance and sports have helped through training, and will help as an operational officer,” he said.

“At the academy, I have developed more perspective of other people’s situations and lives. I would say I am more confident in stressful situations.”

The Course 65 graduates agreed the newest police officers shared great chemistry, working together throughout the academy experience.

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 achievemore.com.au

New police officers Jonathan, Braden, Isaac and Lauren are excited to begin a new career in blue and all share a love for the community.

Course 65 graduates Jonathan, Isaac, Braden, and Lauren are proud to graduate from the South Australia Police Academy today.