An innovative school-based initiative designed to create a direct employment pathway into South Australia Police (SAPOL) has delivered its first Police Academy graduate.
Today, 19-year-old Balian officially graduated as part of Course 87, becoming the first student to progress from the Pathway to Policing (PTP) program through to Police Academy graduation. This marks a major milestone for the PTP program, which launched as a pilot in 2024.
Balian completed the SACE Stage 2 PTP program at Thebarton Senior College while in year 12. He then progressed through the SAPOL recruitment process and nine months of training at the Police Academy.
"Doing the Pathway to Policing program gave me a valuable insight into what policing was about, and what areas of SAPOL I may be interested in," Balian said
"It prepared me for what life on the job may be like, and how to prepare myself for policing."
Now posted to Port Augusta, Balian is eager to immerse himself in regional policing and embrace the country lifestyle. He hopes to progress in his career, with aspirations to move into CSI or forensic work.
Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens said the Pathway to Policing program is designed to improve the successful recruitment of young people into SAPOL by developing communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and professionalism – essential skills for policing.
"Since the pilot began in 2024, 25 students have completed the Thebarton Senior College SACE Stage 2 Pathway to Policing program" Commissioner Stevens said.
"This year 15 Year 12 students are enrolled to commence the program at Thebarton Senior College in 2026, and we have established a new partnership with Roma Mitchell Secondary College.
"Roma Mitchell Secondary College will deliver the SACE Stage 1 Introduction to Pathway to Policing program, to 23 Year 11 students."
Alongside Balian, 21 other police officers graduate today, marking the beginning of their policing careers. The graduating course comprises 11 women and 11 men, ranging in age from 19 to 52.
They represent previous careers in nursing, electrical trades, mining, hospitality, retail, and other policing roles.
Graduates will be deployed across South Australia, with 12 officers appointed to regional locations.
Among them is Victoria, 26, who previously worked as a Police Call Centre operator handling emergency and non-emergency calls.
"I worked as a call operator for the past three years, answering 000, 131 444, and Crime Stoppers calls," Victoria said.
"Working in the call centre gave me a strong insight into what policing entails and the types of jobs and people we deal with."
Victoria will be posted to Whyalla and says she's excited for the experiences and opportunities it will bring.
Jade, 28, joined SAPOL after working in hospitality while raising a young family with a strong interest in outdoor activities.
"These experiences have given me practical life skills, and a strong people focused mindset that I'm ready to bring into a policing environment," Jade said.
She recalls her time at the Academy as a positive experience and encourages future recruits to be confident in who they are and to approach their studies with the right mindset and dedicated time.
"I really enjoyed our early on team building camp at Echunga and formative practicals were always great fun with classmates."
She is now looking forward to beginning her career in Murray Bridge.
Graduates said teamwork and camaraderie were central to their success at the Academy, with course members supporting one another through study, fitness training and practical assessments.
If you're looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the South Australian community with SAPOL, or to find further information on the PTP program, please visit achievemore.com.au
Course 87 graduates Jade (left), Balian (centre), Victoria (right)
Course 87 graduates Balian (left), Victoria (centre), Jade (right)
