Today,14 men and six women graduate as new police officers, boosting police numbers further as SA Police work towards a strength of 4,713 officers by June 2018, according to SA Police.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens says today’s course graduates will help achieve the commitment to recruit 313 extra police officers.
"Today’s graduates also reflect our move towards focussing on youth recruitment.
"While the course members range in age from 19 to 44 years old, 15 of our new police officers today are under 24 years old.
"With our focus on recruiting locally, particularly people under 21 years of age, we will now accept applications from people with an ATAR score of 70 or above achieved within the last three years, or those with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution.
"We believe this will fast track the application process for some applicants as an alternative to sitting for a TAFE pre-application test, which involves a cost of $150 and a three week wait.
"In other moves, we have re-visited physical fitness requirements to better match what is necessary for a patrol officer and we will be introducing a youth training wage for recruits under 21 years old during their 12 months training at the Academy."
Commissioner Stevens says while SAPOL is reviewing and streamlining processes to achieve the 313 recruiting target, standards and values required will remain as they are today.
"For a person to graduate from recruit training, they need to embrace and adhere to SAPOL’s values that are the foundation of our reputation within our community.
"In return, we believe officers starting out with us today will find more than enough variety through a choice of more than 40 specialist career areas, challenges and camaraderie to enjoy a long and fulfilling policing career."
Five more courses, including double courses of up to 52, are planned from January to June next year to recruit and train the 286 new officers still required.
To find out more about a career as a police officer with South Australia Police, please contact South Australia Police Recruiting Section on 732 23353 or visit www.achievemore.com.au
