The number seven is widely considered to be lucky across many cultures, and today seven new Police Security Officers (PSO) graduated from the South Australia Police Academy's Qualification Program 7!
While hard work, determination and skill, rather than luck, saw today's graduates successfully complete weeks of training, the new PSOs feel lucky to play a vital role in safeguarding the community.
Six men and one woman bring a wealth of valuable employment experience to the role, including from retail, sales, truck driving, and hospitality.
Before joining SAPOL, Scarlett worked in various roles including in retail, working as a barista while studying a Bachelor of Science.
"I was drawn to the variety of PSO roles, and the idea of every day being different," she said.
When reflecting on the academy experience, the new PSO valued her course mates.
"We would encourage each other whenever any of us struggled with anything," Scarlett said.
"We would catchup out of work to build up our rapport and become closer as a team.
"The mentors, as well as your course mates are always there to support you if you are ever concerned about anything."
Fellow graduate Tynan studied and completed a Bachelor of Criminology at Flinders University before joining SAPOL.
"I studied this due to my interest in crime rehabilitation of offenders," he said.
"This study exposed me to the world of law enforcement and was a major contributor as to why I wanted to join SAPOL."
Tynan has a passion for football, which has developed his teamwork skills – of great value in this new role.
He was attracted to SAPOL knowing that every day has the potential to be new and different, and he hopes to one day become a police officer.
"SAPOL offers many pathways and extensive opportunities to branch off into different aspects of the organisation," he added.
"As a PSO, the variety of working in the cells, working at static sites, and conducting patrols is an attractive aspect of the role."
Today's PSO graduates will be posted to Police Security Services Branch (PSSB), in the District Support Section.
SAPOL is currently recruiting for Police Security Officers and is keen to hear from people who are committed to the state's safety and security.
If you are looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities visit Achievemore - Join Us (police.sa.gov.au)
Tynan and Scarlett are among seven new Police Security Officers to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.
