A diverse group of 23 police officers have today graduated from the Police Academy as part of Course 91, bringing experience from industries including hospitality, firefighting, retail, fitness, aviation, cyber security into South Australia Police.
The graduating course includes officers aged between 19 and 44, with members from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including India and Ethiopia, as well as a recruit from New Zealand.
Graduates will now begin their policing careers across metropolitan and regional South Australia, including Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier.
Among the graduates is Lily, 19, who joined SAPOL shortly after finishing school while working part-time in retail and hospitality.
Completing work experience with SAPOL in 2022 strengthened Lily's desire to pursue a career in policing.
"It provided valuable insight into how different units operate and work together," she said.
Lily said the Academy experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and support, with course members forming study groups to help one another through legislation, practicals and assessments.
"Our course formed study groups that were instrumental in helping us pass exams and better understand legislation."
"Working together allowed us to break down complex laws into more manageable concepts, making them easier to remember and apply effectively in practical scenarios."
She hopes to one day work as a negotiator or within Dog Operations.
Also graduating is Rohin, 31, who previously worked as a Production Planner after completing a Masters in Engineering Management.
Rohin said his background in stakeholder coordination and teamwork helped prepare him for the Academy environment.
"The one thing I learnt during outphase, was the importance of effective communication," he said.
"Policing is not just about the physical skills rather rapport building and using clear, respectful communication to deescalate situations is paramount."
Rohin recommends that aspiring recruits make use of SAPOL's support and resources to explore whether policing is the right path for them.
"Attending a police information seminar can be helpful, as it gives you clear understanding of the application process, job expectations, and different roles within the organisation," he said.
Rohin will begin his policing career at Parks Police Station and hopes to eventually work within Security Response Section or Dog Operations.
Brett, 36, joined SAPOL with more than 15 years of hospitality experience, alongside raising four children and playing competitive soccer for over two decades.
Following in the footsteps of his father who served with SAPOL for 40 years, Brett said balancing Academy commitments with family life was one of the greatest challenges after many years away from formal study.
"The resilience and strong team mentality demonstrated by everyone ensured that no one was left behind," he said.
He will now commence in the Northern District, where he is looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and continuing to build his skills.
Want more from your life? Want to make an impact in your community? 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/achievemore
Rohin (left), Brett (middle), Lily (right)
Lily (left), Brett (middle), Rohin (right)
