Frontline policing in South Australia will be bolstered by 21 new recruits graduating from the Police Academy today.
The new recruits from Course 39 will be sworn-in as Probationary Constables at 1pm on Wednesday 22 April by Justice of the Peace Ms Di McKinna JP in a different service at the Police Academy.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the trainees are unable to celebrate their achievements with a traditional graduation ceremony in front of their proud families, friends and loved ones.
Despite missing out on the usual pomp and ceremony, these recruits are no less enthusiastic to join their fellow officers on the beat.
Course 39 consists of 10 female and 11 male graduating members, ranging in ages from 20 to 36 years, from a diverse range of backgrounds. One graduate holds dual citizenship with Australia and Italy.
Following a 12-month intensive training course at the SA Police Academy, they will now undertake a 16 to 18-month probationary period that aims to build on the skills that they have developed and will provide valuable in-field experience.
At the academy, they have had lessons in law, investigations and procedure combined with operational safety, firearms and basic driver training.
The recruits have been posted to Metropolitan Districts and Country Local Service Areas where they will be welcome reinforcements for frontline numbers as the State battles the Coronavirus epidemic.
Probationary Constable Ryan Davison was previously employed in teaching and worked in the recruiting team for Geelong in the AFL. Davison says he is "very eager to get out in the community of the Eastern District and use the skills learnt through my time at the Police Academy."
His interest in sports and fitness will also see him in good stead for his longer term aspiration of one day applying for Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Group.
Posted to the Western District, Probationary Constable Amber Hartmann-Clark has ambitions to work in CIB in the future. She has always wanted to be a police officer, initially joining SAPOL in 2016 and working as a Protective Security Officer for 2.5 years.
SA Police are always recruiting, and offer more than 40 career options, including working as a police officer, protective security officer, community constable and in administration or support roles. If you are interested in joining our team visit the website www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us
