Source: New South Wales – News
A former UK Soldier turned police officer, a sexual offences investigator, and a counter terrorism specialist are just some of the backgrounds of the experienced overseas and interstate officers graduating from the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Academy today.
Course 4 of the SAPOL 15-week transition program includes 20 experienced officers from across the UK, Republic of Ireland, and interstate. Collectively, this course brings over 130 years of policing experience to South Australia.
The majority have transferred from general patrol and road policing positions with others bringing specialist policing expertise across areas such as Domestic Abuse, Neighbourhood Response, and Organised Crime.
Among the graduates is Lewis, who previously served as an emergency response officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary and spent nearly nine years as a frontline soldier in the British Army.
“I’m just very proud to be able to call Australia our home after trying to get here for 10 years,” he said.
“To be able to do the same job I loved in the UK but for such a great organisation in a truly stunning place – it’s changed our lives.”
Amy, who served as a Police Constable with Police Scotland for 15 years across a range of investigative and specialist roles –which include the Divisional Rape Investigation and Domestic Abuse Investigation — is graduating alongside her husband, Cameron, who is also bringing 12 years’ experience.
“We had never visited Australia before moving here, and we are looking forward to exploring our new country as a family,” Amy said.
“SAPOL offers so many opportunities – from good career progression to better salary and working conditions. Although the procedures are different, the skills we gained back home will help us to proudly serve and support our new communities.”
Today’s graduates will be posted across metropolitan and regional South Australia, including the Limestone Coast, Murray Mallee and the Eyre and Western regions.
Alongside domestic recruiting, SAPOL continues to actively recruit experienced officers from interstate and overseas jurisdictions, offering competitive salaries, six weeks’ annual leave, and a supportive transition program.
STP4 Graduates Lewis and Amy
STP4 Graduates Amy and her husband Cameron