Tyler Redway
SOUTH Australian Police is hoping to get some new feet on the beat.
For a limited time, South Australia Police is accepting applications without the prerequisite of prior completion of the SAPOL Recruitment Test with TAFE SA.
Interested people can apply, and after the application has been reviewed, applicants will be invited to sit the SAPOL Recruitment Test with TAFE SA, at no cost.
Recruiting section manager Inspector Christie Matthews said by removing the costs for the test, SAPOL hopes to hear from a broader range of applicants.
“SAPOL is striving to ensure the application process to join is accessible for everyone,” Inspector Matthews said.
“We have undertaken initiatives to achieve this and the new process with TAFE is just one of them.”
Probationary Constable Lachlan Tilett said he applied for his position in late 2020 where he was then accepted in August of 2021.
Unfortunately, due to some complications with surgery of his burst eardrum, Constable Tilett said it hindered his application slightly, before it became “smooth sailing” once again.
“The training was really good, for me I went to university beforehand as well,” Constable Tilett said.
“I was pretty cruisy through all the paperwork and luckily I’m pretty fit as well.
“The operational safety stuff was all new to me but I found it to be really enjoyable.”
Constable Tilett added he decided to join the force after he heard the previous stories of being a police officer from his mother, as well as the benefits she told him which came from the job.
“I also wanted a job that wasn’t going to be the same thing everyday and this job certainly keeps you on your toes,” he said.
He also said one of the challenges included if there was no other family working in the police force, then there would not be as much guidance to get a better idea of the job.
“Another one would be hearing and seeing a lot of things the general public doesn’t usually see,” Constable Tilett said.
“Also keeping on top of everything, there is a lot of paperwork that comes with it but if you improve your organisation and time management skills then it’s pretty easy.
Constable Tilett mentioned he had met a large group of friends during his time as a Probationary Constable and his time in study, while recommending the position for anyone considering signing up.
“It’s definitely a great job to join, there are so many benefits to it,” he said.
“I can relate a lot to young people so for those who are just thinking about it, I would definitely ask them to take the step out.”
Applications for the free Recruitment Tests can be submitted online via SAPOL’s website.
