Can I apply to join SAPOL from any overseas police jurisdiction?

SAPOL is seeking to recruit Police Officers from United Kingdom (excluding Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Military / Defence Force Police), Republic of Ireland, and New Zealand. You must be from an approved jurisdiction to apply.

SAPOL has secured a labour agreement to recruit police officers from United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland without the requirement to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. SAPOL will nominate successful applicants from United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland to apply for an Employer Nominated Scheme (Subclass 186) permanent visa - Labour Agreement stream.

What positions are available?  

SAPOL are recruiting experienced police officers from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and New Zealand to fill General Duties Member vacancies across regional and metropolitan locations in South Australia.

You will be appointed as a Probationary Constable and on completion of the SAPOL Transition Program you will be assigned to the position of General Duties Member in a District (metropolitan) or Local Service Area (regional).

What are the responsibilities of a General Duties Member?

The role of General Duties Member is a pivotal role within our Metropolitan and State Operation Services, responsible for providing a diverse range of policing functions.

Upon successful completion of the SAPOL Transition Program, you will be posted to a patrol team and work across a 24/7 shift pattern. You will be required to perform mobile and foot patrols, attend radio taskings, respond to calls for assistance from the public and undertake preliminary investigations.

What is the salary for a General Duties Member?

Remuneration is payable accordance with the terms of the South Australia Police Enterprise Agreement 2021. The annual salary rate for a Probationary Constable is $74,606 AUD plus superannuation from 1 January 2024. Shift allowances are paid in additional to base salary.

Further information on salaries can be found here: Current salaries for South Australia Police

I am a Sergeant/Detective/Inspector, in my current force. Will I get recognised at the same rank?

SAPOL is seeking to fill General Duties Member vacancies. An applicant who has held the substantive rank of Sergeant or above in their previous police service (periods of relieving or acting at the rank will not be considered), is eligible to apply to be appointed to the rank of Senior Constable upon completion of their probationary period.

You must have successfully completed your probation period with SAPOL and be permanently appointed to be eligible to apply to participate in promotional and specialist training courses.

Those interested in promotion and specialist areas are required to undergo a merit based selection process and satisfy all pre requisite requirements e.g. study, examinations and/or training. Your previous policing experience may be taken into consideration during the application phases of these processes. To find out more: Achievemore - Specialist areas (police.sa.gov.au)

Are personal circumstances taken into consideration when determining the location of postings?  

SAPOL is seeking to fill vacancies in metropolitan and regional locations. You will be asked to indicate your preference(s) during the recruitment process. SAPOL will take your preference(s) and any personal circumstances into consideration when determining the location of your new posting.

Please discuss your circumstances with the SAPOL Talent Acquisition team during the recruitment assessment process.

I am a Detective in NZ / UK / IRE. Is there the option to become a Detective with SAPOL after I finish the Transition Program?

Within SAPOL, Detectives work within the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB). Once you have completed your probation and become permanently appointed, you are eligible to apply for any vacancies within the CIB. Prior to applying you must have successfully completed the Investigation and Interviewing Techniques Course (IITC) and Detective Training Course (DTC). Both courses are highly competitive however selections are based on a merit based process and previous experience is considered. If successful in your application for a position on the CIB, members are expected to complete a workbook, which will demonstrate your competencies to become a Designated Detective. It is expected members completing the Detective Training Course will apply for advertised Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) vacancies and complete the program within three (3) years.

Do SAPOL have solo general patrols or do general patrols always go out in pairs?

Patrols or General Duties members generally go out in pairs.

Do operational SAPOL members carry firearms?

Yes. General Duties and operational members carry firearms along with other non-lethal tactical options.

You will be provided with firearms training during the SAPOL Transition Program.

Do General Duties members process the people that they arrest?

Yes. The arresting patrol is responsible for processing a person they have arrested and would normally take carriage of the investigation and any prosecutions files. Some cases may be referred to other specialist areas within the organisation i.e. Criminal Investigation Branch.

What policing experience do I need?

Applicants require at least three years policing experience as a police officer and must have a minimum of three years continuous and active service within the past five years (not including any initial training period).

Are British Transport Officers eligible to apply?

Yes, British Transport Officers need to meet the same Eligibility criteria as Police Officers from the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

What are the requirements to secure employment with SAPOL?

To be eligible to receive an offer of a place on SAPOL’s Transition Program in 2024 you must:

• Complete a series of assessments to ensure suitability (see FAQ on the recruitment process), have a minimum of three years continuous and active service within the past five years (not including any initial training period); and
• meet Department of Immigration visa eligibility* requirements to obtain an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) permanent visa (subclass 186) under the labour agreement stream (*including that you must be aged under 45 years when you submit your visa application ie 44 years and 364 days of age on submission and payment of visa application) – United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland applicants only; and
• hold a current full class driver’s licence or equivalent.

What visa is being supported by South Australia Police?

SAPOL will nominate successful international policing applicants to apply for an Employer Nominated Scheme (Subclass 186) permanent visa - Labour Agreement stream.

What are the eligibility requirements of the ENS-186 permanent visa?

Applicants must meet the age, health and skills requirements of the labour agreement, as established by the Department of Home Affairs. Further information in relation to the visa requirements are available on the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Labour Agreement stream (homeaffairs.gov.au).

Can I include family members on my visa application?

Yes, you can include family members in your application when you apply. For this visa type, your family members are:

• Your partner
• Your dependent child or stepchild
• Your partner's dependent child or stepchild
• The dependent child or stepchild of your or your partner's dependent child or stepchild.

Family members who apply for the visa with you must also meet the health and character requirements. Further information on visa requirement available on the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Labour Agreement stream (homeaffairs.gov.au).

Do I need an Australian drivers licence?

You must hold a current full class driver’s licence or equivalent. Upon arrival in South Australia, permanent residents must apply for a SA driver's licence.

Will a spouse be eligible to work as well?

Yes. The ENS 186 visa will allow your spouse and / or dependents to work.

Fact sheets

• Evidence of relationship
• Visa Document checklist

What are some of the benefits on offer to employees of SA Police?

• Competitive salary: From the day you start your training at the Police Academy you will be ‘sworn in’ at the rank of Probationary Constable and paid throughout your training. You will also get extra pay for working shifts and public holidays. Salary scales (without shift penalties) can be found here.
• Flexible work arrangements: You will have a balanced work schedule of 38 hours per week. You may also have the option to work part-time or flexible hours after you become a permanent officer.
• Generous leave entitlements: You will have six weeks of annual leave every year, plus other types of leave such as parental, long-service, study, sick, family carer’s, compassionate, and sporting leave.
• Recognition and rewards: You will have the opportunity to advance your career and get recognition for your previous service and learning. You may also qualify for reduced probation and automatic promotion to Senior Constable if you meet certain criteria.
• Superannuation and insurance: You will have a secure retirement plan with employer contributions to your superannuation fund. You will also have access to health and life insurance plans that cover you and your dependants (upon joining and contributing to the Police Dependants' Fund).
• Free uniforms and equipment: You will get free uniforms and equipment to perform your duties. You will also have the option to wear plain clothes if your role requires it.
• Support and assistance: You will be part of a supportive and inclusive team that values diversity and respect. Upon joining, you will also have the backing of the Police Association of South Australia and the Police Sports Federation, which offer various services and benefits to their members.
• Fitness and health benefits: You will have access to gym membership, allied health coverage and mental health support to help you stay fit and healthy. You will also have the opportunity to participate in various sports and fitness activities organised by the Police Sports Federation.

You can find a detailed list of benefits here.

Is my previous police service recognised by South Australia Police?

Yes. South Australia Police will acknowledge 100% of your former continuous and active police service within an approved jurisdiction at the time of permanent appointment with SAPOL. A maximum credit applicable with SAPOL will be limited to seven years' service and will be used to establish the probation period that must be completed.

• Prior service will only be recognised for applicants who at the time of submitting their application to SAPOL, have been continuously and actively employed as a police officer for a minimum of three years within the previous five-year period, not including initial recruit training or career breaks.
• Previous service does not include:
  • Any periods of unpaid leave of 14 days or more will be excluded from the calculation for the purpose or recognition of that prior service.
  • A break in service is determined to be a period of unpaid absence from police service in excess of 12 months. The period of break will not count as service for the purpose of calculating service entitlements.
• This policy is used to determine the minimum probationary period and for calculating the advancement of pay increments at the rank of Constable.

What will my probation period be?

• Your probation will be for a reduced period of either 6, 9 or 12 months depending on your previous level of service, calculated through the recognition of your prior service.
• Supporting documentation will be requested by the recruitment team to establish the exact length of the probation to be served.

What will the recruitment assessment process involve?

International applicants will complete all aspects of SAPOL’s recruitment process. All stages of our recruitment process can be completed remotely.

The stages include:

• Preliminary telephone interview
• Personality, aptitude and literacy testing
• Panel interview
• Psychological and Medical assessments

Upon completion of your recruitment assessment process, you will be invited to submit your visa application (and supporting documents) for assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.

How long will the recruitment process take?

We anticipate that it will take a minimum of 8 weeks to complete through the recruitment assessment stages. You are encouraged to complete the testing in a timely manner.

Our Talent Acquisition Team will work with you to ensure that you move through the recruitment assessment stages as quickly as possible.

Assessment of your visa application will be undertaken by the Department of Home Affairs and processing timeframes may vary for each individual. You are encouraged to visit the Home Affairs website for more information in relation to the visa requirements and to understand the preparation to be undertaken prior to submitting your application.

Are you able to clarify what a ‘relevant (International) Police Clearance Certificate’ is? Is this something I need to complete as a serving Police Officer?

The Police Clearance Certificate we are referring to is equivalent to a criminal history check, from your country of origin; it does need to be current. It is a South Australia Police requirement to hold a current Police Clearance Certificate and it will also be required as part of the visa process. The following link will direct you to the Department of Home Affairs website which will provide detail on how you can obtain a certificate in your home country. Please click here.

Will there be a fitness test?

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) must be undertaken by all international applicants. The FCA will test the fundamentals of the ‘fit for duty’ fitness test and will be replicated via physical tasks including strength testing, range of motion and cardiovascular testing. This process will be facilitated in your home country by an approved third party provider, who will contact you directly.

What happens once my application has been submitted?

Once the SAPOL Talent Acquisition team receives your application, you will be contacted by a member of the team who will provide you with instructions for the next stage of the process.

The SAPOL Talent Acquisition team will be in regular contact with you throughout the process to prepare for you upcoming stages and to update you on the progress of your application.

Will SAPOL provide training?

Yes, successful applicants will attend the South Australia Police Academy located at Strathfield Terrace, Taperoo, to undertake a 15 week streamlined transition program.

What will be included in the SAPOL Transition Program?

The program content is primarily focussed on the first responder policing role, and the SAPOL Transition Program has been specifically designed to cater for your prior policing experience and knowledge. Learning will allow for reflection on the individual’s prior knowledge while contextualising it to the South Australian policing environment, and teaching strategies encourage participants to take responsibility for their learning through conducting research, accessing, interpreting and evaluating information.

Training and assessment will blend skills based training with theoretical content, and will focus on a holistic approach to the management of policing incidents. The course will include operational safety training in the use of police firearms and driving police vehicles as well as defensive tactics and a variety of operational equipment.

Find out more about the SAPOL Transition Program by watching this video featuring the Officer in Charge of Academy and Learning, Chief Inspector Kurt Newcombe.

What are the training dates?

Courses will commence from mid 2024.The Talent Acquisition team will confirm your place on a transition program course upon receipt of your approved visa.

Will SAPOL provide assistance to find accommodation?

You will be responsible for organising your accommodation in South Australia. SAPOL have engaged with an extended network of real estate and property managers located across the State who are keen to help you find short and/or longer term accommodation in preparation for your arrival in South Australia.

Will I be paid for my time in training?

Yes, you will be paid while you undergo the SAPOL Transition Program. You will be paid at the salary rate of Probationary Constable.

Where will I be posted once I graduate from the Academy?

Applicants will be asked to indicate their posting preferences (metropolitan and/or regional). All applicants need to consider that they may be posted to any location within South Australia. SAPOL will endeavour to confirm these details as early as possible to allow you plan your transition to your new location.

What financial support is being offered to international recruits?

Recruits from the UK and Republic of Ireland

Upon commencement of employment, SAPOL will reimburse eligible costs (visa application, physical assessments and pre-medicals but excluding specialist/non-standard medical assessments) associated with obtaining a permanent EN-186 visa for you and dependent family members (as defined by the Department of Home Affairs).

Recruits from New Zealand

Upon commencement of employment, SAPOL will reimburse eligible relocation costs up to a value of $10,000.

A member of the Talent Acquisition Team will be able to provide you with further information on this support with consideration to your circumstances.

Can I transfer my pension scheme over to SAPOL?

There is information on the Australian Taxation Office website regarding transferring international pension funds. The information is available at this link - Transfer from a foreign super fund to an Australian super fund | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au).

If you are successful in joining SAPOL as a Police Officer, it is a mandatory requirement to join Super SA (Triple S) superannuation scheme. Further details are available at this link: Super SA. It is recommended that you seek independent financial advice to consider the options that are available to you.

Will there be any assistance with accommodation?

Enquiries have been made with numerous accommodation providers and we are in the process of developing a communication platform to link you in with these providers. This will provide you some assistance you in securing accommodation upon your arrival in South Australia.

Where will I be posted after the academy?

Upon selection SAPOL will request preferred postings. These can be in a metropolitan, country location or both. Our recruitment team can assist you in making an informed decision in this area. It is recommended that you view one of our online international recruitment seminars to also assist you. We will advise you of your posting prior to your arrival in Australia.