Police Officers – FAQ
Here you'll find some of the most frequently asked questions, covering:
Is there any age restriction for police applicants?
The minimum age to apply is 18 years. There is no upper age limit.
How many intakes do the South Australia Police have per year?
The number of intakes per year depends on how many police officers are needed. South Australia Police recruits to replace police officers who resign or retire.
I have not completed year 12. Can I still apply?
Although year 12 is preferable, we can accept year 11 if you also have some further studies such as Certificate III in Police Studies. If you do not have year 12 you need to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and ability to undertake the entrance examination and academy training. Please contact the police recruiting section to discuss other suitable studies.
Do the South Australia Police have different pre-entry requirements for mature-aged entrants?
The entry requirements are the same regardless of age. All applicants undergo the same application, testing and selection process.
What are the physical requirements I'll need to meet?
Applicants will undergo a physical and agility test as part of the selection process. There are three components to this test:
1. a skin-fold test
2. a multi-stage fitness test, which is a progressive 20-metre shuttle run
3. an agility test, which involves completing a set obstacle course in 3 minutes 15 seconds.
All these tests are conducted at the Police Academy, Strathfield Terrace, Taperoo.
Where can I get a copy of the test for the multi-stage shuttle run?
You can get a copy of the test from the South Australian Sports Institute.
I have a few speeding fines. Will that prevent me from applying?
This depends on how many and the circumstances surrounding them. Discuss any concerns you have with the police recruiting section.
If I fail the entrance examination, when can I apply again?
If you are unsuccessful in the entrance exam you will have the opportunity to re-sit the exam after a period of 12 months.
This is to give you time to prepare to a satisfactory standard before undertaking the exam again.
Is it possible to practice the obstacle course?
For safety reasons it is not possible to practise the obstacle course prior to the testing day.
How long is the training at the Academy?
You'll spend nine months training at the Police Academy as a cadet.
Do I get paid during the training period?
Yes, you'll be paid as soon as you start training at the Academy. The current salary can be seen here
If accepted into the Academy, do I have to live on grounds?
There are currently no accommodation facilities available for trainees at the Police Academy.
Do I have to pay for my own uniform?
If accepted into the Police Academy, all your uniform will be supplied to you.
Where is the Police Academy?
It is located on Strathfield Terrace, Taperoo, approximately 30 minutes drive North-West from the Adelaide City Centre.
Will I get posted to a police station near to where I live?
Not necessarily. When you graduate from the cadet training course as a probationary constable you'll be posted to one of the six metropolitan local service areas to work under the supervision of a field tutor for six months. You may then be posted to various locations throughout the state to complete your time as a probationary constable.
How do I get into a specialist area of police work?
There is no direct entry into any specialist area. After the probationary period and when you are considered proficient in the area of general police work, you can apply for a transfer to a specialised branch or section. You might also have to undertake some further studies and training.
How many weeks annual leave do I get?
As a police officer you are entitled to six weeks paid annual leave per year.
Are there further studies after I graduate?
Following graduation an officer may continue study towards qualifications for promotion and transfer to specialist areas/sections.
I am a police officer interstate. Do I need to go through the usual application process?
Whilst previous policing experience would be taken into account, it is necessary to go through the full application process as there is no transfer option available.
English is my second language. What level of proficiency is required?
It would be in your best interest to be proficient in English in order to be successful in the entrance examination and other selection tests.
Does SAPOL recruit a particular cultural group?
South Australia Police (SAPOL) is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit to reflect the cultural diversity of the population and the South Australian community.