Police Officers - Making a Difference
Here are some of the people who started as Police Officers with us. They can tell you in their own words what it means to make a contribution and Achieve More with their careers.
Senior Constable First Class Mick Turnbull
“After working in the ADF there was no way that I could see myself working in a typical ‘nine to five’ job. In 1999, after looking for a new career with all the right characteristics, I joined SAPOL because policing offered all the things I enjoyed about defence - the variety and flexibility, camaraderie, teamwork and professional development. On top of this there was the benefit of the excellent work conditions, such as six weeks annual leave, job security and excellent remuneration, including paid training at the Police Academy.
Another advantage of working in SAPOL is the time-off I get to fulfil my Defence Reserves commitments. With a young family it means I can continue to enjoy my defence involvement and never need to compromise my work, family or personal life.”
Senior Constable First Class Orlando Gollop
“The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands (AP Lands) communities were declared as a new police district in 2005 and I’m one of eight permanent police officers here. Unless you experience it for yourself it is very difficult to appreciate the benefits and the unique challenges it presents working and living here.
It’s very different to policing in any other area of the State. I get to take ownership for policing responsibilities and this provides me with great job satisfaction. You get to do things your way with opportunities to make a real difference to people’s every day lives. I also have the privilege of spending many hours each week driving through some of the most spectacular scenery the outback has to offer.”
Constable Tania Parsons
“I was little apprehensive when I applied to become a Police Officer at the age of 18. But that apprehension soon turned to excitement when I was selected to join SAPOL. Now I’ve got nine years training and experience under my belt, and it’s been an enjoyable career with plenty of opportunity to work in diverse, exciting and challenging roles, including my dream job with SAPOL’s Mounted Operations Unit.
After two years of training by top instructors, I became a public order rider and got to work on horseback at major operations and events where there was a strong emphasis on public safety.
Since then I’ve enjoyed a six-month field intelligence role with STAR Group and a part-time posting in the SAPOL Recruiting Section. Working part-time at the Recruiting Section allowed me to balance my career with my equestrian pursuits so SAPOL has given me the best of both worlds.”
Detective Brevet Sergeant Joanne Sharman
When I joined SAPOL in 1985, I did so because it involved working with the community and seemed an exciting job. What I know today is that my work has been far more rewarding than I could have predicted.
Working at the Sexual Crime Investigation Branch is all about making a difference for victims of sexual assault and working to achieve better services and results for those victims. The role has given me a lot of memorable experiences. The sense of achievement that one gets out of assisting the community and meeting people from all walks of life is immense, but I would have to say that working with children who have been victims of abuse has been the most rewarding. It’s been uplifting to help them regain some of the childhood that they should have had in the first place.
For me ‘Achieve More’ means constantly challenging myself. Whether that’s on a personal or professional basis, I’m constantly striving to achieve. Every day at SAPOL is about doing something of significance.