Thebarton Senior College in Adelaide has launched its first-ever “Pathways to Policing” program, in collaboration with the South Australian Police (SAPOL) and the State Government. This innovative initiative, aimed at Year 12 students, is designed to equip them with the necessary skills to embark on a career in law enforcement.
This unique program is part of a broader effort to increase the ranks of SAPOL, following the Malinauskas Government’s commitment of $12.2 million in last year’s State Budget. This funding is intended to recruit 900 police officers over three years, along with an additional 189 police security officers.
The inaugural cohort of students will undergo a structured course that emphasizes skills crucial for policing. The curriculum will cover five Stage 2 subjects, chosen specifically to align with the demands of a police career. These subjects include Workplace Practices, Fitness and Wellbeing, Essential English, Information Processing and Publishing, and the Research Project. The course aims to develop key competencies such as interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all within the context of SAPOL’s operational environment.
The implementation of the Pathways to Policing program at Thebarton Senior College is a significant step towards fulfilling SAPOL’s recruitment goals. It also comes at a time when South Australia boasts the highest number of operational sworn police officers per capita, according to the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services 2022-23.
Last year, SAPOL experienced its largest annual recruitment since 2018 at the Fort Largs Police Academy. The Pathways to Policing program is expected to further contribute to this trend, nurturing a new generation of police officers directly from the school level.
Minister for Police Joe Szakacs says the State Government has committed more than $12 million to accelerate recruitment into SAPOL.
“This course will provide aspiring police officers the best possible chance to prepare themselves for their dream career.”
“I congratulate SAPOL, the Department for Education and Thebarton Senior College for leading the way in launching the first of what I hope to be a number of similar projects to get graduating students interested in joining SAPOL for a career in policing.”
Stephen Howard, SAPOL Chief Superintendent said “Through this partnership, SAPOL is hoping to lead ambitious year 12 graduates from various backgrounds into a career as a police officer or police security officer.”
“We wish the first cohort of students all the best in their endeavours this year and look forward to them applying to join SAPOL on the completion of their studies towards the end of 2024.”
“This is an exciting time for the students, Thebarton Senior College and SAPOL as we strive to recruit home grown participants to join our organisation.”
Eva Kannis-Torry, Thebarton Senior College Principal, said “Our college and educators are ready and equipped to support students from all backgrounds who have chosen to participate in this carefully curated course.”
“Participating students will be offered assistance through five subjects, taught as a SACE Stage 2 package. Our skilled educators are excited to be part of a team that will help see the program evolve as a pipeline into a policing career.”
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