South Australia Police (SAPOL) is holding the first ever regional assessment centre in Whyalla next month, making it easier for interested applicants in Port Lincoln and surrounds to join.
There will be an information session at Whyalla Secondary College on Wednesday, December 6 and recruitment and testing at the Whyalla TAFE campus on Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8.
SAPOL talent acquisition manager, Inspector Christie Matthews, said information had been sent to all secondary schools in the Eyre Western and Mid North areas to highlight policing as a career choice.
“This event is for all regional applicants who will find it easier to access the SAPOL recruitment test in Whyalla, rather than coming to Adelaide,” she said.
Ms Matthews said some of the benefits of regional policing were a five-minute walk to work, improved work life balance and knowing your community.
“You can be easily engaged, whether that’s through sporting clubs, it’s easier to get to places in country areas and certainly the camaraderie around teammates and staff there’s always events you’re included in,” she said.
Whyalla born and bred Constable Chelsea Lieberwirth said she learned the values of community from her grandmother.
Ms Lieberwirth joined SAPOL in 2017, wanting to work towards safer communities and said working in the country was the best decision for herself and her family.
If successful, applicants will have access to a Cost of Living Allowance and on-site academy
accommodation for the duration of their training – a total of nine months.
“The Cost of Living Allowance will cover the cost of their accommodation,” SAPOL executive
director of people, culture and wellbeing Kim-Sherie Summers said.
“SAPOL wants to recruit from the country for the country, so we’re making every effort to facilitate regional recruits and make them comfortable.
“Once sworn in, we hope these recruits will return to a country area. Working regionally as a police officer comes with a range of benefits, including a better work-life balance, community connection, and a lower cost of living.”
A SAPOL representative said if the Whyalla recruitment centre was a success there was the possibility for these centres to extend further into Eyre Peninsula.
People are encouraged to register their interest at sapol.info/RegionalEOI
