Today, 16 Protective Security Officers (PSO) graduated from a nine-week course at the Police Academy. This course is part of the additional 114 PSOs funded by the State Government to be part of frontline defence to COVID-19.
Those on this graduating course are aged between 20 – 40 years old.
Amongst those who graduated today is Amelia who migrated from the United Kingdom in 2006. Amelia is a mother of two and had a retail background prior to joining SAPOL.
Amelia’s motivation for applying to be a PSO was that she saw a career where there would be opportunities for growth and development.
Reflecting on the course experience and graduating today, Amelia said that it has been the best nine weeks and she has made friends for life. Amelia is excited about graduating and is “looking forward to the future and the opportunities ahead with SAPOL.”
Another graduate today is 20-year-old Nick who has a sporting background, having represented South Australia in both fitness and baseball. Nick loves the outdoors, including camping and travelling the coast of South Australia.
After taking a gap year after high school to explore his options, Nick saw that SAPOL was recruiting for PSOs and “jumped at the opportunity”, driven by his motivation to keep the community safe.
Nick found the training both challenging and rewarding at the same time and feels extremely proud to have graduated today.
Amelia, Nick and their fellow graduating PSOs will start on COVID-19 duties, initially undertaking medi-hotel compliance duties by staffing security desks and controlling access to quarantine facilities, allowing some of SAPOL’s frontline police officers to return to their usual roles. In addition, the PSOs will operate security equipment, monitor CCTV, undertake foot patrols around the medi-hotel perimeter, as well as monitor and report on the movement of guests to and from the quarantine facility.
Applications are still open for PSO’s to assist with COVID-19 duties. If you are after a career change, have strong communication skills, a community-minded approach and a cool head in stressful situations, apply now.
Successful applicants will receive paid training for nine weeks, a uniform, and they’ll undertake pre-planned shift work, meaning a flexible lifestyle and working in a strong team environment.
For more information on a PSO role or to apply, please visit https://www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us
Today’s graduation took place in accordance with the COVID-19 Directions Activities.
Image above: Nick and Amelia
