Murray Bridge woman graduates from SA police academy

Just before Christmas, 18 new police officers joined SA Police after successfully graduating from the South Australian Police Academy.

Murray Bridge graduate Sophia Allchurch was part of Course 75 and is ready to give policing her all to “make a difference”.

Ms Allchurch brings with her supervisor and leadership experience to policing.

“I was a member of the Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend Blue Light committees, and this was a valuable experience.... working alongside police officers," she said.

"(I) could watch how they manage a range of situations that arise from dealing with members of the public.

“I was also a member of the Murray Bridge Scout Group for approximately 10 years, and this helped me develop leadership skills and independence."

Sophia was able to travel to America and Canada through Scouts for a World Scout Jamboree.

Ms Allchurch looked forward to a regional posting, saying she had long aspired to work within Aboriginal communities to make change.

Her fellow graduates ranged in ages from 18 to 48, with 14 men and four women bringing diverse backgrounds to the role.

This included American, Indian, Iranian, Greek, Serbian, French and Indigenous Australian.

Before joining SAPOL, course members worked across a variety of industries, including sales, information and technology, hospitality and social work.

Some also brought experience as a sports coach, carpenter, orderly, police security officer and prison officer.

A few recruits journeyed from interstate, including from New South Wales and the Northern Territory, while others came from regional areas, including Whyalla and Penola.

Course 75 members will be posted across metropolitan and regional locations including Port Augusta, Berri, Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Port Pirie.

SAPOL are currently recruiting and keen to hear from people interested in joining their team.

• More information: www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us.