Police Cadet

Role overview

South Australia Police is inviting applications from people who want to build a career as a police officer. This opportunity is suitable for career changers, recent graduates, and others who want to contribute meaningfully to the community. The organisation is seeking candidates who reflect the diversity of the South Australian community and who are ready for a challenging and rewarding path in policing.

As SAPOL continues to evolve across its people, operations, and technology functions, this role offers the chance to join a respected policing organisation and help strengthen community safety.

Training and salary

Cadets will train at the South Australia Police Academy in Taperoo and receive full pay during training. The learning program combines academic study in law, policy, and procedure with practical and physical preparation.

The stated salary range is AUD 71,872 to AUD 83,398 per year. After training, operational roles may attract shift penalties and allowances of up to 23%, along with additional financial and flexibility benefits for regional placements. The role also includes 6 weeks of annual leave.

What the role involves

Once training is successfully completed, the cadet will progress into frontline policing work. Duties include mobile patrols, crime prevention and detection, maintaining law and order, and contributing to traffic enforcement and road safety initiatives. The position is intended to prepare the officer for meaningful service in South Australian communities, with clear pathways for development and progression.

Key duties

• Prevent, detect, and investigate offences involving street crime, family violence, traffic matters, and drug and alcohol-related issues.
• Examine crime scenes and accident sites to collect and secure evidence.
• Help maintain public safety and order.
• Conduct patrols in designated areas to reduce the risk of disturbance and criminal activity.
• Investigate accidents, offences, and public complaints, including evidence gathering, suspect interviews, and arrests where required.
• Carry out alcohol and drug testing for suspected impaired drivers and issue traffic infringement notices.
• Manage and direct traffic in congested locations.
• Take part in community engagement activities and events.
• Support victims of crime and their families with advice and assistance.
• Keep records and prepare formal reports.
• Attend court as required.

What SAPOL is looking for

Ideal candidates will be strong communicators who can manage conflict effectively, make confident decisions under pressure, and solve problems quickly and calmly. The organisation also values honesty, reliability, courage, patience, resilience, and respect.

Eligibility

Applications are open to everyone, but candidates must meet the requirements to serve as a South Australian Police Officer. Applicants must be at least 17 years old at the time of application, be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident, and be able to satisfy medical, fitness, and psychometric standards. They must also be willing and able to complete operational training and carry and use operational safety equipment, including a firearm.

Additional information

This position is listed as a long-term contract and is based across various locations in South Australia. Country and interstate applicants may complete the initial stages of the recruitment process remotely, and successful candidates may be eligible for a cost of living allowance. Onsite academy accommodation may be available for approved applicants, subject to availability.

South Australia Police encourages applications from First Nations peoples and is committed to building a culturally responsive and inclusive workplace in partnership with First Nations communities. The public sector also supports diversity and flexible working arrangements, including part-time options, which applicants may discuss for this role.

Applications close on 29 January 2027 at 6:00 PM.