International recruits bolster SA Police

Experienced recruits from all over the world have stepped into new uniforms with South Australia Police.

Fifteen graduated from the academy today, with hopes their unique skill sets will help address workforce shortages across the state.

"I said to my parents, 'Australia's recruiting, should I go?'," United Kingdom recruit Jamie Jamie Earl said.

READ MORE: Teens arrested after security guard, bystanders bashed at shopping centre

"Before I could even finish that sentence they said, 'when are you going?'"

He and the 14 other graduates completed a 15-week transitional program, paving the way for their official duties starting tomorrow. 

The new officers will be deployed across metropolitan and regional areas, including Whyalla and Port Pirie.

"It's a reality that we have a relatively junior police force in front line policing so to be able to recruit experienced police officers really enhances that level of support," Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said.

SA Police is currently running a broader international and interstate recruitment campaign aimed at attracting 200 additional experienced personnel.

It is paying for permanent residency visas for recruited officers and their immediate families. 

Currently, 34 further recruits are undergoing training and are expected to graduate in May.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.