Police Cadets

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (23 February 2016).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): I am advised:

In August 2015, the Australian New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA) Board approved a new series of strength and mobility requirements for the selection and recruitment of police officers. The requirements broadly fall into two groups, gross motor skills (physically demanding) and fine motor skills (requiring manual dexterity). The South Australia Police (SAPOL) fitness assessment at recruit phase is based on the ANZPAA approved standards and aligns them to the functions that people (as sworn police) will be required to perform.

SAPOL is one of the first jurisdictions to formally trial these requirements.

All applicants undergo a medical assessment as part of the application process which determines if they are of sufficient fitness to meet the rigors of a police career. The introduction of the 12 month cadet training program also provides scope for cadets to attain an increased level of physical fitness whilst in training, under the supervision of qualified trainers.