South Australia Police are facing backlash over a tongue-in-cheek recruitment video aimed at attracting experienced officers from overseas.
The video featured police commissioner Grant Stevens delivering a pitch from what appeared to be a picturesque beach at sunset, until the scenic backdrop collapsed, revealing him standing knee-deep in the ocean.
‘We’re recruiting internationally, and I’m inviting you to apply,’ he began, before promoting the perks on offer for foreign officers.
He highlighted ‘competitive advantages’ such as an attractive salary and coverage of permanent visa costs for both applicants and their families.
Although intended as a light-hearted recruitment campaign, the video has sparked online outrage, with critics questioning why SA Police are recruiting from abroad instead of prioritising local hires.
The clip, posted on TikTok, quickly drew a wave of criticism across social media
‘My son applied for Queensland Police last year and got knocked back,’ one frustrated commenter wrote.
‘So I can’t apply for the AFP because I don’t have a year 12 certificate, despite having plenty of life experience and other skills… yet an immigrant can apply for SA Police,’ another fumed.
The video featured police commissioner Grant Stevens delivering a pitch from what appeared to be a picturesque beach at sunset
Others argued the force should be focused on local recruitment.
‘There would be a reason no one’s applying and they should address that instead,’ one wrote.
Someone else blamed the ad being made due to locals for being uninterested.
‘It’s because no Aussies are joining the police or army it’s our own fault,’ they wrote.
SA Police have defended their controversial recruitment video aimed at overseas officers, as the force struggles with a shortfall of 140 full-time cops.
Commissioner Stevens said SA Police are ‘on track’ to recruit 200 qualified international or interstate officers in a bid to plug the gap.
‘It’s a constant challenge to maintain our recruiting numbers locally,’ he told the Adelaide Advertiser.
He said recruiters will head back to the UK in May ‘to meet directly with potential applicants’.
Although intended as a light-hearted recruitment campaign, the video has sparked online outrage (stock image)
But the commissioner also stood by his involvement in the video in hopes of boosting recruitment.
‘I decided to take a risk in making a fool out of myself,’ he said.
Aside from the UK, SA Police are also targeting officers from Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada.
South Australia is not alone in the recruitment crisis with Victoria also facing nearly 1,000 police vacancies and easing entry requirements.
Changes included scrapping the entrance exam for those with an Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking (ATAR) of 65 or above and a study score of at least 25 in English.
Last year, NSW offered officers a 19 per cent pay rise to attract new recruits.
Queensland has stepped up its own campaign, offering Victorian police officers a $20,000 cash incentive to relocate north, covering moving costs.
In November, Queensland Police boasted of a surge in interest, claiming enthusiasm for policing was at an ‘all-time high’.
It’s not the first time SA Police have faced criticism. A Facebook post last year urging school leavers to join the force to ‘do it for the plot’ was mocked for being ‘cringe’.
