More than 1600 South Australian Police (SAPOL) officers are women, who hold a variety of roles from senior management and specialist positions to frontline patrols.
Constable Alison Sampson is one such woman who chose a career in policing, and has been part of SAPOL for seven years.
Based in the APY Lands, Constable Sampson said she was attracted to the role because her values aligned with SAPOL's.
"I feel like I'm part of something bigger than just myself, and that I have the support of the whole organisation in building safer communities," Constable Sampson said.
"Being a police officer is everything I expected it would be, and more. I’m a role model to my children and also to the communities in which I work."
But Constable Sampson adds that it's no secret that policing can be challenging.
"Being a police officer at times can be very demanding," she said.
"However, it can also be immensely rewarding.
"I find that women are generally good at problem solving and being adaptable and flexible, and they are particularly good at communicating with compassion and can often calm a situation or break down barriers."
SAPOL's female officers come from a variety of backgrounds and draw on their individual skills, strengths and experiences.
"I hope that SAPOL at all levels will continue to advocate for women in the workplace, and this will help to close the gender gap and reduce gender bias," said Constable Sampson.
"In particular, I hope to see women Community Constables in the APY Lands working alongside mainstream officers, as this will help to achieve better outcomes for local communities."
The highest-ranking female police officer in South Australian history is Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams, who was appointed in 2015.
She shared details of the changes she's witnessed in her 43-year policing career with We Are.SA ahead of The Power of Her, a women's leadership symposium held in Adelaide. Read more about Ms Williams' insights into policing and how it's changed over the past four decades.
Constable Sampson is sharing her highlights of a career in policing in the lead-up to SAPOL hosting a Women In Policing information seminar on Wednesday 23 August. If you are interested in joining SAPOL, head along and chat to experienced female officers, discover more about career options and learn about the application process.
The seminar will be at 100 Angas St, Adelaide, from 6.30pm-8.30pm.
You must register to attend through SAPOL.
