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Deals of the Week 3:46AMSunday, October 26th, 2025 In the know quiz Set your local weather Breaking News Courts & Law Courts & Law Courts & Law Courts & Law South Australia Western Australia Northern Territory Breaking News North America US Politics South America Middle East UK Politics Health Problems Mental Health Inspiration Weight Loss School Life Restaurants & Bars Food Warnings Relationships The Sealed Section Family & Friends Fashion Shows Fashion Trends Face & Body Cosmetic Surgery True Stories Lifestyle Videos Travel Ideas Short Breaks Food & Drinks Destinations North America New Zealand Middle East Central America South America Travel Advice Tips & Tricks Accommodation Australian Holidays Northern Territory South Australia Western Australia Travel Videos Entertainment Celebrity Life Hook Ups & Break ups Celebrity Photos Celebrity Kids Celebrity Deaths Celebrity Style What To Watch Morning Shows Current Affairs Upcoming Movies Movies Reviews Music Festivals Books & Magazines Golden Globes Entertainment Videos Social Media Mobile Phones Home Entertainment Archaeology Environment Climate Change Sustainability Natural Wonders Motoring News On the Road Technology Videos Cost of Living How to Save Salary Secrets Personal Finance Superannuation Australian Culture Power & Influence Inside Parliament Gig Economy Breaking News Manufacturing Other Industries Australian Economy World Economy Interest Rates Federal Budget Australian Markets World Markets Australian Dollar Cryptocurrency Real Estate Sydney & NSW Melbourne & VIC Adelaide & SA Cricket Live Scores V8 Supercars Sports Life American Sports Paralympics Horse Racing Expert Opinion More Sports Sport Videos Sales & Deals Home & Appliances Health & Wellbeing South AustraliaExclusive SAPOL foreign recruit Probationary Constable Stephen Wallace reveals transition from UK to Australia From the dark skies of England’s Yorkshire to Adelaide’s sunny beaches, a Scottish policeman has moved across the world to walk the Aussie beat. Duncan Evans @Duncanevans01 October 26, 2025 - 12:26PMNewsWire Share via Email Share on Facebook Share on Whatsapp Listen to this article Copied URL to clipboard ‘Come one, come all’: Comedic SA Police advertisement Sky News host Liz Storer discusses South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’ comedic police recruitment... It was a chance family holiday to South Australia that first sparked Probationary Constable Stephen Wallace’s love for his new adopted country. “When we came here (to South Australia), it really stuck in my memory,” he told NewsWire in an exclusive interview this week. “I remember being in the supermarket when we came on holiday, people would come up and notice the Scottish accent, really welcoming and really friendly. I absolutely loved it.” Probationary Constable Wallace, 38, is one of hundreds of foreigners who have moved across the world to walk the Aussie beat and help keep us safe. In South Australia, 86 officers drawn from the UK, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand have taken up positions with SAPOL following a concerted foreign recruitment drive to plug workforce gaps. Up to 200 positions are open to foreigners and more recruits are expected in 2026. Probationary Constable Wallace moved from North Yorkshire with his wife and three children, aged 18, 14 and 8, in October last year. “That was a big consideration, moving them (the kids) away from their friends,” the Scottish born-and-raised officer said. “But really I think it was probably an easy decision.” The kids had “settled in really well”, he said, and his oldest boy had since joined a surf life saving club. Probationary Constable Stephen Wallace moved from Britain to Adelaide. Picture: NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe Before South Australia, Probationary Constable Wallace was a dog handler with the Dog Response Unit in England, working with a tracking dog and a trainee explosives dog. When asked what he loved about policing, he stressed the varied nature of the job and the pleasure he takes in “bringing offenders to justice”. “No two days are the same,” he said. “You come into work and you don’t know … one minute you’re going to a missing person (case), next a road traffic collision and the next the more complex investigations where you can really get your teeth stuck into. “I love that I can help people in their hour of need. I love the satisfaction of actually helping someone and bringing offenders to justice. Putting bad people away basically.” He also said becoming a police officer was something more than a career. “Joining the police, it’s not just a career, you join a family,” he said. “It’s hard to explain to someone who is not in the role, but they become your family and people you rely on. I love that community.” Australia and the UK share the same language and an intertwined history, but Probationary Constable Wallace said there were still some culture shocks to get through. Copied URL to clipboard SA police to recruit up to 200 from overseas South Australia's police ranks may soon have a more British flair. They're actively seeking to recruit... “Probably the biggest culture shock is having 40 degree sun, on the beach, on Christmas Day,” he said. “We’re used to wet, snow, cold, so that was a huge culture shock.” He said, however, there was “not a huge difference” in policing between Britain and Australia. “I think policing is policing wherever you go. I think policies and procedures change slightly,” he said. “North Yorkshire is such a rural area, it’s a different crime trend. “And I’d imagine, it’s the same here. If you’re close to the city or close to the suburbs, you’re probably dealing with different things.” Probationary Constable Wallace has noticed some differences though between the Australian and British public and how they interact with the police. “I think South Australian Police are probably held in a bit higher regard,” he said. “I think they are more willing to assist police officers here in investigations and more willing to give statements. They’re friendly, there have been no issues. “It’s the sunshine maybe. Everyone’s a bit happier.” Probationary Constable Wallace speaks with a thick Scottish accent. Picture: NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe He works out of the Netley Police Station in the city’s west. Picture: NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe Probationary Constable Wallace polices Adelaide’s Southern Section. He comes from a small town in the southwest of Scotland and speaks with a thick Scottish accent. “Let me know if you need me to translate for you,” one of his fellow officers told NewsWire at the station. A year in, Probationary Constable Wallace doesn’t regret the move to the hot, dry world of South Australia. “I still appreciate all these things. I still look out my window and see the sea and think, ‘I’m so lucky’,” he said. “It’s amazing. “I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of that.” Now, he said he was here for the long term and his family intended to become citizens. “One of the best decisions I’ve made for both me and my family,” he said. “And anyone who is looking to join South Australian Police, definitely give it a go. “I was treated, from the very start of my recruitment, I was treated as part of the SAPOL family. “I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t a police officer.” Read related topics:Adelaide More related stories Environment ‘Ignite’: Fire ban imposed on major city A total fire ban will be put in place for millions of Aussies on Monday as firefighters warn dangerous weather conditions could ‘ignite’ a disaster. Iconic Aussie food brand goes belly up After decades in Australian kitchens, a fourth-generation family-owned food business is in financial turmoil, leaving employees and creditors in limbo. 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