Two recruits from the United Kingdom have started this week, and a further three more will join in the next few weeks.

The station will also be joined by two sergeants next month, followed by an Intelligence Officer.

Port Augusta Police Acting Operations Manager Ian Feltus said he was pleased that more officers would be working in the City.

Some of the new recruits took over positions that had to be back filled, from vacant positions.

He said the recruits would be a benefit to the local police force.

“We will have a full complement of police in Port Augusta … and it’s always good to get fresh faces into the community, and workplace.”

Because of their previous experience, Mr Feltus said the new recruits would bring with them a “wealth of experience and expertise” with them to help service the community.

Twenty-four UK police officers will have been recently recruited over the State.

The State has the highest percentage of police staff assigned to operational duties.

The Port Augusta Police will see another change this month, with a change to the area they cover.

Port Augusta’s region - The Far North Local Service Area (LSA) – will be increasing its size, to include the Barrier Highway, as well as Mannahill, Yunta and Cockburn.

The size of the LSA will try and fit to line with council boundaries, Mr Feltus said.

The services will now extend further.