Sharynne Lee GRANT

Constable Sharynne Grant’s death was not considered suspicious.

Mr Rau described Constable Grant as a “highly-respected and long-serving member of our police force”.

“As South Australia’s longest ever serving female officer, she was a guiding light for many of her colleagues,” he said.

“Constable Grant excelled in her career, and particularly so in her service as a Victim Contact Officer.

“(Her) passion for her role and empathy has provided tremendous support to victims and their families.

“Our condolences are with (Constable Grant’s) family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”

Mr Stevens described Constable Grant’s death as “tragic”.

“On behalf of all members of the South Australia Police, I extend our condolences to Sharynne’s family, friends and colleagues,” he said.

“On a personal note, I am deeply saddened by her death.

“It would be inappropriate for me to further discuss the circumstances of this matter, but in keeping with usual practice a report will be prepared for the State Coroner.”

Constable Grant joined SA Police in 1975 and remained in the force until she died.

Her service to the community and support for victims of crime and those affected by trauma was recognised on Australia Day this year when she was awarded an Australian Police Medal.

In November last year, Constable Grant told ABC News it was “very emotional” being the longest serving female officer.

She said it was vital that women have a strong presence in the police force.

“I think it’s very important, they do a wonderful job,” she told the ABC.

“We’ve got a female deputy commissioner, she’s fantastic, through the ranks, and they just do wonderful work, really wonderful work and equal work with the men.

“It’s very emotional for me, being the longest serving and probably the oldest, it’s very emotional.”

Police Association of SA president Mark Carroll also passed on his condolences.

“Sharynne was a deeply respected member of the police community, loved my many and her passing is a terrible tragedy,” he said.

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Snapshots of a century of women in police in South Australia

South Australia Police will recognise a significant milestone in history on Tuesday (1 Dec) with a street parade in Adelaide’s CBD celebrating a century of women in policing.
On December 1, 1915 South Australia Police appointed its first female officers as equals with their male counterparts. They were the first women police officers commissioned in the then British Empire and among the first in the world.
Over the next week, in recognition of 100 years of women in policing, we are publishing some short videos memories from police women past and present.
Today we feature Constable Sharynne Grant (SAPOL 1975-current), who shows how the ‘history’ of SAPOL is still unfolding today. Other snapshots can be seen on the SAPOL Facebook page, or YouTube account.
These women will be among those attending the parade, which will also feature the Band of the South Australia Police, mounted police, present and retired officers, PSOs, ASOs, historic uniforms and vehicles.
Tuesday’s street parade – which starts outside Police Headquarters, 100 Angas Street at 10am – will move around Victoria Square, travel down King William St and end at Government House about 11am.
We hope to see you there!