The force serves 1,579,800 residents of the 12.5-million-square kilometers state. Despite its isolation, the force has always been on the leading edge of police work, introducing the system of photographing prisoners in 1897 and hiring its first women in 1917. The Western Australian Police is lead by a commissioner, a senior assistant commissioner, four assistant commissioners, a commander, and 12 chief superintendents. Recruits undergo 17 weeks of instruction divided into three basic sections -- theory, physical, and general. The force has worked closely with the native aboriginal people, creating the position of Aboriginal Police Aide. An unusual squad, Division 79 provides a specialized patrol system of patrolling, rapid response to calls, and on-the-spot arrests. Other units include the drug squad, the general crime squad, the marine unit, the traffic branch, the camera squad, the Protective Services and Counter Terrorist Intelligence Unit, and the Tactical Response Group.