POLICE EMPLOYMENT POLICY

In reply to Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (28 June 2013).

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Finance, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): Full disclosure of any and all pre-existing and historical medical conditions is a requirement of SAPOL's recruitment process.

Assessment of that information is undertaken to ensure that applicants are able to perform the inherent requirements of operational policing, including critical tasks, effectively and without compromising the safety of themselves or others.

SAPOL's current position is that applicants presenting with some medical conditions, of which type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (mature onset) diabetes are two, are not recommended for employment.

The unpredictable nature of operational work means that employees may be required to undertake duties which may prevent timely access to medication and appropriate food required for the person concerned to properly manage the condition. This is particularly significant in the case of insulin dependency, where medication is conventionally self-injected, and is often required to be kept refrigerated. The potential risks to the person concerned and to other officers and members of public who are reliant on the officer's actions for their safety and protection are SAPOL's principal concern.

As medical treatment and management advances are made, SAPOL's position will be reassessed.