POLICE OFFENCE STREAMING MODEL

Ms BETTISON (Ramsay) (15:40): My question is to the Minister for Police. Can the minister inform the house about what is being done to lessen the amount of paperwork for police and keep more officers on the beat?

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) (15:40): One of the best examples of how SAPOL is freeing up police resources for front-line activity is the offence streaming model trial that is currently under way in the Holden Hill Local Service Area.

Those reported for minor offences were previously personally served by police with a summons to attend court. This often required a number of visits by police. Further, information was generally only provided to them about the alleged offence at that first court appearance. Adjournments were often sought in order for the accused to consider the charge. This was a time and resource intense process for police and the courts.

The offence streaming model trial is a program which has revolutionised the charging and prosecution process for our police officers. This is achieved by using a court attendance notification, which is basically a call and text to the accused individual with the details of their court appearance and information about how they can collect a summary of evidence if they wish. Those who fail to attend court are issued with a summons. It is a practical and modern-day response which speeds up the judicial process for those charged with a less serious and less complex matter.

With this program running alongside the Early Resolution Court at the Holden Hill Magistrates Court, I can report some very encouraging preliminary figures. SAPOL is reporting good results, with 60 per cent of all matters brought before the Early Resolution Court being resolved on the first appearance. Court attendance notifications have also been well received by the public, with a more than 96 per cent attendance rate for the first court appearance.

This initiative takes away the requirement for summonses to be served for minor matters, leading to less paperwork for police. What these provisional results are showing is that the program is not only bringing offenders to court faster but it is also leading to higher rates of resolution on first appearance. It has been found that the provision of a summary of evidence to the accused offender is one of the main reasons that matters are being resolved in the first instance rather than being adjourned.

The use of phone and text reminders has proven to be a great way of increasing efficiency in this area. It also allows for accused individuals to seek clarification of issues of penalty and process which may arise, leading to a reduction in related stress and anxiety. I am very encouraged by the preliminary results of the offence streaming model trial and I look forward to the full findings.

Public sector renewal is not simply jargon. It is a commitment to doing things better. I know Commissioner Burns shares the government's commitment to renewing the public sector, and this project has been an outstanding example of that renewal and a great way to keep our police officers on the beat where they are needed most.