POLICE EMPLOYEES

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (26 September 2007).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning): I refer to the question without notice from the Hon. T.J. Stephens on 26 September 2007 regarding the number of operational police officers on 'light duties', the length of time they have been on light duties, the current total cost of accrued work cover payments and the current number of police officers not suitable for patrol duties.

When a police officer sustains a work place injury that restricts their ability to perform their normal duties, they are assigned 'modified duties'. The officer performs the 'modified duties' until such time as they are assessed by a medical practitioner as being fit to return to full duties.

South Australia Police perform a broad range of police duties that are not associated with patrols or investigations. During rehabilitation, police officers performing 'modified duties' are generally placed into the non operational positions and perform meaningful tasks.

As at 30 September 2007, 56 police officers were performing 'modified duties' as a result of being injured at work. Of those 56 police officers identified, 44 are attached to operational postings across South Australia. The postings include general patrols, detectives, traffic and mounted police.

The 'age' of the 56 claims are as follows:

Injury occurred within 1 year 22

Injury occurred between 1-5 years ago 25

Injury occurred more than 5 years ago 9

There are currently 4,100 sworn full time establishment positions in SAPOL. The 56 police officers performing 'modified duties' represents 1.36 per cent of the total police sworn establishment numbers.

The total accrued WorkCover cost for the 56 police officers performing 'modified duties' is $2,483,386. The total cost for this financial year to 30 September 2007 is $281,409. The majority of the costs are incurred through salary and medical treatment expenses.

SAPOL actively works with injured police officers to ensure they return to full operational duties as quickly as possible.