POLICE RESOURCES

In reply to the Hon. R.I. LUCAS (22 November 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. R.I. Lucas regarding the attendance of a mounted police patrol at the weddings of two of that unit's members.

A police investigation of the matter has revealed that this occurred on 3 occasions over the last 10 years, the last being in November 2006. This activity was undertaken with the approval of the unit supervisors at the time. It was viewed as a reward for dedication and hard work and recognition of the pride the particular members had in their workplace on a special occasion for those individual members. The supervisors have been counselled regarding this matter and action has been taken to ensure that incidents of this nature do not occur again.

In reference to the supplementary question raised by the Hon. R.I. Lucas about the existence of a list within mounted operations unit of future police officers wanting mounted police patrols to attend personal weddings, SAPOL advises that there is no such list in existence.