POLICE RECRUITMENT

In reply to the Hon. R.D. LAWSON (12 May 2009).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business): The Minister for Police has provided the following information:

The South Australia Police (SAPOL) have advised that since 2004, SAPOL recruiting teams have visited the UK six times and the total costs to date for UK recruiting has been $450,501. The costs include airfares, residential and office accommodation, meals, hiring facilities and freight. Relocation costs incurred and visa fees are the responsibility of the UK recruits. Subsidies are not provided by SAPOL.

SAPOL began recruiting from the UK in 2005, since then 399 UK police have been recruited.

SAPOL recognises prior police service (RPS) of officers employed from other Australian police services, the UK and New Zealand. Prior service is recognised and is relevant to determining a minimum probationary period, pay related calculations for positions held at the rank of constable and in relation to recognising service required to enable in-situ promotion to senior constable. SAPOL calculates RPS by acknowledging 50% of former continuous service and active police service with an approved police jurisdiction. Each applicant must have three years continuous and active police service within the previous five year period prior to recruitment. It is limited to a maximum credit of seven years service.

SAPOL also recognises prior learning and current competence (RPL). Applications relating to promotional qualifications can be made by a permanently appointed member who has held a substantive rank position at the rank of senior constable or above within an interstate or approved overseas jurisdiction. Periods of relieving or acting rank are not considered. If the member's previous police service does not have a senior constable equivalent rank, there is no opportunity to apply for RPL.

Applications are assessed through an internal SAPOL Committee. Members whose previous substantive rank was as a sergeant or above are required to complete the Advanced Diploma of Policing and pass the sergeant/senior sergeant exam and course to be qualified for sergeant and senior sergeant. They can apply for status with TAFE for previous tertiary study towards the Advanced Diploma of Policing.

RPL can also be applied for by permanently appointed members in relation to SAPOL vocational courses. Applicants must have completed a similar approved vocational course within their originating service.

UK (and interstate) recruits undertake a ten week conversion course at the Police Academy. RPS is one element considered when determining the subsequent probationary period for each recruit. Probationary periods can be six, nine or twelve months, dependent on the individual's skills and experience.

RPS has been discussed with each applicant during the recruiting process conducted in London before they are invited to accept a job offer with SAPOL. More recently, information regarding RPS and RPL has been posted on the recruiting website www.achievemore.com.au for applicants to consider prior to submitting their application for employment.