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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-06-17 Daily Xml
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POLICE RECRUITS

Ms FOX (Bright) (14:26): Will the Minister for Police advise the house about the latest police graduation?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:27): I am delighted to announce that 24 former UK police officers with many years of policing experience will take to the streets following their graduation at Fort Largs Police Academy.

Mr Pengilly interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for Finniss!

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT: Those 20 men and four women are very welcome additions to what is the largest police force in the state's history. While recruiting locally continues to be our focus, recruiting from the UK has brought with it many benefits. We have had the opportunity to recruit officers who have previously held ranks in the UK ranging from constable to detective inspector, with some having more than 24 years policing experience.

I am told that SAPOL's UK recruits have adjusted well to work and life in South Australia, and the feedback we have been receiving indicates they are highly competent, professional and friendly. As skilled police officers they continue to bring a wealth of policing skills, knowledge and experience to communities throughout South Australia.

Today's graduation ceremony means 251 police officers have graduated from the academy this financial year, and we currently have an additional 121 cadets in training. Since 2002 we have recruited an impressive 550 additional police officers, and the fact is that we have more operational police than ever before. I am sure members will be interested to hear that South Australia has the highest rate of police per capita of any state. South Australia has 299 sworn officers for every 100,000 persons; the next closest is Tasmania with 277.

The Rann government and SAPOL are working together tirelessly to ensure our communities are as safe as possible, not only for the safety of the public but also to prevent property damage and other crimes. I remind members that our actions are in stark contrast to those of the previous Liberal government, which allowed police numbers in this state to fall alarmingly.

Mr WILLIAMS: On a point of order, sir: the minister is now debating.

The SPEAKER: Order! I will listen attentively to what the minister is saying. If I think he is entering debate I will pull him up. I think the minister has finished.

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