January 2000 Volume 81 Number 1 "serving the protectors"
By Mark Carroll  Assistant Secretary

PASA Delegates Branch Structure

At the annual conference of delegates last October, the structure of delegates was modified in line with the new SAPOL organizational structure. As a result, some vacancies exist within the branches for both delegate and conference delegate positions.

The Police Association will continue to delete workplaces covered or renamed as SAPOL continues to evolve its structure. If you become aware of any workplaces incorrectly named in PASA’s structure, please let me know.

The February Police Journal will contain a handout that details the new structure and advertise the vacancies that exist. It wasn’t possible to provide the handout in this issue due to print deadlines.

Qualifications For Senior Constable

ualifying for the rank of senior constable presently involves completion of the Advanced Diploma in Policing Studies. Completion of this course will also qualify members for the rank of senior sergeant. This issue has caused some angst for members who are not in a position to apply for senior constable positions as they have yet to conclude the course. This issue obviously begs the question as to why one needs to complete this diploma course in toto to apply for a position of a lesser rank (senior constable).

SAPOL is currently reviewing this situation. This is also in line with clause 7.1.2 of the EB agreement, in which it is the intent of SAPOL to review recognition of status - e.g. the re-introduction of recognition of first class constable status within the new structure.

Hopefully, the review will address current concerns. It is anticipated this review is soon to be completed by SAPOL.

Senior Sergeant Shiftwork Denial

The Police Association is currently acting for senior sergeants who have been denied access to shiftwork. Reasons for denial are suspected to involve budgetary considerations. A review of the position information documents for senior sergeants in crime command and the LSAs would indicate that unless access to shiftwork is allowed, it is doubtful that they could fulfill all requirements. There are some senior sergeants on shiftwork, but the majority are assigned to permanent dayshift rosters. The Police Association president has recently written to the Commissioner seeking further discussion on this issue. It is perplexing to note that the current EB agreement at clause 7.8 (Senior Sergeants Shiftwork) allows the ordinary rate of 15% Monday to Friday in lieu of the Police Award provision to apply for day work senior sergeants. The intent behind this clause was to allow senior sergeants greater access to shiftwork, but SAPOL appears to have moved away from this position. Comprehensive debate on the role and function of senior sergeants needs to occur, for as it currently stands, there are not too many members willing to relieve in the rank and lose access to shift penalties, thus reducing their take home pay.

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