August 2002 Volume 83 Number 8
"serving the protectors"
| August 2002 Volume 83 Number 8 "serving the protectors" |
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| By Mark Carroll, PASA Assistant Secretary |
Reclassification of Sexual Assault Unit positions
The Sexual Assault Unit investigator positions have finally been approved for reclassification from the rank of constable to senior constable.
SAPOL’s Police Classification Committee had dealt with this issue some time ago and recommended the upgrade to the Commissioner of Police. However, the matter stalled, which necessitated the Police Association writing to the Commissioner on March 6, to query the anticipated timeframe for the finalization of the issue.
The Association received a response from the Commissioner on April 12, stating that the Assistant Commissioner, Crime Service, would complete his recommendations in two weeks and advise the association of outcomes at that time.
The association was not advised in that timeframe and notified a dispute on June 3. On July 3, the association was advised that the Commissioner had authorized the upgrade in rank classification on July 1, with the new promotional positions to be advertised via the Police Gazette.
This is an excellent outcome, which recognizes the function and duties of the Sexual Assault Unit. It is disappointing that the association had to commence dispute proceedings to have the matter dealt with in a timelier manner.
Selections
SAPOL selection policy and procedures for all sworn advertised positions were reported in the Police Gazette on August 11, 1999. The policy included timeframes to ensure vacancies within SAPOL were managed efficiently and completed in a timely manner. The timeframes reported provided for a 53-day cumulative timeframe, from the vacancy being gazetted to the notification in the Police Gazette. These timeframes “must be adhered to”.
The association notified a dispute on June 21, for a member involved in a selection that was first advertised in the gazette on November 28, 2001. At the time of the dispute notification, 205 days had elapsed – way outside of the 53-day timeframe. After notification of the dispute, the member selected for the position was gazetted in 19 days – for a total period of 224 days.
Members who have experienced similar difficulties in selections are asked to contact the association.
Guidelines for one- and two-person stations
The Police Association and SAPOL have been unable to agree on guidelines to support working arrangements in one- and two-person stations. As a result, the association has requested the South Australian Industrial Relations Court and Commission (IRC) to intervene.
Association and SAPOL representatives met in chambers of Deputy President Hampton of the IRC on June 15. The parties have agreed to informal conciliation and have six weeks to supply a comprehensive outline of argument prior to conciliation.
Association members will be updated on the progression of this vitally important issue.
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