May 1999 Volume 80 Number 5 "serving the protectors"
President's Message

Police Name Tags

SAPOL management’s decision to make the wearing of name tags compulsory for uniform police officers was published in the Police Gazette of March 24, 1999.

Scores of members have written and/or telephoned the Police Association since that gazette was published. They feel that the open display of their names places them at risk and consider management’s decision as being made without consultation.

In July 1997, Assistant Commissioner John White insisted that: “Staff at all levels need to be given an opportunity to have a say in our future...” (Police Post No 108). That this hasn’t occurred in respect of the name tags issue is greatly disappointing.

Uniform police officers and their families have a right to feel safe. It is essential that officers not only be safe but also feel safe.

The police officer concern expressed to the association seems to reflect the view of the general membership. Officers throughout SAPOL feel their safety will be compromised by wearing name tags. Anecdotal evidence provided to the association creates considerable concern about name tags’ introduction.

In light of SAPOL’s clearly stated commitment to consultative management, the Police Association calls on Commissioner Hyde to follow the lead of our nation’s largest police force (NSW): allow the wearing of name tags to be voluntary. This will bring SAPOL appropriately into line with other police forces.

Peter Alexander    President