May 1999 Volume 80 Number 6 "serving the protectors"
President's Message

MINISTERIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Police Minister Robert Brokenshire’s announcement (at a Police Club luncheon last month) that SAPOL will recruit 140 police trainees in the approaching financial year was good news to the Police Association. But it is news which must be put into its proper perspective.

Between 110 and 120 police officers, on average, separate from SAPOL in any given year through death, resignation or retirement. The current financial year is no exception, yet recruitment against natural attrition hasn’t been undertaken.

So, pleasing though it may be that the Government has announced recruitment against natural attrition for 1999-2000, the reality is simply that SAPOL’s staffing should not now worsen. This is completely ineffectual in terms of addressing the numbers shortfall of the past six years.

The Police Association will negotiate with both the Government and Opposition over future staffing within the police force (I still call it that) over the coming weeks.

This issue is of paramount importance not only to all police officers but also the South Australian community.

Peter Alexander    President  

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