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To provide the organisational focus for the prevention, detection and investigation of corrupt, unethical and unprofessional conduct within SAPOL.×
To provide the community of South Australia with an effective, efficient corruption investigation service in regard to public sector corruption. Clearly, there is no intention to strip the Anti-Corruption Branch of its investigatory function into non-police corruption. The independence of the Anti-Corruption Branch was an important issue which was addressed within the review and the proposed Ethical and Professional Standards Branch would still maintain a dedicated unit to investigate corruption issues. SAPOL has an excellent public reputation for its integrity and commitment to ethical and professional standards. The intention of the recommendations of the project report is to further develop these very positive aspects by providing an enhanced investigations function, supported by intelligence and improved methods of investigation. The independence of these investigations does not appear to be comprised by the proposed amalgamation. The issue of the location of the Anti-Corruption Branch was also addressed. SAPOL's view is that the proposal to locate the Anti-Corruption branch at Police Headquarters has merit and its location is independent of the question of amalgamation. Even if the option of amalgamation of the Internal Investigation Branch and Anti-Corruption Branch is not proceeded with, the review nevertheless recommended that the Anti-Corruption Branch be relocated on the basis of more effective and efficient use of resources. SAPOL proposes that the Branch be located on the same floor as the Internal Investigation Branch and will enable a greater interaction between the two Branches on matters of common interest. When and where the operational need arises for the use of premises independent from normal police premises, that ability will still be available to the Anti-Corruption Branch. The question of potential influence from police management on the Anti-Corruption Branch if located in the same building indirectly questions the integrity of executive management within SAPOL. SAPOL's proposes that the Anti-Corruption Branch be located in a secure area and not on the same floor as executive management. The Anti-Corruption Branch will continue to report directly to the Commissioner of Police and under the proposed amalgamation would report to the Deputy Commissioner. Whether the Anti-Corruption Branch is located several floors from SAPOL management or several kilometres will make no difference and the move will not result in inappropriate influence or affect accountability. It is important to stress also that safeguards such as oversight by an external auditor would remain and in fact be strengthened. During the review, consideration was given to the necessity for the establishment of an independent corruption entity. However, the culture and performance of SAPOL differs markedly from some interstate and overseas police services which now have independent authorities. If this proposal proceeds then it is expected that the level of service and the reputation of SAPOL will be further enhanced and therefore do not believe that an independent entity is appropriate or necessary. Finally, the Minister for Police, Correctional Services and Emergency Services has not had the opportunity to discuss in detail the final project review report with the Commissioner of Police. It is proposed that discussions will occur in the near future where the merits or otherwise of the proposal will be carefully considered. You can be assured that both the Government and the South Australia Police are committed to ensuring that the community of South Australia is provided with an effective and efficient corruption investigation capacity to deal with both police and public sector corruption. The proposed changes do not diminish that commitment, rather they enhance it.