 |
Legislative
Council |
|
 |
||
| Ian Gilfillan Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council |
Parliament Index |
|
|
Legislative
Council |
|
|
||
| Ian Gilfillan Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council |
Parliament Index |
|
POLICE TRAINING
In reply to Hon. IAN GILFILLAN (25 October).
The Hon. K.T. GRIFFIN: The Minister for Police, Correctional Services and Emergency Services has been advised by the Commissioner of Police of the following information:
Constable training is a two-year process divided into two parts. The first part is a 26-week academy based training program. This is followed by the portion commonly referred to as `The Probationary Period'. This 18-month period is workplace based and managed through supervision, a workbook, a mentor system and interface with LSA based training officers.
Police officers `graduate' after 26 weeks on successful completion of the first part of the program. Graduation therefore is the `rite of passage' to being sworn and appointed as a member of SAPOL.
New probationary constables ( graduates) are sent to LSA's for an induction period of up to six weeks before they are programmed into driver training programs from which they emerge with urgent duty driving authorisation. The current induction period of SIX weeks is temporary due to various training demands including Incident Management and Operational Safety Training (IMOST) and the Premier's Task Force. After the January training course this period will reduce from six weeks to not longer than two weeks.
This is a superior system to the one it replaced where cadets were issued with a limited permit and later programmed for urgent duty driving instruction. Often the latter was delayed and not provided for a lengthy period.
No person graduates without firearms training and qualification up to IMOST (a cyclic qualification program in incident management and operational safety training including all aspects of firearms training). The only exceptions being people that are injured and cannot physically comply with the standards. These are managed by exception and number very few.
The four-day IMOST Course was introduced to SAPOL on 17 January 2000 as a result of the Operational Safety Training Review. All operational SAPOL sworn staff will undergo IMOST Course training in the 2 000 calendar year. IMOST Course training focuses on the variety of tactical options that are available to operational police to avoid confrontations and resolve conflict peacefully. The focus extends to risk assessment and planning approaches to incidents, together with the use of police equipment. Members are required to qualify each year in the use of firearms and other equipment issued to them when performing operational duties.
SAPOL general orders regarding operational safety training state:
`SAPOL is committed to ensuring members receive relevant and credible operational safety education and training that ensures safety for all is the highest priority.
To perform duties which require operational equipment to be carried you must hold a current operational safety certification. Operational safety certification will only be obtained on successful completion of all components of the Incident Management and Operational Safety Training Course. It will remain valid for 12 months and during this time you must requalify.
To requalify you must attend mandatory cyclic training (IMOST 2) and demonstrate competencies in all aspects. If you do not hold a current operational safety certification you may only carry operational equipment when authorised in writing by an Assistant Commissioner.'
The operational safety review introduced the formation of the operational safety portfolio chaired by an assistant commissioner. This panel monitors and continually assesses all aspects of operational safety and recommends improvement and changes to improve SAPOL's overall public safety strategies.
The 1999 report of which former Supreme Court judge, Mr Derek Bollen was a member, made a recommendation regarding monitoring and training in relation to legislative requirements and the theory and practical use of breath-testing equipment.
In February 2000 the police breath analysis training and monitoring systems where enhanced. This enhancement included the training course being extended in length and the use of improved written and practical examinations. Qualified operators are subject to ongoing training and refresher sessions to ensure standards are maintained. This is supported by supervision in the field and the availability of Traffic Training staff.
