Annual report 2021-22

South Australia Police (SAPOL) Statement of Reconciliation and SAPOL Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) remain the guiding documents for engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. SAPOL’s revised RAP is being drafted for review by Reconciliation Australia and is expected to be released in the latter half of 2022. A working group consisting of people both internal and external to SAPOL, has been formed to provide the broadest input in the hope of achieving the best result in improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

During the review period, the SAPOL RAP moved into its fifth year, with the delay in releasing the new RAP predominantly due to COVID-19. SAPOL has been working closely with Reconciliation SA and Reconciliation Australia in an effort to achieve a ‘stretch’ RAP for the coming period.

The existing RAP has been assessed against its deliverables, adjusted to meet community needs and exceeded the outcomes as defined within this document by way of establishing meaningful and resilient partnerships with major stakeholders and organisational cultural inclusion.

SAPOL’s commitment to prevention, early intervention, and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is supported through liaison with Federal and State Government and non-government agencies.

SAPOL, through the Commissioner of Police, as a member of the Chief Executive’s Group on Aboriginal Affairs; additional SAPOL representation also forms a part of the South Australian Senior Management Council, Over Representation of Aboriginal People in the Justice System working group.

SAPOL are further represented at numerous community engagement events where employment and engagement with the organisation is promoted. Many events in 2021-22 were cancelled or postponed due to continuing issues related to COVID-19. Regardless of this, SAPOL maintained close working relationships with key employment stakeholders including the Office for the Public Sector (OPS) vide the OPS Aboriginal Trainee Program and Aboriginal Employment Register. SAPOL have continued to scout existing talent from within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to increase our employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through direct liaison between our Aboriginal members and the community.

As at 30 June 2022, SAPOL comprised of 74 Aboriginal employees working as sworn police officers, community constables, police Aboriginal liaison officers (casual), cadets, Police Security Officers and administrative support officers.
Assistant Commissioner State Operations Service is the sponsor of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Focus Group which functions as a working group to provide operational and organisational guidance on Indigenous issues that will impact on SAPOL, its staff and the wider community.

The Cultural Capability Development Program (the program) continues to provide ongoing learning opportunities for SAPOL employees. The program is designed to bring together cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity and cultural safety to develop cultural capability across the organisation. The program was launched in August 2020 with an introductory course developed by SBS and delivered online.

Steps two and three have commenced with face to face sessions being rolled out to all staff over a period of time with the final step incorporating practical elements of policing tailored to individual workplace requirements.

Building upon our existing SAPOL RAP, the succeeding RAP will see our organisation increase its commitment to reconciliation through the inclusion of progressive, contemporary initiatives that are reflective of the respect we have for our First Nations People and SAPOL’s commitment to reconciliation.

SAPOL launched its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2020-2024 in October 2020 and continues to implement its actions. SAPOL has committed to greater involvement of people with disability in implementing the new plan.

The DAIP sets a clear direction for what SAPOL intends to do to further support and include people with disability over the four years of the plan. The 12 actions are aligned to four themes set out in the Inclusive SA: State Disability Inclusion Plan 2019-2023; Inclusive communities for all, leadership and collaboration, accessible communities, and learning and employment.

Inclusive communities for all

SAPOL has commenced reviewing its on-line disability awareness training for all staff. To coincide with World Autism Day, SAPOL launched a new interactive training Autism awareness module, developed by Autism Spectrum Australia. The module, developed specifically for police, focuses on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and inclusion of people with autism. During the development of SAPOL's DAIP, consultation with the community identified that autism training would enable greater understanding and better communication and response when engaging with people with autism.

SAPOL is currently working on a DAIP Action 2 to build SAPOL employee confidence and safeguard people with disability through increased engagement with people with disability, disability service providers and disability service sites including:

• SAPOL’s Neighbourhood Watch program is developing an Action Plan which makes specific actions around increasing engagement with and increased participation of priority groups including those with disability. The actions centre on proactively collaborating with relevant community leaders and agencies.
• SAPOL’s Public Engagement Section are currently in the process of undertaking an exciting major review and refresh project to engage with external market research agencies to help inform, and refresh:
  • Business Security portfolio
  • Vehicle and Bicycle Security portfolio
  • Residential Security portfolio
• The process for each of these reviews/refreshes will) involve using an external market research provider to consult the community (proactively including people with disabilities), to inform and help us improve products/services to the community.
• SAPOL’s Road Safety Centre hosted participants of Novita Step Up Life Skills Program. The focus of the session was road safety with the provision of vital road safety information and the opportunity for participants to practice those skills on the mock roadway.

Leadership and collaboration

SAPOL is working on two actions under this theme – the establishment of a Disability Service Development Advisory Group and a Disability Engagement Forum. The key objective of both actions is to enable SAPOL to hear feedback on service delivery issues impacting people living with disability and to involve, where feasible, people living with disability, carers and disability service providers, in collaborative change.

Accessible communities

PASB have continued working on Action 6 of the DAIP; to apply universal design principles to SAPOL’s sites, buildings and facilities and conduct audits of existing sites:

• SAPOL Universal Design Guidelines (Built Form) drafted, incorporating SAPOL principles of universal design. Guidelines to be included in project documentation for new and upgraded facilities.
• SAPOL guidelines to be progressively updated to address universal design issues identified in site audits.
• SAPOL guidelines to be reviewed when updated Department for Infrastructure and Transport Fitout Standards are available.
• Audit plan updated to allow for in-house audit team (in lieu of external consultants) with two positions created and funded from the program budget.
• Audit team has undertaken training in access consulting and auditing.
• Site audits commenced in late March 2022 with 26 sites audited by 30 June 2022.
• Audit program delayed by recruitment of audit team as well as site access and travel restrictions related to COVID-19.
• Priority access improvements have been identified with approved minor works to commence in July 2022.
• Funding of $200,000 allocated for 2021-22 and 2022-23 to support resourcing for audits and some initial works identified.

In relation to Action 7; provide accessible information on SAPOL’s websites: the contract with SAPOL’s website platform provider was extended in January 2022 to January 2024. In 2022, as part of that contract, SAPOL is upgrading from v5.4.7.1 to 5.7.1. The upgrade will allow SAPOL to take advantage of any web accessibility improvements from the newer version. Following the upgrade, SAPOL will look to collaborate with its provider to refresh the website by providing a user design review to improve the accessibility of our site.

SAPOL employees (in community engagement, media and marketing roles and responsible for producing information and content for the public such as crime prevention messaging) participated in Easy English training delivered by Scope Australia.

In relation to Action 8; broaden and enhance the use of technology to enable better communication between people with disability and SAPOL:

• In December 2021 rolled out the E-Sign Contractor & Visitor Management System across 37 SAPOL sites. These sites have been equipped with iPads in the front stations which will replace the manual sign in process for visitors.
• SAPOL continues to employ the Advanced Mobile Location Services, allowing SAPOL to identify the location of members of the public calling for assistance despite possible communication barriers.
• SAPOL has access to and promotes “What3words” to assist in locating Triple Zero callers.
• National Relay Service (NRS) perform the function to connect and assist with communication for deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people via the telephone. This is significant for emergency services as NRS provide the ability to contact 000 using a dedicated 106 service. Training on the NRS function is delivered in the Communications Centre Course and the Call Centre course.
• Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) - a telephone owner’s personal details information is held by the telephone service provider and in emergency situations when the caller contacts triple zero is provided to the Emergency Service Call Centre. This information has not been available via the third party (NRS). The service provider Concentrix are currently working with all emergency services across Australia to standardise IPND information that is provided to the Emergency Service Call Centre. SAPOL is currently engaged in this improvement.
• Text to triple zero is a national initiative that is being managed through National Emergency Communications Working Group. The triple zero provider (Telstra) provides the option for a member of the public to call triple zero using SMS. This is an ongoing project.
• SAPOL is participating in the Persons at Risk in Emergencies Project that is being led by South Australia Council of Social Services.

Learning and employment

SAPOL partnered with Job Access during 2021-22. Job Access delivered disability awareness training to employees across SAPOL including a large contingent from Human Resource Service, with a particular focus on recruitment and supporting employees in the workplace. Job Access also conducted a review of SAPOL’s recruitment processes and has provided a report with suggestions to assist in the recruitment of people living with a disability.

SAPOL’s Volunteer Coordination Unit (VCU) met with Orana Australia Ltd about their Volunteerability program offering support to volunteers with disability. The VCU have updated their application form to include reference to a carer who can provide support to the client during the application and when the client is volunteering.

In July 2021 as part of its Health and Wellbeing program, SAPOL standardised gym equipment across larger worksites. New equipment was provided with the aim of improving health outcomes for all employees. Accommodating all employees was a priority. In particular, at Police Headquarters, a new upper body ergo machine allowing wheelchair access, provides a cardio and muscular endurance workouts for individuals with lower limb disabilities or for those recovering from lower body injuries.

South Australia Police (SAPOL) is an agency pursuant to Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (FOI Act) and this Information Statement is published in accordance with Section 9 of the FOI Act. The FOI Act confers on members of the public a legally enforceable right to access information held by the South Australian Government subject to certain restrictions. A comprehensive introduction to freedom of information can be found on the State Records website at https://archives.sa.gov.au/finding-information/information-held-sa-government

Agency Structure and Functions

A comprehensive description of SAPOL structure and functions can be found on our website and in our online Annual Reports at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us

Effect of Agency Functions on Members of the Public

SAPOL functions affect the public through direct service delivery of our core functions. These are; to uphold the law, preserve the peace, prevent crime, assist the public in emergency situations, coordinate and manage responses to emergencies and regulate road use to prevent road collisions.

Public Participation in SAPOL Policy Development and the Delivery of its Functions

SAPOL is committed to and encourages public participation in the development of its policies and the delivery of its core functions in several ways including community consultation forums, surveys, promotional activities and committee membership. SAPOL holds ongoing Police and Community Engagement (PACE) Forums across all metropolitan Districts, regional Local Services Areas and social media. SAPOL provides support to a number of boards and committees which include members of the public who contribute to the development of policies and provide feedback to allow for continuous improvement in the delivery of SAPOL core functions.

Community Feedback – Service Charter

SAPOL is committed to service excellence by consistently delivering service of the highest quality to the community. Community support is vital to ensuring the effective delivery of police services and SAPOL wishes to hear from members of the community who have received a policing service by completing a feedback form which is available online under the Feedback section at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us/service-charters

Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers is an independent not-for-profit organisation in which the community and the media help police to solve crime. Crime Stoppers offers the community a means to actively contribute to solving and reducing crime through various crime prevention and awareness campaigns. They also play an active role in the media, promoting unsolved crimes and encouraging people to provide information anonymously with the option of a reward. Crime Stoppers operates 24/7 and information can be provided in confidence anytime by telephoning Crime Stoppers on free-call 1800 333 000 or online through their website or app. Further information about this program can be located online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/

Traffic Watch Program

The community can participate in keeping South Australia’s roads safe by reporting dangerous driving to 131 444 or on-line at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/online-services/traffic-watch2. Further information can be found online at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/road-safety/report-dangerous-driving

Road Safety Centre

SAPOL Road Safety Centre at Port Road, Adelaide is a multifunction road safety educational facility. The centre provides road safety sessions for students, businesses, special interest groups and community groups ranging in age from preschool to older road users. This approach supports the SAPOL concept of road safety education being a lifelong learning process. The mock roadway located within Bonython Park is open for use by the public when not required by SAPOL. Further information regarding the Road Safety Centre can be found on our website at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/road-safety/road-safety-centre

Neighbourhood Watch SA

The Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) SA’s vision is to build a safe and connected community. Through its unique link with SA Police, the program helps prevent crime (traditional property crime and also contemporary crime such as on-line scams) by raising awareness of topical offences, building relationships with local police, and encouraging the community to connect with each other. NHW groups exist across South Australia. To achieve the ambitions listed above, these groups meet with a local police coordinator on semi-regular occurrences, and encourage others in their local communities to attend.

You can follow NHW SA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NeighbourhoodWatchSA/ and find further information, including news and crime prevention hints and tips on the NHW SA website at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/nhw

Social Media

Community engagement via SAPOL use of social media is a vital tool in providing the public access to real time information especially during emergency events. SAPOL encourages community participation and assistance with police investigations and missing persons. Further information about various SAPOL social media platforms can be found on our website at:
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/sa-police-news-assets/front-page-news/sa-police-news
https://m.facebook.com/SouthAustraliaPolice/
https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceNews
https://www.tiktok.com/@southaustraliapolice
https://www.instagram.com/southaustraliapolice/
https://twitter.com/SAPoliceNews

Description of Documents held by SAPOL for inspection, purchase or free of charge

Documents held by SAPOL

Documents held by SAPOL fall broadly into the categories listed below and are predominantly available electronically. It is important to note that the following list is not exhaustive and does not necessarily mean all documents are accessible in full or in part pursuant to the FOI Act.

• Operational Policing including Police Incident Reports / Occurrence Reports, Apprehension Reports, Vehicle Collision Reports / Occurrence Reports, handwritten notes, statements, record of interviews, plans and photographs
• Community Policing including brochures, pamphlets and posters
• Administration including accounting, policy, recruiting and human resource management
• SAPOL publications including annual reports as well as corporate and strategic plans.
• Documents are held in the following media:
• Hardcopy
• Digital
• Microfilm
• Microfiche
• Audio visual recordings.

For purchase

Documents available for purchase include:

• National Police Certificate
• Police Incident Report/Occurrence Report - for theft or burglary (for Insurance purposes only)
• Vehicle Collision Report/Occurrence Report (for Insurance purposes only).

Further information including application forms as well as fees and charges can be found on our website at the following links or by attending your local police station:
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/apply-for-a-police-record-check
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/get-a-crash-or-theft-report
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/government/FOI-application
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/fee-schedule.

Free Publications

A number of SAPOL publications are available free of charge. The list of publications below is not exhaustive and is constantly being updated, particularly in areas of community affairs, crime prevention and statistical data:

Contact details, location and opening hours of your nearest Police Station

Information is available online to help find contact details, location and opening hours of your nearest Police Station https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us/find-your-local-police-station

Expiation Notice System Data - South Australian Government Data Directory

The Expiation Notice System data is published quarterly and provides statistical information on expiation notice offences processed by SAPOL since 1 July 2011. Included is an Expiation Notice Open Data Dictionary, Expiable Offences and Fees, Prescribed Camera Offences, Mobile Camera Location Codes and the location of South Australia fixed traffic camera sites including:

• Pedestrian activated crossing (PAC)
• Point to Point (P2P)
• Intersection (I/section)
• Level crossing (Rail)
• Mid Block.

The data sets and further information can be found at https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/expiation-notice-system-data

South Australia Safe-T-Cam is a network of cameras placed on major heavy vehicle routes across the state to monitor movement of heavy vehicles. The cameras are able to detect unregistered and uninsured offences for all vehicles, as well as heavy vehicle offences including failing to take required rest breaks and work diary (log book) offences. The Safe-T-Cam network is managed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and more information can be found at https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/heavy-vehicles/driving-heavy-vehicles-safely

Crime Statistics

SAPOL publishes quarterly suburb-based crime statistics for crimes against the person and crimes against property on the South Australia Government Data Directory which can be found at https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/crime-statistics. The SAPOL website has an interactive crime mapping tool that provides information about the incidence of crimes against the person and crimes against property per suburb or postcode area for the previous month as well as crime statistics at a state level that are published monthly and can be found at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us/crime-statistics-map

Annual Reporting - South Australian Government Data Directory and SAPOL website

Annual Reporting as required by legislation and with respect to the following can be found at https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data:

• Community Confidence – Level of community confidence in policing services
• Complaints – Number of complaints
• Consultancies – SAPOL use of consultants and the nature of work
• Contractors – SAPOL use of contractors and the nature of work
• Controlled Substances Act 1984 – Number of authorisations, drug detection deployments and seizures
• Corruption – Reporting and investigation alleged corruption
• Crime Data – State summary of offences reported or becoming known to police
• Evidence Act 1929 – Number of Orders granted by magistrates
• Executive Employment – Number of executives by status in current position, gender and classification
• Hydroponic Industry Control Act 2009 – Number of apprehensions, offences and expiations
• Liquor Licence Act 1997 – Number of orders
• Performance Against Targets – Portfolio statement reporting of performance against targets
• Protective Security Act 2007 – Number of Protective Security Officers and number of incidents
• Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018 – Number of Instances
• Rates per 100 000 – State summary of offences reported or becoming known to police – rate per 100 000
• Road Safety – Regulation of road use and road safety education
• Road Traffic Act 1961 – Number of driver screening tests
• Shop Theft (Alternative Enforcement Act) 2000 – Number of infringement notices
• Summary Offences Act 1953 Section 21K – Weapons prohibition orders
• Summary Offences Act 1953 Section 72A(7) – Metal detector searches
• Summary Offences Act 1953 Section 72B(9) – Special Powers to prevent serious violence
• Summary Offences Act 1953 Section 72F – Explosives searches, seizures and persons charged
• Summary Offences Act 1953 Section 83BA(9) – Overcrowding at public venues
  Summary Offences Act 1953 Section 83C(6) – Special powers of entry
• Theft by Deception – Number of reports
• Training Expenditure – Training and development expenditure
• Work Health & Safety and Return to Work Performance – Workplace injury claims, notifiable incidents
• Young Offenders – Action taken by police, LSA/locations.

In addition the following can be found at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us/annual-reporting:

• Overview: about the agency
• The agency’s performance
• Financial performance
• Risk management
• Reporting required under any other act or regulation
• Public complaints
• Aboriginal reconciliation
• Disability access and inclusion plan
• Freedom of Information statement
• Major awards
• Performance against targets
• Personnel information
• Regional impact assessment statements
• Triple bottom line reporting
• Urban design charter.

Your safety

The following list is a snapshot of the information and links on the SAPOL website at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety:

• Emergency information and alerts
• Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
• Intervention orders
• Child protection
• Road safety
• Report missing persons
• Alcohol and drugs
• Report suspicious activity
• Crime prevention and security
• Scams and cybercrime
• Crowded places
• Declared Public Precincts
• COVID-19 information
• Security Response Section.

Crime prevention and security

The following list is a snapshot of the information, security and safety booklets, facts sheets, campaign materials, posters and links on the SAPOL website at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/crime-prevention-and-security/safety-and-security-tips:

Bushfire prevention

• Are you covered?
• Business security
• Caravan and holiday security and safety
• Home and vehicle security
• Scams and cybercrime
• Internet safety and security
• Personal safety
• Personal safety - Emergency preparedness
• Rural and farm security
• Think about it (Youth safety)
• Triple Zero (resources for kids)
• Halloween resources.

Road safety – Road rules and safety

There is an abundance of Road Safety information including posters, road rules videos, road rules quiz, road safety education programs and road safety newsletters and tips that can be found at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/road-safety/road-rules-and-safety or SAPOL social media.

Corporate documents

All SAPOL publications can be found at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/online-services/find-a-publication with quick links to the following corporate documents:

• Annual Reports
• Blueprint Magazine
• Business Plan
• Strategic Directions.

SAPOL Service Delivery Charter is available in nine different languages from Police Stations and the SAPOL website at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us/service-charters

Proactive Disclosure

SAPOL proactively publishes information relating to the expenditure for the Commissioner of Police as well as our contract and procurement processes in line with the Premier and Cabinet Circular PC035 – Proactive Disclosure of Regularly Requested Information. The following expenditure types can be found at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us/proactive-disclosure:

• Credit card statements
• Overseas travel expenditure
• Mobile phone expenditure
• Office expenditure
• Gift register
• Consultants engaged by SAPOL
• Procurement practices
• Capital works expenditure.

Disclosure Log

A disclosure log is published on the SAPOL website in accordance with Premier and Cabinet Circular PC045 – Disclosure Logs for Non-Personal Information Released through Freedom of Information and lists documents that have been disclosed in response to a request for access to non-personal information pursuant to the FOI Act. The disclosure log can be found at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us/proactive-disclosure

Other information

Available on the SAPOL website is a vast array of other information, online services, data, downloads and reporting mechanisms that can be found at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/

• About us
  • Find your local police station
  • Key contacts
  • Commissioner’s message
  • Who we are
  • Organisational structure
  • Service charters
  • Strategic priorities
  • Annual reporting
  • Proactive disclosure
  • Crime statistics
  • Traffic statistics
  • Disability and Access Inclusion Plan 2020-2024.
• Online services
  • Pay an expiation notice with epay
  • View my traffic photo
  • Find a form
  • Find a publication
  • Search stolen firearms
  • Report lost property online
  • Report a crash online
  • Safety assessment crowded places
  • Young people – feedback
  • Report cybercrime online
  • Track My Crime
  • Traffic Watch.
• Police news
  • SA Police News
  • Your local police news.
• Your safety
  • Emergency information and alerts
  • Domestic Violence Disclosure
  • Domestic violence
  • Intervention orders
  • Child protection
  • Road safety
  • Report missing persons
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Report suspicious activity
  • Crime prevention and security
  • Scams and cybercrime
  • Crowded places
  • Declared Public Precincts
  • Security Response Section.

• Services and events
  • Community programs
  • Expiations
  • Apply for a police record check
  • Get a crash or theft report
  • Freedom of information
  • Firearms and weapons
  • Licences and permits
  • Make a report to the police
  • Fee schedule
  • 100 point identification
  • Events.

• Join us
  • Police Officer Careers
  • Protective Security Officer Careers
  • Community Constable Careers
  • Call Centre opportunities
  • Volunteer opportunities.

• Road safety
  • Road safety campaigns
  • Road Safety Centre
  • Road rules and safety
  • Road safety resources
  • Road safety online activities
  • Road safety partnerships
  • Report dangerous driving
  • Report a crash
  • Road closures
  • Traffic camera locations
  • Traffic Watch
  • Impounding vehicles
  • Low level speeding detections.

• Neighbourhood Watch
  • Contacts
  • About us
  • What we do
  • Get involved
  • Why join
  • Current initiatives
  • News
  • Local information
  • Member resources
  • Safe living.

Access to Information Held by SAPOL

In addition to seeking access to documents pursuant to the FOI Act, the release of Vehicle Collision Reports / Occurrence Reports (for Insurance purposes only), Police Incident Reports and Occurrence Reports for theft or burglary (for Insurance purposes only) and National Police Certificates are available to members of the public through SAPOL Information Services Branch. Further information including application forms as well as fees and charges can be found on our website at the following links or by attending your local police station:
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/apply-for-a-police-record-check
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/get-a-crash-or-theft-report
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/fee-schedule.

SAPOL’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Unit administers the Freedom of Information Act 1991 and facilitates, subject to exemptions and exceptions, access to SAPOL records as well as access and amendments to personal information held by the agency.

Exempt Agencies

The following areas of SAPOL are exempt from FOI pursuant to Schedule 2 of the FOI Act for documents compiled by:

• The former Special Branch
• The former Operations Planning and Intelligence Unit
• The Operations Intelligence Section (or body substituted for the Operations Intelligence Section)
• The Anti-Corruption Branch.

Making an FOI Application for Access to Documents

In accordance with Section 13 of the FOI Act, application for access to documents held by SAPOL must:

• Be made in writing.
• Specify that the application is made under the Freedom of Information Act 1991.
• Be accompanied by the prescribed application fee (exemptions apply for Members of Parliament, pensioners, Commonwealth concession card holders as well as full time secondary and tertiary students).
• Clearly identify the documents being sought or the matter to which they pertain.
• Specify an address in Australia to which documents can be sent.

You can make an on-line application at https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/government/FOI-application. You can write a letter, use SAPOL’s application form (PD360) available from Police Stations or can be found on line at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/freedom-of-information along with details regarding the appropriate application fees.

Making an FOI application for Amendment to a Document

In accordance with Section 31 of the FOI Act, application for amendment to a SAPOL document must:

• Be made in writing.
• Specify that the application is made under the Freedom of Information Act 1991.
• Clearly identify the document you wish to have amended and note it must be a document given to you by SAPOL (a copy of the document would greatly assist FOI officers process your application in a timely manner).
• Specify the reasons why you claim the information is incomplete, incorrect, out-of-date or misleading.
• Specify an address in Australia to which information can be sent.

You can make an on-line application at https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/government/FOI-application. You can write a letter, use SAPOL’s application form (PD361) available from Police Stations or can be found on line at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/freedom-of-information. There is no application fee.

Where to send FOI applications

An FOI application made under the Act can be submitted on line at https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/government/FOI-application, lodged at any police station, by email SAPOL.FOI@police.sa.gov.au or posted to:

Freedom of Information Unit
South Australia Police
GPO Box 1539
Adelaide SA 5001

For further information contact the Freedom of Information Unit on (08) 7322 3347.

The Awards and Recognition Unit administer SAPOL’s award processes along with the National Medal and other private awards e.g. those of the Royal Humane Society. The following medals and awards were presented in the reporting period 2021-22.

<sup>1. Presented to sworn employees (current and former).
2. Presented to sworn employees (current and former). From 2 August 2008 Protective Security Officers employed under the South Australia Protective Security Act 2007 also  became eligible for the SAPOL Service Medal and Clasps - as per the Commissioner’s determination dated 29 February 2019.
3. Presented to non-sworn employees (current and former) employed under the Public Sector Act 2009.</sup>

Further information:

• Included in above figures are seven posthumous awards.
• International Law Enforcement Cooperation Medal - RSIPF is awarded to a member of an international police force, who provided direct support to the RSIPF, to assist development of law enforcement initiatives and met the following:
  • 180 days continuous or cumulative service as a member of the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Participating Police Force (PPF);
  • Service in Solomon Islands as part of RAMSI between 24 July 2003 and 30 June 2017.
• XXI Commonwealth Games Citation is awarded to SAPOL members from Special Tasks and Rescue Group – Operations Section, who were deployed during the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Queensland and attended from 2 – 16 April 2018.
• G20 Citation acknowledges service during the G20 event in Brisbane between on 15 – 16 November 2014.

Personnel Information Summary 2021-22 (PDF)

Further human resource information can be located at the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment website: http://publicsector.sa.gov.au.

As required by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet Circular No.13 Annual Reporting Requirements and the Regional Impact Assessment Statements policy for South Australian government agencies, departments and agencies and statutory authorities are required to prepare and publish Regional Impact Assessment Statements prior to implementing significant changes to existing government services to rural and regional areas.

No Regional Impact Assessment Statements were prepared and published by SAPOL during the 2021-22 reporting period.

SAPOL continues to work towards a more sustainable future through developing environmental standards and implementing environmental initiatives such as passive design measures, waste management, energy management (including solar energy) and water harvesting.

SAPOL is engaged in the Premier’s Climate Change Council (PCCC) program, investigating cost-effective opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimise energy costs associated with the operation of buildings. All accommodation projects pursue Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives.

Asbestos reduction and management continues to be an important activity for SAPOL, all sites have Asbestos management plans and where required annual inspections in place.

SAPOL remains committed to improvements in waste reduction and effective waste management measures for its major metropolitan police sites, this includes staff training.

2021-22 Activity

• Prepared a program of solar and battery installation rollout across the SAPOL portfolio and obtained funding from the Department for Energy and Minings’ Government Building Efficiency Fund, completed tendering processes.
• Engaged consultant to review 11 SAPOL high energy producing sites to develop plans for future environmental initiatives.
• LED lighting has been installed at several sites, as the new SAPOL standard for lighting upgrades.

Motor Vehicles

SAPOL has around 1200 general duties and administrative fleet vehicles that travelled approximately 30 million kilometres during 2021-22.

SAPOL continually assess the composition of the fleet to reduce the environmental impact and have continued replacing six cylinder vehicles with four cylinder and hybrid vehicles where appropriate.

During 2021-22, SAPOL held 701 four cylinder vehicles representing 61% of the total General Duties and Administrative Fleet, noting it is a 32% increase on 2020-21 and a 58% increase on 2019-20.

The introduction of hybrid vehicles has further reduced SAPOL’s environmental impact in addition to five electric vehicles situated at Police Headquarters within its fleet.

There are 579 vehicles in the SAPOL fleet that utilise diesel fuel and 143 Hybrid vehicles. The below table details a number of key sustainability ratios for General Duties and administrative fleet vehicles:

Built Asset Portfolio / Facilities

ESD initiatives are being considered in all accommodation project works being undertaken in SAPOL and project designs as far as practicable addressing the prescribed criteria contained in the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) ESD Guide Note for Planning Design and Delivery.

SAPOL utilise the DIT Green fit out guide and the principles of ESD as a tool when negotiating with building owners in regards to utilisation of habitable space within a leased facility.

SAPOL incorporates the overarching ESD objectives; reduce energy, conserve water, reduce waste, reduce pollution, improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ), reduce operating costs for facilities in line with ISO 55001. Accommodation projects pursue ESD initiatives incorporating:

1. Use of recycled or recyclable materials for construction and fit out where viable.
2. Harvesting of rain water for reuse in landscaping watering systems or building systems where potable water is not required.
3. Installation of solar panels and consideration of batteries.
4. Replacement of light fittings with energy efficient LED systems.
5. Installation of energy efficient supplementary air-conditioning systems for afterhours use.
6. Design of passive cooling systems such as sun shade louvres and natural ventilation where possible.

Future SAPOL Environmental Initiatives

2022-23 Activity

• SAPOL's 2022-23 capital program includes works for a portfolio initiative to roll out new Solar Panel / Battery systems across 42 SAPOL sites, in line with our commitment to pursuing environmental sustainability across SAPOL's infrastructure and to provide emergency power for unplanned power outages.
• The program of solar / battery rollout across the state-wide portfolio is detailed further in Figures 1 and 2 below.

^{Figure 1 - SAPOL Regional Sites with Solar Panel System                             Figure 2 - SAPOL Metro Sites with Solar Panel}

The design of all new police facilities is undertaken in the spirit of the Urban Design Charter, which commits government agencies to achieve good urban design and foster liveable, efficient, creative, sustainable and socially inclusive environments through the design of public places and their interactions with private buildings.

SAPOL’s activities that align with the principles of the Urban Design Charter include:

• Nurturing cultural expression:
  • In 2021-22 SAPOL collaborated with consultant partners to complete design of new joint agency facilities in Umuwa, and three Police posts at Fregon (Kaltjiti), Indulkana and Pipalyatjara embedding social and cultural aspects of the aboriginal communities into accessibility and design features, both internal and external.
  • In 2022-23 SAPOL is reviewing opportunities for local artists to provide mural artwork for the new Hindley Street Police Station to support social, cultural and artistic activities. Mural wall artwork will contribute to enhancing the physical condition of the building and the Leigh Street laneway for public purposes, and SAPOL’s connection with the community.
• Integrating a diversity of interest and expertise:
  • In 2021-22 SAPOL commenced an audit and review for Disability Discrimination Act and Universal Design / accessibility opportunities for enhancing the SAPOL portfolio of police facilities across the state.
  • This audit and review will continue into 2022-23 and identify future programs of works across various sites that improve urban design and accessibility, supporting diversity including at public interaction sites.
• Combining community interest, public property and private initiative:
  • In 2021-22 SAPOL received heritage grant funding from the Department for Environment and Water’s Historic Buildings Conservation Program to undertake works to restore portions of the State Heritage listed Millicent Cells. SAPOL worked collaboratively with a local Limestone Coast Heritage advisor and heritage architects Chapman Herbert to design and document necessary conservation works which have now been completed.
  • In 2021-22 SAPOL and Renewal SA continued to progress sale activities for the former Police Academy and Fort Largs at Taperoo, in a project combining community interest, public property and private initiative. The sale of the site to private developer Peet Pty Ltd progressed through Council Development approvals and in March-April 2021 public consultation was undertaken for the redevelopment of the Fort and its curtilage.
  • The proposal includes development of a new commercial building between the southern wall of ‘Fort Largs’ and the Strathfield Terrace frontage of the site for the purposes of accommodating two retail tenancies, initially in the form of a café and a sales centre. The building will primarily operate as a café and will be linked directly to the Fort through a passageway that will lead visitors into the central parade ground of the Fort.
• Being environmentally responsible:
  • SAPOL recognises the need to provide design solutions that provide best practice passive design measures, with complementary active systems that maximise design outcomes in order to benefit the environment and to comply with the Government Urban Design Charter, including through Ecologically Sustainable Development initiatives and alignment with government office accommodation standards.
  • In 2021-22 works for the new Hindley Street Police Station involved building upgrades for new energy efficient heating and cooling and energy efficient LED lighting. Building upgrades at Christies Beach Police Station included new energy efficient air-conditioning for improved outcomes.
  • SAPOL’s capital program initiatives for 2022-23 includes installation of solar panels and batteries across 42 sites, and installation of energy efficient supplementary air-conditioning systems for afterhours use.