Annual Report 2023-24
This annual report will be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of the Police Act 1998, Police Regulations 2014 and the Public Sector Act 2009 and the requirements of Premier and Cabinet Circular PC013 Annual Reporting.
This report is verified to be accurate for the purposes of annual reporting to the Parliament of South Australia.
Submitted on behalf of the South Australia Police by:
Grant Stevens APM LEM
Commissioner of Police
From the Chief Executive
This was my ninth year as Commissioner of South Australia Police (SAPOL) and I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to lead such a valuable and high performing organisation of dedicated professional and committed law enforcement officers and staff.
Together we have successfully achieved a lot over these years. This is particularly pleasing in times of societal disruption, complex technological advances and generational changes, all of which have impacted our operating environment.
To that end, we are continuing to work with government on specific issues of concern, such as resourcing/budget constraints and recruiting/retention challenges.
It is no secret that police numbers are down due to the difficulty of attracting new officers into a policing career, in a period of full employment. We are approaching this with an energetic multi-faceted approach, including a new national and international accelerated recruitment program and a new flexible industry pathways specifically for young South Australians. We also launched our ‘You belong in blue’ marketing campaign, with over 800,000 views to our recruiting website.
SAPOL continues to improve our organisational capability due to the impact of increased demand on frontline resources, for example in April 2024, Stage 1 of the Police Security Officer (PSO’s) Transition project was fully implemented. This resulted in 55 PSO’s replacing police officers in cell guard roles across the four Metropolitan Police Custody facilities, releasing 45 police officers back to frontline duties.
As reported in the media, SAPOL continued the process of vacating the Thebarton Barracks site due to the construction of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital. With our dedicated Thebarton Barracks Relocation Project team identifying and acquiring the right facilities for future organisational needs, we plan to fully vacate the site by October 2024.
Another strong focus has been community safety with SAPOL’s Operations Measure and Paragon. Operation Measure, targeting retail shop theft was again recognised with the Best Retailer and Policing Collaboration Award at the 2024 National Australian Fraud Awards. SAPOL’s successful collaboration with retailers ensures those responsible for repeat and serious retail theft; as well as other crimes in the retail sector, are quickly identified and apprehended.
Operation Paragon provided a highly visible police presence to address anti-social behaviour in the CBD and allay community concerns. This responsive policing style was also the hallmark of SAPOL’s successful operation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the third biggest sporting event in the world, with Adelaide hosting five games in July-August 2023.
Major Crime continued their outstanding commitment to solving serious crimes with detectives diligence and commitment leading to the arrest, conviction and a 35 year sentence of the Bicycle Bandit Kym Parsons, who terrorised many victims in ten bank holdups between 2004-09. There was also the successful culmination of the police investigation beginning in 2012 over the cold-blooded murder of Jason De Ieso, resulting in seven men being found guilty in October 2023.
The continuing successful partnership with the Australian Federal Police in our South Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (SA JACET), resulted in 72 paedophiles arrested for a variety of criminal child exploitation offences, with overall 15 children saved. Child exploitation is a heinous crime, and police use an integrated and collaborative capability to strive to bring offenders to account.
SAPOL continued to respond to the scourge of domestic abuse in the community, collaborating with other agencies to better protect victims including collaboratively working with Women's Safety Services SA (WSSSA) to deliver the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), where people at risk can better make decisions about their and their children’s safety.
SAPOL also initiated and now leads with WSSSA the Northern Multi-Agency Hub; an integrated domestic violence service for victims and their children in the northern suburbs opened in May 2024. The Hub offers a more coordinated response to domestic violence prevention, early intervention and recovery; with emphasis on victims access to vital services, support and information.
In April 2024 SAPOL also established a dedicated project team led by an Assistant Commissioner, to coordinate our response and contribution to the Royal Commission into domestic, family and sexual violence in South Australia, commencing July 2024.
I am proud to acknowledge this financial year saw SAPOL organisationally and our individual employees, recognised for their work and contribution to the South Australian community.
For example, in October 2023 the Gawler Police Blue Rose Project received a silver award in the police-led category of the 2023 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPAs). The ACVPAs recognise best practice in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crime and play a vital role in highlighting effective community-based initiatives to prevent crime and violence before it occurs.
Senior Community Constable Shirreen Jackson was announced Female Elder of the Year at the July 2023 Port Augusta National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Awards. Senior Sergeant Susan Lock received the Most Outstanding Female Practitioner Award at the September 2023 Australasian Council of Women in Policing; Excellence in Policing Awards. Detective Senior Sergeant Alexandra Rusul also won the Outstanding Service Award at the 2023 South Australian Child Protection Awards.
On another note, our SAPOL Dog Operations Unit celebrated its 50th birthday in September 2023. SAPOL’s canine officers are popular with the public and very effective in fighting crime, finding suspects and missing persons, and detecting illicit substances, firearms and explosives.
Road safety continued to be a key concern for me as Commissioner and all of SAPOL. The 2023-24 year was a horror year on our roads with 101 South Australian lives lost and 840 South Australians suffering serious injuries. Every life lost and serious injury on our roads has a ripple effect through our whole community – notwithstanding as police we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the community from avoidable road tragedies; focusing on the Fatal Five of drink and drug driving; speeding, distraction, seat belts and dangerous road users.
On a positive note, the SAPOL road safety education mascot ‘Jeff the Road Safety Dog’ was the winner of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, State Government Programs Award for 2024. Jeff provides a unique opportunity to engage with pre and primary school students to deliver vital road safety education.
Sadly, in this reporting period the South Australian police family were once again reminded of the inherent dangers of policing and the risk police face daily to protect the community.
In a harrowing incident in the South-East of the State, Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig was killed in the line of duty in November 2023. Brevet Sergeant Doig was the first serving police officer in South Australia to have lost their life in a violent incident involving a weapon since 1990 and first officer to be killed while on duty since 2002. Jason was a much-loved member of the Lucindale community for 12 years; his final posting in an extensive country policing journey spanning 25 years. I was honoured to host a private service with members of the Doig family at the Police Academy on 5 September 2024, to unveil a dedicated plaque to Jason on the Wall of Remembrance. During the service, Jason was posthumously awarded the South Australia Police Bravery Medal for his actions on 16 November 2023 and the SAPOL Leadership and Efficiency Medal for his service to the Lucindale community as the Officer in Charge of the Lucindale Police Station.
In the same incident when Jason lost his life, Sergeant Michael Hutchinson also suffered a serious gunshot injury. Constable Rebekah Cass rendered assistance to both officers and the offender under incredibly challenging and disturbing circumstances.
Having our officers killed and/or seriously injured while undertaking normal duties is very confronting and distressing for all of us in policing. It is a testament to the courage of our frontline staff that they continue to perform their duty with professionalism in the face of those inherent dangers. It is also important to acknowledge our people who provide ongoing support to our frontline staff, and continually check on their welfare.
SAPOL recognises health and wellbeing as a critical element of a high-functioning and resilient workforce, able to provide policing services to the community. All employees therefore have round-the-clock access to psychosocial support programs and services, which are actively promoted throughout SAPOL.
In closing, 2023-24 was a tough year, and I want to personally acknowledge and thank each of you, for your ongoing hard work and commitment to SAPOL and the South Australian community in challenging times.
Overview: about the agency
Our Purpose | Under the Police Act 1998, the purpose of South Australia Police (SAPOL) is to reassure and protect the community in relation to crime and disorder by the provision of services to uphold the law; preserve the peace; prevent crime; assist the public in emergency situations; co-ordinate and manage responses to emergencies; regulate road use and prevent vehicle collisions. |
Our Vision | Safer Communities - recognises our continuing commitment to reduce community harm through a prevention first mindset. |
Our Values | To achieve our vision, we need to ensure our culture reflects the best personal and professional qualities for trusted and sustainable working practices. Our values that guide our behaviour and attitude are Service, Integrity, Courage, Leadership, Collaboration and Respect. |
Our functions, objectives and deliverables | SAPOLs Our Strategy 2030 and Safer Communities vision recognises police as a valued contributor to the safety and prosperity of the South Australian community. The foundation for SAPOLs quality service delivery is guided by our five principles of:
Our core programs in 2023-24 were:
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- Commissioner
- Deputy Commissioner
- Business Service
- Crime Service
- Governance and Capability Service
- Information Systems and Technology Service
- Metropolitan Operations Service
- Operations Support Service
- People, Culture and Wellbeing Service
- Security and Emergency Management Service
- State Operations Service
Read more about the organisational structure.
Response and support to the SA Royal Commission Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
During 2023-24 there was the following change to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal reviews or machinery of government changes.
- The Organisational Reform Program and Thebarton Barracks Relocation Project moved to sit under Governance and Capability Service.
The Hon Dan Cregan MP is the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services and Special Minister of State. His portfolio also includes responsibility for Road Safety.
The Minister oversees South Australia Police programs of Public Safety, Crime and Criminal Justice Services and Road Safety.
Commissioner of Police
| Grant Stevens is the Commissioner of Police, responsible for leading South Australia Police and the State Coordinator under the Emergency Management Act 2004. Areas reporting directly to the Commissioner include:
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Deputy Commissioner
| Linda Williams is the Deputy Commissioner, responsible for assisting the Commissioner in leading South Australia Police. Areas reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner include:
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Executive Director Business Service
| Stephen Johinke is the Executive Director Business Service, responsible for:
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Assistant Commissioner Crime Service
| John Venditto is the Assistant Commissioner Crime Service, responsible for:
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Assistant Commissioner Governance and Capability Service
| Simon Watkins is the Assistant Commissioner Governance and Capability Service, responsible for:
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Executive Director Information Systems and Technology Service
| Hamish Cameron is the Executive Director Information Systems and Technology Service, responsible for:
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Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Operations Service
| Scott Duval is the Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Operations Service, responsible for:
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Assistant Commissioner Operation Support Service
| Narelle Kameniar is the Assistant Commissioner Operation Support Service, responsible for:
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Executive Director People, Culture and Wellbeing Service
| Kim-Sherie Summers is the Executive Director People, Culture and Wellbeing Service, responsible for:
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Assistant Commissioner Security and Emergency Mangement Service
| Philip Newitt is the Assistant Commissioner Security and Emergency Management Service, responsible for:
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Assistant Commissioner State Operations Service
| Ian Parrott is the Assistant Commissioner State Operations Service, responsible for:
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Assistant Commissioner
| Stuart McLean is the Assistant Commissioner responsible for:
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Assistant Commissioner
| Assistant Commissioner Noel Bamford (retired) responsible for Thebarton Barracks Relocation Project:
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Police Act 1998
Police Regulations 2014
Firearms Act 2015
Hydroponics Industry Control Act 2009
Public Assemblies Act 1972
Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 1996
Witness Protection Act 1996
South Australia Police continued to work collaboratively with other emergency services and government agencies, and the Department for Correctional Services to support community safety.
The agency's performance
| Agency objectives | Indicators | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Premiers Taskforce | Support the work of the Premiers Taskforce in achieving its goals. | The Commissioner actively engaged and contributed to every meeting of the Taskforce and SAPOL Executives provided comprehensive briefings. |
| Protective vests to protect all frontline police | To fund SAPOL $6.5 million for an additional 1 500 personal issue, Multi-Purpose Load Bearing Vests (MPLBV) to protect police and police security officers to carry out their duties. | 1 018 MPLBVs ordered with 976 delivered. |
| Public Safety | Level of Community Confidence in policing services. Percentage of Grade 1 taskings in the metropolitan area responded to within 15 minutes. Number of calls received by Call Centre. Number of 000 calls presented to Police Communications Centre by Telstra. | 71.0%* 92.0% above the target of 80% 578 254 190 440 |
| Crime and Criminal Justice Services | Number of recorded offences against the person as reported by/on behalf of victims per 1000 head of population. Number of recorded offences against property as reported by/on behalf of victims per 1000 head of population. | 15.3 above the projection of ≤13.6 51.2 above the projection of ≤48.1 |
| Road Safety | Number of Road Safety Contacts issued personally involving unique expiation notices and apprehension reports/incidents reports excluding camera. Number of driver screening tests conducted. Number of SAPOL Road Safety Centre attendees, children and young adults (16-24 years).** Total number of people attending SAPOL road safety programs. | 190 082 591 346 above the target of 500 000 1119 children and 224 young adults 52 514 |
* As a result of a significant national data collection methodology change in the National Survey of Community Satisfaction with Policing, previous year results are no longer comparable.
** Reflects the impact of school cancellations and temporary closure of the Road Safety Centre.
Crime Trends
Offence counts and groupings are in line with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Australian and New Zealand Standard Offence Classification (ANZSOC).
Note: over the five year period from financial year 2019-20 to 2023-24 there has been an increase in overall recorded crime of 6% or 7395 offences (116 839 to 124 234) for total offences against person and property.
In summary, from 2022-23 to 2023-24, there was an increase in overall recorded crime of 2% or 2720 offences
(121 514 to 124 234).
Total Offences Against Person and Property
Note: to align with SAPOL`s regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2022-23 data has been refreshed
COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.
Crime statistics are published online at https://www.police.sa.gov.au each month.
Total Offences Against the Person
Note: to align with SAPOL’s regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2022-23 data has been refreshed.
COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.
OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON | Financial Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2022-23 | 2023-24 | Change | |
Homicide and Related Offences | 48 | 55 | +15% |
Acts Intended to Cause Injury | 21 488 | 23 622 | +10% |
Sexual Assault and Related Offences | 2 574 | 2 411 | -6% |
Robbery and Related Offences | 997 | 815 | -18% |
Other Offences Against the Person | 1 794 | 1 685 | -6% |
TOTAL OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON | 26 901 | 28 588 | +6% |
Family & Domestic Abuse-Related | 11 077 | 12 844 | +16% |
Homicide and Related Offences increased by 15% (7 offences).
Acts Intended to Cause Injury increased by 10% (2134 offences). Within this category, Serious Assault not Resulting in Injury increased 11% (1305 offences).
Sexual Assault and Related Offences decreased by 6% (-163 offences). Within this category, Aggravated Sexual Assault decreased by 4% (-60 offences), Non-Aggravated Sexual Assault increased by 6% (32 offences) and Non-Assaultive Sexual Offences decreased by 24% (-135 offences).
Robbery and Related Offences decreased by 18% (-182 offences). Within this category, Aggravated Robbery increased by 12% (51 offences) and Blackmail and Extortion decreased by 48% (-234 offences).
Other Offences against the Person decreased by 6% (-109 offences). Within this category, Threatening Behaviour increased by 8% (77 offences) and Abduction, harassment and other offences decreased by 24% (-142 offences).
Total Offences Against Property
Note: to align with SAPOL’s regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2022-23 data has been refreshed.
COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.
OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY | Financial Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2022-23 | 2023-24 | Change | |
Serious Crime Trespass | 12 468 | 13 018 | +4% |
Theft and Related Offences | 54 514 | 56 152 | +3% |
Fraud, Deception and Related Offences | 6 124 | 4 104 | -33% |
Property Damage and Environmental | 21 507 | 22 372 | +4% |
TOTAL OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY | 94 613 | 95 646 | +1% |
Family & Domestic Abuse-Related | 3 604 | 4 075 | +13% |
Serious Criminal Trespass (SCT) Offences increased by 4% (550 offences). Within this category SCT-Residence increased by 1% (53 offences) and SCT-Non-Residence increased by 5% (174 offences).
Theft and Related Offences increased by 3% (1638 offences). The main contributor in this category is Theft from Shop which increased by 13% (2096 offences).
Fraud, Deception and Related Offences decreased by 33% (-2020 offences). Within this category, Obtain Benefit by Deception decreased by 32% (-1759 offences).
Property Damage and Environmental Offences increased by 4% (865 offences). The sub-categories of Property Damage by fire or explosion increased by 5% (45 offences) and Other Property Damage and Environmental increased by 4% (694 offences). Environmental relates to the natural world and the impact of human activity e.g. environmental noise.
Total Offences Against Good Order
Note: to align with SAPOL’s regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2022-23 data has been refreshed.
COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.
OFFENCES AGAINST GOOD ORDER | Financial Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2022-23 | 2023-24 | Change | |
Illicit Drug Offences | 3 832 | 4 218 | +10% |
Weapons/Explosive Offences | 2 724 | 2 995 | +10% |
Public Order Offences | 4 193 | 4 130 | -2% |
Justice Procedure Offences | 17 372 | 18 268 | +5% |
Other Miscellaneous Offences | 874 | 851 | -3% |
TOTAL OFFENCES AGAINST GOOD ORDER | 28 995 | 30 462 | +5% |
Illicit Drug Offences increased by 10% (386 offences). The main contributor is Possess/Use Drug Offences which increased by 20% (317 offences).
Weapons/Explosives Offences increased by 10% (271 offences). The main contributor is Regulated Weapons/Explosives Offences which increased by 8% (158 offences).
Public Order Offences decreased by 2% (-63 offences). Within this category, Riot and Affray increased by 14% (49 offences) and Disorderly Conduct decreased by 4% (-79 offences).
Justice Procedure Offences increased by 5% (896 offences). Within this category, Breach of Bail increased by 7% (657 offences).
Total General Expiations, Cannabis Expiations and Drug Diversions
Note: to align with SAPOL’s regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2022-23 data has been refreshed.
COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.
GENERAL EXPIATION OFFENCES | Financial Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2022-23 | 2023-24 | Change | |
Other Thefts (GENs) | 486 | 300 | -38% |
Other Property Damage and Environmental (GENs) | 7 | 6 | -14% |
Cannabis Expiations Notices (CENs) | 3 907 | 4 004 | +2% |
Drug Diversions | 2 513 | 2 744 | +9% |
Other Weapons/Explosives Offences (GENs) | 62 | 71 | +15% |
Other Public Order Offences (GENs) | 4 395 | 4 368 | -1% |
Other Justice Procedure Offences (GENs) | 86 | 92 | +7% |
Other Miscellaneous Offences (GENs) | 398 | 403 | +1% |
TOTAL | 11 854 | 11 988 | +1% |
Total General Expiations increased by 1% (134 GENs). Cannabis Expiation Notices (CENs) increased by 2%
(97 CENs) and Drug Diversions increased by 9% (231 Diversions).
Program name | Performance |
|---|---|
Aboriginal Employment Register | SAPOL is committed to supporting government initiatives and programs that support the employment of Aboriginal people within the public sector. The SAPOL People Strategy 2021-2025 has one of its key priorities to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce with an inclusive culture within SAPOL. The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment Aboriginal Employment Register is available to be accessed when filling non-sworn vacancies. |
Performance management and development system | Performance |
|---|---|
Individual Performance Management | SAPOL’s online Individual Performance Management and Development system (iEngage performance and development) runs over a 12 monthly cycle with a mid-term review six monthly before completing and recommencing. Introduced in November 2019, iEngage is focused on promoting a meaningful and purposeful feedback framework between employees and supervisors that will ensure ongoing development of the individual whilst incorporating wellbeing, performance improvement and workplace behaviour expectations. Underpinning this approach is the expectation of regular performance and development discussions between supervisors and employees. The system has two primary elements:
All eligible employees are required to have an up-to-date iEngage performance and development plan. Compliance is monitored and reported through the Executive Leadership Team monthly. |
Program name | Performance |
|---|---|
Work Health and Safety | A total of 2703 incidents were reported in 2023-24, reflecting a 9% increase compared with 2022-23. Of these, 1362 incidents resulted in injury whilst 1341 incidents resulted in no injury. Additionally, a total of 217 hazard reports were submitted in 2023-24 reflecting an 11% decrease compared with 2022-23. The Worksite Inspections program achieved a 97% completion rate in 2023-24. Work Health and Safety legislative update training was delivered to members of the Executive Leadership Team as part of their Defined Officer Due Diligence responsibilities. 3761 influenza vaccinations were administered as part of the annual voluntary Influenza Vaccination Program for employees and immediate family members. The Commissioner’s Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Advisory Committee convened in 2023-24; discussing matters impacting employee health, safety and wellbeing and also reviewing performance trends and compliance with relevant legislation and policies. |
Employee Assistance | The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential service provided by external service provider Corporate Health Group. The service is available to all employees and immediate family members, where up to six sessions are provided every two years. The philosophy of the EAP is based on the premise that to intervene early is to limit/prevent the risk or extent of psychological injury. The EAP is delivered by mental health professionals offering short-term support for work-related and personal problems. During 2023-24 the EAP had 340 initial consultations reflecting an 11% decrease compared to 2022-23. The EAP had a total of 1121 consultations, reflecting a 1% decrease compared to 2022-23. |
Early Intervention | SAPOLs early intervention process is designed to proactively address and minimise the impact and duration of symptoms or actual injury/illness in employees with work related injuries. This is accomplished by assessing the recovery and return to work needs of the injured employee within 48 hours of an incident report, through direct contact with both the employee and their supervisor. In cases of physical injuries that do not result in time off work, SAPOLs Early Intervention Program offers injured employees timely and appropriate treatment from their preferred providers, aiding their recovery while they continue to work. If the employee is absent from work or requires intensive treatment, then referrals are made to suitable services with the goal of achieving the highest practicable levels of physical and/or mental recovery. Involvement in the program is optional and does not affect the employee’s ability to lodge a work injury claim. In 2023-24 a total of 1006 early intervention assessments were undertaken. Of these, 99% were undertaken within 48 hours of incident reporting. The early intervention assessments resulted in the following outcomes:
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Reconditioning Program and Preferred Health Service Providers List | SAPOL maintained a range of health and wellbeing initiatives designed to promote healthy living and improve the overall health of the workforce by delivering evidenced based education/advice, providing health and fitness equipment and offering support to those in need. The Reconditioning Program links staff with appropriate allied health service providers and helps by covering any out of pocket expenses. All employees wishing to improve their physical health may access the program, excluding circumstances of work related injuries. In 2023-24, 333 new applications were received, representing a 15% decrease from 2022-23. The Reconditioning Program is supported by SAPOL’s ‘Preferred Health Service Providers List’ which currently has over 200 allied health practitioners to provide tailored services for the unique nature of policing. Services are provided by dieticians, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, podiatrists and sleep clinicians. |
Operation Nutrition Support | SAPOL maintained its ongoing relationship with accredited dietitians from Sprout Nutrition who designed and provide the online nutrition program “Operation Nutrition Support”. Specifically tailored to the needs of SAPOL employees, the program teaches nutrition basics and provides useful tools to select and plan meals and build healthy habits. The program was updated to further address the influence of shift work on nutritional choices, digestion, sleep, wakefulness and mood. In 2023-24 the online program had an additional 205 enrolments, increasing total employee participation to 1411 employees. |
Voluntary Health Assessments | SAPOL provides access for employees to receive body composition information using the InBody scan unit. Employees receive individual data including their muscle mass, visceral fat levels and basal metabolic rate which can inform planning and decision making with allied health practitioners to achieve physical health improvements. In 2023-2024, a total of 1235 scans were conducted. |
Fitness Passport | SAPOL employees and their immediate family have the benefit of reduced rate access to a variety of health and fitness centres across the state. This multi-facility “passport” has 942 current members. |
Workplace injury claims | Current year 2023-24 | Past year 2022-23 | % Change (+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
Total new workplace injury claims* | 400 | 410 | -2.4% |
Fatalities | 0 | 1 | -100% |
Seriously injured workers** | 0 | 3 | -300% |
Significant injuries (where lost time exceeds a working week, expressed as frequency rate per 1000 FTE) | 32.1 | 20.1 | +60% |
*Excludes additional compensation claims
**Number of claimants assessed during the reporting period as having a whole person impairment of 30% or more under the Return to Work Act 2014 (Part 2 Division 5)
Work health and safety regulations | Current year 2023-24 | Past year 2022-23 | % Change (+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
Number of notifiable incidents (Work Health and Safety Act 2012, Part 3) | 13 | 3 | +333% |
Number of provisional improvement, improvement and prohibition notices (Work Health and Safety Act 2012 Sections 90, 191 and 195) | 2 | 0 | +200% |
Return to work costs* | Current year 2023-24 | Past year 2022-23 | % Change (+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
Total gross workers compensation expenditure ($) | $23,050,809 | $19,353,163 | +19% |
Income support payments – gross ($) | $10,239,996 | $9,134,907 | +12% |
*Based on 12 months of data before third party recovery.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Executive classification | Number of executives |
|---|---|
Commissioner | 1 |
Deputy Commissioner | 1 |
Assistant Commissioners | 8 |
SA Executive Service Level 2 | 3 |
SA Executive Service Level 1 | 12 |
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment has a workforce information page that provides further information on the breakdown of executive gender, salary and tenure by agency.
Financial Performance
The following is a brief summary of the overall financial position of the agency. The information is unaudited. Full audited financial statements for 2023-2024 are attached to this report.
Statement of Comprehensive Income | 2023-24 *Budget $000s | 2023-24 Actual $000s | Variation $000s | Past year 2022-23 $000s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total income | 1 140 237 | 1 244 745 | 104 508 | 1 072 577 |
Total Expenses | 1 091 259 | 1 130 566 | 39 307 | 1 065 660 |
Net Result | 48 978 | 114 179 | 65 201 | 6 917 |
Other Comprehensive Income | ||||
Total Comprehensive Result | 48 978 | 114 179 | 65 201 | 6 917 |
* The 2023-24 budget is the 2023-24 original budget that aligns to the 2023-24 State Budget Paper 4.
Statement of Financial Position | 2023-24 *Budget $000s | 2023-24 Actual $000s | Variation $000s | Past year 2022-23 $000s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Current assets | 332 370 | 404 409 | 72 039 | 287 047 |
Non-current assets | 467 769 | 678 256 | 210 487 | 457 764 |
Total assets | 800 139 | 1 082 665 | 282 526 | 744 811 |
Current liabilities | 182 985 | 222 027 | 39 042 | 170 406 |
Non-current liabilities | 416 640 | 470 029 | 53 389 | 440 418 |
| Total liabilities | 599 625 | 692 056 | 92 431 | 610 824 |
| Net assets | 200 514 | 390 609 | 190 095 | 133 987 |
| Equity | 200 514 | 390 609 | 190 095 | 133 987 |
The following is a summary of external consultants that have been engaged by the agency, the nature of work undertaken, and the actual payments made for the work undertaken during the financial year.
Consultancies with a contract value below $10,000 each
Consultancies | Purpose | $ Actual Payment |
|---|---|---|
Nil | 0 |
Consultancies with a contract value above $10,000 each
Consultancies | Purpose | $ Actual Payment |
|---|---|---|
Jones Lang LaSalle Advisory Services Pty Ltd | Asset valuation SAPOL land and buildings. | $181 000 |
EDU.AU Pty Ltd | Response Extended Hours Roster – mid trial review (Sleep and Fatigue Management). | $30 600 |
Valuation & Appraisal Services Australasia Pty Ltd | Valuation of SAPOL owned aircraft and vessels for financial reporting purposes. | $24 483 |
Orkest Consulting Services Pty Ltd | Response Extended Hours Roster - Roster Assessment & Development. To assist South Australia Police in the development of future work hours arrangements and roster solutions for their Response Teams. | $10 350 |
Total | $246 433 | |
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
See also the Consolidated Financial Report of the Department of Treasury and Finance for total value of consultancy contracts across the South Australian Public Sector.
The following is a summary of external contractors that have been engaged by the agency, the nature of work undertaken, and the actual payments made for work undertaken during the financial year.
Contractors with a contract value below $10,000
Contractors | Purpose | $ Actual Payment |
|---|---|---|
All contractors below $10,000 each - combined | Various | $10 051 |
Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each
Contractors | Purpose | $ Actual Payment |
|---|---|---|
Access Testing Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for testers for e-projects | $1 498 603 |
AG Security Group | Private security guards sourced by Police Security Services Branch (PSSB) for existing service delivery | $317 604 |
Akkodis Australia Consulting | Agency staff engaged for services relating to IS&T activities | $277 573 |
Akkodis Australia Talent | Agency staff Services | $2 208 137 |
Alarm Monitoring Australia | Private security guards sourced by Police Security Services Branch (PSSB) for existing service delivery | $21 712 |
Allegro Recruitment Consulting Pl | Agency staff engaged for services relating to IS&T activities | $227 758 |
Arcblue Consulting (Aus) Pty Ltd | Procurement advice and other IS&T activities | $71 820 |
Blue Crystal Solutions Pty Ltd | Agency Staff engaged for services relating to IS&T activities | $410 847 |
Chamonix It Management | Agency staff engaged for services relating to IS&T activities | $627 560 |
Chandler Macleod Group Ltd | Agency staff engaged to provide administrative and other services | $81 996 |
Chloe Luu Consulting | Claims Management Services | $62 730 |
Corporate Aircraft Charter | Transport of Police members to APY lands for rostered policing duties | $57 381 |
Corporate Health Group Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged to assist with the role of the Police Medical Officer | $367 964 |
Deakin University | Delivery of staff training services | $82 213 |
Deloitte Financial Advisory | Asset replacement and maintenance calculations | $177 250 |
DFP Recruitment Services | Agency staff engaged to provide administrative services | $468 158 |
Dialog Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for services relating to IS&T activities and projects | $2 935 153 |
Edge Recruitment | Agency staff engaged to provide administrative and other services | $1 057 413 |
Elevate Management Consulting | Procurement Services | $23 450 |
Escient Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for Architecture e-projects | $1 502 990 |
Fragile To Agile (Asia Pac) Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for Architecture e-projects | $1 388 208 |
Fujitsu Australia Ltd | System/application management services | $165 860 |
Halcyon Knights Australia | Agency staff engaged to provide administrative and other services | $18 906 |
Hays Specialist Recruitment | Agency staff engaged to provide administrative and other services | $3 945 705 |
Hudson Global Resources (Aust) | Agency staff engaged to provide administrative services | $23 179 |
Inner Range Pty Ltd | Provision of alarm monitoring products and services | $730 557 |
Innodev Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for projects | $1 338 909 |
Insync Solutions Pty Ltd | System/application support services | $101 325 |
Jungal Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for services relating to IS&T activities | $111 836 |
KPMG | Agency staff engaged for projects | $28 192 |
KPMG Australia Technology | Integration Managed Service | $205 096 |
Manpower Services Australia Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for services relating to IS&T activities | $46 667 |
Meegan Security Services | Private security guards sourced by Police Security Services Branch (PSSB) for existing service delivery | $18 819 |
MEGT (Australia) Ltd | IS&T Contractor Services | $24 561 |
NRI Australia Limited | Agency staff engaged for projects | $806 438 |
Paxus Australia Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for services relating to IS&T activities | $5 343 900 |
Peoplebank Australia Ltd | Agency staff services | $1 391 739 |
Platinum Aircraft Charter | Transport of Police members to APY lands for rostered policing duties | $95 330 |
Procurement Partners | Procurement Services | $100 371 |
Randstad Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged to provide administrative, project work and other services | $1 976 526 |
RNTT Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged to provide administrative and other services | $28 304 |
Roberts Metal Fabrication | Vehicle repairs, maintenance and commissioning and decommissioning services | $61 800 |
Safeselect | Psychometric testing of recruitment applicants | $296 970 |
Spice Risk & Insurance Pty Ltd | Claims Management Services | $91 900 |
SRA Information Technology Pty Ltd | IS&T Contractor Services | $109 655 |
State Security & Protective Services (Aust) Pty Ltd | Private security guards sourced by Police Security Services Branch (PSSB) for existing service delivery | $1 362 069 |
Stillwell Management Consultants Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged to assist with staff recruitment | $18 185 |
Talent International (SA) Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged for Architecture | $612 191 |
Worcomp Pty Ltd | Agency staff engaged to assist with recruitment tests | $138 816 |
Sub Total | $33 060 326 | |
Total | $33 070 377 | |
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
The details of South Australian Government-awarded contracts for goods, services, and works are displayed on the SA Tenders and Contracts website.
View the agency list of contracts.
The website also provides details of across government contracts.
Other information
On 17 July 2006, a previous Cabinet approved the Government Protective Security Framework and Policy that mandates Police Security Services Branch (PSSB) as the security provider for ‘designated’ SA Government assets along with a whole-of-government alarm monitoring service.
PSSB provides protective security services to South Australian Government sites including defined ‘protected places’ and critical infrastructure (including those determined to be high risk). PSSB deploys police security officers (PSOs) to perform various roles, including static security duties at government facilities, protective security patrols such as alarm response and proactive patrolling, and operates the Security Control Centre (SCC) providing a whole-of-government alarm and CCTV monitoring service on a cost recovery basis. PSSB continues to expand its operations, adding the District Support Section (DSS) to its structure in response to ongoing demand for front line police resources.
In October 2022, legislative amendments resulted in the transition of protective security officers from the former Protective Security Act 2007 to the Police Act 1998. The transition changed the title of protective security officers to police security officers at that time.
As of June 2024, several SA Government sites were designated as critical infrastructure; high risk (CI-HR) assets and subsequently determined by the Minister for Police, Emergency Services, and Correctional Services as needing protection pursuant to the South Australian Protective Security Framework. There are currently 19 sites determined to be protected places, eight of which are also designated as CI-HR assets. This is a reduction of one site from the previous financial year, the result of an agency relocating from their former accommodation in December 2023 to another site already determined a protected place.
The CI-HR assets were assessed on the basis that if they were destroyed, disrupted, degraded, harmed or rendered unavailable for an extended period there would be a significant impact on the delivery of key government services; or that the reputation of the state would be affected and there would be reduced community confidence in the SA Government’s ability to effectively conduct business. Physical security in these premises is provided by PSOs who are trained and equipped to safely manage situations. The South Australian Protective Security Framework (Physical Security) sets out the process to follow for assets designated as CI-HR, with affected agencies required to identify any resource or costing pressures through the process of Cabinet submissions to the Emergency Management Council. In 2023-24 there were no changes to the number or nature of assets determined as CI-HR.
The role of SCC is to provide protective security services to government clients through the monitoring of electronic security devices including alarms and CCTV, coordinating an appropriate response to incidents detected, monitoring of SA Government Radio Network talk groups used by SA Government clients, and raising and sending service work orders to clients for identified electronic security breakdowns.
Throughout 2023-24 PSSB’s operations expanded with the formal establishment of DSS. When fully established, DSS will comprise 189 additional PSOs whose roles include security of people, places, and property. DSS undertakes security-related duties traditionally undertaken by police officers and enables SAPOL to better manage demands for policing services.
Stage 1 of DSS formally commenced on 3 June 2023 and was completed on 20 April 2024 following the deployment of the final 10 PSOs (of a total of 55) into metropolitan police custody facilities. As of 30 June 2024, a further 38 PSOs were undertaking other DSS duties, including conveyance of detained persons between custody facilities and hospitals, guarding arrested persons in hospitals, and conveyance of Guardianship of the Chief Executive children back to care placements. Ongoing recruiting processes are being undertaken to achieve the full 189 FTE as quickly as possible.
PSSB comprises 293 FTE, consisting of 272 PSOs, 12 Public Sector Act (PSA) employees and nine police officers (as of 30 June 2024). A further three PSA employees and two police officers are included in the expanded branch model (positions yet to be filled).
The current PSO staffing model is outlined in the table below.
Section | Description | Level | Number | PSO TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Protective Security Unit | Police security officer sergeants | OPS5 | 7 | 125 |
Police security officers | OPS3 | 118 | ||
Security Control Centre | Senior police security officers | OPS4 | 5 | 29 |
Police security officers | OPS3 | 24 | ||
District Support Section | Police security officer sergeants | OPS5 | 5 | 93 |
Senior police security officers | OPS3 | 5 | ||
Police Security Officers | OPS2 | 83 | ||
Other | Recruits in training, long-term absent (injured, Maternity Leave etc.), seconded to Academy, temporarily restricted | Various | 25 | 25 |
There has been 55 incidents at designated CI-HR sites, of which 15 resulted in the detention of a person.
40 incidents at CI-HR sites were of a minor nature (for example, not resulting in the detention of a person).
There were a further 42 incidents at protected places where PSOs exercised their authorities, such as removal of the person from the site. This is a marked decrease from the previous financial year and reflects an emphasis on the use of tactical communication to de-escalate incidents rather than resorting to the use of legislated authorities.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Reports of alleged potential corruption within the South Australian public sector are received by SAPOL’s Anti-Corruption Section (ACS) from a variety of sources including the Office for Public Integrity (OPI), Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Australian Crime and Intelligence Commission, the Crown Solicitors Office, SAPOL’s Internal Investigation Section, Crime Stoppers, police officers, members of the public, and from information provided pursuant to the requirements of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018.
Type of Investigation | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
ACS Investigation | 109 |
ACS/ICAC Joint Investigation | 0 |
In the ordinary course of business, ACS may conduct an initial investigation to assess information to determine whether there is a reasonable suspicion of corruption, or of serious or systemic misconduct or maladministration. Where such a suspicion is subsequently formed, the matter is reported to OPI.
In many cases, matters may be ‘filed’ following initial assessment/investigation, where there is no reasonable suspicion of corruption and no supporting evidence to warrant further enquiries into the information. Where an offence is detected which is not corruption these matters are referred by ACS to the relevant investigation area within SAPOL.
Where ICAC or OPI have referred a matter to SAPOL to conduct an investigation, the Officer in Charge, ACS (or delegate) will determine whether the investigation is to be conducted by ACS or sent to another investigation area within SAPOL. In certain circumstances, ACS may commence an investigation into a matter, however, will advise OPI of the investigation in accordance with its reporting obligations.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2012 changed significantly in October 2021. As a result of these changes, ICAC is no longer able to refer matters to the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution and must instead refer a matter to a law enforcement agency for further investigation and/or prosecution. The legal definition of corruption was also amended and now limits the type of offences the ICAC has the ability to investigate and then refer to SAPOL. In March 2024 ACS engaged four investigation support officers to assist with this ICAC workload resulting from the changes to the Act.
It should be noted from time to time the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) may also direct joint investigations with ACS pursuant to the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006. No joint ACS/ACLEI investigations were commenced during this reporting period.
The breakdown of total ACS investigations managed during 2023-24 is recorded below:
Type of Investigation | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Miscellaneous Assessment | 12 |
ACS Operations | 81 |
Investigations referred SAPOL area (not retained at ACS) | 16 |
ICAC Trials managed by ACS (due to legislative change) | 5 |
A breakdown of the category of the ‘public officer’ alleged to have been involved in a potential issue of corruption in public administration is depicted below (as far as can be determined). Where a matter has allegedly involved more than one nominated ‘suspect’, the ‘public officer’ status of the primary suspect is recorded.
Type of Investigation | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
SAPOL Police Officer - sworn (including Community Constables) | 30 |
SAPOL – unsworn/cadet | 8 |
Police Security Officer | 1 |
Other SA Public Sector/ State Government | 66 |
Local Government | 3 |
Other (includes civilians) | 1 |
Commonwealth Public Sector | 0 |
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Risk management
The SAPOL Risk and Performance Committee meet to provide independent advice and assurance to the Commissioner of Police, to assist in discharging his responsibilities as they relate to SAPOL’s Risk and Assurance framework. The Committee oversees and provides advice on matters of accountability and internal controls affecting the operations of SAPOL including internal audit controls, ensuring corporate risks have been identified and addressed, while fostering an ethical and accountable environment within SAPOL. The Committee meets regularly reporting to the Commissioner of Police as required. During 2023-24 the Committee convened on five occasions.
Category/nature of fraud | Number of instances |
|---|---|
Theft by Deception (fraud) offences | 0 |
NB: Fraud reported includes actual and reasonably suspected incidents of fraud.
An overarching SAPOL Risk and Performance Committee comprising of SAPOL Executives and two independent external consultants act as a coordinated corporate committee, working to ensure risks have been identified, fostering an ethical and accountable environment. The Committee reports to and advises the Commissioner of Police on matters of accountability and internal control affecting SAPOL’s operations.
A dedicated Risk and Assurance team maintain the strategic oversight of organisational risks which include fraud and corruption. Additionally targeted scheduled audits of critical SAPOL service areas such as property management, operational equipment, police custody facilities, police stations and financial management are conducted. These audits are conducted in consideration of SAPOL’s Fraud & Corruption Control Plan and Business Management policy and in compliance with the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Number of occasions on which public interest information has been disclosed to a responsible officer of the agency under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018:
1
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Note: Disclosure of public interest information was previously reported under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993 and repealed by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018 on 1/7/2019.
Reporting required under any other act or regulation
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Controlled Substances Act 1984 | Section 52C(1) The Commissioner of Police must, on or before 30 September in each year (other than the calendar year in which this section becomes into operation), provide a report to the Attorney-General specifying the following information in relation to the financial year ending on the preceding 30 June: (a) the number of authorisations granted by senior police officers under sections 52A and 52B during that financial year; (b) the public places or areas in relation to which those authorisations were granted; (c) the periods during which the authorisations applied; |
For the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024:
General Drug Detection Powers - Section 52A(3)
A senior police officer may authorise the exercise of powers under this section in relation to a public place. There were 22 authorisations granted by senior police officers pursuant to section 52A.
Location | Number of authorisations | Specific Period/s Authorisation Applied |
|---|---|---|
Elizabeth City Centre & CBD, Elizabeth | 1 | 1500 03/08/23 – 2300 03/08/23 |
Victor Harbor CBD, Victor Harbor | 1 | 0700 17/11/23 – 0700 20/11/23 |
Wayville Showgrounds, Wayville | 2 | 0930 21/07/23 – 2330 21/07/23 1100 06/01/24 – 1630 06/01/24 |
Millers Court, Adelaide | 1 | 0000 30/08/23 – 2359 12/09/23 |
Balaklava Racecourse, Balaklava | 1 | 0900 13/09/23 – 2330 13/09/23 |
Westfield Marion, Marion | 4 | 1900 19/10/23 – 2100 19/10/23 1100 11/11/23 – 1300 11/11/23 1600 02/05/24 – 2100 02/05/24 1600 27/06/24 – 2100 27/06/24 |
Ellis Park, Adelaide | 2 | 1500 22/09/23 – 2000 22/09/23 1200 07/01/24 – 1630 07/01/24 |
Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum | 1 | 1200 20/01/24 – 0700 21/01/24 |
Gawler CBD, Gawler | 3 | 1800 27/01/24 – 0200 28/01/24 1800 03/02/24 – 0200 04/02/24 1800 17/02/24 – 0200 18/02/24 |
Murray Avenue, Renmark | 1 | 2100 02/02/24 – 0500 04/02/24 |
Bonython Park, Port Rd, Adelaide | 1 | 1130 09/02/24 – 2300 09/02/24 |
Jetty Road, Glenelg | 1 | 1800 08/03/24 – 0100 09/03/24 |
Seppeltsfield Winery, Seppeltsfield | 2 | 1100 23/03/24 – 2300 23/03/24 1100 24/03/24 – 2300 24/03/24 |
Franklin Street, Adelaide | 1 | 0700 04/06/24 – 1800 04/06/24 |
Drug Transit Route Deployments - Section 52B(1)
There were six authorisations granted by senior police officer’s for identified drug transit routes pursuant to section 52B(1).
This authorisation enabled drug detection powers to be exercised in a defined area for specified periods that do not exceed 14 days. Nil authorisations exceeded the 14-day limit.
Location | Number of authorisations | Specific Period/s Authorisation Applied |
|---|---|---|
Augusta Hwy/Princess Hwy, Port Augusta/Stirling North | 2 | 0001 29/09/23 – 2359 02/10/23 0001 15/03/24 – 2359 15/03/24 |
Sturt Hwy, Yamba* | 1 | 1200 30/06/23 – 1200 01/07/23 |
Stuart Hwy, Marla | 1 | 0001 23/03/24 – 2359 24/03/24 |
Barrier Hwy, Oodla Wirra | 1 | 2230 19/05/24 – 0430 20/05/24 |
Augusta Hwy/Princess Hwy, Bungama | 1 | 2200 19/05/24 – 0430 20/05/24 |
* Reflected in last years reporting data
Overall, there were 340 deployments where teams operated under section 52A Controlled Substances Act 1984 (CSA),including under section 66S Summary Offences Act 1953 (SOA), and section 52B in the following areas:
Deployments | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Section 52A(2)(a) (CSA) - Licensed Premises | 127 |
Section 52A(2)(b) (CSA) - Public Venues | 1 |
Section 52A(2)(c) (CSA) - Public Passenger Carrier | 154 |
Section 52A(2)(d) (CSA) - Public Place | 23 |
Section 52B(1) (CSA) - Drug Transit Route | 15 |
Section 66S (SOA) - Declared Public Precinct (52A) | 20 |
TOTAL | 340 |
There were 1791 indications of the presence of a controlled drug, controlled pre-cursor or controlled plant during the exercise of powers under sections 52A(2)(a), 52A(2)(b), 52A(2)(c), 52A(2)(d) and 52B(1) CSA, including 66S SOA provisions.
From these 1791 indications there were 293 detections, 1124 ‘residual admissions’ and 374 ‘residual denies’. As a result of the 293 detections, there were 400 arrest/reports, drug diversion and/or cannabis expiation notices initiated.
Total seizures during the Passive Alert Detector Dog deployments under section 52A and section 52B were
112.5 grams of ecstasy, approximately 1.4 kilograms of cannabis, 40.1 grams of amphetamine, 19.7 grams of cocaine, 112.5 grams of other substances and 139 pieces of drug paraphernalia.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Evidence Act 1929 | Section 49 (8)A report under subsection (7) may be incorporated in any other annual report that the Commissioner of Police or the Corporate Affairs Commission (as the case may be) is required by or under statute to make to the Minister to whom the report under that subsection is to be submitted. |
Power to Order Inspection of Banking Records - Section 49(1a)
There were 192 orders (received at Prosecution Services Branch) granted by Magistrates upon application by members of the police force pursuant to section 49(1a) of the Act for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Hydroponics Industry Control Act 2009 | Section 34(1) The Commissioner must, on or before 31 October in each year, submit to the Minister a report on the administration of this Act during the period of 12 months ending on the preceding 30 June. |
For the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024:
Hydroponics Industry Control Act and Regulations | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Apprehension reports | 0 |
Offences | 0 |
Expiations | 0 |
Number of applications received for Hydroponics Equipment Dealer’s Licence | 0 |
Number of applications received for approval of Hydroponics Industry Employees | 0 |
Number of applications received seeking a Ministerial Exemption from the Act | 0 |
For the purpose of this Act, a person will be taken to be carrying on the business of selling prescribed equipment by retail.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Liquor Licensing Act 1997 | Section 128AB The Commissioner of Police must include in the Commissioner of Police’s report to the Minister responsible for the administration of the Police Act 1998 the following information in respect of each order made under Subdivision 3 in the financial year to which the report relates because of information classified by the Commissioner of Police as criminal intelligence: (a) the number of orders made; (ii) the age, gender, race and residential postcode of the persons barred. |
Barring Orders - Section 128A
There were no orders made pursuant to section 128AB of the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
Data for previous years is available at:https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Liquor Licensing Act 1997 | Section 128C(8) The Commissioner of Police must include in his or her annual report to the Minister to whom the administration of the Police Act 1998 is for the time being committed a record of - (a) the number of orders made under this section during the period to which the report relates; and (ii) the period for which the order was in force; and (iii) the grounds on which the order was made; and (c) any other matters the Commissioner of Police considers relevant. |
Power of Police to Clear or Close Licensed Premises - Section 128C
This report refers to orders made by Senior Police Officers to clear or close licensed premises deemed unsafe because of prevailing conditions at the premises.
There were no orders made pursuant to section 128C(8) of the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Road Traffic Act 1961 | Section 47E(8) The Commissioner of Police must, in the Commissioner’s annual report to the Minister responsible for the administration of the Police Act 1998, include the numbers of drivers required to submit to an alcotest in the course of the exercise of random testing powers (otherwise than at breath testing stations established in accordance with section 47DA). |
Alcotest or Breath Analysis - Section 47E
There was a total of 591 346 driver screening tests conducted for the period of 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. Of those, pursuant to section 47E there were 130 689 mobile driver screening tests conducted.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Shop Theft (Alternative Enforcement) Act 2000 | Section 18 (1) The Commissioner of Police must, on or before 30 September in each year, prepare a report on the operation and administration of this Act during the period of 12 months that ended on the preceding 30 June. (2) A report required under this section must be incorporated in the annual report of the Commissioner of Police required under the Police Act 1998. |
For the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024:
Shop Theft Infringement Notices (STIN) | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
STIN 1 issued | 0 |
STIN 1 completed | 0 |
STIN 2 issued | 0 |
STIN 2 completed | 0 |
Withdrawal of Consent (PD259) | 0 |
Community service hours for STIN 2 offence | 0 |
Apologies required for STIN 1 offence | 0 |
Apologies required for STIN 2 offence | 0 |
Apprehension Reports for breach | 0 |
Apprehension Reports for subsequent breach | 0 |
Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Summary Offences Act 1953 | Section 21K The following information must be included in the annual report of the Commissioner under section 75 of the Police Act 1998 (other than in the year in which this section comes into operation): (a) the number of weapons prohibition orders issued under section 21H; |
For the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024:
Weapons Prohibition Orders | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Number of weapons prohibition orders issued under section 21H | 18 |
Number of weapons prohibition orders revoked under section 21H | 0 |
Number of appeals under section 21J and the outcome of each appeal that has been completed or finally determined | 0 |
Breaches of Weapons Prohibition Orders | 0 |
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Summary Offences Act 1953 | Section 72A(7) The following information must be included in the annual report of the Commissioner under section 75 of the Police Act 1998 (other than in the year in which this section comes into operation) in respect of the period to which the report relates (the relevant period): (a) the number of declarations made under subsection (4) during the relevant period; |
For the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024:
Metal Detector Searches | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Number of declarations made under subsection (4) | 1* |
Number of metal detector searches carried out | 799 |
Number of occasions on which a metal detector search was carried out, indicated the presence or likely presence of any metal | 300 |
Number of occasions on which weapons or articles of a kind (referred to in Part 3A) were detected | 0 |
* Refinements to statistical data entry submissions were made for 2023-24 to support more efficient reporting of the number of declarations made under subsection (4). Results for 2023-24 are not comparable to previous years.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Summary Offences Act 1953 | Section 72B(9) The following information must be included in the annual report of the Commissioner under section 75 of the Police Act 1998 (other than in the year in which this section comes into operation) in respect of the period to which the report relates (the relevant period) (a) the number of authorisations granted under subsection (3) during the relevant period; and (ii) the number of people searched in the exercise of powers under this section; and (iii) whether weapons or articles of a kind referred to in Part 3A were detected in the course of the exercise of powersunder this section; and (iv) the types of weapons or articles so detected; (c) the number of occasions on which the Commissioner gave consent under subsection (8) during the relevant period; |
Special Powers to Prevent Serious Violence – Section 72B
There were no authorisations under subsection (3) where Special Powers to Prevent Serious Violence were granted in the reporting period of 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Summary Offences Act 1953 | Section 72F The following information must be included in the annual report of the Commissioner under section 75 of the Police Act 1998 (other than in the year in which this section comes into operation): a) the number of occasions on which the search powers under section 72D were exercised during the period to which the report relates; and |
For the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024:
This report refers to number of occasions a police officer has exercised search powers under Section 72D for the purpose of ascertaining whether a suspected explosives offence is being or has been committed.
Explosive Powers | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Searches section 72D | 21 |
Number of times property seized for searches section 72D | 15 |
Persons charged with explosives offences section 72D | 11 |
Nature of Property Seized 72D | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Explosives - Commercial | 3 |
Explosives - Home Made | 3 |
Explosives - Incendiary | 0 |
Explosives - Precursor | 8 |
Explosives - Equipment | 3 |
Explosives - Explosive Device | 4 |
Explosives - Incendiary Device | 0 |
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Summary Offences Act 1953 | Section 83C (6) The Commissioner must, as soon as practicable (but not later than three months) after each 30 June, submit a report to the Minister in relation to the year ended on that 30 June stating - (a) the number of authorisations and warrants granted under this section during that year; |
The number of forced entries for the reporting period of 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 included:
Special Powers of Entry | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
No. of authorisations issued* | 314 |
Grounds for issue of authorisations | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Deceased person believed in premises section 83C(1)(a) | 84 |
Person in premises requiring medical assistance section 83C(1)(b) | 230 |
Information reported | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Deceased | 97 |
Attempt suicide / person detained (Mental Health Act)** | 26 |
Drug / Alcohol Overdose | 7 |
Concern occupant deceased | 1 |
Premises empty / unoccupied | 78 |
Medical / other assistance not specified | 67 |
No medical attention required | 26 |
Missing person - welfare grounds | 5 |
Authority not used - not required*** | 7 |
*Authorisations above were issued after concerned relatives or friends contacted police anxious about the welfare of a person who had not been seen for some time.
**Includes threats of suicide.
***Includes premises not entered.
Special Powers of Entry | 2023-24 |
|---|---|
Grounds for issue of warrants:* | |
Searching the premises for material that might assist in identifying the deceased or relatives of the deceased, section 83C(3)(a) | 1 |
Take property of the deceased into safe custody, section 83C(3)(b) | 1 |
*Property taken pursuant to warrants includes: medication and electronic devices.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Act or Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
Summary Offences Act 1953 | Section 83BA(9) The Commissioner must include in the Commissioner's annual report to the Minister to whom the administration of the Police Act 1998 is for the time being committed a record of the authorisations issued under subsection (7) during the period to which the report relates. |
Overcrowding at Public Venues - Section 83BA
There were no authorisations issued pursuant to section 83BA of the Summary Offences Act 1953 relating to the overcrowding at public venues for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Section 6 of the CRA requires SAPOL to take all practicable measures to ensure that the organisation and its officers, employees or agents have an awareness and understanding of the Carers Charter and take action to reflect the principles of the Charter in the provision of the relevant services of that organisation.
In addition, SAPOL must consult carers, or persons or bodies that represent carers, in policy or program development; or strategic or operational planning, relevant to carers and the persons they care for.
Awareness: There is a system to ensure all management, staff and volunteers have an understanding of the Carers Charter. |
|---|
In October 2023 SAPOL promoted National Carers Week, with the theme “Millions of Reasons to Care”. Awareness of the week and recognition of those employees and volunteers who are carers was raised via an all-staff email and intranet notice. The email included links to information on the Carers Recognition Act 2005 (the Act) and the Carers Charter; Health, Safety and Wellbeing; SAPOL’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024 (DAIP); and further information available on the Department of Human Services website. SAPOL provides disability awareness training which contains information on the Carers Charter and the Act, and the DAIP. This training forms part of the induction program for new employees. It also serves to assist employees to understand and respond appropriately to the needs of people with a disability. SAPOL’s Constable Development Program and the Promotional Qualification Framework also incorporate disability management training. |
Consultation: There is a system to ensure consultation with carers, or persons or bodies that represent carers, in the development and review of human resource plans, policies and procedures. |
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Consultation was a key component of the development of SAPOL’s DAIP. Actions under the DAIP remain ongoing. Diversity and Inclusion Branch are a central point for employees to raise issues, provide feedback or suggestions in relation to policies and procedures which affect people living with disability or carers. |
Practice: There is a system to ensure the principles of the Carers Charter are reflected in human resource practice. |
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SAPOLs People Strategy 2021-2025, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025, and the DAIP affirm SAPOLs commitment to being a diverse and inclusive organisation. This commitment supports the principles of the Carers Charter. SAPOL supports flexible work to assist employees in achieving some balance between work and other responsibilities (including those as a carer). There is a dedicated flexible work team and a comprehensive intranet site to assist employees in their application for flexible work. With clear policies, resources and a dedicated team there is greater awareness, understanding and acceptance of flexible work. SAPOLs Employee Assistance Section provides counselling support to all employees for a range of reasons when sought, including issues relating to relationships, stress management and work difficulties. An external Employee Assistance Program is also available to employees on issues that impact on their wellbeing. |
Public complaints
Complaint categories | Sub-categories | Example | Number of Complaints 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
Professional behaviour | Staff attitude | Failure to demonstrate values such as empathy, respect, fairness, courtesy, extra mile; cultural competency | 29 |
Professional behaviour | Staff competency | Failure to action service request; poorly informed decisions; incorrect or incomplete service provided | 684 |
Professional behaviour | Staff knowledge | Lack of service specific knowledge; incomplete or out-of-date knowledge | 0 |
Communication | Communication quality | Inadequate, delayed or absent communication with customer | 0 |
Communication | Confidentiality | Customer’s confidentiality or privacy not respected; information shared incorrectly | 76 |
Service delivery | Systems/technology | System offline; inaccessible to customer; incorrect result/information provided; poor system design | 0 |
Service delivery | Access to services | Service difficult to find; location poor; facilities/ environment poor standard; not accessible to customers with disabilities | 24 |
Service delivery | Process | Processing error; incorrect process used; delay in processing application; process not customer responsive | 0 |
Policy | Policy application | Incorrect policy interpretation; incorrect policy applied; conflicting policy advice given | 0 |
Policy | Policy content | Policy content difficult to understand; policy unreasonable or disadvantages customer | 0 |
Service quality | Information | Incorrect, incomplete, out-dated or inadequate information; not fit for purpose | 0 |
Service quality | Access to information | Information difficult to understand, hard to find or difficult to use; not plain English | 0 |
Service quality | Timeliness | Lack of staff punctuality; excessive waiting times (outside of service standard); timelines not met | 279 |
Service quality | Safety | Maintenance; personal or family safety; duty of care not shown; poor security service/ premises; poor cleanliness | 0 |
Service quality | Service responsiveness | Service design doesn’t meet customer needs; poor service fit with customer expectations | 680 |
No case to answer | No case to answer | Third party; customer misunderstanding; redirected to another agency; insufficient information to investigate | 0 |
Total | 1772* | ||
* Excludes 11 complaints still under assessment and not categorised at the time of reporting.
Additional Metrics | Total |
|---|---|
% complaints resolved within policy timeframes | 100% |
Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data
Service Improvements resulting from complaints or consumer suggestions over 2023-24 |
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SAPOL is in the final development stage of a new complaints management software system update which will drive efficiencies throughout the complaint management and investigation process organisationally. Notwithstanding delays in establishing appropriate infrastructure, final project delivery of the product is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2024. SAPOL continues to review its complaint management process to identify best practice regarding the management of complaints against employees. In the last financial year, SAPOL introduced a complaint triaging process to better identify and address risk associated with complaints against employees. In addition, further improvements have been identified through the system update of SAPOLs complaints management software. This includes the digitising of hardcopy complaint forms, an improvement expected to result in clear efficiency gains. |
South Australia Police is compliant with Premier and Cabinet Circular 039 – complaint management in the South Australian public sector | Yes |
South Australia Police has communicated the content of PC039 and the agency’s related complaints policies and procedures to employees. | Yes |