The next step in our reconciliation journey

South Australia Police Reconciliation Action Plan July 2024 to July 2026 with an image of the Plan's cover

This week South Australia Police (SAPOL) launched our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024 – 2026. Watch video clip below.

Commissioner Grant Stevens was proud to present the RAP at a launch event on 22 July 2024. “This RAP confirms our commitment to reconciliation and to our continued development of a culturally responsive organisation. This is the third RAP developed by SAPOL since our inaugural RAP in 2014.

“We continue to strive to be an organisation where First Nations cultures are not only respected but truly valued,” Commissioner Grant Stevens said.

In 2014 we embodied a formal reconciliation commitment in our Statement of Reconciliation. In our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan 2014 - 2016 we recognised the importance of community interaction and employment opportunities for First Nations peoples.

This was expanded in the 2017- 2020 RAP where the focus was on furthering opportunities for First Nations employment within SAPOL and supporting emerging applicants with the assistance of external agencies. We actively sought mutually beneficial procurement partnerships and worked collaboratively with a cross-section of First Nations communities. We are grateful for the guidance that each interaction, partnership, working relationship and new friendship has provided in our reconciliation journey.

In 2024, our vision for reconciliation is to create safer communities by continuing to enhance a relationship of mutual respect and partnership between police and First Nations peoples through a deeper understanding of South Australian First Nations cultures. We commit to acknowledging the past, focusing on the present and moving into the future.

In this Innovate RAP we commit to achieving challenging and impactful outcomes that apply to everyone across the organisation. Now, more than ever it is time for SAPOL and each individual to listen and learn from First Nations people and the communities we serve, engaging in honest and transparent dialogue to facilitate and strengthen relationships.

The SAPOL Reconciliation Working Group, under the direction of co-chairs, Senior Constable Alison Sampson and Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott, have worked tirelessly to ensure the RAP represents not only the deep and broad commitment of SAPOL, but also incorporates the voiced needs of our communities. We undertook significant consultation both within our agency and with First Nations individuals and communities. Listening to the experiences of First Nations people and incorporating their goals for reconciliation was key in the development of this document.

Please take the time to read our RAP - there are some inspiring stories of our people initiating projects with the members of the communities they live and work in and you’ll learn about some of the reconciliation activities that SAPOL has planned over the next two years.

View SAPOL’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026.

For additional information and resources, please visit our First Nations Information Hub.