SA Police union row over ‘civilian investigator’ recruits push

In the wake of an explosive letter alleging systemic policing issues, the union has revealed SAPOL advertised anti-corruption roles within the force to civilians.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

SA Police sought to hire civilians in anti-corruption roles as the force battles desperate employee shortages, the police union has claimed, in the wake of an explosive anonymous letter alleging systemic issues in the force.

In correspondence sent to members this week, Police Association President Mark Carroll said members had told how they were “losing faith in Commissioner (Grant) Stevens’ ability to lead SAPOL” amid ongoing roster and recruitment problems.

Mr Carroll said the union had stepped in after SAPOL attempted to employ civilians in investigatory roles at the Anti-Corruption Section.

The vacancies advertisement in question was removed after the union lodged notification of an industrial dispute, he said.

“It’s not yet clear what role a civilian investigator - without the requisite legislative powers - could possibly undertake in the context of criminal investigations,” Mr Carroll said.

Police Association of SA (PASA) president Mark Carroll sent a letter to members outlining concerns with SA Police’s district policing model. Picture: AAP Image/Brenton Edwards

“It also seems clear that SAPOL is attempting to fill sworn roles with cheaper - and in many cases less effective - civilian employees.”

SA Police confirmed that four Investigation Officer roles had been advertised and later withdrawn after concerns were raised by the union.

However, a spokeswoman denied the use of civilian roles was in response to recruitment shortages and said the roles were “in addition to substantive positions” and specifically funded.

“As a consequence of legislative change in October 2021 to the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012, which created significant, unsustainable workload increases for the current staffing model within ACS, it was identified that it was not a viable option to deplete frontline staffing,” she said.

SA Police said civilians had been employed in investigatory roles, which did not require police authorities, across government for a number of years.

“The duties and functions of the Investigation Officers have been classified in accordance with requirements of the determination of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment,” a spokesperson said.

In another message, Mr Carroll outlined officers’ frustrations with SAPOL’s district policing model, which he said had “comprehensively failed”, with morale among members “at an all-time low”.

Premier Peter Malinauskas, with Grant Stevens in the background. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Premier Peter Malinauskas on Thursday leapt to the defence of Mr Stevens after The Advertiser revealed an explosive anonymous letter penned by a senior officer alleging, among numerous issues, crimes were not being investigated because of crippling staff shortages.

Mr Stevens, who has been appointed to another five years in the job, angrily rejected all the claims.

Mr Malinauskas said: “I endorse the leadership of the Police Commissioner of our police force,” he said.

“I think he’s a great South Australian and I hope it’s something that he continues to commit himself towards into the future.”

Mr Malinauskas refused to give the letter “merit or credence” because the claims “aren’t based on fact”.