Nearly 250 SA police officers quit in 22/23 financial year, far more than expected

One hundred more police than expected are walking away from the force over burnout, with many using their training to land private jobs.

Almost 250 police officers are leaving the force each year, with the state government battling to make recruitment targets.

Parliament’s budget estimates committee hearings have been told how 248 officers – 5.3 per cent of the force – have left in the past 12 months, far more than the 150 expected and close to the recruitment figure itself of 300.

Under questioning, Police Minister Joe Szakacs revealed a battle with police walking away from the job because of burnout, and also to pursue work in the private sector because of high demand for their skills.

“Police are incredibly well trained and highly employable as well across public sector and private sector employment in a tight job market,” he said.

The state government is battling to restore funded officer numbers, which slipped under the previous Liberal government.

The officer shortfall would likely extend into the 2024/25 financial year.

Half of those to leave the force in the past year were through retirement – at various ages – and half from stress, burnout and seeking alternative employment.

Mr Szakacs said the government was on track to meet a commitment for 900 new officers over three years.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“Early indications are that year one may be higher than 300 but at this early stage it is fair to say that the average will be 300 for three years,’’ he said.

He said senior police had been taken “offline” to find out why so many officers were leaving, and the problem was also affecting all other states and territories.

Roster adjustments would help ease the workload on officers, he said.

“Attrition has always been there but increased attrition in the past couple of years is something all police jurisdictions are facing,” Mr Szakacs said.

“This year has been higher and it has been higher in the years post Covid-19 (pandemic).”

Opposition police spokesman Sam Telfer quizzed Mr Szakacs why so many officers were leaving the force before retirement age.

Mr Telfer also probed the current crackdown on CBD crime, with Mr Szakacs only providing a snapshot of statistics from the week before last.

He said between June 22 and June 26, police had recorded an extra 29 extra attendances to North Tce, including 11 arrests, and 42 fines.

Mr Szakacs also revealed details of the ongoing alcohol-fuelled crime problems in Port Augusta.

Police launched a crackdown on May 25 and to date there had been 137 arrests, 41 reports and eight barring orders under the Liquor Licensing Act.