SA Police internal investigation section faces review amid complaints about their operation

The cop’s union has raised major concerns about the police internal investigation section, prompting the commissioner to reveal the unit is undergoing an independent review.

SA Police’s internal investigation section is undergoing an independent review amid complaints about its “draconian” methods, where it fails to inform officers about the allegations they face or when their matters are finalised.

A leaked letter obtained by The Advertiser has revealed concerns surrounding police’s internal investigation section, which responds to disciplinary matters and complaints made against other officers.

The letter – penned by SA Police Association president Wade Burns – claimed the internal investigation unit suffers from “excessive and unreasonable delays” as a result of SA Police’s “overly bureaucratic procedures”.

Police Association president Wade Burns at the union headquarters. Picture: Supplied

“Many members report that excessive and unreasonable delays in investigations and adjudications have a significant impact on their mental and physical wellbeing,” Mr Burns wrote.

“The lack of communication about the progress of matters – particularly those that are minor in nature – has an additional, significant impact ...

“This is owing to the fact they’re kept waiting for allegations to be provided, which often takes weeks or even months – especially if the member is served an administrative order while the process takes its course.

“Alternatively, matters are finalised, and members are not advised.”

Mr Burns wrote the association believes the reason for delays in investigations are due to inadequate staffing levels compared to the workload, as well as a “crippling requirements for overly bureaucratic procedures and paperwork”.

The Advertiser understands the internal investigation team – consisting of approximately 14 employees – received just over 2500 complaints in the previous financial year.

Commissioner of Police for South Australia Police Grant Stevens revealed the police internal investigation section is undergoing an independent review. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has responded to the letter by stating he also feels concerned by the “lengthy disciplinary investigations” and the “harm” it causes employees.

However, Mr Stevens pointed to other factors impacting the duration of the investigation.

He suggests there are “clear systemic deficiencies in the police disciplinary system”.

The Police Disciplinary Tribunal sits for one week every two months to deliberate simple employment related matter, Mr Stevens said.

“(The) frequency of Police Disciplinary Tribunal sittings, causes excessive delays which are a barrier to resolving disciplinary matters faster and is outside the control of SAPOL,” he wrote.

“For example, a non-complex disciplinary matter may take between four and 12 months to resolve in the PDT, with more complex matters taking longer.”

To address these issues, SA Police engaged retired Assistant Commissioner Noel Bamford in January 2025 to undertake an independent review of work practices and procedures in the internal investigation section and Anti-Corruption Section.

Originally published as SA Police internal investigation section faces review amid complaints about their operation