❓ Hon Rick Mazza questions the rationale behind tenure restrictions for Tactical Response Group (TRG) officers, highlighting concerns about skill retention and comparing WA's policy to other Australian jurisdictions. The Attorney General defends the policy, citing continuity and opportunity for officers.
AnsweredQoN 31Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
POLICE —
TACTICAL RESPONSE GROUP
31. Hon RICK MAZZA to the
Attorney General representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to the latest issue of Police News , the magazine for the Western Australian Police Union,
and also the Charlie Hebdo tragedy,
the Sydney hostage siege and other terrorist incidents, and the knowledge that
it takes seven years to fully train a tactical response group officer.
(1) What is
the rationale for subjecting TRG officers to tenure restrictions whereby they
are unwillingly rotated to positions in which their skill base is irrelevant?
(2) Is the
minister aware that Western Australia is the only police jurisdiction in
Australia that has tenure on its TRG units?
TACTICAL RESPONSE GROUP
31. Hon RICK MAZZA to the
Attorney General representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to the latest issue of Police News , the magazine for the Western Australian Police Union,
and also the Charlie Hebdo tragedy,
the Sydney hostage siege and other terrorist incidents, and the knowledge that
it takes seven years to fully train a tactical response group officer.
(1) What is
the rationale for subjecting TRG officers to tenure restrictions whereby they
are unwillingly rotated to positions in which their skill base is irrelevant?
(2) Is the
minister aware that Western Australia is the only police jurisdiction in
Australia that has tenure on its TRG units?
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the Minister for Police, I thank the honourable
member for some notice of the question.
(1) Western
Australia Police has a longstanding tenure policy that applies across the
agency. The tactical response group has been subject to tenures since its
inception. The application of tenure ensures continuity of skill sets and
capabilities, and provides an opportunity for other officers to obtain
positions within specialist areas such as the TRG. Current skill sets and
levels of experience are maintained within the TRG to ensure community safety.
The comment about training taking seven years applies to only a tactical team
leader and not a tactical operator. The assistant commissioner, traffic and
emergency response, has the authority to extend tenure for any officer in the
TRG for operational reasons.
(2) Western
Australia Police is currently the only police jurisdiction within Australia to
apply tenure. However, TRG officers are regularly granted extensions subject to
their performance and ability.
member for some notice of the question.
(1) Western
Australia Police has a longstanding tenure policy that applies across the
agency. The tactical response group has been subject to tenures since its
inception. The application of tenure ensures continuity of skill sets and
capabilities, and provides an opportunity for other officers to obtain
positions within specialist areas such as the TRG. Current skill sets and
levels of experience are maintained within the TRG to ensure community safety.
The comment about training taking seven years applies to only a tactical team
leader and not a tactical operator. The assistant commissioner, traffic and
emergency response, has the authority to extend tenure for any officer in the
TRG for operational reasons.
(2) Western
Australia Police is currently the only police jurisdiction within Australia to
apply tenure. However, TRG officers are regularly granted extensions subject to
their performance and ability.
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