❓ Mr. Katsambanis inquired about the number of suspended police officers as of July 1, 2018, and their respective units. The WA Police Force responded that no officers were under suspension at that time, and clarified the use of 'Stand Down' and 'Stand Aside' measures instead of suspension.
AnsweredQoN 3910Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Police Officers under suspension, and ask: (a) how many Police Officers were under suspension as at 1 July 2018; and (b) what unit or district were each each of those officers attached to immediately prior to suspension?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
20 September 2018
Responded by
Minister for Police; Road Safety
Response time
10 days
Thw Western Australian Police Force advised the following:
(a) No police officers were under suspension as at 1 July 2018.
(b) Not applicable.
Section 8 of the Police Act 1892 enables the Commissioner of Police to suspend officers with or without pay. A suspension implies suspension of office, where pay and other benefits, such as leave, are suspended. WA Police Force rarely issues suspensions, unless in extreme circumstances which may have significant reputational damage or if very serious criminal charges are preferred.
Standard practice requires completion of a risk assessment. In serious cases where risk cannot be sufficiently mitigated, a “Stand Down” can be issued, where the officer is not permitted to attend their workplace or any police premises (with exception of Health and Welfare Branch). Officers who are issued with a “Stand Down” notice, are paid during this period and accrue leave credits.
Alternatively, if the risk can be managed, a “Stand Aside” can be issued, where the officer is not permitted to undergo operational duties or have interaction with the public and is placed in an administrative or support role. In some cases, supervisory restrictions also apply and the officer is placed under close supervision.
(a) No police officers were under suspension as at 1 July 2018.
(b) Not applicable.
Section 8 of the Police Act 1892 enables the Commissioner of Police to suspend officers with or without pay. A suspension implies suspension of office, where pay and other benefits, such as leave, are suspended. WA Police Force rarely issues suspensions, unless in extreme circumstances which may have significant reputational damage or if very serious criminal charges are preferred.
Standard practice requires completion of a risk assessment. In serious cases where risk cannot be sufficiently mitigated, a “Stand Down” can be issued, where the officer is not permitted to attend their workplace or any police premises (with exception of Health and Welfare Branch). Officers who are issued with a “Stand Down” notice, are paid during this period and accrue leave credits.
Alternatively, if the risk can be managed, a “Stand Aside” can be issued, where the officer is not permitted to undergo operational duties or have interaction with the public and is placed in an administrative or support role. In some cases, supervisory restrictions also apply and the officer is placed under close supervision.
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