• Commissioner
• Deputy Commissioner
• Business Service
• Crime Service
• Governance and Capability Service
• Information Systems and Technology Service
• Metropolitan Operations Service
• Operations Support Service
• People, Culture and Wellbeing Service
• Security and Emergency Management Service
• State Operations Service
• Organisational Reform Program
• Thebarton Barracks Relocation
• https://www.police.sa.gov.au/about-us/organisational-structure

During 2022-23 there were the following two changes to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal reviews or machinery of government changes.

• People, Culture and Wellbeing
  • In August 2022 SAPOL formally renamed the Human Resources Service to People, Culture and Wellbeing.

• Police Security Officer Transition
  • With amendments to the Police Act 1998 and Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016 along with the consequential repeal of the Protective Security Act 2007 resulted in the automatic transition of all existing Protective Security Officers into the Police Act as Police Security Officers (PSOs) effective 10 October 2022.
    
    This transition has significantly enhanced SAPOL's ability to achieve greater levels of agency service, operational flexibility, capability and efficiency and delivered additional surge capacity. PSOs focus on the security of people, places and property within the Metropolitan Operations Service.

The Hon Joe Szakacs MP is the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services.

His portfolio also includes responsibility for Road Safety. The Minister oversees South Australia Police programs of Public Safety, Crime and Criminal Justice Services and Road Safety.

Police Act 1998
Police Regulations 2014
Protective Security Act 2007 (repealed 9 October 2022)
Firearms Act 2015
Hydroponics Industry Control Act 2009
Public Assemblies Act 1972
Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 1996
Witness Protection Act 1996

South Australia Police continued to work collaboratively with other emergency service and government agencies, and the Department for Correctional Services to support community safety.

To view image above as PDF click here.

Data contained in the image above can also be viewed in the below table.

^{*               2021-22 results: 268 young adults and 5886 children.}

Crime Trends

Offence counts and groupings are in line with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Australian and New Zealand Standard Offence Classification (ANZSOC).

Over the 10 year period from financial year 2013-14 to 2022-23 there has been an increase in overall recorded crime of 18% or 18 797 offences (102 118 to 120 915) for total offences against person and property.

Over the 5 year period from financial year 2018-19 to 2022-23 there has been an increase in overall recorded crime of 6% or 6572 offences (114 343 to 120 915) for total offences against person and property.

Total Offences Against Person and Property

^{Note: To align with SAPOLs regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2021-22 data has been refreshed.}

^{COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.}

In summary, from 2021-22 to 2022-23, there was an increase in overall recorded crime of 8% or 8796 offences (112 119 to 120 915).

Crime statistics are published online at https://www.police.sa.gov.au each month.

Total Offences Against the Person

^{Note: To align with SAPOLs regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2021-22 data has been refreshed.}

^{COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.}

Homicide and Related Offences increased by 2% (1 offence).

Acts Intended to Cause Injury increased by 8% (1630 offences). Within this category, Serious Assault not Resulting in Injury increased 10% (1014 offences).

Sexual Assault and Related Offences increased by 15% (336 offences). Within this category, Aggravated Sexual Assault increased by 9% (121 offences), Non-Aggravated Sexual Assault increased by 17% (74 offences) and Non-Assaultive Sexual Offences increased by 35% (141 offences).

Robbery and Related Offences increased by 45% (305 offences). Within this category, Blackmail and Extortion increased by 225% (333 offences), which relates to offences involving a victim coerced to pay a fee to avoid dissemination of explicit images.

Other Offences against the Person increased by 26% (366 offences). Within this category Threatening Behaviour increased by 36% (250 offences) and Abduction, Harassment and other offences increased by 29% (131 offences).

Total Offences Against Property

^{Note: To align with SAPOLs regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2021-22 data has been refreshed.}

^{COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.}

Serious Criminal Trespass (SCT) Offences decreased by 1% (174 offences). Within this category SCT-Residence decreased by 2% (124 offences) and SCT-Non Residence decreased by 5% (179 offences).

Theft and Related Offences increased by 13% (6270 offences). The main contributor in this category is Theft from Shop which increased by 29% (3626 offences).

Fraud, Deception and Related Offences decreased by 5% (326 offences). Within this category, Obtain Benefit by Deception decreased by 5% (268 offences).

Property Damage and Environmental Offences increased by 2% (388 offences). The sub-categories of Property Damage by fire or explosion increased by 5% (38 offences) and Other Property Damage and Environmental increased by 3% (619 offences). Environmental relates to the natural world and the impact of human activity e.g. environmental noise.

Total Offences Against Good Order

^{Note: To align with SAPOL’s regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2021-22 data has been refreshed.}

^{COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.}

Illicit Drug Offences increased by 32% (917 offences). The main contributor is Possess/Use Drug Offences which increased by 42% (466 offences).

Weapons/Explosives Offences increased by 10% (240 offences). The main contributor is Regulated Weapons/Explosives Offences which increased by 9% (151 offences).

Public Order Offences increased by 5% (187 offences). Within this category, Disorderly Conduct increased by 5% (100 offences) and Offensive Conduct increased by 20% (57 offences).

Justice Procedure Offences increased by 12% (1913 offences). Within this category, Breach of Bail increased by 18% (1541 offences).

Total General Expiations, Cannabis Expiations and Drug Diversions

^{Note: To align with SAPOL’s regular monthly crime data reporting the previously published 2021-22 data has been refreshed.}

^{COVID-19 period March 2020 - August 2022.}

Total General Expiations increased by 21% (2041 GENs). Cannabis Expiation Notices (CENs) increased by 5%
(175 CENs) and Drug Diversions increased by 31% (585 Diversions).

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment has a workforce information page that provides further information on the breakdown of executive gender, salary and tenure by agency.

The following is a brief summary of the overall financial position of the agency. The information is unaudited. Full audited financial statements for 2022-23 are attached to this report.

^{*     The 2022-23 budget is the 2022-23 original budget that aligns to the 2022-23 State Budget Paper 4.}

The following is a summary of external consultants that have been engaged by the agency, the nature of work undertaken, and the actual payments made for the work undertaken during the financial year.

Consultancies with a contract value below $10,000 each

Consultancies with a contract value above $10,000 each

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data.

See also the Consolidated Financial Report of the Department of Treasury and Finance for total value of consultancy contracts across the South Australian Public Sector.

The following is a summary of external contractors that have been engaged by the agency, the nature of work undertaken, and the actual payments made for work undertaken during the financial year.

Contractors with a contract value below $10,000

Contractors with a contract value above $10,000 each

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data.

The details of South Australian Government-awarded contracts for goods, services, and works are displayed on the SA Tenders and Contracts website. View the agency list of contracts.

The website also provides details of across government contracts.

Police Security Services Branch (PSSB) continues to provide protective security services to South Australian Government sites including Protected Places and Critical Infrastructure and High Risk (CI-HR) assets.  PSSB deploys police security officers (PSOs) to perform static security duties; protective security patrols; and operates the Security Control Centre (SCC) providing a whole-of-government alarm and CCTV monitoring service on a cost recovery basis.

In October 2022, legislative amendments occurred enabling the transition of protective security officers (PSOs) from the former Protective Security Act 2007 to the Police Act 1998. The transition changed the title of PSOs to police security officers (PSOs).

On 17 July 2006, a previous Cabinet approved a Government Protective Security Policy that mandates PSSB as the security provider for ‘designated’ SA Government assets along with a whole-of-government alarm monitoring service.

As of June 2022, SA Government sites were designated as CI-HR assets and subsequently determined by the Minister for Police as needing protection pursuant to the South Australian Protective Security Framework. There are twenty sites determined to be Protected Places, eight of which are also designated as CI-HR assets.

The CI-HR assets were assessed on the basis that if they were destroyed, disrupted, degraded, harmed or rendered unavailable for an extended period there would be a significant impact on the delivery of key government services; or that the reputation of the state would be affected and there would be reduced community confidence in the SA Government’s ability to effectively conduct business. Physical security in these premises is provided by PSOs who are trained and equipped to safely manage situations. The South Australian Protective Security Framework (Physical Security) sets out the process to follow for assets designated as CI-HR, with affected agencies required to identify any resource or costing pressures through the process of Cabinet submissions to the Emergency Management Council.

The role of the SCC is to provide protective security services to government clients through the monitoring of electronic security devices including alarms and CCTV, coordinating an appropriate response to incidents detected, monitoring of SA Government Radio Network (SAGRN) talk groups used by SA Government clients, and sending service work orders for identified electronic security breakdowns to clients.

PSSB comprises 264 FTE consisting of 241 PSOs, 15 Public Sector Act employees and 8 police officers. The duties performed by PSOs are incrementally expanding commensurate with the increase in staff.

The current PSO staffing model is outlined in the table below.

There have been a total of 101 incidents at designated CI-HR sites, of which 37 resulted in the detention/arrest of a person. 64 incidents at CI-HR sites were of a minor nature.

There were a further 65 incidents at Protected Places where PSOs exercised their authorities.

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

Reports of alleged potential corruption within the South Australian public sector are received by SAPOLs Anti-Corruption Section (ACS) from a variety of sources including the Office for Public Integrity (OPI), Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Australian Crime and Intelligence Commission, the Crown Solicitors Office, SAPOLs Internal Investigation Section, Crime Stoppers, police officers, members of the public, and from information provided pursuant to the requirements of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018.

In the ordinary course of business, ACS may conduct an initial investigation to assess information to determine whether there is a reasonable suspicion of corruption, or of serious or systemic misconduct or maladministration.  Where such a suspicion is subsequently formed the matter is reported to OPI.

In many cases, matters may be ‘filed’ following initial assessment/investigation, where there is no reasonable suspicion of corruption and no supporting evidence to warrant further enquiries into the information.

Where ICAC or OPI have referred a matter to SAPOL to conduct an investigation, the Officer in Charge, ACS (or delegate) will determine whether the investigation is to be conducted by ACS, or sent to another investigation area within SAPOL. In certain circumstances, ACS may commence an investigation into a matter, however will advise OPI of the investigation in accordance with its reporting obligations.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2012 changed significantly in October 2021. As a result of these changes, ICAC is no longer able to refer matters to the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution and must instead refer a matter to a law enforcement agency for further investigation and/or prosecution. The legal definition of corruption was also amended and now limits the type of offences the ICAC has the ability to investigate and then refer to SAPOL.

It should be noted from time to time the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) may also direct joint investigations with ACS pursuant to the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006. No joint ACS/ACLEI investigations were commenced during this reporting period.

The breakdown of total ACS investigations managed during 2022-23 is recorded below:

A breakdown of the category of the ‘public official’ alleged to have been involved in a potential issue of corruption in public administration is depicted below (as far as can be determined). Where a matter has allegedly involved more than one nominated ‘suspect’, the ‘public official’ status of the primary suspect is recorded.

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

The SAPOL Risk and Performance Committee meet to provide timely, independent and objective advice to the Commissioner of Police to assist in discharging his responsibilities as they relate to SAPOL’s Audit and Risk Management Systems. The committee reports on internal audit controls, including financial, ensuring corporate risks have been identified and addressed, while fostering an ethical and accountable environment within SAPOL. The committee meet on a regular basis reporting to the Commissioner of Police as required. During 2022-23 this committee met on five occasions.

^{NB: Fraud reported includes actual and reasonably suspected incidents of fraud.}

Ongoing comprehensive audit practices detect any fraudulent behaviour. An overarching SAPOL Risk and Performance Committee comprising of SAPOL Executive and two independent external members, act as a coordinated corporate committee working across SAPOL to ensure risks have been identified and foster an ethical and accountable environment. The Committee advises the Commissioner of Police on matters of accountability and internal control affecting operations of SAPOL.

A dedicated Audit and Risk Management Section maintain the strategic oversight of fraud and corruption related matters that are reported to the Internal Investigation Section and Anti-Corruption Section, within Ethical and Professional Standards Branch. In addition, they perform targeted scheduled audits of critical SAPOL service areas such as property management, operational equipment, police custody facilities, police stations and financial management.

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data.

Number of occasions on which public interest information has been disclosed to a responsible officer of the agency under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018:

11

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

^{Note: Disclosure of public interest information was previously reported under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993 and repealed by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018 on 1/7/2019.}

For the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:

General Drug Detection Powers - Section 52A(3)

A senior police officer may authorise the exercise of powers under this section in relation to a public place. There were 34 authorisations granted by senior police officers pursuant to section 52A.

Drug Transit Route Deployments - Section 52B(1)

There were 14 authorisations granted by senior police officers for identified drug transit routes pursuant to section 52B(1).

This authorisation enabled drug detection powers to be exercised in a defined area for specified periods that do not exceed 14 days. Nil authorisations exceeded the 14 day limit.

Overall, there were 195 deployments where teams operated under section 52A Controlled Substances Act 1984 (CSA), including under section 66S Summary Offences Act 1953 (SOA), and section 52B in the following areas:

There were 1895 indications of the presence of a controlled drug, controlled pre-cursor or controlled plant during the exercise of powers under sections 52A(2)(a), 52A(2)(b), 52A(2)(c), 52A(2)(d) and 52B(1) CSA, including 66S SOA provisions.

From these 1895 indications there were 288 detections, 1216 ‘residual admits’ and 391 ‘residual denies’.  As a result of the 288 detections, there were 319 arrest/reports, drug diversion and/or cannabis expiation notices initiated.

Total seizures during the Passive Alert Detector Dog (PADD) deployments under section 52A and section 52B were 93 ecstasy tablets, approximately 1.081 kilograms of cannabis, 28.9 grams of amphetamine, 25.2 grams of cocaine, 5 grams of heroin and 117 pieces of drug paraphernalia.

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

Power to Order Inspection of Banking Records - Section 49(1a)

There were 515 orders (received at Prosecution Services Branch as required by the General Order) granted by Magistrates upon application by members of the police force pursuant to section 49(1a) of the Act for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. This represents an increase from 2021-22, when the result was 268 orders. This could be attributed to more orders considered as investigation tools in illicit drug crime, frauds and more generic theft investigations where cashless transactions are apparent.

Data for previous years is available at:
https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

For the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:

For the purpose of this Act, a person will be taken to be carrying on the business of selling prescribed equipment by retail.

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

Barring Orders - Section 128A

There were no orders made pursuant to section 128AB of the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

Power of Police to Clear or Close Licensed Premises - Section 128C

This report refers to orders made by Senior Police Officers to clear or close licensed premises deemed unsafe because of prevailing conditions at the premises.

There were no orders made pursuant to section 128C(8) of the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

Alcotest or Breath Analysis - Section 47E

There were a total of 568 591 driver screening tests conducted for the period of 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Of those, pursuant to section 47E there were 125 330 mobile driver screening tests conducted.

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

For the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

For the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

For the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

Special Powers to Prevent Serious Violence – Section 72B

There were no authorisations under subsection 3 where Special Powers to Prevent Serious Violence were granted in the reporting period of 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

For the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:

This report refers to number of occasions a police officer has exercised search powers under Section 72D for the purpose of ascertaining whether a suspected explosives offence is being or has been committed.

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

The number of forced entries for the reporting period of 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 included:

^{*     Authorisations above were issued after concerned relatives or friends contacted police anxious about the welfare of a person who had not been seen for some time.}

^{**    Recording of authorisations moved to a digital platform on 12 December 2021, enhancing recording and reporting practices.}

^{***  Includes threats of suicide.}

^{*     Property taken pursuant to warrants includes: drug/prescription medication, identification items, jewellery, cash and general property including personal effects and documents.}

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

Overcrowding at Public Venues - Section 83BA

There were no authorisations issued pursuant to section 83BA of the

Summary Offences Act 1953 relating to the overcrowding at public venues for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Data for the previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data

The Carers’ Recognition Act 2005 is deemed applicable for the following: Department of Human Services, Department for Education, Department for Health and Wellbeing, Department for Innovation and Skills, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, South Australia Police and TAFE SA.

Section 7: Compliance or non-compliance with section 6 of the Carers Recognition Act 2005 and (b) if a person or body provides relevant services under a contract with the organisation (other than a contract of employment), that person's or body's compliance or non-compliance with section 6.

^{*Excludes 123 complaints still under assessment and not categorised at the time of reporting.}

^{* Determined in accordance with Section 13(5) Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016.}

Data for previous years is available at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/annual-reporting-data