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Disciplinary outcomes

The South Australian community has high expectations of South Australia Police (SAPOL) and we have an obligation to perform our duties with honesty and integrity. The community gives us the authority to police and we must use that authority respectfully and professionally.

The Code of Conduct outlines the professional standards expected of all members of SAPOL.

The Code of Conduct

Members of SAPOL at all times, shall:

  • act with honesty and integrity
  • conduct themselves in a professional manner
  • carry out duties promptly and be receptive and responsive to lawful orders and instructions
  • perform duties in a diligent and competent manner
  • act within the powers and authorities given to them by law and in accordance with SAPOL policies and procedures
  • respect diversity within the community and the workplace by recognising that all people are entitled to courtesy, and fair and equal treatment
  • avoid and report any possible conflicts of interest
  • not improperly obtain, or seek to obtain, a benefit or advantage
  • maintain the confidentiality of any information obtained in the course of police duties
  • be responsible for the proper use and treatment of any property, equipment or assets in their care or custody
  • take such action as is necessary and reasonable with respect to other members of SAPOL who fail to meet expected standards
  • not engage in any conduct when interstate or overseas that is likely to bring discredit upon SAPOL.

Who must comply with The Code?

Members required by law to comply with the Code of Conduct are:

  • Police Officers,
  • Community Constables,
  • Police Cadets, and
  • Police Security Officers.

Any deviations from the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action being taken.

Publishing outcomes of disciplinary action

We are committed to publishing the outcomes of disciplinary action taken against members in order to increase transparency and strengthen public trust and confidence in the disciplinary system.

The Commissioner of Police has authorised release and publication of the following information pursuant to sections 45 and 46 of the Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016 (SA).

Publication of Employee Disciplinary Outcomes

1 January to 31 March 2023

Action arising from Police Disciplinary Tribunal (PDT) / Criminal Courts

Complaint Type

Description / Rank

Forum

Outcome

Clause 4: Performance of Orders/Duties, Disobey Orders

Sergeant

The Police Officer displayed unwanted and physical conduct towards another employee, whilst off duty.

PDT

Fine $1000 / Recorded Reprimand

Clause 4: Performance of Orders/Duties, Failure to carry out lawful order (2 counts)

Senior Constable

The Police Officer failed to correctly submit reports as per General Order, Crime and Occurrence reporting.

PDT

Fine $600 / Recorded Reprimand (for 1 allegation) / Unrecorded Reprimand (for 1 allegation)

Clause 4: Performance of Orders/Duties, Failure to carry out General Order (2 counts)

Senior Constable

Whilst subject to an internal investigation, the Police Officer contacted another employee and was verbally abusive to them.

PDT

Recorded Reprimand

Clause 4: Performance of Orders/Duties, Failure to carry out lawful order (2 counts)

Clause 7: Conduct public/SAPOL, Conduct towards Employee

Senior Constable

Whilst subject to an internal investigation, the Police Officer contacted another employee and was verbally abusive to them.

PDT

Fine $600 / Recorded Reprimand

1 April to 30 June 2023

Complaint Type

Description / Rank

Forum

Outcome

Criminal: Sexual Offence

Probationary Constable

The officer whilst off duty, committed sexual offences.

Criminal

S26

Imprisonment and Intervention Order
Employment with SAPOL terminated

Clause 2: Honesty & Integrity, Falsehood / prevarication

Clause 4: Performance of Orders/Dutie, Failures to carry out General Order

Clause 8: Conflict of Interest, Fail to report notification

Senior Sergeant

The officer provided a referee report in relation to a court sentence without complying with General Orders. Further the officer visited a convicted offender who was in detention, and was dishonest when asked questions about the incident.

PDT

$1500 Fine / Recorded Reprimand/Suspended without pay

1 July to 30 September 2023

Complaint Type

Description / Rank

Forum

Outcome

Clause 2: Honesty & Integrity, Honesty

Clause 3: Conduct Prejudicial, Reflects Adversely

Clause 4:
Performance of Orders/Duties, Failure to carry out General Order

Clause 5:
Negligence, Inadequate service delivery

Senior Constable

The officer attended an address where it was alleged an intervention order had been breached. The officer failed to take positive action regarding the breach identified. Further he was dishonest in regards to the record entry of the incident.

PDT

Fine $1500 /  Transfer / Reduction in Rank

Clause 3: Conduct Prejudicial, Reflects Adversely

Clause 4:
Performance of Orders/Duties, Failure to carry out General Order

Clause 5:
Negligence, Inadequate service delivery

Constable

The officer attended an address where it was alleged an intervention order had been breached. The police officer failed to take positive action regarding the breach identified.

PDT

Fine $1500 / Recorded Reprimand / Transfer

Clause 3: Conduct Prejudicial, Good Order and Discipline

Clause 4:
Performance of Orders/Duties, Failure to carry out General Order (2 counts)

Clause 5:
Negligence, Neglect of Duty

Senior Constable

The officer was a passenger in police vehicle, when the driver attempted to stop a cyclist resulting in the police vehicle colliding with the bicycle and rider. The officer was negligent in supervising the driver and neither officer activated BWV, provided assistance or exchanged details with the rider or made the required internal notifications of the collision.

PDT

Fine $600 / Recorded Reprimand / Unrecorded Reprimand

Criminal: Firearm Offence

Senior Constable 1st Class

The officer failed to register a privately owned firearm in breach of the Firearms Act.

Criminal


S26

Criminal Conviction

Transfer and Recorded Reprimand

Criminal: Traffic Offence

Senior Constable 1st Class

The officer whilst off-duty drove their private vehicle whilst exceeding the Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol.

Criminal


S26

Criminal Conviction and Fine

$450 Fine and Recorded Reprimand

Criminal: Traffic Offence

Sergeant

The officer whilst off-duty drove their private vehicle whilst exceeding the Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol.

Criminal


S26

Fine, without Conviction

$450 Fine and Recorded Reprimand

PSO: Reg 5 Honesty & Integrity

PSO: Reg 6
Conduct prejudicial

PSO: Reg 7
Performance of orders and duties

Police Security Officer

The officer failed to safely handle a service firearm and was dishonest when questioned about the incident.

PDT

Counselling, Training and Education.

Recorded Reprimand

1 October to 31 December 2023

Complaint Type

Description / Rank

Forum

Outcome

Clause 8:
Conflict of Interest, Conflict of Interest (2 counts)

Clause 10:
Confidentiality of Information, Improper Release/Access (14 counts)

Sergeant

The officer reported private property being stolen and then interfered in the police investigation into their report.

PDT

$650 Fine and Recorded Reprimand

Criminal: Traffic Offence

Senior Constable 1st Class

The officer whilst off-duty drove their private vehicle whilst exceeding the Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol.

Criminal


S26

Conviction, Fine and Licence Disqualification

$1250 Fine, Recorded Reprimand and transfer

Clause 3: Conduct Prejudicial, Reflects Adversely

Brevet Sergeant

The officer suggested to another officer they engage in actions that would be an Abuse of Authority.

PDT

Fine $600 / Recorded Reprimand / Unrecorded Reprimand

Clause 8: Conflict of Interest, Conflict of Interest (2 counts)

Clause 10Confidentiality of Information, Improper Release / Access (11 counts)

Senior Constable 1st Class

The officer involved themselves in a court case where they had a relationship with the defendant. The officer improperly accessed SAPOL systems and other confidential information providing information to the defendant.

PDT

$800 Fine and Recorded Reprimand