South Australia Police (SAPOL) is establishing a dedicated CBD Precinct, providing a safer environment for the community and greater support for frontline staff.
The new precinct includes 30 additional frontline officers to support this enhanced approach, including a new Chief Inspector and Senior Sergeant.
Importantly, the change will see the additional officers prioritised to patrolling the Entertainment Precinct along Hindley and Rundle Streets, and surrounding areas.
The CBD Precinct allows for the almost doubling of police officers working 24/7, and high-visibility policing including rapid response and flexibility during peak periods of demand and major events.
This is the first major initiative to be implemented in response to recommendations from the BDO Review, and is expected to rollout before the peak summer period later this year.
SAPOL is also increasing 24/7 District Operations Inspectors from 12 to 20, with an additional eight positions allowing for five inspectors per district.
These increased positions will provide greater frontline knowledge and decision-making capacity, support for staff on the ground, and enhanced relationships with stakeholders.
Other significant changes off the back of the Review will include addressing the impact of coronial investigations on frontline and investigations staff, in collaboration with the Coroner's Office, and a new audit framework to significantly reduce the administrative workload on frontline, supervisor and managerial staff.
Both these changes are intended to strike a balance between managing risk and the workload impact on SAPOL staff.
Quotes attributable to Metropolitan Operations Service Acting Assistant Commissioner David O'Donovan
The creation of the new CBD Precinct will remove the need for frontline officers from other districts to come into the CBD for Operation City Safe every weekend.
This is about proactive and preventative measures which will ensure our staff and community are supported.
Whether you live in the CBD, are coming in for an outing, or visiting for a major event, the community can feel confident that there will be a strong police presence keeping them safe.
