- New standalone process to retire officers on medical grounds
- Election commitment being delivered
Police officers forced to retire on medical grounds will soon be able to do so with dignity, thanks to reforms announced by the State Government.
Police Minister Michelle Roberts announced details of the new reforms today at the WA Police Union's annual conference.
Under previous arrangements, a police officer deemed medically unfit had to be retired from the Force through a Section 8 notice.
Section 8 of the Police Act is the same section used to remove officers associated with misconduct or impropriety.
Officers forced to retire due to medical grounds, understandably felt significant stigma and indignity at being subjected to this process.
The new amendments announced today will create a new standalone provision of the Police Act, completely disassociated from the Loss of Confidence provisions.
It will apply to an officer who is retiring, where it is found that they are permanently incapable of, or unfit to perform the duties of their office for medical reasons.
As stated by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
"This is a significant step and one which is long overdue.
"The past treatment of medically retired officers and the indignity they suffered under the former process needed to be addressed.
"It is something the Premier and I undertook to fix, and I am pleased we have been able to fulfil that commitment.
"The new provisions will offer a more dignified process whereby seriously injured or ill officers can leave the WA Police Force with dignity."
