P PRESIDENT Mark Carroll
Big trouble in the CBD T
he ongoing failure of the SAPOL district policing model to provide a permanent police presence in Hindley St continues to cause major issues. SAPOL has indicated that it will provide this presence when its new CBD foot-patrol plan is developed. In the meantime, however, both police and the public are placed at greater risk. Members have described a recent situation in which all available patrols were required to deal with a single critical incident in the city — leaving no other police to respond to any other calls in the entire CBD. Before the introduction of the district policing model, the CBD had 12 two-person patrols. Now, there is a maximum of four patrols for the entire CBD and surrounding area. Members have shared concerns about insufficient numbers of officers to prevent outright violence. The current setup clearly does not provide a safe environment for police or the public. I have urged SAPOL to review this issue immediately. It must, as a matter of urgency, address the failure of the DPM as it relates to the CBD, and ensure the city is fully prepared to emerge from COVID-19 restrictions. Anything less would put South Australians at risk. 10
Police Journal
It must, as a matter of urgency, address the failure of the DPM as it relates to the CBD, and ensure the city is fully prepared to emerge from COVID-19 restrictions.
