The ‘1000Academy’s Plan’ Project Team

You have heard of WA Police’s ‘1,000 Plan’, it is planned to see the number of recruits at the Police Academy skyrocket. However, what a lot of people may not know, is this plan requires the Academy double the number of courses running in a 12-month period, thus requiring a near-complete revamp of personnel and infrastructure.

The Academy’s ‘1000 Plan’ Project Team was brought together to deal with the rapid expansion in recruit intake and to strategise ways for the Police Academy to upgrade its facilities. Police News spoke to WA Police Union Director, Scott Sulley, who is currently a part of the ‘1000 Plan’ Project Team.

“We should acknowledge from the outset that this is an agency-wide effort with everyone playing a part either directly or indirectly. Sworn and unsworn staff seconded to deliver the plan leaves increased workload on many business areas, recruiting branch attending locations statewide, recruiting section managing increased application numbers from state, interstate and international applicants, increased vetting and psych services demand, the list is goes on. Everyone is working hard to deliver the plan.

“At the peak of this plan, there will be 570 recruits on site at one time, which more than doubles what the facilities were designed to hold. This means we need a lot of extra equipment and resources.

“The Project Team exists to ensure all the extra equipment such as firearms, ammunition, tasers, vehicles, lockers and much more are there to meet the new demand. There is also going to be a need to expand the driver training facilities at Joondalup and firing range facilities at Maylands, so we are coordinating that too.”

Director Sulley told Police News he is enjoying every part of the role and is excited to find new approaches to improve the Academy’s facilities and accommodate the new recruits. Director Sulley appreciates that transitioning to this role after 30 years in policing has taught him a lot.

“During my tenure, I have learnt that what might be our priority is not always everyone else’s’ priority, and that was an eye opener. Policing in its very nature is a dynamic environment, but a project like this must be tempered to properly comply with the complex and exacting governance requirements of procurement.”

Earlier this year, a survey was released to Academy staff to better understand their concerns about the new plan. Director Sulley says it won’t be staff who feel the effects of the plan, but everyone involved in the recruitment process.

“There is a lot of people seconded to the Academy right now because the previous level of trainers could not reasonably be expected to maintain the high training standards required, given the increased numbers coming through. These people have been pulled from the frontline, taking numbers away from already stretched resources. But we must do it.

“In the survey, parking was listed as a major concern for staff, which was disappointing. We are fortunate here at the Academy to have some parking availability, and whilst not ideal we have to work with what we have and come up with new solutions to existing problems.”

Director Sulley outlined a new approach which encourages new recruits on induction day to carpool, an idea he sees as a ‘win-win’. Hopeful it will not only reduce the numbers of cars on campus, but also help build relationships and support networks, he is confident this approach will significantly reduce financial outlay at a time when the cost of living is increasing weekly.

“I have had meetings with Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Joondalup TAFE in an effort to form collaborative parking partnerships, but they are having the same issues as us. There are just not enough parking bays to go around.”

“A suggestion by an Academy staff member led to a survey which indicated more staff would cycle to work if there was secure cycle storage. So, I spoke to Fit for Life, who gave me some really good information. I have identified an area of campus that could be converted to bike storage and have drawn up a concept plan, so hopefully that works out.”

With the support of the Academy, Director Sulley hopes the Project Team will succeed in accommodating the 1,000 new recruits in time. He said he has always tried to be a part of the solution instead of the problem.

“I have always considered myself a practical Union man. I know there’s a function to perform and only a finite resource of money to pay for everything, so if we spend the money on one thing, it comes out of somewhere else.

“There are many people working hard to fulfil this bold plan by the Agency and trying to make everything happen in time. Our goal is that of a joint one, and it ends with more people joining WA Police to keep our community safe.

“All staff should be proud of the efforts put towards achieving the ‘1,000 plan’. Without their help and support the Project Team would not have got past week one,” says Director Sulley. ■

In a world where safety and security are paramount, our Police Officers are the frontline defenders of justice and order. They face the risks and challenges of their duty with courage and dedication, often putting themselves in harm's way to protect us. This day reminds us that behind the badge and uniform are individuals who selflessly serve their communities, their friends, and their families.

On Friday 29 September 2023, officers from around the nation came together to remember and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, appreciations were expressed for the men and women who continue to serve and protect our communities. Their commitment to upholding the law, preserving peace, and fostering trust within our society is invaluable.

Many of Perth’s top landmarks shone lit up blue, to honour those fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. These buildings included Optus Stadium, Matagarup Bridge, Northbridge Tunnel, The Bell Tower, and Perth Convention Centre.

Now in its fifth annual year, Light it up Blue is our annual commemoration of the now 88 brave men and women who have not survived their shift across Australia. ■