NEW MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS

NEW YEAR, NEW CAREER FOR NEW CONSTABLES

More than 100 new constables graduated from the WA Police Academy in January and February, starting the new year in a new career.

The WA Police Force officially welcomed the White, Red, Gold and Blue squad recruits into its ranks after they'd successfully completed 28 weeks of intensive training at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup.

We wish the new constables well as they embark on their policing journeys, and we acknowledge the stellar career of retiring Acting Superintendent Paul Newman APM, who received the Commissioner’s Medal for Excellence during February’s formalities.

LEGAL

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• Voluntary assistance. Like the STOM’s lethal-use-offorce option, this is a course of action police officers should take sparingly. However, in exceptional cases, it’s justifiable. For example, is there an iron-clad corroborated alibi? Warning: voluntary assistance is often less effective than you predict it’ll be, and its failure rate is high. • Tactical disengagement (resignation). Similarly, this is a course of action police officers should take sparingly. However, considering some of the legal obligations referenced above cease upon the expiration of holding office under the Police Act 1892, there are very occasional instances in which tactical disengagement might be the best overall option for a police officer’s interests.

• ACTION(S) AND OUTCOME(S).

What was the outcome of your tactical legal option? Does the outcome or a change in circumstances warrant a different tactical legal option?

The SHTUM is a situational risk-based framework, and ultimately, police officers will be accountable for their assessment of the appropriate tactical legal option. When you need to use it: take your time, assess your situation, seek expert advice, listen to your gut, and then back yourself and your decision.