Page 975 - Week 03 - Thursday, 30 March 2006
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(17)
(a) The figure of 760 missing persons for the ACT in 2004-2005 was higher than the national average.
(b) It is an unfortunate fact of life that, in our society, people go missing for many and varied reasons. Recording of missing persons varies across jurisdictions. ACT Policing records all persons reported missing, including those considered as “absconders” (see (c) below).
(c) ACT Policing implemented a new Guideline on Missing Persons during the reporting period to reflect more accurately the number of persons reported missing each year. This Guideline includes two categories of missing person: Missing Person; and, Missing Person – Absconder. The definition of an Absconder is a person whose whereabouts are unknown and for whom there are no fears held for their safety or concerns for their welfare. If a Missing Person – Absconder is missing for an extended period and fears arise for their safety or welfare, Police can change the incident to a confirmed Missing Person.
(d) The definition of Absconder does not single out people with mental health problems but nominates those people who are patients, whether voluntary or otherwise, of a mental health facility. It was necessary to include these people (in general terms) as “Absconders” in order that ACT Policing could assist supporting agencies in locating them when they absented themselves from treatment.
(18) ACT Policing does not have access to data from other police jurisdictions which would enable such a comparison to be made.
(19) Role descriptions for employees engaged in exhibit handling within the ACT Policing Exhibit facility were revised during the reporting period to take into account the more diverse range of tasks being completed. Exhibit staff now perform a wider and more satisfying range of duties which has increased recruitment and retention outcomes within the portfolio.
(20) External clients of the ACT Policing Exhibits team are predominantly members of the public and the courts. No costs are levied on external stakeholders other than storage costs associated with “burnout” vehicles as specified in the Road Transport (General) (Vehicle Impounding and Seizure/Speed Tests) Determination 2005 (No 1).
(21) No. ACT Policing, as part of the Australian Federal Police, is subject to Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation.
(22) ACT Policing is an integral part of the AFP. Members of ACT Policing can and do benefit from opportunities offered by national and international operations conducted by the AFP. Similarly, members attached to AFP national and international operations benefit from the opportunity to gain experience in a Community Policing environment through attachment to ACT Policing. By utilising its Workforce Planning Establishment model, ACT Policing is able to manage the number of personnel available to deliver Community Policing services to the ACT in accordance with the Purchase Agreement and make informed decisions as to the transfer of staff into and out of ACT Policing to gain investigative and policing skills.
(23) Yes.
(a) The ACT Policing workforce is broadly representative of the community it is charged to protect.
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