It is time for the Rann Government to change its current United Kingdom Bobby strategy.
Given that South Australia now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation under Mr. Rann it is time for the Rann Government to concentrate more on attracting young South Australians into policing rather than just relying on overseas recruiting in the UK.
Shadow Police Minister Rob Lucas said today the Liberal Party accepts there might be a need for a limited continuing role for UK recruitment.
“However, we believe there is no reason to continue the Rann Government’s current heavy emphasis on UK recruiting,” Mr. Lucas said.
“Latest figures indicate more than 10 per cent of the UK Bobbies have left SA Police within the first two years. The actual numbers were 22 out of 217 UK recruits.
“This attrition rate of more than 10 per cent is almost twice the attrition rate of five to six per cent for local police recruits.”
Mr. Lucas said it is clear that significant taxpayer funds and resources are being wasted if more than 10 per cent of UK recruits are leaving within two years.
“There is obviously a strong possibility that these figures will increase even more over the coming years especially as UK recruits are meant to serve a term of at least two years.
“It is now time for the Rann Government to change its current strategy.”