Cadets to be used to boost police numbers
Plans to change the way police cadets are employed is a cheap way of meeting an election promise according to the Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association.
There are plans for new cadets to be employed as police auxiliary officers that will see them do more work but still be on a lower pay scale.
The CPSU/CSA has questioned the rationale behind the move and suspects it will be done so the cadets can be included in the overall numbers that were promised by the Barnett Government in the lead up to the 2013 State Election (including 150 additional auxiliary officers).
CPSU/CSA Branch Assistant Secretary Rikki Hendon said traditionally police cadets were exposed to a wide range of experiences across the police service but stressed their role was quite distinct from that of police auxiliary officers.
“The cadets are paid a low salary given their age, lack of experience and skill base.
“We believe this is a cheap means of fulfilling a promise to boost auxiliary officer numbers.
“We have been advised that future cadets will carry some police powers such as those similar to auxiliary officers when dealing with property management.”
Ms Hendon said the cadets, aged 16 to 18 years, can not undertake the role of auxiliary officers as this involves working with evidence, the transportation of drugs/weapons and be involved in some forensic/DNA work.
There are plans for new cadets to be employed as police auxiliary officers that will see them do more work but still be on a lower pay scale.
The CPSU/CSA has questioned the rationale behind the move and suspects it will be done so the cadets can be included in the overall numbers that were promised by the Barnett Government in the lead up to the 2013 State Election (including 150 additional auxiliary officers).
CPSU/CSA Branch Assistant Secretary Rikki Hendon said traditionally police cadets were exposed to a wide range of experiences across the police service but stressed their role was quite distinct from that of police auxiliary officers.
“The cadets are paid a low salary given their age, lack of experience and skill base.
“We believe this is a cheap means of fulfilling a promise to boost auxiliary officer numbers.
“We have been advised that future cadets will carry some police powers such as those similar to auxiliary officers when dealing with property management.”
Ms Hendon said the cadets, aged 16 to 18 years, can not undertake the role of auxiliary officers as this involves working with evidence, the transportation of drugs/weapons and be involved in some forensic/DNA work.
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