On 30 April 2024, the Office of the Inspector tabled in Parliament Report 2024/02.
Any allegations of conflict of interest and nepotism involving public sector employees are serious and deserve thorough investigation and scrutiny.
This is particularly the case when the allegations involve serving police officers. Maintaining public trust and confidence in police is paramount. It is important to note that the matter was initially referred to the ICAC by SAPOL after being identified through the existing complaint process.
The fact that allegations of this nature against officers involved in the Recruit 313 initiative were the subject of two protracted investigations by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) should reassure the public that such conduct will not be tolerated and, if detected, will be acted upon.
The allegations of conflict of interest and nepotism involving a Senior Police Officer demanded scrutiny and it was wholly appropriate they were subject to independent investigation.
Following the conclusion of the two ICAC investigations, SA Police carried out its own internal disciplinary procedures that resulted in a number of officers subsequently facing action under the Police Complaints and Discipline Act. This process was oversighted by the OPI.
As a result of its investigations the ICAC made four recommendations to the Commissioner of Police. Each involved improving and tightening procedures and policies surrounding conflict of interest and the Code of Conduct. Each has been adopted.
Internal reviews have been undertaken with a view to implementing the required changes to raise awareness of the issues and prevent such conduct from occurring.
The changes will improve management strategies to address any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and ensure more robust reporting processes with increased accountability.
