WA Police Union president says extending tenures will provide more stability for officers in regional stations

The WA Police Union is calling for tenures to be extended for officers keen to settle at a regional post, after shocking data reveals resignations more than doubled this year compared to last.

Data collected by the WA Police Union revealed almost 400 officers resigned from the force this year, with 372 officers copping out from January to September.

WA Police Union president Mick Kelly said members attributed quitting their jobs to the rise in aggressive behaviour, difficult roles, accountability and instability.

“They are seeking jobs with a more family friendly type rostering, the ability to be home with loved ones instead of working the later shifts and the lack of flexible rostering arrangements as well,” he said.

Mr Kelly said caps on tenures and lack of accommodation in the regions made it difficult for members who felt valued in their community to extend their posting for longer than four years.

“What we’re hearing from our members, certainly in regional WA, is they become pretty entrenched with the community and involved in programs, they also would like to remain in the community,” he said.

“You have to know who your key stakeholders are if you want to get involved with local emergency management activities. That’s going to consume the first year and put things in place,” he said.

Mr Kelly said the tenures were especially difficult for members with a young family.

“Generally kids are in schooling and it’s a big disruption to rip them out of Year 10 or 11 when they have exams, just like others in the community,” he said.

Mr Kelly said extending the maximum four years to six years would still allow staff turnover and opportunity, and was hopeful WAPOL management would commit to a tenure review.

“You can’t have people staying in certain areas forever, because that doesn’t leave any movement and you need to give others the opportunity to come into the country locations,” he said.

Mr Kelly called for the State Government and local councils to address the housing shortage in the regions.

“Private owners are selling their properties to make a profit, but it’s leaving our members with no ability to live in the towns,” Mr Kelly said.

“I think the WA Police need to be able to consider extensions for tenures because if you’ve got police operating well in the community and they’re well respected, then why not if you’re performing properly.”