The Department of Police and Emergency Management has finalised the number of voluntary redundancies accepted by state service employees and sworn officers.  

49 police officers and 25 state service employees have accepted offers of voluntary redundancy and most will leave the Department by 26 September.

Expressions of interest in voluntary redundancy were sought in July as part of a strategy to meet a significant budget reduction.  The final date for accepting the offers was COB Friday 14 September. 

“The redundancy program was driven by the need for the Department to operate within its funding allocation.  The loss of these experienced employees is an unfortunate reality of budget cuts,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“I would like to thank those officers and employees for their many years of dedicated service to the Department.”

The intention is to minimise the impact of the redundancies on frontline services.  Public safety has always been our priority and it will continue to be so. 

District Commanders and Directors have prepared plans to maintain or restructure service delivery.  This includes secondments to some positions in the short term, until the Organisational Restructure Project is complete.

The plans will deal with redundancies accepted by officers in the following areas:

Northern District: 1 Sergeant, 2 Constables

Western District:  3 Sergeants, 7 Constables

Southern District: 5 Sergeants, 11 Constables

And from support Commands: 4 Inspectors, 5 Sergeants and 11 Constables.
 

The anticipated savings from the redundancy program is in excess of $4 million per year.  The total cost of the redundancy program is $6.2million plus leave.

After the separations on 5^th October, the number of sworn officers will be 1119.

“While a police service with fewer officers is the new reality for the foreseeable future, Tasmanians can be assured they have an experienced, professional, responsive and committed police service,” said Mr Hine.

“Every effort has been made to minimise the impact of the redundancy program on frontline services.

“Public safety remains our priority. Our vision statement is for A safe, secure and resilient Tasmaniaand the community can be reassured that will not change,” said Mr Hine. 

“Our focus now is to progress the Organisational Restructure Project which will position the Department of Police and Emergency Management to make the most effective and efficient use of the resources we have,” said Mr Hine.

The first stage of the Project, the merger of the Eastern and Southern Districts, is complete.  The next step is to develop options for new District models; including examination of divisional boundaries, CIBs, traffic services, public order response teams and support services.

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