Question On Notice No. 934 asked in the Legislative Council on 21 September 2022 by Hon Colin De Grussa
Question Directed to the: Minister for Emergency Services representing the Minister for Police
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Western Australia
Police Rural Crime Squad and I ask:
(a) when did Western Australia Police form the Rural Crime Squad;
(b) what is the authorised strength by FTE of the
Rural Crime Squad;
(c) what is the current strength by FTE of the Rural
Crime Squad;
(d) how many members of the Rural Crime Squad have a
background in agriculture;
(e) what training does each member of the Rural
Crime Squad receive; and
(f) since 1 January 2022, how many Western Australia Police members
have left the Rural Crime Squad?
Answered on 25 October 2022
I thank the honourable Member for the Questions: The Western Australia Police Force advise:
(a) The Rural Crime Team was formed in August 2020.
(b) Five
(c) Five
(d) One
(e) All members of the Rural Crime Team have completed the Western Australia Police Force general investigator course (two weeks), Detective Training School (six weeks) and a supervised two-year probationary detective development period and a further two-week Detective Training School (Investigative Level 5). Formal training is currently being developed for members of the Rural Crime Team in relation to handling of cattle and large animals and in November 2022 officers will travel to New South Wales to participate in a nationally accredited rural crime investigation training course hosted by the New South Wales Police Force.
(f) Three officers have transferred from the Rural Crime Team during 2022 with the subsequent vacant positions being filled through expression of interest and selection files.