Australian Federal Police
ACT Policing has also contributed substantial resources to the preparation for
Olympic events, including a critical segment of the torch relay and several games
of Olympic football scheduled to take place in Canberra during 2000–2001.
ACT Policing is in a high state of readiness for these events, having participated in
major anti-terrorist exercises and other training activities during the year.
A number of other major events also required a commitment from ACT Policing
during the year, including the Street Machine Nationals, the GMC 400 car race, the
Royal Canberra Show and the concentration of festivities and celebrations in the
spring and autumn.
The number of such annual events held in the ACT has increased steadily over the
past five years, placing significant additional demands on police resources.
Road safety and traffic enforcement
ACT roads are the safest in Australia, despite the fact that there are 190,000
registered motor vehicles for a population of 310,000 who, on average, travel
further than any other population group in the country. As a result, maintaining
this high level of safety is a constant challenge
Traffic fatalities in the ACT fell from 23 in 1998–99 to 14 in 1999–2000, a reduction
of 39 per cent. This underlines a positive trend in road safety which has been
apparent since the number of reported accidents peaked at 13,199 in 1995–96.
ACT 1982 (CTH)
In 1999–2000, 12,392 accidents were reported — slightly more than 1998–99 but still
six per cent below the peak.
Speed cameras commenced operation in the ACT in October 1999, operated by
staff of the ACT Department of Urban Services. A study undertaken by Urban
AND RELEASED BY
Services soon after the introduction of the cameras id
UNDER THE entified a variable overall
reduction in speed of approximately 7km per hour in designated speed camera
zones. The survey also identified an overall reduction of
INFORMATION 2k
THIS DOCUMENT IS DE-CLASSIFIED m per hour in two
controlled sites not associated with designated speed camera zones.
In 1999–2000, ACT Policing issued 21,050 traffic infringement no
THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE tices and
conducted 79,599 random breath tests, compared with 24,161 and 103,936 the
previous year.
The reduced number of traffic infringement notices in 1999–2000 is consistent with
expectations associated with the introd
FREEDOM OF uction of speed cameras and the positive
impact of this on driving behaviour. The reduction in random breath tests resulted
from adoption of a risk-management approach to core business activities with
resources being diverted to major property crime investigations and special events.
Crime prevention and strategic partnerships
ACT Policing has a long-term commitment to enhance the effectiveness of crime-
prevention initiatives via the development and maintenance of an extensive
network of strategic partnerships with groups in the community. These groups
range from business organisations and ethnic communities to community service
associations and special interest community groups.
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Australian Federal Police
when a reasonable suspicion is held that they may be using illicit drugs. Other
than for one applicant test, all tests conducted under the various programs were
negative.
A table that illustrates drug testing conducted during the reporting period can be
found in Appendix 1.
Internal audits
During 1999–2000, four internal audits addressing performance issues and four
addressing compliance issues were reported to the AFP’s audit committee. The
performance audits examined the logical security of the AFP’s main computer
network, a key aspect of the management of controlled operations, and the AFP’s
preparedness for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games from both a operational and a
financial perspective.
Another 13 significant projects were completed during the period. A number of
these projects related to the handling of property and exhibits, including drug
seizures. Self-assessments by general managers were coordinated in regard to
compliance with the relevant national guidelines, as was the response to and
subsequent follow up of recommendations made in this area by the
Commonwealth Ombudsman.
The
1999–2001 AFP Fraud Control and Anti-Corruption Plan was formally approved in
December 1999. The Law Enforcement and Coordination Division of the Attorney-
ACT 1982 (CTH)
General’s Department commended the plan and the associated risk assessment.
It is expected that in 2000–01 a substantial part of the program of internal audits
will be outsourced, whilst retaining a core of expertise within the internal audit
area.
AND RELEASED BY
UNDER THE
Professional Reporting Program
The Professional Reporting Program encourages the inter
INFORMATION n
THIS DOCUMENT IS DE-CLASSIFIED al reporting of unethical
behaviour. The program received 73 referrals during the reporting period, a 55 per
cent increase in referrals from the previous 12 months. A major objective of the
THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE
program is to support appointees who have reported criminal, corrupt or unethical
behaviour by other AFP personnel, to ensure that they are not subjected to
intimidation or any form of harassment. The program is also providing assistance
to AFP personnel dealing with conflict in the workplace and facilitating
FREEDOM OF
communication within the organisation on issues of concern.
A number of information and training sessions were provided to AFP membership
to increase understanding of the role and functions of the program. The increase in
number of referrals and the number of applications from employees to be trained
as confidants is a clear indication of the level of acceptance and support for the
maintenance of integrity within the AFP.
Complaints and allegations
Complaints against employees by members of the community are investigated in
conjunction with the Ombudsman’s Office in a timely, open and impartial manner.
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Performance
Appendix 2 details information relating to the
Complaints (AFP) Act 1981.
During the reporting period, proactive internal investigations resulted in a number
of members having their suitability for appointment reviewed and one former
member being convicted for a corruption-related offence.
These incidents of detection and correction of corrupt or unethical behaviour
served to send a clear message to new and existing AFP membership that the
AFP’s integrity and professional reputation will not be compromised.
Owing to the requirement to maintain the fixed term appointment process (which
ended on 2 July 2000) all appointees whose fixed term appointments were ended
on 1 July 2000 or within the previous year were considered anew for
reappointment suitability. Of 24 individuals who were referred to the delegate for
non-reappointment, 21 were not reappointed.
There was a significant increase in the number of minor complaints received that
were resolved through the workplace resolution process. A large portion of these
minor complaints related to incivility.
At the end of the reporting period, a number of strategies were being examined to
allow managers in the workplace to identify possible areas of concern in order that
proactive measures may be taken to reduce these types of complaints.
Equity and diversity
ACT 1982 (CTH)
The AFP is in the final stages of the
1996–2000 Equity and Diversity Program, which
closes in September 2000. The program has resulted in:
• A strong emphasis being placed on equity and diversity principles throughout
the organisation at every selection stage, particularly selections for promotion.
AND RELEASED BY
• Specific education programs addressed at the recruit leve
UNDER THE l, team level and middle
management strand of the organisation. Cross-cultural training sessions based on
the agreed competencies from the National Police Ethnic A
INFORMATION dv
THIS DOCUMENT IS DE-CLASSIFIED isory Bureau.
• An extensive network of contact officers, confidants, Aboriginal liaison officers,
performance standards team members and gay and lesbian contac
THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE t officers.
• Policies such as those relating to pregnancy and post maternity flexible work
practices being readily accessible through the AFP intranet.
• The annual Commissioner’s Work-Life Awards, which recognise good practice in
FREEDOM OF
relation to flexible management by team leaders and managers.
• Membership of the Australian and New Zealand EEO Consultative Committee.
Workplace harassment
The AFP has begun an integrity project to raise the awareness of workplace
harassment. This initiative responds to current corporate endeavours and promotes
a harmonious workplace that encourages loyalty and dedication to the
organisation. The project includes strategies that foster a safe working environment
devoid of harassment, bullying or actions that may be injurious to employees.
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