A new uniform for temporary sworn staff has been approved and will be delivered to Police districts within the next month said General manager Human Resources Wayne Annan.
The uniform comprises a navy blue polo shirt and zip-up jacket with the police logo, which will be worn with the standard issue police trousers and belt. It was developed in consultation with districts.
“The uniform is quite distinct from the standard uniform and it will be quite obvious to staff and members of the public that the wearer is not a fully-sworn officer,” said Mr Annan.
The new uniform is part of a package of initiatives being implemented to standardise employment conditions for temporary sworn staff.
Mr Annan said this work has been underway for some time.
“Currently there are about 330 temporary sworn staff across the country. They are employed mainly as jailers or prisoner escorts and observers.”
Mr Annan said staff in jailer or prisoner escort roles physically engage with prisoners and require the limited police powers their temporary sworn status gives them.
Temporary Sworn Employment Policy has been developed and implemented and an induction/training package covering custodial management, first aid, self defence, and the extent of temporary sworn powers will be implemented later this year.
“Temporary sworn staff play a vital role in the organisation by freeing up fully-sworn staff to concentrate on frontline policing duties,” said Mr Annan.