South Australia Police
POSITION INFORMATION DOCUMENT
Stream
:
Administrative Services
Career Group
:
Project and Policy
Discipline
:
AO
Classification
:
ASO-5
Service
:
Ethical & Professional Standards Branch
Position Title
:
Research Officer
LEVEL CHARACTERISTICS
The position has been classified at the Administrative Services level 5 by virtue of the
requirement to:

assume responsibility for projects or areas of policy that are considered to be
complex or reasonably broad in scope;

provide expert advice and assistance to program managers and clients;

contribute a high level of analytical, research and communication skills including a
high level of written skills;

work under limited direction;

exercise a knowledge of agency programs and government policies; and

operate independently and accept responsibility for areas of some sensitivity.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Research Officer is accountable to the Officer in Charge, Ethical and Professional
Standards Branch. The Research Officer will be responsible for the research, identification
and implementation of new methods and approaches to improving professional and ethical
conduct, service delivery and anti-corruption issues. The Research Officer will also be
required to communicate developments in professional standards to the wider organisation. In
addition the Research Officer may be required to assist the Training and Education Coordinator in the delivery of state-wide ethical and professional conduct training.
POSITION CHARACTERISTICS
South Australia Police provides a diverse range of services to the community. These services
are aimed at producing a safe and peaceful environment by the minimisation of crime and
disorder. It is a large complex organisation which, because of the nature of its operations, is
constantly subject to public scrutiny and accountability. It provides services to a range of
different locations (over 100) spread across the State on a 24 hour a day basis.
The Research officer’s position is responsible for researching and identifying ethical and
professional conduct best practice requirements for inclusion in SAPOL policing and anti-
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corruption strategies, policy, and programs. In addition, the Research Officer is required to
coordinate, deliver and disseminate information related to ethical and professional standards
and anti-corruption.
The Research Officer, although responsible to the Officer in Charge, Ethical and Professional
Standards Branch, must have a capacity to work autonomously to research and monitor
ethical training programs, to undertake special projects as well as have the flexibility to
provide support to other areas of Ethical and Professional Standards Branch when required.
Ethical and Professional Standards Branch comprises Professional Conduct Section and
Internal Investigation Section, Audit and Risk Management Section, Investigational Assurance
Section, and an Intelligence Section. Key stakeholders include the Police Complaints
Authority, SAPOL’s Audit Committee, and the Australia and New Zealand Policing Advisory
Agency.
Examples of the types of research undertaken by the Research Officer include:






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external and internal trends in police complaints, unprofessional conduct, and corrupt
practices with practical emphasis on preventative measures;
organisational and management issues relative to promoting ethical and professional
conduct standards and anti-corruption strategies;
identifying, developing, and implementing products, or instruments so that local
managers can promote ethical, professional, and corruption free behaviour within the
workplace;
monitoring and evaluating ethical and professional conduct and anti-corruption
training programs and strategies;
researching, identifying, developing and implementing (and communicating) new
methods and approaches to improving professional and ethical conduct;
monitoring, assessing, advising on the integration of Ethical and Professional
Standards Branch activities so that a unified Branch response, supporting ethical and
professional conduct, is promoted within SAPOL; and
analysing Branch contributions to the Business Plan and preparing the quarterly and
final reports for the Officer in Charge, Ethical and Professional Branch.
The Research Officer is responsible for undertaking research of some complexity in the
above areas under limited direction. In cases where research projects are complex and
broad in scope, the Research Officer will be responsible for components of major projects
under the direction and guidance of the Officer in Charge, Ethical and Professional Standards
Branch or as part of a project team.
ORGANISATION
Reports to:
Officer in Charge, Ethical and Professional Standards Branch
Subject Position:
Research Officer
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South Australia Police
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Position
:
Research Officer
Classification Code
:
ASO-5
Position Number
:
Position Created
:
Type of Appointment
:
Ongoing
Service
:
Performance, Management and Reporting Service
Branch
:
Ethical and Professional Services Branch
/
/
Job & Person Specification Approval
(for all positions excluding senior positions)
...................................
/
/
Commissioner of Police or Delegate
P.C.O. Reference Number ...........................
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JOB SPECIFICATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position, and its responsibilities / duties.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------The Research Officer is accountable to the Officer in Charge, Ethical and Professional
Standards Branch. The Research Officer will be responsible for the research, identification,
development, implementation, (and communication) of new methods and approaches to
improving professional and ethical conduct and service delivery.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------2.
Reporting / working relationships
(to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible and other significant
connections and working relationships within the organisation)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------The Research Officer reports to the Officer in Charge, Ethical and Professional Standards
Branch. In addition the Research Officer may be required to assist the Training and
Education Co-ordinator in the delivery of state-wide ethical and professional conduct training.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3.
Special Conditions
(Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some out of hours work and interstate/intrastate travel may be required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------4.
Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated activities
(Group into major areas of responsibility and list in descending order of importance)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------4.1
Contribute to the effective implementation and delivery of ethical and professional
conduct through:








4.2
monitoring and assessing interstate and overseas trends with regard to ethical
and professional standards and anti-corruption strategies;
researching internal trends in police complaints, unprofessional conduct, and
corrupt practices, with practical emphasis on preventative measures;
researching, identifying, developing, implementing, and communicating new
methods and approaches to maintaining professional, ethical, and corruption free
conduct;
researching organisational and management issues relative to promoting ethical
and professional conduct strategies within SAPOL;
identifying, developing and implementing products, or instruments so that
Branch/LSA managers, can readily assess, promote, and reinforce, ethical,
professional, and corruption free behaviour, within the workforce;
monitor and evaluate ethical and professional conduct, and anti-corruption,
training programs and strategies within SAPOL;
delivering lectures and educational programs to SAPOL personnel, as directed, in
relation to new policies, practices, procedures, being implemented by Ethical and
Professional Standards Branch;
preparing research papers, and/or presenting results of research papers to both
internal and external stakeholders;
undertaking special projects at the direction of the Officer in Charge, Ethical and
Professional Standards Branch;
Contribute to the effective management of the Branch by:
 working in collaboration with the Internal Investigation Section, Professional
Conduct Section, Audit and Risk Management Section, Investigational Assurance
Section, Intelligence Section;
 monitoring, assessing, and advising on the integration of Ethical and Professional
Standards Branch activities, so that a unified Branch response, supporting ethical
and professional conduct, is promoted within SAPOL;
 analysing Branch contributions to the Business Plan and preparing quarterly and
final reports for the Officer in Charge, Ethical and Professional Standards Branch.
4.3
Contribute to the effective management of staff in the Branch by ensuring the
principles of personnel management, including the merit principle, industrial
relations, training and development, equal employment opportunity,
occupational health, safety and welfare are observed within the work group and
reflected in the work undertaken by the position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Certified correct by O/C Branch Head
: .............................................
/
/
Acknowledged by Current Occupant
: .............................................
/
/
Name of Current Occupant
: ......................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Essential Minimum Requirements
(Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Educational / Vocational Qualifications
(Include only those listed in Commissioner's Standard 2 as an essential qualification for a specified
group.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------An appropriate degree.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
(Related to the job description, and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
Demonstrated ability to conduct research and produce clear, concise and accurate
assessments, reports and briefings in a range of forums.

High level of skills in research paper writing.

High level of skills in research evaluation.

Demonstrated ability to complete assigned tasks within deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member.

Demonstrated ability to establish rapport and credibility at all levels.

Oral and written communication skills.

High degree of computer literacy.

Willingness to work in a methodical way and document work precisely.

Demonstrated ability to work independently of supervision or with others to make best
use of available resources.

Demonstrated ability to handle confidential or sensitive issues with discretion and
possesses a high level of integrity.

Demonstrated ability to facilitate or deliver lectures to all levels internal and external
to SAPOL.

Ability to contribute to the maintenance of a harmonious, safe and healthy workplace,
free of harassment, unlawful discrimination and bullying and where diversity is
valued.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Experience
(Including Community Experience)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Proven experience in applying research techniques to managerial problems.

Proven experience in the preparation and presentation of reports for senior
management.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Knowledge
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------


Knowledge of research methodologies and practices specifically in relation to the
preparation of policy and procedures.
Knowledge of the principles of Equity and Diversity requirements.
Demonstrated proficient knowledge and commitment to OHS&W legislation,
principles and practices; and risk assessment in accordance with the OHS&W Act
(1986), Regulations & AS/NZS 4360 Standard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Desirable Characteristics
(To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------Ability to be innovative and creative.
Skills in training needs analysis and curriculum development.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Experience
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Experience in identifying and developing areas of research and conduct research using a
range of methodologies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Knowledge
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Knowledge of current practices in the delivery and structure of ethical and professional
conduct training.
Knowledge of the SAPOL organisation structure and operational procedures
Knowledge of SAPOL general orders, policies and procedures.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------Educational / Vocational Qualifications
(Considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Appropriate tertiary qualifications with specific emphasis on research and training.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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