The Last Shift

L The Last Shift

For the full version of The Last Shift, go to PASAweb at www.pasa.asn.au

Alan “Mal” Brown Brenton “Lou” Costello Peter Dunstone Alistair Robertson Peter Spence

Total years’ service: 216

Senior Sergeant 1C Brenton “Lou” Costello

Gawler Police Station 46 years’ service Last Day: 10.02.21

Comments…

“I leave SAPOL content with my decision and proud of my service.

“I acknowledge the ongoing support, love and loyalty from my family over an extended period, particularly my wife, Irene, and our daughter, Cassandra.

“From the time I graduated, I have worked in an operational policing environment, mainly at Salisbury and Elizabeth, and I end my career within the Barossa LSA at the Gawler police station.

“The general-duties members who work within Gawler Operations (Gawler, Mallala, Two Wells) and others within the station (CIB, FVIS, TAC, Highway Patrol) are amazing people who do amazing things every day.

“Regional policing has, in my view, been neglected by SAPOL for an extended period. It is my hope that the regional review, which was placed in a ‘holding pattern’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic, be recommenced in 2021 and that identified deficiencies, particularly relative to staffing levels, be addressed as a priority. ”

Detective Inspector Peter Dunstone

ACB 45 years’ service Last Day: 07.04.21

Comments…

“I have been very fortunate to have worked in 15 different metro and country postings and the Solomon Islands with many wonderful people, and I will always treasure those memories.

“My wife, Christine, and I were flattered at the number of people who attended our farewell at the Police Club and are very grateful to Craig and the ACB social club for organizing the event.

“We thank everyone for their good wishes, warmth and generosity.

“I was particularly grateful for the speeches by Mick ‘Flange’ Bristow and Doc Bray. Flange and Doc, together with my Course 55 besties, Bob Bartlett, Shepo, Reg, Brush and Myron and our respective families will continue to be a big part of our lives.

“COVID-19 has affected all our lives, but I am very lucky to be living COVID-free on acreage in the Adelaide Hills.

“My deep respect and gratitude to all those who are keeping Australia safe, and I look forward to global travel in a few years’ time.

“To all my colleagues, friends and foes, thank you for the incredible journey. It has been tremendous. ”

Senior Sergeant 1C Alistair Robertson

Audit & Risk Management Section 44 years’ service Last Day: 15.01.21

Comments…

“I leave after 44 years with plenty of friendships and fond memories but, most important, no regrets.

“I thank the Police Association for all its achievements for which I am now reaping the rewards. ” • See Alistair’s poem My career is done on the Police Association website (www.pasa.asn.au).

Brevet Sergeant Peter Spence

Crime Scene Investigation 37 years’ service Last Day: 10.03.21

Comments…

“I thank all present and past members of the Police Association for their untiring efforts at securing our outstanding work conditions and remuneration.

“I have totally enjoyed the job. I had joined from private enterprise for the security of employment after experiencing several employers entering liquidation.

“It has been a great job with a pay structure that has enabled my wife and me to travel the world. Currently we are travelling within Australia but will line up for a COVID jab to ensure we can get to our next international destination as soon as possible. ”

Detective Senior Sergeant 1C Alan “Mal” Brown

Major Fraud Investigation Section 44 years’ service Last Day: 29.01.21

Comments…

“Well, where did those 44 years go? Like many of my era, SAPOL gave this high school dropout a chance at making something with his life. I look back at the ’80s and ’90s as being my best times in the job. But I suspect all those who preceded me, and all those who follow, will have similar reflections about their early days.

“I’m now convinced the implementation of complex new IT systems, such as Shield, is beneficial to SAPOL in culling old-school operators such as myself who were raised on manual typewriters. But this is not a criticism as policing is definitely a young person’s job.

“The Police Association is to be commended for its ongoing commitment to wages and conditions. Mental health is such a big factor in our job that is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

“If there’s any advice I would give to new officers starting their careers, it’s this: do a country stint. This is where one picks up indispensable community policing skills. And take lots of photos. You’ll look back at the end of your service and be glad you did.

“My one concern for the future is the creeping militarization of police departments across the world including Australia, from uniforms to equipment, often under the umbrella of OHS.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that the police are the public and the public are the police (per Robert Peel). If the police forego their civilian principles, the only thing they can be is soldiers, and that’s the last thing any civilized society should want or need to maintain peaceful order. ”