done differently.

Heavy Vehicle Enforcement

43 years’ service Last Day: 24 10 22

Comments…

“My career commenced in 1979 when I was one of the last batch of 16-year-old reserve recruits.

“For a large portion of my career, I specialized in heavy-vehicle enforcement, primarily within the Traffic Operations Unit, Tactical Investigations (TAC) Group and then the Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Group

“I truly thank the Police Association, Police Super Fund and Michael Ats (Lieschke & Weatherill Lawyers) for getting me to the finish line

“To those of you at the coalface: self-preservation is everything in today’s environment ”

Sergeant Darren Connell

Marla Police Station

36 years’ service Last Day: 20 01 23

Comments…

“I thank the Police Association both past and present for its outstanding and ongoing support and service to association members

“It truly has been a privilege to have served SAPOL over the past 36-plus years as a front-line operational member

“I have had an amazing career in both metropolitan and country policing and can honestly recommend to anyone thinking of a change to remote policing – do it You’ll never look back

“A special thanks to DSS1C Peter Hore, SS1C Robert Bartlett, and all the Marla and APY members who certainly made my last three-and-a-half years at Marla such a great way to end my career in SAPOL

“I am now living on the tropical island Koh Samui, Thailand I wish all members the very best for the future ”

Senior Constable

Louise Manhire

Special Tech Support Unit

21 years’ service Last Day: 13.12 . 22

Comments…

“I have been fortunate enough to have worked in various postings across South Australia with numerous outstanding colleagues who feel more like family

“I recall a conversation with the officer-in-charge of Far North LSA when I was a probationary constable considering a move to Coober Pedy I’d never travelled north of Port Augusta before and he told me that, once I had some red dust on my boots, I would never look back . He was right. Moving to Coober Pedy was an eye-opening experience for a naïve 21-year-old probie, and I loved every minute of it.

“My colleagues became close friends with whom I have developed deep bonds and now feel like family We always got the job done as a team

“I took these experiences and moved around across country postings including as a NOS reliever, Highway Patrol member and officer-in-charge of Booleroo Centre

Brevet Sergeant Gary Goodwin

CSI

38 years’ service Last Day: 25 01 23

Comments…

“Thanks to those who I served with over the years in the city (T4 B1), Plympton patrols, CSI at the Port, Sturt and Norwood

“It is those in the trenches with you that make the difference. I wish all my comrades the best going forward. Look out for each other.

“And, finally, thanks to the association. Keep them honest ”

“The one-man station role was challenging. However, the support of other clause 14 officers and the outstanding communities within my district was second to none I made friends with teachers, nurses, farmers, publicans, doctors, and priests who I can’t thank enough

“They were the ones who helped me through the difficult taskings we had to attend such as fatal crashes, mentalhealth incidents, and sudden deaths I witnessed so much community love and kindness amid tragedy and this is what makes country policing so unique and worthwhile.

“I know the impact of knocking on the door of a family to tell them their loved one isn’t coming home and how that is felt across the whole community. But I had the privilege of being there for them when they needed someone to cry with

“I cannot recommend country policing highly enough It is one of the most personally and professionally rewarding positions a police officer can have

“When I returned from the country, I moved into the Investigation Support Branch where I learnt a whole new range of skills and again worked with some incredibly passionate colleagues who always got the job done, thinking creatively, and going toe-to-toe with highly functioning organized crime.

“I was fortunate to have some excellent mentors who always sought excellence alongside some quality wit and laughs

“Unfortunately, the archaic tenure policies which SAPOL continues to maintain brought the end of my time within ISB and I was sent back to a district policing team I had very positive experiences with the members in the districts.

“It was obvious, however, that the district policing model was and is a complete failure. Junior officers are flailing without the support, experience, and guidance of senior staff, while the demands and expectations are both unreasonable and unachievable

“Staffing levels and morale are both very low and it is apparent that it is unsustainable The lack of support is astounding Having previously felt like I was part of a family while working in the country and within ISB, this was particularly jarring.

“I was fortunate to win a brevet sergeant position in the newly created Security Response Section and was again challenged to learn new skills working with a range of highly skilled colleagues

“During this time, I was dealing with a profound family loss and the support received from my colleagues and management was superb SRS provided me with the opportunity to become an RPAS pilot and to be the only female member at PolAir helicopter operations

“Working with PolAir and contract staff at Babcock was tremendous but it’s obvious that there needs to be more done to increase diversity within this area.

“A 2019 report by the federal government highlighted a severe under- representation of females in the aviation sector, with their recommendations highlighting that increased diversity would lead to greater innovation and growth

“Both RPAS and aviation within SAPOL have a unique opportunity to become leaders in this field and I was disappointed to leave this area

“I have left SAPOL to work for a federal government agency in Melbourne. I applied for a 12-month career break which was denied. I felt incredibly disappointed with SAPOL’s decision given my 21 years of diligent and ethical service

“The process of applying for the career break was arduous and lacked transparency, with results unable to be provided in a timely manner The reason it was denied was only provided as ‘staffing needs’ with no other explanation I had no choice other than to resign

“For 21 years, I had tied my identity to being a police officer and I felt that to SAPOL I was completely nameless.

“If there is anything my career in SAPOL has taught me, it is that the bonds you form with the people you work with and the communities you serve are the ones that will remain

“I extend thanks to every person I’ve worked with ”

Senior Constable Gordon Scott

Victor Harbor Patrols

20 years’ service Last Day: 08.01 . 23

Comments…

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 20 years in policing, 14 years with SAPOL, spending the last 11 years of my service in Victor Harbor

“Policing is a difficult profession in terms of the toll it can take on you both physically and mentally I hope that each of you ensure that you look after yourselves and each other

“Sadly, it has become apparent to me that the physical and mental well-being of staff is considered secondary to corporate goals and business objectives.

“I truly hope that this changes in the future to ensure the welfare of you all

“I will miss the camaraderie of the front line more than anything else There are some truly brilliant people in policing, both sworn and unsworn Thank you, all, for the memories

“To the association: you were there when I needed you ”

Sergeant Shelley Rogers

Victor Harbor Patrols

13 years’ service Last Day: 08 01 23

Comments…

“I joined SAPOL as a transfer from England and will be forever grateful to SAPOL for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country and to be able to continue with a job that I loved.

“I leave SAPOL with fond memories, particularly from my patrol days on Hindley Street and the experience of working with some amazing people during my career

“I thank the Police Association for its endless support in the effort to make sure SAPOL employees get nothing less than they deserve ”

Sergeant John Rodgers

Workforce Capability

28 years’ service Last Day: 05 11 23

Comments…

“Over the nearly 29 years of my career, I have been one of the luckier coppers and have, on the whole, greatly enjoyed being an active member of the South Australia Police, since Commissioner David Hunt invited myself and about 40 other members of the State Transport Authority Transit Police to join SAPOL in 1994

“After a six-month course and two-year probation back at the Transit Police, I succeeded in gaining a transfer to Holden Hill police station and patrols

“I can honestly say that I was happy to go to work, each and every day

“Few members had the fortune to work with or for the role models at Holden Hill, ComCen, Communications Training, back to Holden Hill in 2008 and the academy in 2013

“There are too many to thank . A number of those have not only retired but passed on. A great loss to our family. ”

Senior Constable Christine Petts

Southern District

40 years’ service Last Day: 15.01 . 23

Comments…

“Thank you for any and all assistance you have provided during my 40 years of service

“When I joined the job, I remember being told it was a waste of resources training up females as the average time they spent in the service was two years Naturally, I had to prove them wrong to make a point

“I’ve seen many changes over the years, despite the majority of my time being at Christies Beach on patrols, in the station and the cells.

“I’m sad to say I have never seen morale as low as it is currently Please keep up the good fight for minimum staffing numbers and improving conditions

“I thank everyone I have worked with over the years You have all made a sometimes difficult and complicated job that much easier

“I wish you all well for the future ”

The Last Shift

“After 12 years at IRS, I moved to Volume Crime in 2011 where I remained until my retirement from SAPOL

“In that time, I worked with some outstanding people who I had the opportunity to develop within the job This is probably the thing I am most proud of

“I also had some unique opportunities, including a week-long trip to Greece to return an illegal alien to his home port in conjunction with DFAT. There were also a number of interstate extraditions.

Superintendent

Mark Fairney

Hills Fleurieu LSA

43 years’ service Last Day: 16 01 23

Comments…

“May I take this opportunity to thank the Police Association for its continued efforts to have policing recognized as a profession. ”

Detective Sergeant

Steve Atkinson

Southern District Volume Crime Teams

37 years’ service Last Day: 19 01 23

Comments…

“Almost 37 years ago, I walked in through the front gates of the old police academy as a keen, enthusiastic 23-year-old

“On January 19, 2023, I look to go into retirement with the same keenness and enthusiasm

“After graduation, my first posting was Glenelg, then Police Communications (after I reported the officer-in-charge of IIB for drink driving), then to Christies Beach in 1989, where I remained for the remainder of my career (apart from 1994 when I did a year at BA section) on general duties until 2000 when I joined CIB, designated in 2004 and promoted to the rank of detective sergeant in 2006

“To say I have loved my job is an understatement and, yes, if given the opportunity I would do it all again, but with some caveats

“Having survived four commissioners and three different policing models, I retire with mixed feelings

“My big issue with the current district policing model is that no one has ever explained to me how doubling my area of responsibility but then halving my staff was ever going to be successful.

“I went from knowing all my good crooks in my area under the LSA model to having a very large geographical area where proactivity became impossible due to reactivity becoming sole focus

“The only thing making the model work is the huge input of both uniform and plain clothes members to their own detriment through stress, low morale, increased sick leave and, ultimately, leaving the job

“And, having spent the last 14 months on long-service leave, I have found that it is the people who I miss the most. The camaraderie; the desire to get the job done; working together to achieve a common goal It is what we, as an emergency service, shine at

“This, too, is where the Police Association continues to excel, looking after all members, especially when times get tough and a united voice is needed

“Thank you to all members and delegates of the association for your work over the years The efforts of the association over the years have been consistent and decisive.

“To the members of SAPOL, look after yourselves and each other. You have achieved outstanding results during difficult times ”

Senior Constable

Patina Pearson

Murray Bridge Crime Prevention 23 years’ service Last Day: 01 02 23

Comments…

“Over my 23 years, I have been fortunate to work with some inspirational people and have learnt so much through my journey

“I thank the Police Association for its assistance, both personally and to all members.

“I wish all members the best for the future. ”

Senior Constable Grant Sivewright

Road Policing North 34 years’ service Last Day: 06.02 . 23

Comments…

“The last 34 years, since finding myself at the academy in Course 32, have gone very quickly Holden Hill patrols, Norwood patrols, Transit, Holden Hill Traffic, Modbury Regional, back to Holden Hill Traffic, Northern Traffic, Road Safety Section and, finally, Traffic Intel and Planning

“I did it my way throughout and managed to keep my sense of humour and common sense which helped greatly in my policing over those years.

“To all the great members I worked with or around over my career, thank you and look after yourselves ”

From page 37

• “The inclusion of a gross negligence standard reflects the recommendations of the 2018 Review of the Model WHS laws. A statutory definition of gross negligence is included to make the threshold for criminality as explicit as possible and assist in educating duty holders about their obligations

• “The maximum penalty will be 20 years (sic) imprisonment for individuals and $15 million for body corporates This is consistent with the Government’s election commitment and comparable with the maximum penalties available for industrial manslaughter in other jurisdictions.

• “The offence will apply to both PCBUs and officers . This recognises that responsibility for breaches of work health and safety duties can occur at many different levels of management

• “Industrial manslaughter offences will not be subject to a 2-year statute of limitations This is consistent with other jurisdictions and recognises the added complexity of investigating and prosecuting these offences

• “An alternative verdict of guilt for Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3 offence will be available if the trier of fact is not satisfied that a person is guilty of industrial manslaughter but is satisfied the person is guilty of a lower tier offence under the WHS Act

• “It is intended that industrial manslaughter will be investigated by SafeWork SA and tried in the South Australia Employment Court, consistent with existing offences under WHS Act This reflects that these institutions already have the relevant expertise over work health and safety matters ”

The Maher letter also indicates that the draft bill will be introduced to parliament in 2023 after public consultation and a substantial period of public education. This is so that all stakeholder obligations are understood before they come into effect

From page 45

Were

Police Complicit In An

offence committed by AZ of being in contempt of court?

The defendants also argued that SAPOL was in contempt of court by allowing AZ to breach his bail agreement The court rejected that submission, finding that, under section 6 of the Bail Act, a bail agreement is one under which a person makes an undertaking to the Crown (not the court), so there could be no contempt of court by AZ

In circumstances in which no contempt had been committed, there could be no aiding or abetting by SAPOL .

Further, the court found that, because there was no legal duty upon the police to prevent any contempt, any failure by SAPOL to act could not make it complicit.

Were police complicit in the charged offence of conspiracy to import cocaine?

The defendants advanced a further argument that SAPOL aided the conspiracy to import drugs by failing to take steps to prevent AZ leaving the jurisdiction.

The prosecution submitted, and the court agreed, that a person can aid or abet the commission of a substantive crime (in this case, importation) but not a conspiracy to commit a substantive crime The court found that the two extensions of liability (conspiracy and accessory) cannot be added together

Further, the court reiterated that because the police were not under a statutory duty to arrest AZ, their omission could not give rise to criminal liability for the conspiracy offence

Was there any police impropriety?

The defendants submitted that, if no illegality was found, the conduct of police was grossly improper.

The court found that there was no impropriety on the part of the police

In particular, the court found that:

• The decision not to prevent AZ from leaving the country was not taken lightly

• There was no information that AZ was leaving the country to abscond

• AZ was to be closely monitored while overseas, and there was important intelligence to be gathered.

The court considered that the police engaged in an appropriate balancing exercise. Ultimately, not intervening in the breach of bail was proper, because any action which prevented AZ from leaving would have compromised ongoing investigations into serious offences

Imagine the court had found that there was a statutory duty which required SAPOL to immediately prevent every crime that came to its attention Thorough investigations which sought to demonstrate the breadth of an offender’s conduct in cases of complex, sophisticated illegality would be seriously jeopardized.