30 years on DETECTIVE BREVET SERGEANT GARY BATTY (Southern District CIB)
He has seen it all in policing, everything from child abuse to murder, so almost nothing in life surprises him any longer.
I had wanted to join SAPOL from late high school. I didn’t go into it with preconceived ideas, but I expected it would be diverse and challenging, both physically and mentally. When I left the academy, I thought I knew what I was doing but found that doing the actual job was where the real learning began. And I don’t think I’m alone in that experience.
My experiences really have encompassed all the extremes of human emotion and behaviour. After 30 years, I’m not really surprised by much. I think, over time, police develop a tolerance to sights and situations that would horrify the average member of the public. I know I certainly have, but I think the individual should be aware of that and monitor it.
Of all the postings I’ve had since graduation in 1990, Surveillance is a standout. There was the element of excitement, and a busy day was a good day. Child and Family Investigation Section gave me the most rewarding outcomes of any criminal investigations I’ve been involved with. I think any police officer who’s investigated child abuse would feel the same.
Paperwork, for me, has been the biggest stressor over the years. The amount of it has steadily increased, as has the complexity of what we do as police. The biggest challenge is not the actual work but rather the deadlines we need to meet for other agencies. Getting files prepared for the DPP and trials can be particularly onerous and time-consuming.
I attended a murder in the early ’90s as a patrol officer. The victim had been ambushed and shot by his father-in-law. He received around 10 bullet wounds and was alive when I arrived at the scene. I asked him who had shot him and then rode with him in the ambulance and took a dying declaration. The offender was found guilty of murder.
I don’t know what sort of person I would’ve been had I done another job. I don’t think I’d be much different. I’ve always maintained that I wouldn’t become jaded or world-weary as a result of my police experiences. This job has shown me how quickly life can take a dramatic turn, and, because of that, you should enjoy it while you can.
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Police Journal
“This job has shown me how quickly life can take a dramatic turn, and, because of that, you should enjoy it while you can.”
