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October 2013
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Police matrimony
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Contents features
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Police matrimony Romances among cops are hardly rare and often lead to marriage which, for some couples, brings plenty of challenges.
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Just trying to survive As one police officer emerges from a battle with breast cancer another is fighting his way through round two with prostate cancer.
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REGULARS
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06 Police Association 08 PRESIDENT 26 Letters 27 Q&A 28 INDUSTRIAL 31 Health 32 Motoring 35 Banking 37 Legal 38 Books 40 DVDs 41 Cinema 43 Wine 46 The Last Shift 49 Police Scene 50 HEROeS
Block twins still police-minded They won big on The Block Sky High and set themselves up for new careers, but how do the twins reflect on their now former jobs?
25 Strong SA presence on remembrance ride
Australian cops never forget their fallen mates – they proved that with another tribute motorcycle ride and emotional ceremony last month.
COVER: Brianne and Dan Gray Photography by Steve McCawley
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Jim Barnett Motoring Reviewer
Dr Rod Pearce Health Writer
Publisher: Police Association of South Australia (08) 8212 3055 Advertising: Police Association of South Australia (08) 8212 3055
Design: Sam Kleidon 0417 839 300 Printing: Lane Print Group (08) 8179 9900
The Police Journal is published by the Police Association of South Australia, 27 Carrington St, Adelaide, SA 5000, (ABN 73 802 822 770). Contents of the Police Journal are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the Police Association of South Australia is prohibited. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. The Police Association accepts no responsibility for statements made by advertisers. Editorial contributions should be sent to the editor (brettwilliams@pj.asn.au).
October 2013 Police Journal
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Brett Williams Editor (08) 8212 3055
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Level 2, 27 Carrington St, Adelaide SA 5000 T (08) 8212 3055 F (08) 8212 2002 W journal.pasa.asn.au
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Contact Details Level 2, 27 Carrington St, Adelaide SA 5000 P: (08) 8212 3055 (all hours) F: (08) 8212 2002 Membership enquiries: (08) 8112 7988
Committee
Mitch Manning Trevor Milne Deputy President
Allan Cannon Vice-President
Samantha Strange
Chris Walkley
David Reynolds
Julian Snowden
Tom Scheffler Secretary 0417 817 075
Mark Carroll President 0417 876 732
DELEGATES Metro North Branch Elizabeth...........................Glenn Pink Henley Beach...................Matthew Kluzek Holden Hill........................Nigel Savage Gawler..............................David Savage Golden Grove..................Simon Nappa Parks.................................Sonia Giacomelli Port Adelaide...................Ann-Marie Hockley Salisbury...........................Taryn Trevelion Northern Prosecution.....Tim Pfeiffer
Country North Branch Port Lincoln.....................Lloyd Parker (chair) Ceduna.............................Scott Price
Coober Pedy...................Jeff Page Kadina...............................Ric Schild Nuriootpa.........................Michael Casey Peterborough...................Andrew Dredge Port Augusta....................Peter Hore Port Pirie...........................Gavin Mildrum Whyalla.............................Wayne Davison
Crime Command Branch Elizabeth.........................Kym Wilson (chair) Major Crime.....................Campbell Hill Adelaide...........................Dac Thomas DOCIB..............................Jamie Dolan Forensic Services............Adam Gates Fraud.................................Rhett Vormelker October 2013 Police Journal
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Holden Hill........................Narelle Smith Intelligence Support........Kevin Hunt Port Adelaide...................Craig Johnston South Coast.....................Jason Tank Sturt..................................Brad Scott
Metro South Branch Southern Traffic.............Peter Schulze (chair) Adelaide...........................Kim Williams Netley...............................Mark Williams Norwood..........................Ralph Rogerson South Coast.....................Peter Clifton South Coast.....................Russell Stone Sturt..................................Michael Quinton Southern Prosecution.....Andrew Heffernan
Daryl Mundy
Staff
Industrial
Police Journal
Organizer Bernadette Zimmermann
Editor Brett Williams
Media and communications
Grievance Officer Matthew Karger
Michael Kent
Nicholas Damiani
Finance
Executive secretaries
Wendy Kellett
Anne Hehner, Jan Welsby, Sarah Stephens
Reception Shelley Furbow
REPRESENTATIVES Country South Branch Mount Gambier..............Andy McClean (chair) Adelaide Hills...................Joe McDonald Berri...................................John Gardner Millicent............................Nick Patterson Murray Bridge..................Kym Cocks Naracoorte.......................Grant Baker Renmark............................Dan Schatto
Operations Support Branch Dog Ops..........................Bryan Whitehorn (chair) Police Academy...............Francis Toner ACB ..................................George Blocki Police Band......................Neil Conaghty
Comcen............................Athalie Edman Firearms............................Jon Kemplay-Hill HR ....................................David Wardrop Mounted...........................Kelly-Anne Taylor-Wilson STAR Operations.............Allan Dalgleish Traffic................................David Kuchenmeister Transit...............................Michael Tomney
Womens Branch Jodie Cole (chair)...........(no delegates)
ATSI Branch Robert Agius (chair)......(no delegates)
Officers Branch. Alex Zimmermann October 2013 Police Journal
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COHSWAC......................Bernadette Zimmermann Superannuation...............Bernadette Zimmermann ..........................................David Reynolds Housing............................Tom Scheffler Leave Bank.......................Tom Scheffler Legacy..............................Allan Cannon
PRESIDENt Mark Carroll
Police heroes shine on awards night Police Association members Travis Emms
and Brett Gibbons were joint winners of the Worker Achievement Award at the Recovery and Return to Work Awards last month. The event – hosted by WorkCover SA at the Adelaide Convention Centre – also featured an emotional, eye-opening speech by association member Constable Tung Tran. Just about all Police Association members would know the incredible story of heroic constables Emms and Gibbons. They responded to the scene of the Hectorville triple murder in April 2011, when paranoid schizophrenic neighbour Donato Corbo emerged and fired at them with a shotgun. Corbo had murdered South African immigrant Luc Mombers and his parents-in-law, Annetjie and Kobus Snyman (Shotgun Slaughter – the survivors, Police Journal, August 2011). Const Gibbons received a life-threatening wound to his face from the close-range discharge of the shotgun and suffered lacerations to his arm and leg in his escape from the house. He spent a week in an induced coma after the shooting but, with considerable rehabilitation, made a full recovery and returned to front-line police work in March 2013. Const Emms seriously injured his knee while returning fire at Corbo. He also suffered significant psychological trauma after the event. Eventually, he regained the use of his leg after surgery and extensive rehabilitation and, over time, returned to full-time front-line work. Const Emms summoned the strength to tell the 400-strong audience at the awards event of his recovery
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The powerful Tran speech
and paid tribute to the people who had helped him. “Facing that sort of incident is what we signed on the line for,” he said. “We act in that situation if it arises. I always knew I was going back to work. It was just a matter of (recovering). “(Initially) I was on crutches, couldn’t sit or stand without being in pain. There was (also) the psychological injuries. “Management from SAPOL were fantastic in finding me a role I was interested in. It feels good to be back at work with my mates. “Brett and I would like to thank everyone from the commissioner all the way down to the cadets who supported us. “(Also) the association and Smaroula (La Paglia) from the Injury Management Section. The support we’ve received has been nothing short of amazing. “I would also like to thank my wife, Gail, and my friends and family.” Const Gibbons acknowledged the Mombers family, as well as Const Tran.
Association member and former award winner Constable Tran captivated the audience with an emotion-charged speech about his own battle with recovery and returning to work. He and his partner, now Brevet Sergeant Nathan Mulholland, were shot at from inside a Paralowie house in May 2010. The officers had been called to an alleged domestic dispute, but it became apparent that the offender, Daniel Vansetten, had ambushed them. Both officers wound up severely injured by shrapnel from a bullet Vansetten had fired from a semi-automatic rifle (Lured, shot and left with the scars, Police Journal, August 2012). Const Tran lost some of his eyesight. Those present on the night will never easily forget Const Tran’s story. It was one of true grit and courage, particularly in respect of his return to front-line police work. “It was one thing to say that I was ready, and another to do the actual job again,” he said. “The first job I went back to was (another) domestic disturbance. My heart was beating at a million miles an hour. “(Throughout the recovery) I was literally falling apart on the inside. But I couldn’t find the words. On the outside, I pretended to be happy. I think it’s common for police. You tend not tell your loved ones so they don’t worry.” The message the audience took home was loud and clear: that the bravery required of police to return to front-line duty, after such harrowing incidents, is something we should never take for granted. “These days, (things are getting) better,” Const Tran said. “I wake up with a smile on my face now. “It’s about more than just getting back to work. It’s about restoring your life to what it once was.”
“The first job I went back to was (another) domestic disturbance. My heart was beating at a million miles an hour.”
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Mandatory sentencing b i ll i ntrod u ced to parliament The Police Association has worked closely with Family First M LC R o b e r t B r o ke n s h i r e to formulate a bill that supports the mandatory sentencing of criminals who seriously injure police. This much awaited bill was introduced to parliament in September. The bill proposes a mandatory minimum of 12 months imprisonment for intentionally causing serious harm to a police officer, and a mandatory minimum of four years imprisonment for the attempted murder of a police officer. This bill supports the association in its long-held stance – zero tolerance for criminals who seriously injure police. Members who agree with the introduction of this bill might think it in their interests to contact their local members of parliament to express support for it. PJ
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Krysten and Shane Przibilla
Dan and Brianne Gray
Police matrimony Working closely with one another in the police occupation can always bring cops together romantically. So how do they fare when it comes to marriage?
By Brett Williams Lauren and Justin Leverington
Shane and Krysten Przibilla at home with children James and Alice
Senior
Constable Krysten Przibilla sometimes wishes she and her detective husband, Shane, were not cops. They rarely see each other in the South Coast local service area where they both work, and their conflicting rosters rob them of much shared time at home. Only once every three weeks do they score a day off together. And not since 2010 have they shared a Christmas Day off with their two children. Much of their annual leave they have to take separately, too, whenever the dates they request fail to win approval. The way Krysten tells it, the pressure on their life as married police officers can be “unbearable”. Indeed, she is “absolutely” certain that something has to give. “Because we don’t have the time together, we tend to live our lives separately in a way, but parallel,” she says. “And I’m part-time. Imagine what it would be if I was (working) full-time. We wouldn’t see each other at all. We’d be ships passing in the night. “We don’t have an opportunity to see people outside of work because we’re not home, except for that one Wednesday (every three weeks). “We don’t get to socialize outside of work. We don’t have friends who come around, simply because we’re not home (at the same time).” But if something does have to give, as Krysten predicts, she would never allow it to be the Przibilla marriage. Instead, it would be her police career. She would sacrifice it for a nine-to-five job, which the former social worker has considered “a number of times over the years”. “If it became too much for our relationship or our children, I think it would be somewhat easier if it was just one of us (in the job),” she says. “The focus has been on Shane’s career and I know that he’s grateful for that. But I’ll admit it: sometimes I do feel resentful, not of him but of the situation, the fact that there has to be that decision made.” Even now, Krysten, 41, does not ever expect to realize her career goal, to become a detective and investigate child abuse. She took that off the table after she had her children and switched from full-time to part-time work. And, attached to Christies Beach Family Violence Investigation Section, she already recognizes that the working lives she and 38-year-old Shane lead “weigh heavily” on their children. “There’s a view that we’ve signed up for this 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week job and I understand that,” she says. “But our kids didn’t. They didn’t sign up to anything. And the reality, from the time they’re born, is that they become shift-working kids essentially.”
From left: the Przibillas on their wedding day; and at home with the children
Police marriages and their particular challenges had never been an interest or a concern to Krysten or Shane as recruits. Back then, in 2002, they undertook their training as course-mates but never even considered the idea of marriage to a fellow police officer. And no flame of romance ever started to flicker until after the pair graduated and had spent six months with Christies Beach patrols, but on different teams. Shane asked Krysten out and got what he describes as “an instant yes”. Soon after that they were in a serious relationship and, later, living together. But working opposite shifts on different patrol teams left them with little time together, so Krysten asked to join Shane on his team. Her request won approval and solved their time problem, but it also set them up to work as patrol partners. And that was exactly what happened, a couple of times, before Krysten requested that it never happen again. “I just went to the sergeant and said: ‘Look, I love him dearly but I don’t want to work with him,’ ” she remembers. “I think you can get a bit of overkill. “I don’t want to sit in a car with someone for eight hours a day and then go home (with him) for the rest of the day. And Shane and I do have rather different ways of working.” Despite the strong advice many cops offer against police marriages, Krysten and Shane never copped any warnings of marital doom. Those police who knew the two planned to wed in 2004 gave them solid support, as did the couple’s families. Today, the demands of police work and parenthood leave the Przibillas almost no time or energy for other interests or hobbies. Shane, a footy fan and former SANFL umpire, only gets to the odd Adelaide Crows home game, and musically inclined Krysten rarely plays her piano.
“On my days off,” she says, “I’m ferrying the kids around or, if I’ve got appointments, I make them for those days that I’m home. And then you’ve got your domestic stuff, so our lives are pretty regimented. I do particular things on particular days.” Despite the impact of the police occupation on their lives, the Przibillas have never slapped a ban on talking work at home. Says Shane, a member of Christies Beach CIB: “If you’re investigating a homicide, a rape… anything, I think you wear a piece of every job you do. Being able to talk to someone you’re also intimate with is a way to get that away. You can vent and offload that stuff. “But, generally, I don’t like to talk too much about what happens at work, unless there’s a particular incident that’s affected me.” Krysten, too, tries not to talk work after an initial “burst of conversation” about it when she gets home. “But,” she says, “we don’t really have much else. That’s the main thing, apart from our children, that we have in common.” At the few Sunday barbecues and parties the Przibillas ever get to, their marriage fascinates civilians. They “always want to know” how and where Krysten and Shane met, and whether they were cops at the time. Says Krysten: “When it comes up that we were at the academy at the same time, in the same course, people tend to think it’s a bit of a fairy tale.” But when they learn that Shane has taken a PDO to be at that barbecue, and that he and Krysten get no days off on the same weekends, the reaction is: “What?! You don’t get a weekend off together?” Not surprising, then, is one piece of advice Krysten offers anyone about to enter into police marriage: “It’s about not seeing your life dictated by the job.”
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THE LIGHTER SIDE Shane had a secret plan to drive Krysten out to Fort Largs where he intended to propose to her against the romantic backdrop of the ocean at sunset. Of course, he concocted a story for her: that the purpose of the drive out to the fort was to see a cruise ship sail into Outer Harbor. But Krysten had had one of her toughest-ever days at work and insisted on staying home to train her then new puppy. “I don’t want to go and watch a bloody boat come in,” she told Shane. “I just want to stay home.” Unable to cajole Krysten into taking the drive, Shane eventually had to relent and make his proposal there, at home. “How about we get married?” he asked. “I was actually going to take you down to the police academy to ask you.” Krysten said “yes” and she and Shane still headed out to Fort Largs, where they spent some time taking in the ocean view. While it might then have been opportune for Shane to repeat his proposal, he cannot recall if he did.
“…we tend to live our lives separately in a way, but parallel.”
From left: the Grays on their wedding day; and at home with daughter Brooklyn
Sturt senior constable Brianne “Bri” Gray
was aware of the strident opposition of some cops to police marriages, well before she was in one. “Don’t go near other coppers (for romance),” was the type of well-meant warning she had heard. It was the same for her husband, Senior Constable 1C Dan Gray. Some of his advice came from older colleagues whose police marriages had broken down. “I had people telling me it was a bad idea, or just giving me their experiences,” Dan remembers. “It would be about how it didn’t work, or just how the police environment could be challenging for a couple who were both in the job. When you’re fresh in the job (as I was), it’s pretty hard to appreciate what they’re on about unless you’ve actually lived it. “I think if you hear the reasons that another couple has broken up, you take those reasons or circumstances on board and try not to repeat other people’s mistakes.” Now parents, Dan and Bri first met at Sturt LSA after she returned to her Uniform Tactical team from a secondment with STAR Group in mid-2006. He had joined the team in her absence, but one of her colleagues assured her that she would “like this new guy”, that he was “a good guy”. The two did indeed become and remained good mates until late 2006 when, for them, mateship turned into romance. And, thinking “we might have something (here)”, each decided to commit to a serious relationship with the other. A few months later, Dan went back to patrol work. The move cut off any scope which had existed for him and Bri to work together. But both of them believe they could have functioned as partners back then, and could now as well. “Piece of cake,” Dan says. “We both work the same, I think.” Bri agrees with him. “No issues,” she insists. “We would have been fine (at Tac) because, when we’re at work, it’s about work. You act professionally and you do what you have to do.”
Before they married, in 2010, Dan and Bri talked about the issues they thought likely to confront them. “We both were pretty aware that we would have to forward-plan,” Dan says. “I can’t move to a section now, for example, unless it works well with Bri’s roster. “We both agreed that we’d do our best to make sure we had balance because, if it (rostering) doesn’t work with your home life, you’re not going to gain anything. Nor are you really happy at work.” Although some cops had made clear their strong opposition to police marriages, others had encouraged Dan and Bri to “get together”, suggesting it was “about time”. Also at ease with the union and pending marriage were the Grays’ families. Among them were Bri’s brother and sister-in-law, Cameron and Jodie Pannach – both police officers who had married in 2007. Today, Dan works full-time with Sturt Uniform Tactical and Bri part-time with Sturt patrols. And the 33-year-olds’ respective rosters do not clash as seriously as those of some other couples. They manage to get four days off together “fairly regularly” and the same weekend every six weeks. At times, however, when their shifts clash, they miss out on seeing each other for a couple of days in a row. Bri concedes that, if ever it came to a serious clash of rosters and less time with each other, life for her and Dan would be far harder. Says Dan: “It’s pretty balanced at the moment and that’s always the goal. If it’s ever a consideration to move somewhere further away from home or onto a different roster, you’ve always got to weigh up whether it’s going to impact on home.” Indeed, more time apart is likely when Dan makes a return to patrol work next month. The move will position him and Bri in the same workplace, but will not set them up to work on the same team together. In the time off they share, the Grays do some café dining, play sport, take 18-month-old daughter Brooklyn swimming at the beach or a pool, and socialize with friends. Organizing family gatherings is somewhat tougher with four cops working different rosters. October 2013 Police Journal
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And their rosters are what the Grays always have to consult when they get invitations to weddings, parties or just weekend barbecues. Often, only one of them can attend, but Bri thinks it important to socialize and have “interests outside of work”. “We don’t just live and breathe the police force,” she says. “We do sports and things like that, so it’s not all about work. And, socially, we’ve got friends we hang out with a lot who aren’t coppers.” But the Grays do talk work at home, particularly if they have guests who are also cops. “Occasionally, my brother and sister-in-law might be around and we’ll talk about it,” Bri says. “But we’ve often been sitting with people and said: ‘Right, that’s enough work talk.’ “If we’ve had a big job, we (Dan and I) tend to talk to each other about it. That’s good when you’re married to another copper: that person understands the sort of job you’re going through or what you might have seen or are thinking about.” Both Dan and Bri suspect that, if anything had the capacity to drive either of them out of policing, it would be a mentally overwhelming on-duty incident. Dan suggests it could be a shooting, a particularly violent assault or a serious car crash. Both believe that the suffering of either one of them in such a circumstance could come with an impact on their marriage. “If you knew that it was going to continually wear you down, you’d have to (leave),” Dan says. “I don’t think you’d have any choice, unless there was another option within the job, like moving laterally. I’d try all options before I left because I do love the job.” The key pieces of advice the Grays offer others are to “talk to each other a lot”, keep nothing “bottled up” and maintain outside interests. They also urge other police couples to think deeply before embarking on promotion or chasing faraway postings. Says Bri: “It has to work for both of you, not just one of you.”
Brianne and Dan Gray at home in the kitchen
“It has to work for both of you, not just one of you.”
THE LIGHTER SIDE Dan first made his feelings for Bri clear when he sent her a text message as she enjoyed a Kylie Minogue concert. Of course, the message read: “I can’t get you out of my head.” A few years later, Dan secretly booked a limo and dinner for a Friday night at Mt Lofty, where he intended to propose to Bri. But, in a last-minute scenario, duty called and she had to go away with SOS Tactical on a job in Mt Gambier. So Dan had to postpone the limo and dinner and reschedule everything to Sunday, when Bri was due back from her job. All she wanted to do then was simply rest, but Dan said: “No, we’re going out. Put something nice on.” Bri was soon stepping out of the house to the sight of the limo which, according to Dan, was “wider than our whole block”. After the drive up to Mt Lofty, Dan proposed at sunset and gave Bri a bracelet.
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Justin and Lauren Leverington with daughter Chelsea
It was never the supposedly high divorce
rate among police that concerned Detective Brevet Sergeant Justin Leverington before he got married. The lingering thought in his mind was the breakdown of his parents’ marriage when he was just 18 months old. And, because of that, he was determined to connect with the right partner and only ever marry once. Even when he and his now-wife, Sergeant Lauren Leverington, first spoke of living together, back in 2006, his caution surfaced. “Because,” he says, “I knew I was at the stage where I was ready to commit. It was just a matter of making sure this (relationship) was it.” Of course, Lauren had to be sure, too. And she was, so Justin moved into her then home with her in 2006. At the time, each of them worked on the same floor at Port Adelaide police station – Lauren with the CIB and Justin with a CIB Tactical team. But working in the same locale as a living-together couple did the relationship no particular good. Says Lauren: “I think that probably created the most amount of tension that I can remember.” Justin remembers it that way too. “We did have a discussion,” he says, “and I said to Lauren: ‘We work in the same office, we drive home in the same car and we live together all night!’ It was almost too much. There was no separation.” But professional distance between the two did eventually come about, after Justin transferred out to work with Operation Avatar. Over the next few years, he and Lauren moved through a range of investigational posts. By 2009 – the year in which they married – they had wound up at Adelaide CIB and Sexual Crime Investigation Branch respectively. That brought about a clash of rosters and a dilemma which was the polar opposite of their noseparation problem. The only time off they scored together was one weekend every three weeks; and their routine became even tougher after the birth of their daughter, Chelsea, in 2010. She went into childcare whenever the two parents worked the same shift. And, when their work hours October 2013 Police Journal
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From left: the Leveringtons on a recent stop in Adelaide; and on their wedding day
“Be prepared. You may not see each other for weeks on end for some of your career.” clashed, they had to pull off some precision moves at the change of shift. “It would be three o’clock and Justin would pull up outside of SCIB,” Lauren explains. “I’d jump in, we’d take him to Adelaide CIB, drop him off and, then, Chels and I would go home.” In 2011, after thinking about a lifestyle change – for the better – and a means of securing more time together, Lauren and Justin decided to transfer to Ceduna. Positions had become available and the pair had had just two weeks to accept them. Justin began work with Ceduna CIB. Lauren had to take a demotion from detective brevet sergeant, her rank at SCIB, to senior constable first class, and work on patrols, which she did part-time. Says Justin: “We weighed it up and said: ‘In the city, we’re not seeing each other.’ So we took the opportunity. Lauren took the demotion so we could spend more time with Chelsea and see each other. “It wasn’t to build to my CV. It opened up more than just policing. It opened up a lifestyle for us.” And, by July last year, Lauren had won a promotion back to sergeant and resumed fulltime work. Now, however, she is eight months pregnant with child number two, as the couple looks to find two satisfactory positions back in the city. Lauren expects that move to be “significantly harder” than others the pair has made. As Ceduna-based parents, one of the hardships Lauren and Justin have faced is the care of Chelsea when police work drags them away unexpectedly. “If I had to go to Streaky Bay for something on a normal weekday,” Lauren says as an example, “Chels would be in childcare. “And if Justin got a job (at the same time) and had to vanish into the country, there’d be nobody within 100kms of our child.” In these circumstances, either Lauren or Justin has had to call on friends or even a neighbour to help out by collecting Chelsea. And, since Chelsea was born, Justin has felt more protective than ever before of Lauren. He
concedes that he worries about her responding alone to jobs such as noisy, alcohol-fuelled parties and getting injured. Lauren, too, worries far more about Justin now, heading off to jobs in the remoteness of Ceduna, than she ever did in the city. But their deep mutual concern of today did not exist when they met back in late 2005. Lauren had not even a liking of Justin, whom she perceived as objectionably blokey. And a police officer friend of her family had, in any case, warned much earlier: “Never marry a copper!” To Justin, however, the reluctant Lauren had plenty of appeal, and he pursued her. He eventually won her heart and the couple began a serious relationship – against the advice of some of their colleagues. Of Justin, some asked: “What are you thinking? Stay away from your colleagues.” But many more of his and Lauren’s workmates totally supported their relationship and later marriage. Says Lauren: “I think in our era, so many of our friends and quite close acquaintances are coppers and they’re married. They have normal relationships and kids and their work is just what they go and do. And we go and do our normal social things, too.” Justin, too, sees the negatives of police marriages as far outweighed by the positives. “It’s the fact that we both understand what the job entails,” he says. “When you come home after a job where there’s a child death, you might say: ‘Oh, I saw a three-year-old in a fatality today.’ We’d both understand what the other was going through.” The positives Justin speaks of form part of the advice he would give any other copper on the verge of marrying a colleague. But he would also warn him or her to consider the hardship associated with clashing rosters. “Be prepared,” he says. “You may not see each other for weeks on end for some of your career.” Lauren adds. “Don’t even think about work. It’s such a small factor in making a decision to be in a relationship.” October 2013 Police Journal
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THE LIGHTER SIDE Justin had a plan for the night he intended to propose to Lauren. It was to take her to a Hog’s Breath café – which she hated – for a workmate’s birthday, and then on to a River Torrens restaurant for the proposal. Of course, this was all unknown to Lauren, whom he asked to “wear something nice” but then escorted her to the Hog’s Breath by bus. After a later drink at a bar next door, a flash-looking car pulled up out the front. Justin said: “You’d better hop into this car,” which took them to the restaurant on the Torrens. There, Justin took Lauren out onto a balcony, with champagne, and made his proposal – but not on bended knee. He had suffered a knee injury playing footy. Lauren, a Por t Adelaide suppor ter, told him that if he wanted her to join him in supporting Collingwood, he would have to propose on bended knee, which he did. So now she tells the story of how he found the strength to bend his knee for Collingwood but not his marriage proposal. PJ
Just trying to survive The same innate bravery that cops draw on in the fight against crime emerges in their personal battles, too – against cancer.
By Brett Williams
October 2013 Police Journal
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Senior
Constable Bernadette Reilly went into a kind of “meltdown” at work after she got the phone call on that March morning last year. It was bad news. The breast biopsy her specialist had carried out on her the previous day had revealed cancer. And, although cancer was never the word he used, as seems to be the practice, he did say: “I want you to come in now. We need to talk surgery.” Those working with Reilly that morning at State Crime Prevention Branch clearly perceived her shock and asked their mate, as she stood at her desk: “What’s the matter?” The then 44-year-old felt as if her brain had stopped working but managed to explain the emergency to her manager. He did some quick thinking for her, urging Reilly to call her husband, Detective Sgt Jim Andrew, and head straight off with him to see the specialist. She did exactly that and, from the specialist, heard that the lump in her right breast measured two centimetres and would have to come out. He ordered Reilly to undergo more tests before surgery, including a full body scan to establish whether her cancer had spread to other parts of her body. The scan showed her to be clear of any secondary tumours, but the disease was evident in her bloodstream. So, on a late-March morning, Reilly underwent prep for surgery: an injection of blue dye into her breast to change the colour of lymph nodes earmarked for removal. From the Ashford Hospital, where that procedure took place, Reilly went straight to the Western Hospital for the operation. It began around 5pm, after the mother-of-two had waited anxiously for four hours.
From left: Reilly and husband Jim Andrew on a trip to Blinman to celebrate the end of treatment last year; and Reilly on her 44th birthday with her mother
“You come out (of the illness) with this amazing outlook and you just don’t want to die, especially young.” During five hours on the operating table, surgeons removed the lump and surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. And, for that, Reilly paid a high price: the loss of a third of her breast. “The only time I had tears,” she recalls, “was when I looked at my breast after surgery, and it was so much smaller than the other one. “But then I just sort of slapped myself (figuratively speaking), and thought: ‘What are you talking about? There are women out there who lose everything! Just get on with it.’ And I did. I got over the (Friday) surgery and was back at work on the Monday. “I didn’t think I needed reconstructive surgery. It (my breast) looks perfectly normal. It’s just smaller; and, to me, that’s not a big deal.” But Reilly did have more bodily punishment to
absorb: four chemo sessions and six weeks’ radiation therapy. These post-op treatments came with the added emotional trauma of the death of her beloved but elderly border collie. She had had to put it down in April, just a week before her first round of chemo. “She was 13 and was going to be my companion while I was sick,” Reilly says. Nonetheless, she got on with her chemo, which took up half a day every three weeks at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. She survived the first two doses with relative ease. The third, however, made her feel “mildly ill”, while the fourth left her feeling like death and in bed for five days. “I was crying and praying,” she remembers. “I thought I was going to die. And, then, on the sixth day, I actually came good, and life went on. “But, for days after, you can smell it (the chemo) in your skin and feel it coming out of your pores. It’s just revolting. I still now can smell the chemo sometimes in my body.” And Reilly had had to win her doctors’ okay
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to undertake the chemo. That was because she had – and still has – a heart defect, which had come to light only six years earlier. She suffered the embarrassment of total hair loss, which came just before Reilly, an adoptee, was to have her first-ever Mother’s Day with her birth mother in Melbourne. And, on that same weekend, she and husband Jim were to attend her cousin’s wedding. In a cruel twist, her hair began falling out in “chunks” on the last Friday before the couple was due in Melbourne. “Jim took me to his barber, who shaved both Jim’s head and mine in acknowledgement of what was about to come (complete baldness),” she says. “I bought a gorgeous wig and we went to the wedding and I wore it – and you couldn’t even tell. And then we had the Sunday together with my mother so it was so fitting.”
This month, Reilly will undergo tests to determine whether she carries a gene fault, or mutation, which passes down through families. Two of these mutations are BRCA1 and BRCA2 and either one could put her at greater risk of another breast cancer. “I’ll deal with those results when they come through,” she says. “If it’s in the genes, I may have to have a double mastectomy. That’s life. If it has to be done, I’ll do it.” Reilly finished her chemotherapy last month but will remain on anticancer medication for up to 10 years. “You live with it every day,” she says. “It’s in the back of your mind. I’m so worried about finding another lump. I just don’t want to find anything else.” But Reilly does not now labour under a cloud of fear. Indeed, she has emerged from her ordeal with a vastly different take on life. “I was grateful for things before,” she says, “but I’m even more grateful now. “You come out (of the illness) with this amazing outlook and you just don’t want to die, especially young. You want to live life to the fullest and you don’t sweat the small stuff.” With her heart condition, Reilly will never be able to hike up to the Everest Base Camp, an adventure she had had on her bucket list. She does, however, plan to travel with friends to Annapurna. “That’s my celebration-of-life tour,” she explains. “It’ll be prettier (than Everest) and we’ll have the Himalayas in the background as we trek. “And I’m trekking quite a bit now. Every Sunday Jim and I go for a trek in the hills and, every Thursday after work, we do Mount Lofty. I’ve changed so much because there’s just so much living to be done now.”
Cancers have claimed the lives of
some of his dearest loved ones. Prostate and breast cancer were the two that killed his father and mother. And cancer has robbed him of two of his mates recently as well. Now, Sergeant Phil Moreton, 58, is himself in a fight with the disease – for the second time. He conquered prostate cancer in 2011, but it has now returned to test his physical and mental resilience all over again. “I was disappointed,” he says calmly, “because I felt that we’d beaten it the first time, and then it comes back and slaps you on the head. October 2013 Police Journal
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“There’s not much I can do about it; and I think anger will probably hinder the situation. I’m hoping that remaining calm and philosophical about it is the right mental approach to the whole problem.” Of course, this relapse has thrust a wife and adult children back into the same fear they endured throughout the first bout of cancer Moreton suffered. With their knowledge of the battle Moreton senior lost, they were always going to worry – intensely. But only through a regular visit to his GP back in 2011 did Moreton ever discover that he was indeed in a fight with prostate cancer. His family history had led the GP to suggest that it was time he underwent a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.
“Like a lot of guys, you shut down about it. I didn’t talk about it to anyone, just my wife.”
Bernadette Reilly and Phil Moreton
Following that advice proved a particularly wise move after the test result showed his PSA level to be high. More PSA tests followed, as did a visit to a specialist for a prostate biopsy, which indicated the presence of cancer cells. The discovery left Moreton shocked and “insular”. “Like a lot of guys, you shut down about it,” he says. “I didn’t talk about it to anyone, just my wife.” After still more tests over a ninth-month period, through which Moreton felt “anxious”, the time came for radical surgery. The extent of his cancer was such that he required a prostatectomy – the removal of his entire prostate. And, when surgeons found that the cancer had
actually broken out of the walls of the prostate, it became critical for them to remove surrounding tissue as well. An added complication Moreton suffered during his six-hour operation at Flinders Medical Centre was the semi-collapse of one of his lungs. But he pulled through, and the extra tissue surgeons took out proved to be free of cancer cells. Left with a 23cm scar from his navel down, and the challenge of walking freely, Moreton set about his recovery. That kept him away from work at Adelaide police station for seven weeks and compelled him to do nothing but simply rest. “Going through the operation was tough,” he says, “as was the feeling of disability (during the recovery). For a few weeks I was relying on other people, and that’s something I haven’t done. Most guys would feel the same about being reliant on someone else. “Keeping positive was very tough sometimes, too. You go through little (depression-like) dips, but that’s where work’s really good because it’s busy. You’re occupied and don’t have time to reflect on things too much. “And the few people who did know I was having problems were positive and kept me busy. But it’s stressful in that there’s not many people you can talk to about it. That’s a guy thing: you just don’t talk to people.” Quickly obvious to Moreton as he undertook his initial battle was an alarmingly poor grasp, among men, of the impact of cancers. In hospital, he had a visit from a mate whose father had suffered prostate cancer. Yet that mate had never had a PSA blood test. When he did finally have one, in light of the Moreton experience, it proved positive. He indeed had prostate cancer and had to have robotic surgery. Among others Moreton encouraged to consider PSA tests were his brothers. His younger one took his advice and found that he, too, had prostate cancer, for which he later underwent microsurgery. Moreton was himself guilty of complacency before cancer struck him. “I’d drifted along thinking: ‘Oh, it’s never going to happen to me,’ ” he says. “Had I had the PSA test earlier, the cancer may have been discovered earlier, and the whole outcome October 2013 Police Journal
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may have been a little less radical. “There are lots of people out there in the job with different types of cancers but, generally, guys are not paying much attention to it.” After his operation, Moreton underwent blood tests every three months, as was the practice, to monitor his PSA levels. In November last year, 12 months after his surgery, came the crushing news that those levels had risen again. All indications were that his cancer was still active. The blood tests continued for a few more months, before doctors prescribed radiotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Moreton began the treatment last month, hoping his family would not worry too much. “Because,” he says, “worrying about them worrying about me is probably harder than actually worrying about myself. “But we’re all positive about the outcome. Other things, like worrying about ‘what if…’ or ‘what’s next’ we’ve tried to make insignificant.” Concerned for others as well, Moreton backs Blue September, a nationwide awareness and fundraising initiative which focuses on all cancers which affect men. “I first saw it (promoted) on the Footy Show,” he says, “and I thought it would help get guys to be a bit more concerned about their own health.” Of course, even if radiotherapy works for Moreton, he has no guarantee that cancer will not strike him again, and that gives him a measure of concern. “I guess you reassess your life’s ambitions,” he says, “and whether you need the stress of the work or think about other options, like taking part-time work. “I want to have a look at Europe and spend a bit more time with my grandkids, who all live interstate. “My kids grew up without a grandmother because my mum died when I was about 19. I wouldn’t like my grandkids to grow up without a grandfather.” PJ
To find out more about Blue September, go to blueseptember.org.au. To speak with an experienced cancer nurse, call the Cancer Council helpline on 13 11 20 or go to the council’s website (cancersa.org.au).
Block twins still police-minded Picture: Channel 9
The
By Brett Williams
Block Sky High might have taken them out of policing but nothing will ever take policing out of twins Alisa and Lysandra Fraser. After 17 weeks on the popular renovation programme, and their subsequent resignations from SAPOL, these Block winners still find their police instincts kicking in no matter where they go. In stores, Lysandra cannot help but notice what people are doing and how legitimate or suspicious their movements look. She wonders whether that trained-observer trait will ever leave her. Alisa, whose police instincts kick in just as strongly, assures her sister that it will stay with both of them – permanently. Of course, the 29-year-old twins have no complaints about that. They even concede that their police training was of some help to them as “we busted our arses more than anybody on that show ( The Block)”. October 2013 Police Journal
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Lysandra remembers the 56 bruises she found on her legs after the first challenge of the renovation. And Alisa speaks of the whole experience as “the hardest thing we’ll ever, ever do”. “We did a thousand times more work than they actually showed on TV,” she says. “I can completely understand why people think that things were set up, but not a single thing was set up. We would go to bed at 3am and get up at 6am. We had three hours’ sleep a night for the first eight weeks.” The twins’ familiarity with working late at night – as they had to on The Block – and fatigue through police work came as an advantage. “It probably has hardened us,” Lysandra says. “You build a thick skin being in the job, and I think we had dealt with more situations which, normally, people would crumble under. “We had to communicate really well with our tradies, too, and I think that (our police experience) helped us in being firm. We were pretty firm and assertive with them because we had to be.”
Left: Twins Alisa and Lysandra Fraser and, above: The twins as they appeared in the Police Journal in 2009 (Police Family Ties, August issue)
Alisa agrees that it was important for her and Lysandra to act boldly on the South Melbourne renovation site. “At the end of the day, you’re project-managing this whole thing,” she explains. “We did have to take charge and had to show leadership. It was like we just slid into that really nicely, and we can’t say that that wasn’t because of our job (as police).” Whichever aspects of police work the straighttalking twins drew on worked perfectly, as did their strong personalities. In late July, they got to delight in victory over their four competitor couples when, at auction, they scored $1.435 million for their first-floor apartment. That was $295,000 over its reserve price of $1.14 million. The twins got to keep the profit as well as another $100,000, which was first prize. So Alisa and Lysandra came back to their husbands and children in Adelaide with almost $400,000 and a potentially bright future as professional interior designers. Their last days as cops came in early August, after handing in their resignations. Still on a high from their success back then, the twins felt no particular sorrow giving up their police careers. Now, two months later, both of them see that separation with much more sentimentality.
“To think that we’ve handed in our resignations and that’s it,” Alisa says. “There are definitely aspects (of police work) that I do miss. “I’ll see a patrol car driving past and there is definitely a part of me that is sad. And not being one of them now, not being involved in the police family… it’s strange.” Lysandra, a former childcare worker, concedes that police work was what she had wanted to do for “my whole life”. “And how much fun we used to have (doing it),” she says. “Then, to not even get through to my 30s (in the job)… I don’t think we ever anticipated leaving the job. It was what we did.” The twins, who both worked as Sturt patrol officers before The Block , responded to jobs they will never forget. Lysandra speaks of an Edwardstown house fire which left a woman dead. Fire-fighters had tried but been unable to resuscitate her. This was Lysandra’s first police experience of death. Alisa recalls the plight of a baby abducted by his drug-affected father last year and held in a suburban house. Through extremely delicate conversation with the father, she established a rapport with him, convincing him to let her inside and, then, to hold the baby. October 2013 Police Journal
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In a clever move, she darted outside with the child and returned him uninjured to his waiting mother. Says Lysandra: “I hope that we can still be advocates for (policing). We’ve had so many e-mails and so many people say to us: ‘We want to join the police force. You make us want to be police officers. You’ve inspired me. I know that I can do it.’ ” Indeed, the impact of the twins’ performance on The Block was strong enough to turn one girl away from thoughts of suicide. She wrote in an e-mail: “I saw the strength and courage that you girls had, and I’m in a really good spot now.” Says Alisa: “We had another girl who used to slit her wrists all the time. She’s got anorexia. We’ve been in contact with her and she’s now on the road to recovery. It’s amazing how many people you can touch just being who you are.”
The twins overjoyed with another high score on the set of The Block Picture: Channel 9
“I don’t think we ever anticipated leaving the job. It was what we did.”
After their months-long, Australia-wide presence in the lives of TV viewers, Alisa and Lysandra have had to accept the public treating them as celebrities. No longer can either twin simply go out to a shop without someone recognizing and approaching her. At A d e l a i d e A i r p o r t just last month, a group of teenaged girls approached the twins who were both speaking on their mobile phones. “They were standing right there listening in to our conversations!” Alisa exclaims. “So we had to say: ‘Just hang on one sec.’ “And we had a three-year-old girl make her mum stop her car the other day because she wanted to see us and say: ‘Hello.’ ” Alisa, with her head down and covered by a hood, could not even escape attention when she went into a fast-food restaurant to use its rest room. “The minute I stepped in, I heard: ‘There’s one of the twins from The Block!’ ” she recalls. “It’s crazy. No matter where you go or what you dress in, people will still recognize you.” But, despite their celebrity status, the twins had their detractors, who attacked them on social media as The Block played out. The sentiment was clearly anti-police, as trolls labelled Alisa and Lysandra “piggers” and urged others not to trust them.
However, those attacks prompted the twins’ many supporters to respond to the “heaps of cop-haters”, as Lysandra describes them. “Who do you call in a crisis?” and “If ever you need them, don’t bother calling” were some of the remarks thrown back at the trolls. But, for hardships, the troll attacks were nothing compared to the twins’ long separation from their children during the filming of The Block. Visits from them every couple of weeks punctuated the absence, but Alisa and Lysandra still found it “horrendous”. “If we didn’t switch off (of missing the children),” Lysandra says, “we wouldn’t have been able to get through ( The Block).” And from their Block success, and future ventures, the two mothers want their children to reap the most benefit. In front of the twins now is a range of opportunities, most of which they are saying little about as they spend time on the PR trail making appearances. Setting up their own interior design business is a certainty, but it might not come about until mid-2014. Property development is also in their thinking, as is the path some other reality stars have followed: a TV show of their own. But, as interior designers, the twins plan to provide their service right across the nation. “The beauty with interior design is that you don’t have to have a store or a base,” Lysandra explains. “We can do a lot of our research from Adelaide and then fly in, fly out. There are so many people willing to pay you to do that.” The twins have already had e-mails from some of their old police colleagues who want interior-design advice of their own. Alisa and Lysandra would love to provide it if they were not so time-poor. Both women are way too confident to harbour any doubt about their future as interior designers. But, if their plans happened not to work out, would they consider a return to police work? Says Alisa: “I’d definitely be jumping back on board.” PJ
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Left: police nearing the National Police Memorial in Canberra and, below: gathered at the memorial
Strong SA presence on remembrance ride By Nick Damiani
More
than 1,400 police motorcycle enthusiasts from around Australia took part in the annual Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance in September. Arriving at the National Police Memorial in Canberra, police officers joined together to remember their fallen colleagues. The riders set out from their respective home states and met at the Australian Federal Police IDG base on September 14 before riding on to the National Police Memorial. Under police escort, the cavalcade of riders wound its way through the streets of Canberra. Police Association committee member SC1C David “Bully” Reynolds said it was humbling to be a part of the ride. “On that Saturday, the sight of the national contingent of over 1,400 police and supporters on motorcycles, from all over Australia, riding to the memorial service, fills you with pride,” he said. While riders came from every state and territory, South Australia came up with its largest contingent since the inception of the ride, with 84 registered participants – up from 42 in the first year (2010). “The gathering at the memorial each year
demonstrates the strength of the police family nationwide,” SC1C Reynolds said. “It’s an emotional and moving experience, especially with the playing of the bagpipes at the end of the service. “When I first joined the job in the 1970s we had a period of six to 10 years when, in South Australia, we lost several members on duty in quick succession. “I often think about them and their circumstances while riding across to Canberra, and then seek out their plaques on the national memorial.” SC1C Reynolds said the ride plays an important part in raising funds for Police Legacy. “Legacy supports the families of fallen officers after their untimely deaths while serving the community,” he said. “The support Police Legacy provides to these families is ongoing, even decades after the officers’ deaths.” SC1C Reynolds also reflected on the reaction he sees each year from first-time visitors to the memorial. “I can’t believe how much it moves them,” he said. “The police families and friends who come on the ride are in awe and say the day and service is like an Anzac service. It moves them so much. It makes me so proud to be part of the ‘blue team’.” October 2013 Police Journal
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Australia’s Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance is modelled on the Texas Ride for the Fallen. Former Arlington Police Association (Texas) president Randle Meadows, who took part in the ride, said it was an honour to participate and remember mates. “We are here standing on the shoulders of the people remembered on this wall,” he said. “We are family whether we are from Texas or Australia. When we lose one, all of us lose one.” There are 754 names on the National Police Memorial. Each year, memorial batons are carried by a rider from each jurisdiction and placed on the memorial. The names of any members killed since the last ride are carried inside the hollow batons. Sadly, two more names were carried in the batons and are to be added to the memorial this year. They were NSW detective inspector Bryson Anderson and Queensland constable Casey Blain. Detective Insp Anderson’s son, Darcy, laid the NSW baton on the memorial. PJ
Visit www.walltowallride.com for details of next year’s ride.
Letters
Letters to the editor can be sent by: Regular mail Police Journal, PO Box 6032, Halifax St, Adelaide SA 5000 Email editor@pasa.asn.au Fax (08) 8212 2002 Internal dispatch Police Journal 168
My life devoured It’s been a long journey since May 2011 until today. The highly publicized Ruppelt case should, and normally would, have been a normal disorderly conduct, refuse address and assault police brief. Although it all began with a small interaction and subsequent arrest, it has devoured the last two years of my life. I will never forget the time I was informed that I would be the subject of a news story. I had 45 minutes to explain to my family that I would be that night’s headline news and portrayed as the latest police-abuseof-power case. The story was broadcast on every TV channel and media outlet in the state. I became the face and name of the Ruppelt matter, and three other officers were shown in national print and electronic news coverage. We were immediately recognized in not only the small country community we worked in but beyond it as well. This was because most of us had devoted ourselves to country policing. As a country copper, your word and reputation is everything. To have that stripped away in an instant was crushing. Now, we still have the complaints process to work through but we are finally moving forward: the magistrate has handed down his decisions. The association threw its weight, skills and unwavering support behind us from day one. I had never before needed those skills as I did then. From the outset, association staff made themselves accessible 24 hours a day and no call or grievance was too small.
Police Journal great I just wanted to say thanks for a great journal. We are eager to read it every time we receive it at home, and the new format is fantastic. I particularly read the motor vehicle reviews and intend to get in touch with Jim Barnett for some guidance on sourcing information about SUVs. I retired from the job in 2011 after 43 years. To be honest, I haven’t missed it, but I do miss my mates, as most retirees do. But, having a son in the job, as I do, keeps me up with all that’s going on. All the best Mick Lyons Ex-Senior Sergeant
Camaraderie still strong after 50 years
The association commissioned biomechanics expert Dr Paul Grimshaw (University of Adelaide) to analyse and report on cell footage of the incident. I have always appreciated the collective work the association does on enterprise bargaining and other issues; and, in this case, its advice helped us all get through the incident. I thank association president Mark Carroll and staff, Alex and Bernie Zimmermann, Martin Kennedy and the staff of the Barossa LSA, my close friends, my long-suffering family and the many workmates who have given me their support and encouragement and Helen Grimshaw (Welfare Section). To those currently facing similar challenges, I offer my heartfelt support. I hope you are a member of our association. Stay strong and talk to someone you trust. In the end, right will prevail. Neil Bailey SC1C Nuriootpa
EDITOR’S NOTE: Magistrate Greg Fisher found Jennifer Ruppelt guilty of failing to provide her name and address. He also found that she was “not an impressive witness and was prone to exaggerate and embellish her evidence.” By contrast, Magistrate Fisher found Neil Bailey to be “an honest witness”.
Prosecution, STAR Group and country stations as OCs. During the three years of training the course undertook, five members got the call-up for National Service and only two of them came back to policing. Robert Ormston served the Australian Army for 23 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel.
Members of Course 4/63 recently celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the beginning of their police careers with a weekend-long reunion. It followed two earlier reunions, at the 40- and 45-year marks. The first one brought together members who had not seen one another for more than 30 years. This served to strengthen the old course camaraderie, which was evident in the second and third successful reunions. Supt Barry Lewis (still serving) is one of four members who attained commissioned rank. Other members became sergeants and served more than 40 years in the CIB, Forensics,
and went back to England. He had a successful career in the Hampshire Police but maintains he should have come back to South Australia. Our camaraderie has remained strong and our three reunions, to which people came from Perth, Sydney and Noosa, have further
Ray Graetz, who volunteered
galvanized our friendships. This is
for National Service, spent eight
an excellent example of the mateship
years in the army and today runs a
at the heart of police culture. Rex Adams Member Course 4/63
successful transport business in New South Wales. Ken Newell joined the Australian Federal Police, became a barrister and practised in Sydney until his recent retirement. Nigel Witcombe, who had come to Australia as a seven-year-old, trained
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to within three months of graduation
Q&A
Do you agree with the SAPOL decision to extend the lease-term kilometres on high-use police-pack vehicles from 60,000km to 90,000km?
From top: SC1C Louise Manhire, Brevet Sgt Paul Zilm, SC1C Andrew Williams
SC1C Louise Manhire
Brevet Sgt Paul Zilm
SC1C Andrew Williams
Far North Highway Patrols
Major Crash Investigation
Traffic Operation Escorts
Extending the life of a vehicle would make me question its safety and integrity, particularly in the far north. There, it is not uncommon to drive up to 800km a shift in remote areas where our lifeline is our vehicle. These vehicles are subjected to extremes of heat, in excess of 50 degrees, dust and poor road conditions. Recently, a member was driving a cage car on a prisoner conveyance at 110km when the front wheel sheared off. Keeping a vehicle for longer periods might increase the likelihood of incidents such as this happening. They are a major threat to the safety and well-being of not only SAPOL members but also prisoners in our care and other road-users.
I do not envisage any problem with extending the lease-term kilometres on police-pack vehicles from 60,000 to 90,000km, provided the vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained thoroughly. However, should any mechanical fault and/ or damage or any other issue be identified, the problem or problems should be noted and resolved immediately, so as not to compromise the safety of SAPOL members. Although some areas and services will have vehicles reaching the figure of 90,000km relatively quickly, the later changeover will allow for vehicle replacement to be spread over a greater period, thus leaving more vehicles available for use.
Having driven the vehicles which have done 60,000km, I don’t think I would like to be in one during an emergency situation 30,000km later. I know that mechanically they are serviced regularly but, remember, these cars are designed as a family sedan, not to use 24-7 under extreme circumstances. The seat mountings creak and groan, the steering columns feel sloppy having been adjusted three times a day to accommodate a 130kg giant, then a 45kg petite person. The carpets peel away from the door seals, just to keep you on your toes when you exit in a hurry. All in all, it creates a false economy. The savings to SAPOL are reduced leasing fees, and a delaying of the strip and fit costs.
Get discounts on groceries from Romeos Foodland and IGA stores. www.pasa.asn.au GO TO
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Industrial Nick Damiani
Part-time employment – the facts
Twenty years have passed since parttime clauses were first introduced into the Police Officers Award. And Police Association files indicate just how long and painstaking it was to bring about such clauses. Last month, the association held a forum on part-time employment to coincide with the launch of its new brochure for part-time workers. The association womens branch hosted the forum, which featured guest speaker Steven Dolphin of Adelaide law firm Lieschke & Weatherill. Mr Dolphin is a specialist in workplace relations law and has resolved many key industrial issues for the association. He was able to provide members with key legal insights into many of the issues which affect part-time workers. The forum highlighted, among other things, the history of part-time employment in SAPOL and the beginnings of one of the association’s success stories. In 1990, a pilot study of part-time employment in SAPOL was commenced to assess critically the viability of reducing the hours worked in some
full-time positions. At the conclusion of that assessment, the Police Post reported that: The pilot study demonstrated that there was a significant support amongst participants, their co-workers and managers for the introduction of part-time employment. Part-time employment is a form of employment which is consistent with sound equal opportunity principles. The South Australia Police Department is an equal opportunity employer, is committed to providing members with a means by which they may choose to work a reduced number of hours per week in order to better reconcile their working and personal lives. The option of part-time employment therefore optimizes the needs of both members and the department, by facilitating the retention of trained personnel, by reducing absenteeism and enabling the better utilisation of human resources. Police Association organizer Bernadette Zimmermann says the fundamental aspects that characterized part-time employment for police officers remain the same today. “The introduction of this clause was no easy feat, though,” she said.
“Hours and hours of negotiation took place between the association and SAPOL. Not to mention the number of hearings in the IRC. It was important to get it right the first time.” Ms Zimmermann also noted that one of the prime purposes of the association during negotiations was to protect the full-time jobs of all police officers. It was also to guard against the potential to weaken police employment by introducing casual or part-time positions. “The association was opposed to the casualization of police jobs and so worked through a definition of ‘part-time’ for police officers that would safeguard against this,” she said. Ms Zimmermann also spoke of the importance of part-time police officers remaining integrated with the rest of the workforce. “It’s important they don’t become ‘another breed’ of worker,” she said. “This is what makes our part-time clause unique. “And, all police officers, men and women, who reduce their hours of work for various reasons, have a right of return to full-time work in their substantive positions.”
Save $250 to $1,500 on a new Holden vehicle. GO TO
October 2013 Police Journal
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www.pasa.asn.au
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“However, if we look at the situation of caring for Since the Industrial Relations Commission ratified the agreement in March 1993, members children, we see a dramatic difference between men have been successfully applying for part-timeDowork and women. choose part-time I have to job-share and/or findMany more women Can I return to full-time work? person to share my job Yes, by making an application to revert back to in their substantive positions. As of August another 2013, work because of child-rearing responsibilities.” full-time hours in either the substantive position with me? you occupied immediately before converting 332 members from 102 different On the issue of returning No. A job-share position only arises when a fullto part-time or some other full-time position. time employee agrees to undertake part of that SAPOL is required to give positive and reasonable workplaces were working to substantive positions, position, leaving the remainder of the position “Job-share isn’t the default consideration to your application to revert to fullunfilled. Filling the remainder of that position employment. When a determination is made reduced hours. Mr time Dolphin highlighted can only be done with the agreement of another that returning to the substantive position is not employee also seeking a part-time arrangement. possible, SAPOL may place in another full-time position for a member’s The award currently defines the Police OfficersyouAward SAPOL cannot limit its consideration of an position commensurate with your qualifications employee’s part-time application by narrowing and skills (see clause 3.1.12 award). Also, a stipulations. the personal criteria for partof “suitable positions” to the part-time arrangement reverts to full-time at its right itsexisting toconsideration reduced hours of job-share positions. unless aofficer new agreementmay is negotiated. time employment as including “Aexpiration police Part-time Union Dues are mysooner entitlements as a make an application to but not being limited to: work.What The that is part-time worker? Members working reduced hours are entitled revert back to full time, • Combining work with family to a reduction in union dues. It is the member’s Entitlements and conditions of service are understood, the better.” to notify the Association when generally the same as those for full-time responsibilities. to aresponsibility substantive position such a change occurs. Fees are adjusted pro members, but on a pro-rata basis and in rata to the actual regular and ongoing hours proportion to hours normally worked. General • Inability to, or difficulty in, they held plus immediately of employment, the fee for the group life Order 8420 (Part-time employment – Police) insurance. For example, a member employed lists 22 general entitlements undertaking full-time work as a result of handicap prior and toexplains going part-time, or some other position,” at 0.6% of the full-time equivalent (FTE) shall how part-time work impacts or otherwise, have an annual subscription equivalent to 60% on those conditions. They include: rate of or medical reasons. he said. “SAPOL must give positive and reasonable of that of FTE members. Refer to rule 7.1 of pay, increments, recreation leave, sick leave, the Police Association of SA Constitution. long-service leave,consideration PDOs, overtime, • Preparation for retirement. to the application. allowances, higher duties, shift work, rostering, superannuation • Readjustment to the workplace after extended “Ifandaothers. substantive position is not possible or is More questions? abse nc e s suc h as pe r sonal l e ave or inappropriate, SAPOL may undertake to place the Can I change my part-time hours? employee in another appropriate position which is maternity leave. Part-time agreements can be varied. Part-time Or need further clarification of the hours and days of work may be permanently information provided, please feel • Undertaking study. with the employee’s qualifications altered at any time commensurate by mutual agreement to free to contact the association meet specific organizational requirements office on (08) 8212 3055. The award defines the management criteria and skills. (SOR).for Temporary variations can also occur by mutual agreement for SOR or individual part-time employment as including but not being general order also saysWORKING they FOR YOU occasions. There is no “The need to waitSAPOL for the expiration of an agreement for this to occur. Police Association of South Australia are committed to providing flexible working limited to: pasa.asn.au | 08 8212 3055 • The department’s operating requirements. arrangements.” • The length of time the employee wishes to Police Association president Mark Carroll work part-time. explained the importance of managers and members • Whether a suitable position is available. understanding the legislative framework for part-time • The implementation of the department’s equal work and the common mistake of believing it can only employment opportunity programme. be accessed via a job-share arrangement. • The implications for the work of the area. “Job-share isn’t the default position for a member’s Mr Dolphin explained that the reasons for right to reduced hours of work,” he said. “The sooner part-time work vary across age groups. that is understood, the better. “In the 15- to 24-year age group, around 70 per cent “The part-time brochure the association has of men and women choose part-time work because produced will, I’m sure, help members understand of study commitments,” he explained. their rights.” “Other reasons for part-time work in that particular age group are consistent across genders.
T H AU S T R
Working part-time Frequently asked questions
The new Police Association brochure which answers questions on part-time employment
Want to book a discounted Police Association holiday home? VISIT
October 2013 Police Journal
29
www.pasa.asn.au
HEALTH Dr Rod Pearce
To influence the ageing process One authority on the subject reckons we can expect to live way beyond 100
around age 30. At that point, bones have reached their maximum strength and density. Women tend to experience minimal change in total bone mass between age 30 and menopause. Male muscle mass will top out between the ages of 18 and 25, unless specific exercise programmes are undertaken. Sexual desire peaks in men in their early 30s but, like women’s libido, is affected by biology (levels of hormones such as testosterone), social factors (such as work, family) and internal psychological factors (personality, stress). The human brain reaches its cognitive peak at the age of 22, but general knowledge is accumulated until about the time one turns 60. Each person ages at a unique rate. Some systems begin ageing as early as age 30. Other ageing processes are not common until much later in life. Although some changes always occur with ageing, they occur at different rates and to different extents. There is no way to predict exactly how you will age. As we get older, most organs lose their capacity because of the build-up of waste and damaged products. In the brain this might become obvious with the onset of dementia. A familial form of rare Alzheimer's has provided important clues that help explain the disease. In this rare type of dementia, the production of beta-amyloid (the protein fragment suspected to cause the decline and … no single process can explain all the death of brain cells) is genetically changes of ageing, which is a complex affected. It seems the inability to get rid of these types of products, process that varies in how it affects different or increased production, is the people and even different organs. mechanism for ageing.
We
can all reasonably expect to live to the age of 120. That’s what Professor Vladimir Khavinson, president of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (European Region), told me in St Petersburg recently. And, in his judgement, the key to that longevity is peptides. Khavinson says the cells of the human body can repair themselves if they receive the right messages. He believes this occurs with peptides. If the repair process does not occur, the cells accumulate damaged molecules, waste and other debris, which eventually means the tissue dies. One way the body does repair work is by mopping up the “free radicals”. Kidneys and liver excrete broken down proteins and other molecules. The cells make new protein, repair the cell walls and continually pump out water and salt they don’t want and take in glucose and energy they do want. The liver is renowned for its ability to regenerate. It is the only human internal organ capable of natural regeneration of lost tissue. Most tissue eventually dies if the cells are damaged. Different parts of the body mature at different rates and also reach peak condition at different times. Up to 90 per cent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in women and 20 in men. The amount of bone tissue in the skeleton can keep growing until
October 2013 Police Journal
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If we can help clear away waste products from cells, or decrease the build-up of these compounds, we can in theory stop the ageing process. Products that help with this are on the market but whether they actually work is difficult to prove. Antioxidants fit this profile as a potential aid. However, no proof exists to indicate that high concentrations of any one antioxidant provide antiageing or health benefits more than does a healthy diet, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables. The opportunity to reverse ageing has been argued about for a long time. We know we can use medication to increase bone mass, and we know exercise in 80- and 90-year-olds can increase muscle mass and strength, particularly if the diet is high in certain proteins. No one really knows how and why people change as they get older. Some theories suggest that ageing is caused by injuries from ultraviolet light over time, wear and tear on the body, or by-products of metabolism. Other theories view ageing as a predetermined process controlled by genes. However, no single process can explain all the changes of ageing, which is a complex process that varies in how it affects different people and even different organs. Most gerontologists feel the cause of ageing is the interaction of many lifelong influences. These include heredity, environment, culture, diet, exercise and leisure, past illnesses, and many other factors. Exercise and good diet do influence ageing in a positive way. Get advice about your specific health issues and your family history as specific problems can be helped with specific management.
Motoring Jim Barnett
RAV4 right in the contest With 16 models in the range and three new engines
A massive increase in upgraded
models has hit the hotly contested small SUV market this year, with many manufacturers releasing diesel variants. Toyota is playing its part in the contest with the recent release of its all-new RAV4.
THE RANGE Sixteen models make up the range, with three new engines and prices starting at $28,490 (GX petrol manual 2WD). Petrol AWD models start at $31,990, while three new diesel AWD models range from $35,490 to $46,490. All variants come with a new six-speed manual transmission with CVT or six-speed autos (available as a $2,500 option).
STATS Two-wheel-drive models feature a 2.0-litre (107kW, 187Nm) petrol engine. All-wheeldrive buyers can choose between a 132kW, 233Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine or new 2.2-litre turbo diesel pumping out 110kW of power and 340Nm of torque. Braked towing rates vary between 800kg (2WD) and 1,500kg (AWD petrol). Diesels are limited to just 1,000kg. This is disappointing given the high torque output. RAV comes with a five-star safety rating and its combined fuel economy varies between 5.6 (diesel manual) and 8.6 litres/100km (AWD petrol manual).
DESIGN The RAV features a V-shaped grille, daytime running lights, a taller roofline and a narrower rear end with roof-lip spoiler. Although it is shorter and narrower than
the previous model, it features increased passenger and cargo space. Gone is the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and this makes way for a roof-hinged tailgate. A narrow emergency spare wheel now sits under the cargo floor with a full-size spare optional. A new horizontal dash layout features, with more padding; and the seats have undergone a redesign and offer more comfort. Rear seats are a 60/40 spit-fold configuration and provide a recline function. Cargo space is a handy 577 litres.
ON ROAD Driving the top-spec Cruiser 2.5-litre manual is easy: it has a light clutch, smooth gearbox and plenty of power thanks to well-spaced gear ratios. Suspension is on the firm side but offers a good combination between agile cornering and compliant ride. It easily soaks up bumps on secondary dirt roads. For more difficult terrain, AWD models come with a centre diff lock and hill-start assist, while auto models feature downhill assist.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT • • • • • • • •
• • • •
All RAV4 models feature: Seven airbags. Traction and stability control. Antilock brakes. Tilt-telescopic steering. Cruise control. Power windows. Six-speaker audio with Bluetooth connectivity. Steering-wheel controls for audio, trip computer and phone functions. Roof rails. Cargo blind and net. Air conditioning. Reverse parking sensors.
Best Commodore ever! It’s smoother and quieter and it brings a touch of sophistication
TECHNOLOGY
Sales
of the successful VE Commodore went south toward the end of its model run. Now, Holden has reinvigorated its large car range: the new V F of fers greater ef ficiency, additional safety and new features, all with sharper pricing. But can VF Commodore claw back enough sales to keep Holden afloat? And will the entry-model Evoke, which the Police Journal recently tested, play a significant part in the battle?
VALUE FOR MONEY At $34,990, Evoke sedan is $5,000 cheaper than VE Omega. And, despite its substantial price reduction, it comes with a stack of new features, including dual-zone climate control, electric power steering and auto-release electric park brake. A new eight-inch My-Link Infotainment System features, as does Auto Park Assist.
SAFETY The usual six airbags, antilock brakes and traction control all feature. New are hill-hold and hill-start functions, along with trailer sway control, which enhances the stability control system. Front and rear parking sensors are standard as is an extremely clear reversing camera with an eight-inch colour screen. Evoke retains Commodore’s five-star safety rating.
Auto park assist uses sensors to detect suitable parallel and 90-degree parking spaces. The system automatically steers the car into the correct position. The driver need only operate the throttle, transmission and brake. Drivers can start the engine from a distance of up to 100 metres using a button on the remote. This is ideal for cooling or heating the car before driving. The central touch screen features inbuilt apps for internet radio and has full iPod integration. Another feature is voice recognition for phone calls and playing music from a multitude of sources.
DESIGN Softened, in comparison with is predecessor, VF’s sporty body delivers a touch of sophistication. New front lights, grille and bonnet are less aggressive. The rear end has new lights and a smart boot-lip spoiler. Holden has replaced the dated VE dash with a much more pleasant layout, which features soft materials and chrome highlights. The new eight-inch colour screen is dominant and the old-style handbrake lever is notably absent.
ON THE ROAD Evoke retains the previous 3.0-litre direct injection 185kW V6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Immediately noticeable is how much smoother and quieter the drivetrain is when compared with the previous model. The engine seems livelier and transmission shifts are smoother. Holden claims combined fuel consumption of 8.3 litres/100km, a 6.7 per cent improvement.
THE VERDICT The VF is the best Commodore ever built. It offers good drive qualities, excellent levels of safety and standard equipment at a decent price. A leather-bound steering wheel in Evoke would have been a nice touch.
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POLICE FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE BRANCH
Casual Vacancy
ELECTION NOTICE
Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 Nominations are called for:
Branch Committee Member ( 1 ) Written nominations which comply with the Rules of the Organisation may be made from Monday 14 October 2013 and must reach me not later than 5:00pm on Monday, 28 October 2013. Nominations cannot be withdrawn after 5:00pm on 28 October 2013. Nomination forms are available on request. Note: In accordance with Branch Rule 44B(f)(iv) candidates may submit a personal profile of no more than 300 words together with one black and white photograph no later than 5:00pm on Monday 28 October 2013. Material received will be distributed with the ballot papers.
By Post:
HOW TO LODGE NOMINATIONS GPO Box 344 Adelaide SA 5001
By Fax:
(08) 8237 6584
By Hand:
Australian Electoral Commission, Level 9, Origin Energy House
1 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
By Email: saelections@aec.gov.au The ballot, if required, will open on Monday, 11 November 2013 and close at 10:00am on Monday, 25 November 2013. Changed Address? Advise the Federation now. Note: A copy of the AEC’s election report can be obtained from the organisation or from me after the completion of the election. Spencer Gale Returning Officer
Tel: (08) 8237 6514
October 2013 Police Journal
34
Banking
The feeling is mutual Costa Anastasiou Chief Executive Officer, Police Credit Union Police Credit Union prides itself on its relationships with members, and for good reason
How
the financial market will be affected once the dust settles from the federal election and the change in government is yet to be fully understood. As we learn more in the coming months we will need to pay close attention to any changes in monetary policy and consumer spending habits. Many economists have predicted that consumer confidence will begin returning to the market post-election, after a cautious and subdued first half of the year. In Australia, the economy has been growing a bit below trend over the past year and this is expected to continue in the near term as the economy adjusts to lower levels of mining investment. Recent data (August 2013) confirms that inflation has been consistent with the medium-term target of the Reserve Bank of Australia. With growth in labour costs moderating, this is expected to remain the case over the medium term, even with the effects of the recent depreciation of the exchange rate. Among the recent political discussions, there has been a lot of rhetoric in the finance industry regarding competition and banks versus “mutuals”. But what does being a mutual even mean? And how is that different from the big four banks? Here in South Australia we have been exposed to mutuals in many forms and we have embraced the concept more so than many other states. In South Australia, mutual members account for 26 per cent of the population, the second highest in the nation. In terms of our collective size and strength, mutuals comprise $83.9 billion in assets, serve approximately 4.5 million members and adhere to the same prudential regulation as the banks.
The most important reason for choosing Police Credit Union is that we are customer-owned, meaning we put you first. Owing to our “mutual structure” we are not a publicly-listed company so, unlike the publicly-listed banks, we don’t have the pressure to maximize profits to pay external shareholders. Instead, we put all our profits back into better rates, fairer fees, responsible lending and outstanding customer service for you. We pride ourselves on our relationships with our members and when times get tough you can rely on us, like you would a friend, to work through a solution that will support you back to the “good times”. Plus, there is no other financial institution that
supports you like we do. Police Credit Union is involved with many police clubs, charity days and associations – such as Ride Like Crazy, and police sporting clubs – and provides sponsorship for graduate and retiree dinners. We form relationships with you, our members, based on mutual respect, support and understanding. It’s this commonality between us and our members, that helps to set us apart from the big four banks and allows us to engage with members on a more personal level. Basically – we care about you. Consider this breakdown of the commonalities and differences between Police Credit Union and the big four banks: Police Credit Union
Attribute
Big 4 Banks
Highly-regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). APRA’s strict rules on safety and capital continue to apply to all banks, building societies and credit unions to the same high standards. Authorized deposit taking institution (ADI). Deposits up to $250,000 are covered by the permanent government guarantee. Full and comprehensive range of products. Responsible lending practices. Customer-owned. Reinvest all profits back into the business. Member focused – putting the member first. 100 per cent local contact centre. Business decisions are made with the best interests of depositors and borrowers in mind (not to line shareholders’ pockets). All members have a say in how the business is run, through voting at the AGM. Member satisfaction rate over 90 per cent.
Continued page 39 October 2013 Police Journal
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Free Legal Service for Police Association Members, Their Families & Retired Members. Leading Adelaide law firm, Tindall Gask Bentley is the preferred legal service provider of the Police Association, offering 30 minutes of free initial advice and a 10% fee discount. To arrange a preliminary in-person or phone appointment contact PASA on (08) 8212 3055.
Have you or a family member been injured in a car accident? Tindall Gask Bentley acts in more motor vehicle accident claims that any other law firm in SA. Gary Allison & Richard Yates can provide free preliminary legal advice on your entitlements to compensation. They can also help with Workers Compensation, public liability & medical negligence claims.
Family Law Matrimonial, De Facto & Same Sex Relationships • Children’s Issues • Child Support matters
• Property Settlements • “Pre Nuptial” style Agreements
Appointments with Wendy Barry (Accredited Family Law Specialist) & Dina Paspaliaris.
Commercial Law • General business advice • Real estate & property advice
• Business transactions • Commercial disputes & dispute resolution
Appointments with Giles Kahl & Michael Arras.
Wills & Estates • Wills & Testamentary Trusts • Enduring Powers of Attorney • Enduring Guardians
• Advice to executors of deceased estates • Obtaining Grants of Probate • Estate disputes
Appointments with Michael Arras & Rosemary Caruso.
October 2013 Police Journal
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Adelaide • Reynella • Salisbury Mt Barker • Port Lincoln • Whyalla (08) 8212 1077 tgb.com.au
LEGAL
Understanding the power of the ICAC Rachael Shaw Senior Associate, Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers It can investigate conduct that occurred years before a person became a public officer
The ICAC has the power to investigate conduct that occurred many years ago, including conduct that th e I nd e p e nd e nt C o m m i s s io n e r A g ai n s t occurred before a person became a public officer and Corruption (ICAC) and the Office for Public conduct that has occurred subsequent to a person’s Integrity (OPI) on September 1, 2013 to identify time as a public officer. and deal with public corruption. The ICAC will be assisted in investigations by The ICAC and OPI will examine the conduct “investigators” and “examiners” who will compile of public officers, including members of South evidence and speak with witnesses. An examiner Australia Police, as well as private individuals who may summon a person to appear at the ICAC before it is alleged have engaged in corrupt conduct with an examiner in order to give evidence and produce a public officer or agency. A police documents as referred to in officer can be seconded to work at If a public officer receives the summons. the ICAC. An examination by the a summons to appear at The ICAC commissioner’s primary ICAC will be conducted in objects are to: private and the identity of the ICAC, it is important • Investigate serious or systemic an individual summoned to appear must remain corruption in public administration. that the summons is confidential. In certain • Refer serious or systemic considered carefully. misconduct or maladministration circumstances, the summons will include the general nature in public administration to the relevant body, giving directions or guidance to of the matters that the person will be questioned the body or exercising the powers of the body as about. The maximum penalty for failing to attend the commissioner considers appropriate. the ICAC is $20,000 or imprisonment for four years. The function of the OPI is to manage complaints Refusing to answer a question at the ICAC or refusing about public administration with a view to: to produce a document attracts the same penalties. • Identif ying corruption, misconduct and The outcome of an investigation and examination by maladministration in public administration. the ICAC may be a recommendation for prosecution • Ensuring that complaints about public or disciplinary action. If the ICAC recommends to administration are dealt with by the appropriate SAPOL that an individual be investigated and a person person or body. is subsequently charged, the person’s identity will be The OPI will receive complaints relating to public made public as in the ordinary course. officials and administration. Complaints received by The ICAC will not have any power to lay a charge or the OPI in relation to police officers may be referred prosecute a matter. This role will remain with existing to the police ombudsman or the ICAC. The police law enforcement and prosecuting agencies. ombudsman will continue to receive complaints in How answers given to the ICAC are used is a relation to police officers. matter which can be concerning for public officers.
The South Australian government established
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This is an issue that has caused much debate and litigation before the courts. In South Australia, if a person is required to answer a question before the ICAC and declares prior to answering the question that his/her answer might tend to incriminate him/her, that answer is not admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal proceeding. In other words, as long as a person at the ICAC flags that his/her answer might be incriminating, that answer cannot be used against him/her. If a public officer receives a summons to appear at the ICAC, it is important that the summons is considered carefully. The summons may include a notation prohibiting the public officer from disclosing any information about the summons – including its existence. If there is such a notation on the summons and the person summonsed discloses its existence (or any information relating to the summons), the maximum penalty is $5,000 or imprisonment for one year. However, a summons with a notation prohibiting disclosure does not prevent a public officer from disclosing information relating to the summons to a legal practitioner for the purposes of obtaining legal advice and to a person or body in order to determine whether the person is entitled to payment of his/her legal costs. It is imperative that any summons to appear at the ICAC is carefully scrutinized.
Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers provides free initial advice through a legal advisory service to Police Association members and their families, and retired members. To make an appointment, members should contact the association (8212 3055).
Books
Seven for a Secret
Darkening Skies
The Raven’s Eye
Author Lyndsay Faye Publisher Headline RRP $29.99
Author Bronwyn Parry Publisher Hachette Australia RRP $29.99
Author Barry Maitland Publisher Allen & Unwin RRP $29.99
Timothy and Valentine Wilde must once again delve into the darkest underbelly of mid-nineteenth century New York. When the beautiful and terrified Lucy Adams stumbles into the Tombs, headquarters of New York’s newly formed police force, it’s the beginning of a dense, thorny maze of crime for copper star Timothy. He’s hardened to the injustices of life in the unforgiving city he’s grown up in, but that doesn’t mean he accepts it. With immigrants flooding into the docks every day, each community is adapting but also fighting for its place in the new world. The worst menace growing on the streets are the blackbirders: slave catchers who make a tidy sum from their human trade. And Timothy is about to be taken right to the heart of them.
Deadly secrets hidden for years in a small country town are finally revealed. Investigative journalist Jenn Barrett never intended to return to Dungirri, the small town she escaped as a teenager. But startling revelations about local man Mark Strelitz have reopened the investigation into the accident that killed Jenn’s cousin, Paula, and she is determined to find out what really happened. For 18 years, a gap in Mark’s memory has concealed the facts – that he was driving when Paula died and a corrupt police investigation sent an innocent man to prison. Mark has finally learned enough of the truth to know that he has to set the record straight. As Jenn and Mark start to ask questions, evidence is destroyed and witnesses murdered. Someone wants the past to remain buried.
It’s the bloodiest investigation Brock and Kolla have had yet! A woman dies in her sleep in a houseboat on the Thames, the apparent cause of death an unflued gas heater. It all seems straightforward, but DI Kathy Kolla isn’t convinced. Unfortunately, both Kathy and DCI Brock are up against an aggressive new commander who opposes their investigation. Coppers like Brock and Kolla, who have reservations, are being squeezed out. And, to make matters worse, there’s a new task force moving in on their patch, and a brutal killer, Butcher Jack Bragg, to be tracked down and caught. Brock and Kolla are under pressure. It’s a clash between the menacing everpresent eye of computer surveillance versus the explosive threat of a man with a meat cleaver and a grudge.
October 2013 Police Journal
38
Left for Dead Author Samantha and Laurence Barlow with Sue Williams Publisher Penguin Australia RRP $29.99
Left for Dead recounts the day that heroin junkie and parole reoffender Roderick Holohan attacked police officer Samantha Barlow as she walked to work at Kings Cross police station. With her skull crushed and her hand shattered, the young mum-of-two was literally left for dead on that early morning in May 2009. She was so drenched in her own blood that not even her colleagues recognized her when they found her. Samantha wound up in St Vincent’s Hospital with her police officer husband Laurence watching on helplessly as doctors laboured to save her life. She would endure 22 painful months of rehab before the plucky police sergeant made a triumphant return to work. Left for Dead tells of the enormous personal price the Barlows paid to serve in the police force.
BANKING
From page 35
This can benefit you?
Children of the Revolution
Lexicon
Author Peter Robinson Publisher Hachette Australia RRP $32.99
Author Max Barry Publisher Hodder & Stoughton RRP $29.99
DCI Banks is back and, in this, his twenty-first mystery, he must fight the skeletons that keep coming out of the closet of a disgraced college lecturer. This lecturer is found murdered with £5,000 in his pocket on a disused railway line near his home. Since being dismissed from his job for sexual misconduct four years earlier, he has been living a poverty-stricken, hermitlike existence in this isolated spot. The suspects range from several individuals at the college where he used to teach, to a woman who knew the victim back in the early ’70s at Essex University, then a hotbed of political activism. When Banks receives a warning to step away from the case, he realizes there is much more to the mystery than meets the eye.
Two years ago, something terrible was unleashed in an Australian mining town called Broken Hill. Thousands died. Few people know what really happened. Emily Ruff is one of them. She belongs to an elite organization of “poets”, masters of manipulation who use language to warp others to their will. She was one of their most promising recruits until she made a catastrophic mistake: she fell in love. Wil Parke knows the truth, too, only he doesn’t remember it. And he doesn’t know why he’s immune to the poets’ powers. But he knows he needs to run. As their stories converge, the past is revealed, and the race is on for a deadly weapon: a word. Because the poets know that words can kill.
Win a BOOK! For your chance to win one of these books, send your name, location, phone number and despatch code, along with the book of your choice to competitions@pj.asn.au
Clearly, many positive attributes are associated with Police Credit Union being a mutual organization, and this translates into a plethora of benefits for you and your family. Our bond with the police community is a great source of enjoyment and pride for Police Credit Union. We continue to support the police family through donations, sponsorships and involvement in many worthwhile events and causes. We are proud to say that we have been offering superior financial products and services to police officers for more than four decades. You can benefit from our mutuality and the strength of our association with the exclusive Platinum Advantage package of benefits. Some of the ways we reward you with the Platinum Advantage package are: • $0 application fees on loans. • $0 account-keeping fees. • Earn bonus interest above standard term deposit rates. • Free budgeting advice. • Discounts on financial planning services. • Your very own Private Banker. The best part is this service is free and exclusive to Platinum Advantage members. Our experienced team of Private Bankers can take you through the full list of benefits which are available to you. To speak to a Private Banker, call us on 0 421 24 3 741 or request a call back at www.policecu.com.au/callback and we’ll call you at a time that is convenient for you.
Police Credit Union AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238991. All information correct as at 4/09/13 and subject to change. Financial Planning is provided by Bridges, ASX Participant AFSL No 2040837. Membership criteria applies.
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DVDs
Killing Season
Inspector Lynley Mysteries Series 4
Mud
A Mother’s Son
SRP $39.95 1 disc Running Time 87 mins
SRP $29.99 2 discs Running Time 353 mins
SRP $39.95 1 disc Running time 125 mins
SRP $19.99 1 disc Running Time 90 mins
Veteran of the horrific Bosnian War, reclusive US military operative Colonel Benjamin Ford (Robert De Niro – The Big Wedding) is escaping the nightmares of his past in a remote cabin retreat. But his past is about to confront him, as former Serbian soldier Emil Kovac (John Travolta – Old Dogs) has been staking him out… and is about to strike. Haunted by his country’s genocide, Kovac has come to settle a score and nothing will get in the way of his lone-wolf operation. So beings a gory, gripping and explosive game of cat and mouse – that proves for some soldiers, war never ends.
A blue-blooded detective, red-blooded passion and cold-blooded murder! The aristocratic DI Thomas Lynley and his acerbic sidekick, DI Barbara Havers, return to face an onslaught of complex cases and challenging personal trials in this compelling murder-mystery series based on Elizabeth George's best-selling books. It is testing times for Havers and Lynley following the traumas they endured in Series Three. Although physically recovered from her dramatic shooting, Havers' mental fortitude is under question. While Havers will be forced to confront her fears head on, Lynley is trying to cope with his estrangement from wife Helen after the death of their unborn child.
Mud is a timeless adventure about two boys, Ellis and his friend Neckbone, who find a mysterious outlaw named Mud (Matthew McConaughey – The Paperboy) hiding out on a deserted island in the Mississippi River. Mud tells the boys fantastic stories, including how he had to kill a man to save his true love Juniper (Reese Witherspoon – Walk the Line), and that the man’s family has been chasing him ever since. Sceptical but intrigued, Ellis and Neckbone agree to help reunite Mud with Juniper, and soon Mud’s tall tales come to life when their small town is besieged by bounty hunters out for blood.
A gripping drama depicting a dilemma no parent wants to face. When a teenage girl is murdered, Rosie (Hermione Norris) suspects with horror that her teenage son, Jamie is involved. Rosie’s suspicions begin to tear her family apart and Jamie’s desperate parents have to make a decision; their son’s fate is in their hands. Will they go to the police or decide that blood is thicker than water? How far will they go to protect their son?
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For your chance to win one of these DVDs, send your name, location, phone number and despatch code, along with your choice of DVD, to competitions@pj.asn.au
Cinema
Scott & Bailey Series 3 SRP $39.95 2 discs Running Time 400 mins The professional and personal lives of DC Rachel Bailey and DC Janet Scott continue to bring drama, surprises and gripping tension. Janet begins to get her life in order to concentrate on her role as acting DS. Meanwhile Rachel, who has been facing scrutiny over her brother's murder of her ex-boyfriend, has settled uneasily into sharing her life with Sean. But the detectives are about to feel the heat. Rob Waddington (Danny Miller) arrives as a permanent DS, Rachel’s devil-may-care attitude threatens her relationship with Janet and the ongoing murder case comes to a head in a shocking, thrilling climax.
About Time
Thor: The Dark World
Filth
Season commences October 17
Season commences October 31
Season commences November 21
At the age of 21, Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he can travel in time. The night after a New Year party, Tim’s father (Bill Nighy) tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Tim can’t change history, but he can change what happens, and has happened, in his own life. He decides to make his world a better place – by getting a girlfriend. But that turns out not to be so easy. Tim finally meets the beautiful but insecure Mary (Rachel McAdams). They fall in love but, then, an unfortunate time-travel incident means he’s never met her at all. So they meet for the first time again – and again. But, finally, after a lot of cunning time-travelling, he wins her heart.
Mar vel’s Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and The Avengers , Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos, but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all. Thor: The Dark World is based on Marvel’s classic Super Hero Thor, who first appeared in the comic book Journey into Mystery #83 in August, 1962.
Scheming Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy), a bigoted, bipolar, junkie cop, hallucinates his way through the festive season in a bid to secure a promotion and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Enlisted to solve a brutal murder and threatened by the aspirations of his colleagues, including Ray Lennox (Jamie Bell), Bruce sets about ensuring their ruin, right under the nose of unwitting Chief Inspector Toal. As he turns his colleagues against one another by stealing their wives and exposing their secrets, Bruce starts to lose himself in a web of deceit. Irvine Welsh’s novel, Trainspotting, redefined indie films and kicked off a series of other film adaptions of his novels. Filth out-sold the megasuccessful Trainspotting in print and is now the latest Welsh story to be portrayed on the big screen.
Win a movie pass!
For your chance to win an in-season pass to one of these films, courtesy of Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, send your name, location, phone number and despatch code, along with your choice of film, to competitions@pj.asn.au
MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES
* Invitations to two Winestate magazine tastings each year (valued at $100)
* 12-month subscription to Winestate magazine (valued at $60)
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Minimum of three tasting events at the Police Club each year
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Free glass of house wine with every meal purchased at the Police Club
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Entry to annual wine raffle
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Discounts on quality wine
To join visit www.pasa.asn.au and click on the Police Wine Club banner or call the Police Association on (08) 8212 3055 October 2013 Police Journal
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WINE
Beyerskloof Pinotage Stellenbosch, South Africa RRP $19.95 www.beyerskloof.com In 1988, one of the Cape’s foremost winemakers, Beyers Truter, formed a partnership with four ardent wine-lovers in Johannesburg to produce a wine of exceptional character. After exploring the Cape Winelands for a suitable location, they found a perfectly situated farm in the Koelenhof area within the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin region. Beyerskloof Pinotage is South Africa’s most popular Pinotage, and it’s no wonder. It has shown a fruity and enjoyable consistency year after year and is a wine made to enjoy at any occasion. It has pure primary fruit aromas with hints of plum and red cherries against mocha and cedar notes and strong plum flavours with velvety tannins. It is well structured, yet elegant, soft and medium-bodied with a fresh and superbly balanced finish. Beyerskloof Pinotage is impressive for consistency given the volume of this vintage.
Diemersfontein Pinotage Wellington, South Africa RRP $34.95 www.diemersfontein.co.za Diemersfontein has belonged to the Sonnenberg family since the early 1940s when David’s grandfather, Max, bought the 183-hectare farm which lies in the shadow of the majestic Hawekwa Mountains. Vineyard plantings include Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as the “lesser known” varietals Viognier, Barbera, Roobernet and Moevedre. Diemersfontein’s maiden vintage (2001) won the Paul Sauer Trophy for a wooded Pinotage at the SA Young Show and, from that first vintage, awards have continued to be received by the estate for many of its wines. Diemersfontein Pinotage: dark chocolate with a hint of mint and baked plums on the nose. Ripe, subtle tannins create a wine to be enjoyed young. This unique style of Pinotage is a perfect accompaniment to salmon, roast venison and dark chocolate mousse.
Boschendal Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch, South Africa RRP $15.95 www.boschendal.com Boschendal underwent a changing of the guard at the beginning of the new millennium as a carefully-appointed consortium took the reins from Anglo-American Corporation in 2003. This consortium has a deep dedication to and understanding of the gravitas of history under its care. It also has a firm commitment to the environment and sustainable progress of Boschendal into this century and beyond. Boschendal was the first winery to barrel-ferment Chenin in South Africa. This fruity, well-balanced, full-bodied wine is distinguishable by its exotic mango and honey aromas on the nose. On the palate, this Chenin Blanc has a core of fruit with hints of nuts and honey. It is the ideal wine for an al fresco summer lunch, lightly curried mussels, chicken, fish casseroles and, in general, Asian dishes.
Subscribe NOW! AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND WINE BUYING GUIDE
ph: (08) 8357 9277 - www.winestate.com.au October 2013 Police Journal
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THE CLUB READY FOR CHRISTMAS The Friday-night happy hour
Christmas at the club
From 4:30pm to 6:30pm
And only a month-and-a-bit to go!
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$5 TEDs $5 West End Draft pints $5 Coronas $5 glasses of Tomich Hill Wines, including Sparkling, Sav Blanc & Shiraz Plus the Friday Night meat tray
Excellent function venues to choose from… • The ground-floor dining room – caters for 150 • Fenwick Function Centre, first floor – seats 110 • The Jacaranda Room, first floor – seats up to 40 • The Presidents Room, ground floor – caters for 16
Book now by phone 8212 2924 or the club website www.policeclub.com.au
Use your Police Club membership card and save Club open Monday to Friday for lunch
Police Wine Club tasting event 6pm to 8pm, Tuesday, November 19
Winestate magazine’s Best Australian and New Zealand Latest Releases
Featuring Grant Burge, Chapel Hill & Salena Estate Wines plus cheese and sample tastings Full Wine Club menu available from 7pm
Police Wine Club members – free admission Non-members welcome – $15 per head
Bookings through the Police Association by phone 8212 3055 or PASAWeb pasa.asn.au
The Police Club BOOK NOW
PoliceClub@pasa.asn.au | (08) 8212 2924 27 Carrington Street, Adelaide | www.policeclub.com.au
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The Last Shift John Potter (1) Les Jolly (2) Mark Williams (3) Glenn Thomson (4) Allen Argent (5) Dave Matten (6) Col Heath (7) Ken Vagg (8) Bill Bampton (9) Peter Spencer (10) Rodger Allen Ken Peglar Jim Challinor (11) Steve Scholefield (12)
SC1C JOHN “POTTS” POTTER Port Lincoln 42 years’ service Last day: 17.07.13 Comments… “Many thanks to the association for its assistance over the years that I have been with SAPOL.” “I am calling it enough and will be moving to a small allotment at Wangary (a short motorcycle ride from Port Lincoln).” DETECTIVE SGT LES JOLLY Major Fraud Investigation 39 years’ service Last day: 27.07.13 Comments… “To anyone I have known or worked with along the way, thank you for your comradeship. The pleasure has been all mine.” “I look forward to spending more time with family, friends, hobbies and travel. I wish you all well for the future.” “Thank you to the Police Association which has done a great job for members and continues to do so.”
Sergeant WF “Bill” Bampton
Bill Bampton with now former prime minister Julia Gillard after she presented him with the National Police Service Medal in 2011
Eastern Adelaide Criminal Justice 52 years’ service Last day: 04.09.13 Comments… “If I had my time over again I would still choose this career.” “The biggest constant over all these years has been our association. We have been represented by many fantastic people who have won us many pay rises and great working conditions. They protected us as we were doing our duty.” “I thank all the people I have worked with in Prosecution for the past 30 years for their support.”
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SERGEANT MARK WILLIAMS Adelaide PS 46 years’ service Last day: 14.08.13 Comments… “I cannot thank the association enough for its support for me and other members over the years. Without the association’s support I really do not think I would have survived to be writing this letter or to be in my current situation – but I am a survivor.” “I wish the association and its members all the best for the future.” SNR SGT GLENN THOMSON Expiation Notices Branch 43 years’ service Last day 16.08.13 Comments… “I am not sure where the last 43 years and 49 days have gone.” “I have forged some fantastic friendships from my days as a freshfaced Course 34 cadet to a wideeyed Para Hills probationer to my last posting as a Snr Sgt at ENB.” “Thanks to the association for all the work that has been and continues to be done to make the job and conditions as good as they are currently.” “I thank my wife, Fiona, and my kids, Hayley and Dylan, who I dragged around the state to various postings.” “If my retirement is as enjoyable as my police career has been, I am in for a great future.”
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SERGEANT ALLEN ARGENT Port Lincoln Criminal Justice 39 years’ service Last day: 21.08.13 Comments… “I thank all those I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 39 years and I will miss the camaraderie and humour.” “The postings most vivid in my memory are Accident Squad (now Major Crash) and Prosecution.” “I a l s o t h a n k t h e association for its efforts over the years in supporting the membership. It is an organization that we should be proud of.” “To those remaining in the job, I wish you all the best for the future.”
SNR CONST DAVE “BIGGLES” MATTEN Police Escort Group 41 years’ service Last day: 21.08.13 Comments… “What a ride it’s been. What changes: from working at Warrant Section, MO section and rubbing out pencil on cards to walking to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles Department at the Railway Station to get the new updates for the motor vehicle checks every Friday.” “I take with me great memories and the pleasure of working with all the members and thank them for their camaraderie, eternal friendship and humour.” “Thanks also to the Police Association for looking after us members by securing the best employment conditions for all.”
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SNR SGT 1C COL HEATH Sturt Crime Management 42 years’ service Last day: 31.08.13 Comments… “I thank my wife, Amanda, and daughter, Eleanor, who have travelled with me on the SAPOL ride.” “I sincerely thank the association for its assistance during my 42-year SAPOL career and I am confident the membership is in good hands.” SERGEANT RODGER ALLEN South Coast LSA 47 years’ service Last day: 04.09.13 Comments… “I thank the association for the assistance it has given me during my 47 years with SAPOL and wish it well in its endeavours to improve benefits for members.” BREVET SGT KEN PEGLAR APY Lands 42 years’ service Last day: 18.09.13 Comments… “I thank all association staff and delegates past and present for the services you have provided to members – a job well done and I wish you all the best for your future endeavours.” “I thank all those with whom I had the privilege of working, not only those in SAPOL but also those in organizations connected with it.” “A special thank you to the management and staff of the Far North LSA, particularly those I worked with during my last CIB posting (a career highlight) in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. What a sensational and supportive group of men and women!” October 2013 Police Journal
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Above: Peter Spencer at the police academy last year Left: the recruit
Sergeant Peter Spencer Police Academy 42 years’ service Last day: 04.09.13
Comments… “I regard myself fortunate that the Police Association has, in my experience, always been managed by members for members in a very competent and professional manner.” “I thank past and present association officials and representatives for their assistance and the pursuit of fair and reasonable pay and conditions over the years, and wish all members of the association well for the future.”
Continued…
For the full version of The Last Shift, go to PASAweb at www.pasa.asn.au
The Last Shift JIM CHALLINOR Elizabeth Crime Management 43 years’ service Last day: 22.09.13 Comments… “Thanks to all members I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 43 years, in particular those stationed within the Elizabeth LSA.” “I thank the Police Association for its ongoing commitment to improving the pay and working conditions for all SAPOL members.”
SNR SGT 1C STEVE SCHOLEFIELD Murray Mallee Training Section 38 years’ service Last day: 02.10.13 Comments… “Having spent 35 years in country stations, I have met and worked with some fascinating and wonderful people. I thoroughly recommend rural policing to anyone considering it.” “I thank all those I have worked with for the experience.”
Detective Snr Sgt Ken Vagg Major Fraud Investigation Section 42 years’ service Last day: 04.09.13 Comments… “Having made a career in the specialist area of fraud investigation, I thank the members, support staff and DPP prosecutors, both past and current, who I have worked with over the years for their professional attitude, support and friendship.” “I thank the association for its continued efforts to improve our pay and work conditions and support to members.” “I wish everyone the best for the future.”
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Clockwise from top: Ken Vagg (back row, third from left) on his detective training course in 1979-80; Vagg far left with fellow competitors Peter Prest, Dean Scott and Paul Lewandowski in the Police Games relay team; Vagg (centre) and fellow Darlington CIB detective Sid Thomas arrest a prison escapee in the 1980s; at the scene of an arson in Plympton in the 1980s
Police Scene
Police Club sports luncheon with V8 supercar driver Garth Tander Friday, September 20, 2013
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Police Journal editor Brett Williams leads a Q&A with Garth Tander
2. Tander responds to an audience question
Audience members listen to Tander’s insights into motorsport
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3 – 5 Tander talks with audience members, poses for photos and autographs memorabilia after the Q&A 6. With Police Association president Mark Carroll
Heroes
KYLIE HARRIS Senior Constable Recruiting Section
She admires the great athletes but has just as much regard for those who battle against serious illness and major injuries. nd me by brother a y m d n d a nge of od o sisters um did a ra t up my tw h M g s. u u d r ro a b fo h S he 3. She’s good life , Helen. d made a she was 7 l n ti a n e . M y mu m u d m d n o e c ie in e’s my fr and work a very low ily, and sh e position m m herself on ti fa lld n fu a a t ren e of work re she go own child s the valu jobs befo us like his showed u d e te h a s e’s e t H u tr b y. e tated wa kids so h a hard life an unders d no r had in in ie t g rr u a in b , m th e r y neve t in his lif xpects an John. He hieved a lo he never e s. c e d a n o a d ’s e My uncle rt d H o n a p us. round – oral sup ry genero the backg l but also m in ia y c a n and was ve a st n r fi e st s. He’d rath en us not ju accolade always giv want any e h s e o d r return. No gnancy, cond pre ring her se u D . rked at rs o a w e ia. She last 10 y m e e a th k f u o le d f n And it all form o tura, a frie sympathy. ggressive r a fo n Rosa Ven g a in d k a ion. o h ithout lo k success d out s h e c e an d w cle in quic ra she foun n g u h d c n a su r r, fathe g it with f her siste overcomin e deaths o th r e ft piration. tres s a in d 1,50 0 me h ap p e n e is just an e lif r e h s d won the n e a liv ge p e u ra h u s e o y The wa n h e c am showed c ins. Whe That just rk at e s. P th ye n e m a y re Kie de the te tears in m wimmer barely ma 9 6 , I h ad in d 9 a 1 ts Former s h n in e e s H m ic o r. p me mbe those m nta Olym st one of ll always re ju I’ at the Atla ’s e c It . ra e c g a c h an n amazin n’t rate him and was a eople did p er. st b o m m uld reme year and ralians wo st u A st o sport m s of ly the skill ad not on h e H ays . lw rg a n Edbe um was pion Stefa ent. My m m m a ike ra h -l e c n p a n m o imbled f sportsm nderful te pitome o Former W e e most wo us e th io th o c s ls ra a a g t w yer bu as always I think he a great pla ger and w port and n s a d w o o o sh g ing a e, didn’t big on be l disciplin t. ad menta he was ho h e H r. u T h ey o th I ought r, e behavi g a n ire them. e es . I a d m d, as a te n th A lo t. c a from t in fe n in de rm or pla ry differe em are ve r, in unifo e th c n bons ffi o o ib s G e lic (Brett d stresse t- line po ssures an g coppers n re u like The fron p yo e rs h e o T p . p tw shot. Co ut those rkable job s o a a b m a w re k e a n in o o d ille and road. I th as on the to Hectorv w he n I w s p ond e d re o h w Emms) olicing. roes of p and Travis be the he ys a lw a ill them w peers m both his spect fro re d e gth of d n n re d the st e c omma tegrity an onald. H in D c asn’t is h M w , e m ic H Ji th the end. is work e sergeant to h r u f o io yo n le k e p c s xam Retired would ba e led by e out them. t thing he periors. H he felt ab g the righ w in o o h d t u and his su re o e uw certain ab tions. If yo nd s ever un his convic e burns a o one wa N y. d o ird-degre b y th n a d f re in o e e d ff tr scare who su are cen o -year- old her childc tw to e s in a th d w e s h e a s he w l car cra rough, sh elezio. S of- contro ’d been th tt e u a h o s h Sophie D n a w a h m r it u fte r the tra atisfied w her legs a T V and, fo ould be s n h o s lost both r u e h yo k w you thin 2 0 0 3. I s a he makes Sydney in ppy girl. S a h , g ’t have. n n o ili hat you d such a sm w to d se as op p o you have October 2013 Police Journal
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THE FIGHT FOR FYNN
The award-winning Police Journal
To enquire about previous issues, articles or photos, contact editor Brett Williams on (08) 8212 3055 or by e-mail (brettwilliams@pj.asn.au)