Blueprint
Staff profile: Inspector Toan Nguyen
Our people:
Constable Geistare Bubenaite
> Crime prevention: Operation Eclipse
> Regional: Aboriginal trackers
> Regional profile: Eyre and Western Local Service Area > Crime trend: Family and domestic violence
Family and domestic violence continues to infiltrate all levels of the community, disproportionately impacting women. South Australia Police (SAPOL) is fighting back, with the state-wide perpetrator-focused Operation Storm proactively identifying and targeting offenders who pose a threat to victims. SAPOL is also making a valuable contribution to the ongoing Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, and playing an integral role in services aimed at intervention and prevention.
Significant police resources have also been invested in suppressing the illegal tobacco market and the activities of organised crime syndicates. Operation Eclipse is coordinating efforts across our investigational teams and local districts to seize large quantities of illicit tobacco, investigate serious criminal offending, and disrupt criminal networks. Investigating serious and organised crime has
also been the hallmark of Inspector Toan Nguyen’s distinguished policing career. In this issue we explore his incredible journey from arriving in Australia as a refugee to becoming the first Vietnamese-born police officer to rise to the rank of Inspector.
Hoping to emulate such career success is Brevet Sergeant Chantelle Ryder who moved to Adelaide in 2015, initially to play soccer for Adelaide United, and has never left after achieving her lifelong dream to become a police officer, and more specifically a dog handler. She is now pursuing her dual passions of policing and soccer. Also chasing her dreams in two career paths is Constable Geistare Bubenaite who is maintaining harmony on the beat both with her role in the Henley Beach District Policing Team and as a talented singer and songwriter.
In this issue we venture to regional areas, as we extol the virtues of country policing in Eyre and Western Local Service Area and delve into the ancient art of Aboriginal tracking which is still valuable and relevant in today’s policing. We also reflect on the life of the late Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, with SAPOL honouring his memory a year after his tragic death.
• MATHEW RODDA
ISSN 1448-1855
Editor and writer: Mathew Rodda
Editorial team: Mathew Rodda, Karina Loxton, Nigel Hunt and Chief Superintendent Robert Papworth.
Designed and printed by: Access
Photos: Andrew Challen, Sara Gilligan, Brevet Sergeant Glen McKenzie, Brevet Sergeant Ian Baker, Laura Perry, Elke Brintrup Krueger, Serious and Organised Crime Branch, South Australian Police Historical Society, Stephanie Johnson, Che Chorley (ABC News), Adam Butler, Shutterstock, Instagram.
Blueprint is produced by SAPOL’s Marketing and Communications Unit, Police Headquarters, GPO Box 1539, Adelaide 5001. Internal postcode: 120 Tel: 08 732 23294 Email: dlpolicegazette@police.sa.gov.au
Views and opinions expressed by contributors within this publication are not necessarily those of South Australia Police, the Commissioner of Police or the Government of South Australia. Article ideas, photographs and other contributions are welcome from every SAPOL employee.
First Nations people are warned this publication may contain images of, or references to, people that have died.
Print Holdings
COVER Constable Geistare Bubenaite. Photo: Andrew Challen.
It’s not lost on me that all this activity and achievement has been realised in the face of relentless scrutiny, growing expectations of doing more with less, and other workforce pressures like recruiting and retaining staff.
As we embark on another year we celebrate our successes of the past 12 months, acknowledge the challenges and take on board lessons learned.
The past year has been a testament to your resilience, hard work and unwavering commitment to serving the community and we have a lot to be proud of.
There were significant demand drivers for us in 2024. Operation Eclipse disrupted organised crime exploitation of the illegal tobacco market.
Community safety in the Adelaide CBD and other areas remained in focus, with powers available under Declared Public Precincts a vital tool to prevent crime and violence. We also provided a comprehensive submission to Government as knife crime remains a community concern.
Domestic abuse is another area that continues to consume significant police resources, with the number of offences and incidents
increasing. One of our new strategies in 2024 was the state-wide focus on perpetrators in Operation Storm. We undertook compliance checks, served intervention orders and enforced warrants. Wanted suspects, many of whom were avoiding police, were located and arrested or reported. The operation saw police providing perpetrator referral cards, offering intervention pathways to prevent future violence. We also participated in listening sessions as part of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, and made submissions and gave evidence to the Royal Commission. The inquiry will continue in 2025, and we hope the recommendations and outcomes provide an opportunity for real change.
The introduction of mobile phone detection cameras was one of the most significant technology-enabled policing capabilities introduced to South Australia in 2024. The cameras captured some foolish actions behind the wheel and detected many recidivist offenders – fuelling enormous media coverage. The cameras and the awardwinning ‘Grim Reaper’
campaign enhanced our education and enforcement efforts around mobile phone use while driving to make South Australian roads safer.
While last year’s bushfire season was relatively mild, the fires that ravaged the United States remind us that our role in bushfire prevention and preparedness remains a key priority. Operation Nomad has been targeting arsonists as well as working with communities to stay safe. We will again be visible in high-risk fire areas with a zero-tolerance to deliberate, negligent or reckless fire-risk behaviours. The introduction of Bushfire Offender Monitoring Orders provides an additional ability to target high-risk persons of interest. This season police officers are being supported by Police Security Officers (PSOs) who are also conducting Nomad patrols as part of their expanding role.
It’s not lost on me that all this activity and achievement has been realised in the face of relentless scrutiny, growing expectations of doing more with less, and other workforce pressures like recruiting and retaining staff. Along with extensive recruitment efforts locally and
internationally, we continue to look for opportunities to free up police resources so we can focus on core policing roles. In 2024 we commenced a trial to triage police attendance at non-emergency welfare check taskings. To date we have saved upwards of 22 000 frontline hours by more carefully considering requests for police attendance when other more appropriate options may exist with other agencies or community supports. Other efforts to better align resources include the District Support Section Stage 2 rollout. This continued to see tasks undertaken by PSO members, freeing up police to attend taskings and other duties.
I have always been proud of SAPOL and the people who make up our organisation, and even more so in the face of the growing demands and complexities we are dealing with each year. My commitment to all of you for 2025 is that we will focus on what matters so we can continue to provide sustainable policing services for South Australia.
•
GRANT STEVENS COMMISSIONER
Commissioner's foreword
AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
It’s a triumphant story that has become synonymous with multicultural Australia. A young child arrives in Australia from Vietnam, with their parents yearning to give them a better life.
In this case the year was 1979, with the young refugee being Toan Nguyen, who along with his three siblings and parents couldn’t speak English and knew very little about the country and city they would soon call their forever home. Fast forward 46 years, and Toan Nguyen has become the first Vietnameseborn police officer to rise to the rank of Inspector and become an Officer of Police in South Australia Police (SAPOL).
“Being appointed to Inspector has fulfilled one of my long-held career goals,” Inspector Nguyen said.
“I’m thrilled to break new ground and achieve something that has not been done before.
“I feel great personal pride in my ability to persevere and dedicate time and effort to achieve a set goal, however there’s also a degree of anxiety.”
Inspector Nguyen’s ascent to Officer rank is the culmination of many years of hard work and commitment, a journey that began in 1993 as a fresh-faced cadet at the Fort Largs Police Academy. However, policing wasn’t his first choice. At the urging of
his father, Inspector Nguyen started a teaching degree at university. But during a placement in his second year, he apprehended a student who he had seen assaulting a teacher. He immediately decided that teaching wasn’t for him and walked into the SAPOL recruiting office to start a new career.
After graduating in 1994, Inspector Nguyen commenced his career at Elizabeth, performing roles as a general duties member and later within the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and Human Source Management Liaison Office. In 1995-96 he was seconded to the Viking Joint Task Force, a SAPOL-led joint agency operation investigating Southeast Asian organised crime. He soon realised his Vietnamese language skills were in demand and was earmarked for detective work.
As a detective for most of his policing life, Inspector Nguyen has worked on some of the most significant and complex operations in SAPOL history. This includes Operation Ironside, which dealt a massive blow to organised crime, and Operation Elixir, a two-year investigation which resulted in the dismantling of a heroin and methamphetamine syndicate.
“Elixir successfully investigated, prosecuted and secured convictions for 85 offenders, with a considerable number of those pleading guilty prior to trial,” Inspector Nguyen said.
“It’s definitely a major highlight of my career.”
CRACKING CASES
In 2013, the same year Operation Elixir ended, Inspector Nguyen joined Serious and Organised Crime Branch (SOCB). Over the next 11 years he served with distinction as a criminal investigator and team leader in both the Serious Crime Task Force and the Drug and Organised Crime Task Force. This included significant roles as manager of the Joint Agency Ice Strike Team investigating drug trafficking and imports, and as a Drug Expert Coordinator and Clandestine Laboratory Coordinator.
“As coordinator I led training to ensure SOCB members had the required knowledge to be qualified to give expert evidence in drug trials and were able to investigate and safely dismantle clandestine drug labs,” he said.
Inspector Nguyen was also the Case Officer for Operation Cobalt, a successful 12-month investigation into drug trafficking within Limestone Coast Local Service Area which resulted in eight people pleading guilty before trial to more than 90 counts of drug trafficking offences. This was yet another case which highlighted Inspector Nguyen’s keen interest in drug investigation, and in particular his desire
to minimise the community harm associated with the use and distribution of illicit drugs.
“I have enjoyed all of my policing roles, but the detective role within SOCB has been by far the most rewarding,” he said.
“The investigation of serious and organised crime, including drug production, distribution and trafficking, appeals to me due to the extraordinarily complex and multifaceted approach required to successfully investigate, dismantle and disable organised crime syndicates.
“Investigating these groups requires a high degree of tenacity as it often takes many months, if not years to bring investigations to a successful resolution.”
As a bilingual speaker and qualified interpreter and translator of English and Vietnamese, Inspector Nguyen has been invaluable in numerous investigations where suspected drug traffickers communicate in coded conversations.
“Some of these codes can be extraordinarily difficult to decipher, with foreign language adding to the complexity,” he said.
“Having been involved in many drug investigations focusing on Southeast Asian organised crime, I am adept at deciphering complex coded conversations between alleged drug traffickers, especially when these communications are in Vietnamese.
Being appointed to Inspector has fulfilled one of my long-held career goals.
Inspector Toan Nguyen.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
“I am one of only two specialist investigators in Australia with this credential and experience.”
A CULTURE OF SUCCESS
Vietnamese heritage and culture have remained extremely important to Inspector Nguyen since he first set foot in Australia as a child. He is now ensuring his own children have a strong connection to their Vietnamese roots.
“I am incredibly proud of my heritage as it has shaped my identity, values and beliefs into the person that I am today,” he said.
“I feel privileged and thankful for the opportunity to start a new life in Australia.
“I have positive memories of my upbringing here. The first three months were challenging with learning English, however once I
grasped the language I assimilated quickly.”
Inspector Nguyen is now showing the same ability to settle into his current role, and first as an Inspector, as the Communications Shift Manager (CSM) within Communications Group. It’s a role he believes is the most challenging of his career.
“During each shift I have oversight of all reported events occurring across the state. I also have responsibility for safely managing police pursuits, and overseeing the response and investigation of high-risk missing person reports and mental health incidents,” he said.
“The CSM is also responsible for the centralised resource management of the State Crime Assessment Centre, the Call Centre and the Communications Centre.
“It’s vastly different to my detective role in SOCB where I could usually plan operations well in advance. As CSM I must make splitsecond decisions and risk assessments due to the timecritical nature of the tasks.”
While being the first Vietnamese-born officer to become Inspector is a considerable achievement, Inspector Nguyen is not content to bask in that
glory. He plans to develop his management skills and experience in areas across SAPOL and embark on a postgraduate qualification.
“Education is a lifelong endeavour for me. I seek continuous improvements within myself, to bring the best version of me to the service of SAPOL and the community,” he said.
“Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it’, so I approach my goals with the attitude that in life, if first you don’t succeed, then you must continue and work harder until you do.”
Reflecting on his successful policing career, Inspector
Nguyen has no regrets about putting down the chalk and duster and deciding to achieve more with SAPOL.
“Policing has absolutely been the right choice for me. I have been able to experience and be exposed to a variety of life’s events unique to policing, and have the opportunity to make a positive difference,” he said.
“I have been fortunate to work under some great mentors, supervisors and managers who have provided me with valuable advice along the way, and I owe them a great debt of gratitude.”
Inspector Toan Nguyen is congratulated by the former Governor of South Australia, the Hon Hieu Van Le AC. Photo: Andrew Challen.
Inspector Toan Nguyen (front row, second from right) with fellow Course 59 members, and below, on his first day at SAPOL. Photos: Supplied.
NOT MISSING A BEAT
For Constable Geistare Bubenaite, most of her week is spent proactively dealing with local policing issues in Western District as a valuable member of the Henley Beach District Policing Team (DPT).
But once her shift is finished, the intense focus on rules and procedures is cast aside as the creative process takes over, with the talented singer and songwriter pursuing her long-held passion for music.
Performing as ‘Geistare’, she has amassed more than 7000 followers on Instagram and around 25 400 on TikTok and had one of her songs, ‘Overthinking’, achieve over 20 700 streams on Spotify. This is on top of the thousands of people who have been exposed to her diverse range of musical styles on YouTube.
Constable Bubenaite’s musical journey began as a four year old when she first played the violin. This was soon followed by piano and guitar, before being inspired to sing after listening to the likes of Rihanna and Taylor Swift.
Constable Geistare Bubenaite. Photo: Andrew Challen.
“I started singing at home around the age of six. My mum heard me and said I was quite talented,” Constable Bubenaite said.
“I then started videoing myself singing. I loved performing and singing to the camera.”
Born in Ireland to Lithuanian parents, Constable Bubenaite’s talents extended beyond singing and playing instruments, as she
developed a flair for Irish dancing – an activity she continued when she moved to Australia as a seven year old in 2007.
“I did Irish dancing from four years of age until I was about 14, and participated in state and world championships,” she said.
“I have always been a natural performer.”
For Constable Bubenaite her main love is singing, a
skill that has been honed using her natural talent, unaided by vocal lessons in her formative years. She has also developed an aptitude for songwriting, enabling her to capture her prevailing emotions and personal experiences.
“Around the age of 12 I started listening to Eminem and randomly rapping to his songs,” Constable Bubenaite said.
“I then started exploring my own journey of writing music, incorporating both singing and rapping.”
While policing Henley Beach may not involve the same high crime levels as Eminem’s hometown of Detroit, it often provides the creative inspiration for Geistare’s songs.
“When I have a difficult day at work or face life’s challenges, I turn to music
As a singer and songwriter, music allows me to delve into different worlds and express myself.
as my escape,” Constable Bubenaite said.
“As a singer and songwriter, music allows me to delve into different worlds and express myself. It’s my constant ‘go to’ for relief or happiness, no matter what I’m feeling.”
Constable Bubenaite has been combining her passion for performing with her policing career since graduating from Cadet Course 49 in 2021. Prior to joining SAPOL she worked in hospitality and ran her own business as an eyelash extension technician, however she yearned for change and found policing to be more in tune with her aspirations.
“What I enjoy most about policing is helping people,” Constable Bubenaite said.
“It’s very rewarding when you see people’s smiles and relief after you’ve assisted them.
“I recently had an elderly couple thank me after I helped them lodge an intervention order against an individual. They were so grateful – they were crying and gave me a hug.”
Since graduating, Constable Bubenaite has worked in Port Adelaide DPT and the response teams based at Parks and Henley Beach police stations, however it’s her current role that she’s enjoyed the most.
“In the Henley Beach DPT role I get to investigate the whole matter, sometimes from start to end. I often feel like I’m my own boss as I have my own tasks and investigations to work on,” she said.
“Each day is different, which is what I like about policing. I enjoy going out exploring different situations and problem-solving.
“I also like the diversity of roles. SAPOL is one organisation, but it has so many different avenues you can pursue.”
One such avenue would be Constable Bubenaite’s dream future SAPOL role of being a singer in the iconic Band of the South Australia Police.
“As a probationary constable I wrote a rap about bullying for special education children and performed it during a Band visit to their school,” she said.
“It would be really cool to be a singer in the Band, however if that didn’t eventuate, I’d like to join Mounted Operations Unit.”
For now, the accomplished singer is focused on creating new material and developing her distinctive sound which ‘triple j Unearthed’ described as being similar to Amy Winehouse, Adele, RAYE and Miley Cyrus.
“Miley Cyrus and RAYE are two of my biggest musical inspirations, along with Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Tate McRae and Lana Del Rey,” Constable Bubenaite said.
“My style of music is very diverse. I don’t like setting myself to one particular niche because I’m still discovering my artistry.
“I like ballads, jazzy blues, rap and pop. I’ve also performed some country song covers on my Instagram page. If I’m connecting with a song, then I love to sing it no matter what genre it is.”
The past few years seem like a whirlwind for the independent artist, since her first song ‘Lies’ was released in 2021. She has risen above the challenges of shiftwork in her promising policing career to find time to perform live at a range of venues, including a wedding on the Spanish island of Mallorca, while also working on collaborations with well-known DJs. Geistare has also continued to build her online presence while feverishly writing new material.
“It can be difficult and tiring combining two careers, but I love it,” Constable Bubenaite said.
“It would be amazing to have music as my main career as it will always be a
passion, however, I’m also focused on working hard as a police officer and embracing any opportunities that come my way.
“If you have a dream and you’re dedicated and work hard, you can do anything.”
You can find Geistare on Instagram (@geistare_).
Click on the link in her bio to experience her music through Spotify, YouTube and TikTok.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Constable Geistare Bubenaite performs at a wedding in Mallorca, Spain. Photos: Instagram.
Constable Geistare Bubenaite in the music video for her song ‘Foolish’.
Therapy dogs can significantly decrease anxiety levels during counselling and increase employees’ engagement, sociability and responsiveness.
WORKING THEIR TAILS OFF
Therapy dog Maple with Shivani Patel, and opposite page, with Senior Sergeant Paul Sowerby. Photos: Andrew Challen.
Working in law enforcement commonly involves an elevated level of workplace stress, with higher exposure to traumatic incidents often compromising employees’ physical and mental health.
Across this industry, workers have shown a reluctance to seek help, however, this is now changing with the integration of wellbeing initiatives into their daily work routine.
At South Australia Police (SAPOL), Employee Assistance Section (EAS) is leading the way with a range of innovative programs aimed at improving our people’s mental and physical health. One program has seen its spearhead working like a dog, with Maple the one-year-old Border Collie unleashed into SAPOL workplaces as a therapy dog in training.
Maple lives with her handler, Cate Dayman, the Team Leader, Social Work in EAS, who is responsible for
overseeing her on-the-job training.
“Maple commenced her training as a 10-week-old puppy in October 2023,” Ms Dayman said.
“Her role involves working in EAS, being present during appropriate clinical interventions, site visits and critical incident debriefs.”
Research shows that utilising therapy dogs in a policing setting has many benefits including reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress and lowering both depression levels and responses to stress.
“Therapy dogs can significantly decrease anxiety levels during counselling and increase employees’ engagement, sociability and responsiveness,” Ms Dayman said.
“Feedback we have received from employees who have engaged with Maple and SAPOL’s previous therapy dog, Pepper, has strongly aligned with this research.”
Pepper, a Brussels Griffon, was the first dog Ms Dayman trained to be a therapy dog.
Pepper started training at five years old but retired just two year later.
“Unfortunately, as a seven-
year-old, three-kilogram ball of sass, Pepper developed some unhealthy workplace habits as she got older, due to getting very tired from the level of interaction, despite loving it,” she said.
“While I’m sure many of us can relate to being tired and grumpy in the workplace, it’s not ideal for a therapy dog.
“Being a Border Collie, Maple has a higher stamina and level of trainability to Pepper which has been great.”
With Pepper, Ms Dayman completed Clinical Therapy Dog and Handler training through Therapy Dogs Australia, enabling her to practice Animal Assisted Therapy in a clinical setting.
“From the course and my experience working with Pepper I have the necessary skills to train Maple to the same level,” she said.
“Maple is currently training well and will soon undertake a formal obedience and temperament assessment.”
While Maple’s presence is warmly received by staff, consent is always sought before she interacts with anyone or enters someone’s workspace.
“This ensures that no-one
with allergies or discomfort around dogs is required to interact with her,” Ms Dayman said.
“EAS has policies and procedures in place to ensure both the therapy dog and employees are safe and comfortable when a therapy dog is in use.”
Maple is currently the only therapy dog in SAPOL, however, it is hoped the program will be expanded in the future so more employees can enjoy its many benefits. For now, Maple seems content to be the centre of attention.
“She absolutely adores people and has been enjoying the constant attention and affection,” Ms Dayman said.
“Maple has been wellreceived by staff and it takes me a long time to walk anywhere through the building without being stopped so that people can spend some time with her.
“As Maple is still in training, she is not yet completing the full scope of her role but has received lots of positive feedback for the work she has done so far.”
Unleashing a new approach to life
While therapy dogs like Maple work alongside their handler to provide support to many people, an assistance dog is trained to support an individual person
with a medical condition or disability to improve their life. Unlike therapy dogs, they have public access rights and should not be approached while they are working.
With his commanding size and lush white coat, it’s no surprise that assistance dog Zahari has become a popular and eyecatching figure
in SAPOL headquarters. The four-year-old White Swiss Shepherd plays a vital role in ensuring Senior Constable Vanessa Sharp can comfortably perform her role as a Project Officer in the Intelligence and Probity Unit.
“I am currently training Zahari to be my own assistance dog through the MindDog organisation,” Senior Constable Sharp said.
“Zahari came into my life when he was only eight weeks old, however I didn’t start training with him as an assistance dog until he reached six months.
“Zahari assists me with my mental health within the workplace. He has certain tasks that help me with my mental health triggers and reduces negativity around me.
“Some tasks he has been trained to do, others he has had a natural ability to pick up himself.”
Zahari has adapted well to office life and been warmly welcomed by colleagues.
“He has been accompanying me at work for around two years and has no trouble with everyday tasks such as travelling in lifts, going through the security gates and entering sliding doors,” Senior Constable Sharp said.
“He took a while to get used to the cleaners and would initially unleash his booming bark if they were vacuuming near him.
“Management has been extremely supportive of Zahari being in the workplace, while colleagues have told me they enjoy his positive presence.
“Whenever I enter the building, I get smiles from most people, with some saying it really makes their day when they see Zahari at work.”
Assistance dogs are covered by the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which stipulates that they are trained to alleviate the effects of a disability and must meet standards of hygiene and behaviour.
Zahari began his training with Canine Assist at six months of age, with Senior Constable Sharp also selftraining him under their guidance. Zahari is now training with MindDog, where he has 12 months until he is assessed for the Public Access Test.
“The training will continue after Zahari passes that test as he needs to re-sit
the test annually to keep his accreditation,” Senior Constable Sharp said.
“Zahari’s training has involved many challenges as he has taken on some of my anxiety and is also not completely food orientated, so I’ve had to become inventive.
“There are some things he is brilliant at and others which still require some attention.”
Thanks to Zahari, Senior Constable Sharp can venture into public places that would otherwise potentially trigger an anxiety attack or other mental health responses.
“With Zahari I can confidently enter buildings, attend work, go to crowded areas, and be social, instead of living a reclusive existence at home,” she said.
“Having Zahari around 24/7, either working or at leisure, gives me enormous pleasure and I feel lucky to be living a relatively normal life thanks to this wonderful boy.”
Management has been extremely supportive of Zahari being in the workplace, while colleagues have told me they enjoy his positive presence.
Senior Constable Vanessa Sharp with her assistance dog Zahari.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
SMOKING OUT ORGANISED CRIME
The illicit tobacco trade is a lucrative business with the potential for huge financial gains. Since mid-2024, organised crime syndicates have intensified their criminal activity in South Australia, seeking to control the local illicit tobacco market through extortion, arson, property damage and acts of violence.
While the primary role for monitoring illicit tobacco rests with other agencies, the ongoing threat to community safety and the urgent need to combat serious and organised crime involvement has seen South Australia Police (SAPOL) launch Operation Eclipse.
Operation Eclipse commander, Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the operation aims to disrupt and detect serious criminal activity through a rapid, effective and coordinated response of SAPOL resources to ensure public safety.
“Coordinated by Serious and Organised Crime Branch (SOCB), Operation Eclipse is a whole-of-organisation
response to target organised crime syndicates and disrupt their financial operations and associated criminal activity,”
he said.
“We have been proactive in identifying the criminal networks involved in the illicit tobacco trade and are working with partner agencies, in particular Consumer and Business Services to adversely impact their business.
“Operation Eclipse has established strong working relationships with Victoria Police and other law
enforcement agencies to identify opportunities to disrupt violence aligned with the illicit tobacco market.”
Curtailing the illicit tobacco trade in South Australia is challenging, with the risks associated with importing and selling illicit tobacco far outweighed by the profit.
More than 200 shops are selling illegal tobacco products in South Australia, with the market being fuelled by the willingness of people to purchase cheaper tobacco products and vapes from those stores. This in turn
creates an environment for organised crime syndicates to exploit for their own gain.
There have been reports of South Australian tobacco shop owners being subjected to heavy-handed standover tactics to extort a monthly fee or a cut of their profits, with threats to firebomb their store if they don’t comply.
Operation Eclipse is now targeting three primary syndicates vying for the “lion’s share” of this lucrative market.
“We are focusing our attention on organised crime syndicates from Victoria and Queensland who are expanding into the South Australian market, along with a local syndicate,” Detective Chief Inspector Featherby said.
“These criminal networks have established premises in South Australia so they’re aiming to secure a significant share of the market or leverage some form of payment from those stores that are not selling their product.
“It’s a complex investigation as we are dealing with sophisticated organised crime syndicates who often use third parties to commit the offences.”
Central to Operation Eclipse’s aim of disrupting and curbing serious criminal activity has been regular raids on premises suspected of involvement in the illicit tobacco trade.
On 11 December raids were carried out on 15 tobacconists, candy and gift shops and small supermarkets. These involved around 80 officers from across Crime Service, with the support of officers from all four districts.
Illicit tobacco worth just over $1 million was seized at the 15 premises, along with $8000 cash. Only two of the premises were licensed. This significant haul follows raids conducted on 14 premises across the metropolitan area in late November that uncovered almost $3 million in tobacco products and seized $123 000 in cash.
During Operation Eclipse 105 residential, business and storage premises have been searched, along with vehicles stopped on key transit routes into South Australia. This has resulted in the seizure of $1.17 million in cash, three firearms, 10 vehicles and $9.1 million worth of illicit tobacco products.
Detective Senior Sergeant Danny Gillan from SOCB says this represents a significant blow to the organised crime syndicates’ operations.
“The multi-raid days are an integral part of our disruption tactics targeting these groups,” he said.
“SOCB is also diligently investigating incidents of extortion, arson and intimidation.
“Organised crime syndicates exploit any vulnerabilities to generate profits, which are often used to fund further criminal activities, negatively impacting the community.
“Operation Eclipse is proactively targeting these syndicates to disrupt their profit-making abilities, seize their assets, and reduce violence in South Australia.”
With organised crime syndicates operating across borders, Operation Eclipse maintains a strong working relationship with partner agencies interstate.
“We are collaborating closely with local and interstate agencies to make South Australia a hostile environment for organised crime,” Detective Senior Sergeant Gillan said.
“At a strategic level, SOCB have established strong relationships with Australian Border Force, the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner and our law enforcement partners, to ensure we are able to contribute and learn from the national intelligence picture. These efforts further support the work being undertaken by Operation Eclipse.”
Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 27 arrests for offences including extortion, serious assault, affray and money laundering.
“We have had some significant outcomes to date,
which is a testament to the diligence and commitment of those that have supported Operation Eclipse,” Detective Chief Inspector Featherby said.
“There has been extensive support from various services which has been invaluable to progress arson and offences of violence investigations, supporting the raid days and other tactical activity to disrupt the illicit market in both metropolitan and rural areas.
“Consumer and Business Services have played a pivotal role in the success of Operation Eclipse, while community support has also been crucial, with more than 230 calls to Crime Stoppers providing valuable information that is assisting us.”
Operation Eclipse investigators will continue to adopt a proactive approach to disrupt the illicit tobacco market.
“It’s evident what we are doing is suppressing the activity of organised crime syndicates, which will require continued commitment and sustained pressure,” Detective Chief Inspector Featherby said.
“SAPOL will maintain a whole-of-organisation response to disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks and send a strong message that the illicit tobacco trade and associated violence will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with any information on the sale of illicit tobacco products or the criminal activity associated with it is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
ABOVE: Items seized from raids. Photos: Serious and Organised Crime Branch.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFER COMMUNITY
Operation Paragon is focused on addressing alcohol-related antisocial behaviour through a multi-agency approach.
Senior Community Constable Lauren Taylor and Brevet Sergeant Madeline Friend discuss community safety with members of the Department of Human Services’ Remote Visitor Outreach team.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
Over the past two years the desire to make Adelaide a vibrant city with people feeling safe and being safe has experienced occasional challenges, with spikes in anti-social and sometimes violent behaviour.
OperationParagon, a multi-agency approach led by South Australia Police (SAPOL) has been at the forefront of addressing the root causes of the issues, while allaying the public’s concern.
The operation has seen the deployment of additional police resources to reduce
crime and the fear of crime in the Central Business District (CBD). Operation Paragon was first introduced in the city region in 2014, and then re-commenced in November 2022 in response to anti-social behaviour and homelessness in the CBD, and to support the operational work of SAPOL’s Safety and Wellbeing Taskforce.
According to the Officer in Charge of Eastern District, Superintendent Scott Denny, Operation Paragon is now a permanent fixture in the district’s operations.
“Operation Paragon is focused on addressing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour through a multiagency approach. It helps to facilitate access to support services that address the health and welfare needs of at-risk individuals in the community,” he said.
“Paragon features a dedicated uniformed team that provides a visible and accessible police presence and concentrates its efforts on reducing crime within the CBD and surrounding Adelaide Park Lands.”
The Operation Paragon team comprises seven officers, including a Senior Community Constable, and is led by a Sergeant. The team can be scaled up or down to meet peak demand, with additional resources from within Eastern District, neighbouring districts and other SAPOL services assisting when required.
“Operation Paragon numbers were bolstered in 2023 and in early 2024 when there was a rapid escalation of alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour in North Terrace and nearby areas,” Superintendent Denny said.
“At one stage during 2024, Paragon was scaled up to 22 officers to successfully support frontline operations in dealing with an increase in violence and shop theft offending involving homeless and vulnerable people in Rundle Mall.”
Paragon members actively engage with residents, traders, community groups and support agencies within the Adelaide CBD to address local issues and foster communication to achieve positive outcomes.
“Paragon has close working relationships with multiple stakeholders including the Hutt Street Centre, City of Adelaide, SA Health and the Department of Human Services (DHS),”
Superintendent Denny said.
“We rely heavily on each other for intelligence sharing, support networks and welfare services.
“This greatly assists in dealing with a range of issues involving vulnerable people such as homelessness, mental health, and drug and alcohol addiction.”
The latest iteration of Operation Paragon has seen DHS play a significant role, with their outreach and support services for First Nations visitors to the CBD proving to be highly effective. Paragon members have also utilised the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to provide greater access to areas throughout the park lands and contributed to other operations aimed at reducing crime in the CBD.
“Paragon has supported Operation Measure, SAPOL’s crackdown on retail theft, by detecting and preventing shop theft incidents in Rundle Mall and the broader CBD through their highly visible approach,”
Superintendent Denny said.
“The team continues to engage with business owners throughout the CBD regarding the reporting of behavioural and crimerelated issues.”
Superintendent Denny believes Operation Paragon is making a positive difference.
“Maintaining close relationships with the local community and our key stakeholders has been vital to achieving positive outcomes,” he said.
“There have been spikes in crime and anti-social behaviour over the past two years, but we have immediately addressed those concerns.
“Over that period, we have not experienced prolonged increases in violence or crime in the CBD.
“We remain committed to community safety in the CBD with Operation Paragon, along with initiatives such as dedicated beat patrols, District Policing Teams, the Declared Public Precinct, and our ongoing Operation City Safe all working together to make Adelaide a safe place to live, work and visit.”
COLLABORATION IS THE KEY
Paragon’s Operations Manager, Senior Sergeant First Class (SS1C) Ian Bos has been integral to the success of the operation by building ongoing relationships with a range of agencies including Anglicare, Salvation Army, Baptist Care and SA Housing Trust.
“I am involved in several regular interagency meetings with key partners to discuss issues regarding homelessness, vulnerable people and remote Aboriginal visitors, and initiate and participate in interagency meetings to address particular issues as they arise,” he said.
SS1C Bos believes the multi-agency approach is the only way forward.
“The existing issues and associated complexities we face in managing and supporting vulnerable people means that the only way to address the root causes holistically is to share the responsibility,” he said.
“This requires a collective understanding and empathy for challenges faced by other stakeholders and a will to improve the lives of those affected, all while balancing the priority of community safety.
“It’s a complex and testing environment, however, SAPOL’s investment in this sector through Operation Paragon is paying dividends.”
SS1C Bos says an essential element of Operation Paragon is its authenticity.
“This is demonstrated by the team members who drive it every day. This quality is crucial in gaining and maintaining the trust of our partners as well as the client group,” he said.
On a standard shift, Paragon members provide proactive attention to locations identified via intelligence or concerns from agencies and the public. They liaise with Paragon’s partners, ensure compliance with dry zones, police the Declared Public Precinct and identify and locate persons of interest for criminal offending from within their target cohort.
Paragon members also respond to Communications taskings regarding antisocial behaviour in the CBD and may assist with standby breaches of peace to support SA Housing Trust officers. Excellent communication skills and adaptability are vital to delivering positive outcomes in such a demanding policing environment.
“Paragon officers often have to switch from communicating with directors of stakeholder agencies to dealing with aggressive drug or alcohol-affected people within the one shift,” SS1C Bos said.
“Team members also need to have an excellent understanding of the complexities of Aboriginal culture including family and community dynamics, and an awareness of the impact and causes of substance abuse and mental health.”
While community safety remains the priority of Operation Paragon, balancing this with the wellbeing focus on vulnerable individuals and groups is an enormous challenge, but one that SAPOL is embracing.
“Our relationships with the city council, local traders and partner agencies have been enriched through good, timely communication and reliable service delivery,” SS1C Bos said.
“By selecting the right people for Paragon and maintaining the right balance, the operation has enhanced SAPOL’s reputation in the CBD and provided reassurance to the community.”
Brevet Sergeant Madeline Friend and Sergeant Matthew Edwards patrol the Adelaide Park Lands in an ATV. Photo: Andrew Challen.
KEEPING TRACK OF THEIR PAST
Trackers are famed for using their bush skills to spot subtle markings which reveal the path a person has taken in often harsh and remote areas.
Senior Community Constable Dean Walker. Photo: Che Chorley, ABC News.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this story contains the names and images of Indigenous people who have died.
Over thousands of years the ancient art of tracking has been a valuable skill for Aboriginal people, with each generation passing on their knowledge to the next.
Formore than 170 years, survival skills usually used to track animals have been harnessed by South Australia Police (SAPOL) to solve hundreds of crimes and find countless missing people, but now there are fears the tracking craft could soon be lost.
Renowned for their ability to ‘read the land’, Aboriginal trackers were first called in to assist South Australian police in rural and remote areas during the mid-1800s after Inspector Henry Inman appointed 15 Aboriginal men, selected mainly from Indigenous leaders, to act as police trackers, interpreters and guides.
By the mid-1930s trackers were attached to most country police stations. Their skills in bush craft, tracking, interpreting and liaising with Aboriginal communities proved to be invaluable to local policing. Up until the 1970s SAPOL used police trackers on an as-needs basis for tracking criminals, escapees and lost persons. At their peak, there were more than 65 Aboriginal trackers working with police across the state. Despite the official role of many Aboriginal trackers ending in the 1970s, police still call upon trackers for assistance in major cases today.
Senior Community Constable Dean Walker has ensured that the art of tracking is still relevant and valuable in modern policing. The highly respected 20-year veteran of Coober Pedy policing is renowned for his tracking knowledge and skills which he learnt as a child before working on an outback station.
“It’s part of your DNA, you learn that through life,” he said.
Senior Community Constable Walker once tracked a killer for three days, covering around 110 kilometres before they were located and arrested.
“When you’re tracking a suspect it’s like a chess game. You have to know when they’re moving and what
direction they’re moving in. You need to think 10 steps ahead of them,” he said.
Also based in Coober Pedy is Senior Community Constable Patrick Larkins. He firmly believes that there is still a place for tracking skills in policing. Like his colleague, he learned to follow animal tracks while hunting as a child, before turning to tracking people when he joined SAPOL.
“You’re not looking just for the track, you do find disturbances in the ground, bushes broken and rocks moved, that kind of stuff,” Senior Community Constable Larkins explained.
The experienced Community Constable recalls a search for a man who fatally assaulted a woman
in Umoona, an Aboriginal community on the outskirts of Coober Pedy. At the time he was joined by former Community Constable Chris Warrior.
The suspect had gone on the run before being seen at a local tourism attraction, ‘Crocodile Harry’s’, about five kilometres out of town. He then headed into bushland, providing him with numerous places to hide.
“We spotted his tracks in the soft sand,” Senior Community Constable Larkins recalled.
The pair was joined by a fellow tracker and other police officers as they followed a creek bed into the outback. With the suspect fleeing in bare feet, his footprints were easy to find.
Senior Community Constable Patrick Larkins and former Community Constable Chris Warrior discuss a past tracking case. Photo: Che Chorley, ABC News.
Pursued by the experienced trackers for more than 24 hours, the offender accepted the inevitable.
“He knew we were going to find him, so he gave himself up,” Senior Community Constable Larkins said.
FOLLOWING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
Trackers are famed for using their bush skills to spot subtle markings which reveal the path a person has taken in often harsh and remote areas. They’re able to explore things that are out of place but go unnoticed to the untrained eye.
For decades, trackers were seen as the forerunners to forensics teams; countrymen using their close observation and awareness of the immediate environment, a sense of mindfulness of the moment and an understanding of psychology – to interpret just what the person being tracked was trying to do.
Countless trackers have played a crucial role in the success and efficiency of police investigations, earning the respect of country police officers and their local communities. Legendary trackers like Alfred Ryan, Peter Aringa, Scoundrel Bob, Tiger, Andy, Pony Mick, Lanky Kana, Jimmy James, Fred Cooper, Mick McLean, Fred Johnson, Tommy Ridge and Alec Riley were revered for
their expertise.
The most famous tracker was Jimmy James, who died in 1991. For around 40 years he worked closely with SAPOL using tracking skills and instincts honed by generations of Pitjantjatjara men to locate scores of murderers, prison escapees and missing people.
Of the 104 times police enlisted his services, two cases stand out. In 1966 he and fellow Aboriginal tracker Daniel Moodoo found nineyear-old Wendy Pfeiffer who had been abducted, stabbed and left for dead on the banks of the Onkaparinga River. She was found alive after three hours of tracking following a fruitless three-day search by police.
In 1982, Mr James found escapee child killer James George Smith in the Riverland after spending six days tracking him for more than 100 kilometres in rugged terrain. Two years later, Mr James was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to policing and the community.
Senior Community Constables Larkins and Walker met Mr James when they were young students in Port Augusta. Mr James challenged all the school children to hide.
“Kids were putting their shoes on backwards and socks on and all this kind of thing and trying to cover
their tracks, and he found each and every one of us,”
Senior Community Constable Larkins said.
“Jimmy James is legendary and as a community we are extremely proud of the work he did.”
Tracking is a unique skill that many hope will be preserved, despite evolving technology reducing the frequency of tracking being called upon for police investigations.
In recent years, community constables have continued to use their tracking skills to solve crimes. Cases include a missing person on the far west coast, a drug bust in
Legendary tracker Jimmy James in 1982.
the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, and a successful search for a wanted couple near Lyndhurst, who had tried to escape into the bush with their three children in extreme heat.
“Tracking is incredibly useful, especially in remote areas because you don’t have many resources, so you rely on your knowledge of the land,” Senior Community Constable Larkins said.
“Technology has improved over the decades, but out here it can have limitations, so tracking still has a place.”
Today there are 26 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community constables in SAPOL, but not all have tracking skills.
Senior Community Constable Walker fears the ancient craft could be lost when the current generation retires, however he is determined to pass on the knowledge he has.
“You can’t teach tracking in school, you have to be out here to learn that,” he said.
“I take my sons out every time I have a weekend off and show them what I can.
“Maybe one day they will follow in my footsteps.”
Senior Community Constable Patrick Larkins in Coober Pedy.
Photo: Che Chorley, ABC News.
Photo: Supplied.
TACKLING HER FIELDS OF DREAMS
From a young age I wanted to be a police officer, and more specifically a dog handler.
Brevet Sergeant Chantelle Ryder with Police Dog Winter.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
Brevet
Chantelle
From a very young age, Brevet Sergeant Chantelle Ryder knew she belonged in blue. Whenever she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, ‘police officer’ was always the answer.
Running parallel to this dream career was a passion for soccer, a sport Brevet Sergeant Ryder took up as a five year old. More than two decades later, she is successfully tackling both fields and having a ball.
“From a young age I wanted to be a police officer, and more specifically a dog handler,” Brevet Sergeant Ryder said.
“I have always enjoyed the idea of having a sense of duty and ability to assist the community and be in a job that allowed me to be active and not stuck behind a desk every day.”
Brevet Sergeant Ryder fulfilled her ambition in September 2016 when she strode into the Police Academy as a member of Course 15. The following year
she commenced her first role at Parks Patrols, remaining there until a secondment at Operation Mandrake in 2021. Roles in the District Policing Team at Parks Police Station and Port Adelaide Volume Crime Section soon followed before she won her dream job as a handler in Dog Operations Unit in September 2023.
“I love the unpredictability of the role and the ability to work outside with dogs every day, while having the opportunity to explore the state,” Brevet Sergeant Ryder said.
Since day one in Dog Operations Unit, Brevet Sergeant Ryder has been joined by her reliable canine companion, Police Dog (PD) Winter, a two-and-a-halfyear-old Labrador, who she initially trained.
“Training is a vital part of my role as a specialist dog handler, as I need to develop and maintain PD Winter’s skillset by regularly exposing her to drug odours through re-creating realistic scenarios,” she said.
“This then translates into operational deployments where we work as a team to identify and locate any drug odour that may be hidden or secreted.
Sergeant
Ryder celebrates the ultimate success with Salisbury Inter. Photo: Adam Butler.
“Recently, I have undertaken learning opportunities of my own by assisting with the unit’s puppy development program, where I am learning to train young puppies just beginning their journey to becoming a police dog.”
ACHIEVING HER GOALS
The path to realising this dream career was not clearcut, with soccer being the predominant focus for many years. Born in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Brevet Sergeant Ryder moved to Brisbane at six years of age, where she resided until making the move to Adelaide in 2015 to play for Adelaide United in the W-League (now A-League Women).
During the 2015-16 season Brevet Sergeant Ryder mainly alternated between centre back and full back for Adelaide United, however she called it quits at the end of that campaign.
“After the season concluded I joined SAPOL and was no longer able to
meet the training and travel commitments,” she said.
“I would have loved to continue playing with Adelaide United, but in those times, it made more financial sense to pursue my policing career.
“I only intended to stay in Adelaide for one season and then return to Queensland, but I enjoyed the local lifestyle and people too much and decided to make Adelaide my new home.”
Despite calling time on her promising W-League career, Brevet Sergeant Ryder has kept pursuing her love of soccer, continuing a long journey that dates back to being selected in various state and representative sides as a junior, and being a member of an under-14 Australian team that travelled to Vietnam. She is now in her ninth season in the Women’s National Premier League (WNPL), having captained her team in seven of those.
“As captain with my current club, Salisbury Inter, I’ve experienced amazing success, winning three out of the past four grand finals,
and in 2021 we were a treble winning squad, winning the cup, along with the minor and major premierships,” Brevet Sergeant Ryder said.
“Overall, my soccer career has been quite successful and something I have continually worked hard to achieve over the years.”
The reliable centre back joined Salisbury Inter in 2018, after her first foray into the WNPL with Adelaide University SC two years earlier. She followed her coach Tracey Jenkins, a former Matilda and current serving police officer, to her new club.
“Tracey coached me for about four years and was a great sounding board for me through my time at the Academy and in the early years as a police officer,” Brevet Sergeant Ryder said.
“I’m also fortunate to currently have another coach who is also a police officer, Carl Maynard. He has been an amazing coach who has been understanding and supportive with balancing both soccer and work.”
DOGGED DETERMINATION
Brevet Sergeant Ryder has achieved both on and off the field, however her success is tinged with sadness. In 2010, her mother tragically passed away after a long battle with cancer.
“I was just 15 years old at the time, so her death has had a massive impact on my life,” she said.
“Not being able to share my personal and professional successes with her have made them somewhat bittersweet.
“My mum was one of the biggest supporters of my soccer career and a major reason for the determination and commitment I have shown throughout my life.”
Brevet Sergeant Ryder’s late mother continues to be on her mind and influences every aspect of her life.
“I often think of my mum throughout everyday life, when I experience different things or achieve goals I have set,” she said.
“Knowing how proud she would be is definitely a driving
Brevet Sergeant Chantelle Ryder undertakes training with PD Winter. Photo: Andrew Challen.
As captain with my current club, Salisbury Inter, I’ve experienced amazing success.
force in who I am and who I strive to be every day.”
The heartbreak instilled a sense of fortitude and resilience in Brevet Sergeant Ryder, traits that would prove invaluable in 2021 when she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while making a rare appearance as a striker for Salisbury Inter. While the debilitating physical challenges were obvious, it was the mental aspect that proved the most challenging.
“It’s a lonely journey back to the playing field. It was difficult watching my teammates train and not being able to feel part of the team I had led for five years,” Brevet Sergeant Ryder said.
“I had to re-learn my body mechanics and learn to trust my body again. Once I got over that hurdle, my physical recovery went quickly.”
The accomplished leader’s strong commitment to recovery saw her rise above the mental and physical challenges and return to the field eight months later, well ahead of expectations for a serious ACL injury.
“The timing of my injury enabled me to spend the whole off-season fully dedicated to returning to action,” Brevet Sergeant Ryder said.
“The injury reignited my love of the game and gave me a new drive to succeed.”
The incapacitating injury also had an impact on Brevet Sergeant Ryder’s police work, forcing her onto light duties for around six months. With Covid-19 prevalent at the time, it was easy to adapt to performing administrative duties from home, however she faced a race against time to return to being operational to pursue a key career ambition.
“Dog Operations Unit were about to advertise for dog handler roles, but I needed to be fully operational to complete the selection process,” Brevet Sergeant Ryder said.
“I worked extremely hard to reach that goal. In the end it was only a matter of weeks between becoming operational and completing the selection process.”
Now a valued member of Dog Operations Unit, and with her injury ordeal well behind her, Brevet Sergeant Ryder continues to achieve goals both on and off the field.
“All these experiences – the achievements, the challenges, the learning opportunities – have shaped me into the person, and police officer, I am today,” she said.
Brevet Sergeant Chantelle Ryder in action for Salisbury Inter.
Photo: Adam Butler.
ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION ENTERS A NEW CYCLE
The new Road Safety Centre has been purposebuilt to deliver a range of free road safety skills for people of all ages in a safe and fun environment.
Senior Constable First Class Nicholas Lomman imparts important road safety messages to children. Photo: Laura Perry.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Children enjoying the mock roadway. Photo: Elke Brintrup Krueger.
In 1964, South Australian children first experienced valuable road safety lessons from South Australia Police (SAPOL) at the Road Safety School at Thebarton.
Sixty years later, SAPOL is still at the forefront of road safety education, teaching a new generation of road users at the recently opened Road Safety Centre at West Beach.
The new state-of-theart facility is expected to build on the success of the previous Road Safety Centre at Thebarton Police Barracks, which delivered over 1000 free road safety sessions, displays and events to more than 85 000 people at the centre and across the state during the 2023-24 financial year. Located within the West Beach Parks precinct, it is sure to become a popular attraction for families.
Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Shane Johnson believes the new Road Safety Centre will provide a vital service to the community.
“The new Road Safety Centre has been purposebuilt to deliver a range of free road safety skills for people of all ages in a safe and fun environment,” he said.
“The mock roadway is a key feature of the new centre, which will give children the opportunity to learn road safety fundamentals with their families and carers, or in a session with Road Safety Section members.
“The centre also offers new simulators to give the experience of driving under hazardous conditions but in a safe environment. Simulations include driving while using a mobile phone and driving above the speed limit.”
The new complex replaces
the previous Road Safety Centre, which was based at Thebarton Police Barracks from 2013, with that location to be the future site for the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Interestingly, it is the second time the centre has moved due to a hospital construction, with the original Road Safety School closed after nearly 50 years to make way for the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The Road Safety Section’s Program Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Sue O’Connor has fond memories of the former Road Safety Centre, where she worked from 2017, but welcomes the new opportunities for road safety education.
“It was sad to leave as our road safety team had put a lot of time and effort into transforming the facility to ensure we were seen as a leader in the road safety space,” she said.
“The new Road Safety Centre is a significant improvement on the previous one. We are proud to say that it has been developed to better cater for people living with a disability.
“The building has two classrooms and a designated tech zone that allows students to use road safety driving simulators.
“There are also designated training rooms – one designed for pre-school and primary school students and another for secondary students, young offenders, and business and community groups.”
The centrepiece of the new Road Safety Centre – the mock roadway – features intersections with traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, a roundabout and traffic signs that will be operational during open hours.
“The mock roadway design was based on the one at Thebarton Police Barracks, however it is larger and more spacious,” Senior Sergeant O’Connor said.
“It provides the perfect environment for young people
to learn about road safety. It’s available for the community to use for free on weekends, and between 8 am and 10 am and after 2 pm on weekdays, including during school holidays.
“The traffic lights operate seven days a week between 8 am and 10 pm and participants need to bring their own bike and helmet.”
The new centre is home to SAPOL’s Road Safety Section, whose members travel around the state to deliver road safety education sessions in schools and community centres. The section also produces fact sheets, posters and other resources to promote the ‘Fatal Five’ factors that lead to road trauma and to assist in road safety promotion.
“The Road Safety Section enhances the awareness, knowledge and skills of all road users through lifelong learning,” Senior Sergeant O’Connor said.
“All of our programs have a focus on the Fatal Five, even the younger students’ sessions.
“We have established a road safety program that allows for the whole community to receive road safety information at different stages of their lives, with road safety sessions delivered to preschoolers, right through to
older road users across the state.”
The Road Safety Centre provides more than 20 types of free road safety sessions to schools, businesses and community groups.
“There has already been significant interest in these sessions at the new centre, so we recommend that people book early to secure their chosen date,” Senior Sergeant O’Connor said.
“With the Road Safety Centre conveniently located within the popular West Beach Parks precinct, we will be adding a suite of afterhours sessions for the public to attend.
“Our relationship with West Beach Parks will also see road safety sessions specifically allocated for people staying within the park area.
“Our programs and mock roadway could save your life.”
To book a free session at the Road Safety Centre, call 8207 6923 or email SAPOL. RoadSafetySection@police. sa.gov.au. You can find out more about the centre at police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/ road-safety/road-safetycentre.
A BREATH OF FRESH EYRE
Covering some of the most beautiful areas of South Australia and featuring over 2000 kilometres of pristine coastline, Eyre and Western Local Service Area (LSA) offers its people tremendous diversity in landscape, culture and employment.
TheLSA’s 158 sworn and 12 non-sworn staff serve the three major centres
of Whyalla, Port Lincoln and Ceduna, along with 11 smaller stations spread across a vast area of 254 000 kilometres, stretching south of Port Augusta, right through the Eyre Peninsula to the Western Australia border.
Serving a population of around 70 000 people, Eyre and Western LSA is the ideal location to quickly develop policing skills and gain the necessary experience for career development and future promotion. It is also a great place for emerging leaders to hone their craft.
Superintendent Luke Richards has been Officer in Charge of Eyre and Western LSA since May
2024, taking the leadership mantle from the now retired Superintendent Paul Bahr. Having previously experienced regional policing in the APY Lands and Victor Harbor, Superintendent Richards is embracing his new role and lifestyle in Eyre and Western LSA.
“I’ve been able to settle into my role quickly with the support of LSA staff,” he said.
“I’m loving the country lifestyle with some of the best countryside in the state right on my doorstep to explore. I’m certainly not missing the Adelaide traffic.”
Superintendent Richards has been impressed by the busy and engaged nature
of the LSA, and the strong collaborative relationships. He has been struck by the broad expanse of the state his people cover.
“The tyranny of distance, along with attraction and retention of staff, are the main challenges we face in Eyre and Western LSA,” he said.
However, Superintendent Richards sees far more benefits to working within a bustling regional area.
“From a policing perspective, the high level of community engagement allows for an in-depth knowledge of community and policing issues, which in turn sees an ability to
Superintendent Luke Richards in Port Lincoln. Photo: Brevet Sergeant Ian Baker.
quickly address crime and behavioural issues,” he said.
“I believe it also offers increased development opportunities across all ranks due to a broader exposure to incident management, decision-making, investigations and resource management.
“This is invaluable for future career development and advancement, as members who have worked in regional locations are often highly competitive in applying for promotion.
“Personally, leading a regional LSA provides me with greater opportunities to interact with members, community stakeholders and other agencies. This allows me to continue to develop my leadership skills and experience in a more personalised way than in a metropolitan-based role.”
The new Officer in Charge brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served SAPOL since 2005, predominantly in operational roles across Norwood, Adelaide, Sturt and Christies Beach, including Operations Manager and District Duty Inspector. For the two years
Eyre and Western LSA is the ideal location to quickly develop policing skills and gain the necessary experience for career development and future promotion.
prior to his new posting, Superintendent Richards served as Staff Officer to the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner, providing him with invaluable professional development opportunities and a strong understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing SAPOL. He is now using this knowledge to lead vibrant local communities that have been extremely welcoming.
“There is a strong spirit of community on the Eyre Peninsula and I have had the privilege to be involved in a number of community events since commencing in my role,” Superintendent Richards said.
“Making a career move to a regional LSA is a big decision, however it can be exceptionally rewarding.
“The community-focused nature of country policing provides an opportunity to become an integral leader and work collaboratively with others to make a real impact.”
While he has been investing significant time embedding himself in the LSA and learning his new role, Superintendent Richards has
found the time to experience the envious lifestyle afforded to local residents.
“Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family, four-wheel driving, camping and caravaning, and have already explored some of the amazing locations in the region,” he said.
“I’m also working on establishing my garden and back lawn, so I can sit outside in the evenings and take advantage of the sea views I have from the back of my house.”
SHORING UP A GREAT CAREER
Around 142 kilometres from Port Lincoln is the idyllic coastal town of Elliston. Situated on the shores of spectacular Waterloo Bay and surrounded by dramatic coastline and pristine beaches, Elliston is renowned for its surfing, fishing and beautiful sunsets. It is home to just over 1000 people, including Brevet Sergeant Ashley Traeger, who is now three years into his second stint as Officer in Charge after previously serving in Elliston from 2000 to 2002.
Brevet Sergeant Traeger
has extensive experience in country policing, having worked in regional postings since 1994.
“I have served in Port Augusta, Leigh Creek, Kingston, Elliston, Clare, Port Lincoln, Kadina and Coffin Bay,” he said.
“I was a patrol sergeant for 19 years but have reverted back in rank to enjoy the final few years of my career in the small station environment that Elliston offers.”
Elliston has a quiet and friendly community feel, with the low crime rate and absence of major crime trends making it an enviable location in which to live and work.
“The low crime rate means that when something does occur, you have time to thoroughly investigate matters,” Brevet Sergeant Traeger said.
“There are rarely the time pressures or constraints experienced at larger and busier postings.”
As with most stations across the expansive Eyre and Western LSA, distance is a significant challenge.
“Most of my work occurs in my neighbouring stations’ areas. Some jobs may only
The picturesque Waterloo Bay in Elliston. Photo: Shutterstock.
take a couple of hours but can involve a bit of travel time,”
Brevet Sergeant Traeger said.
“At a small station you are required to work on your own most of the time, while drawing upon neighbouring stations for assistance when required.”
As with other towns in the LSA, road safety is a strong policing focus in and around Elliston. Brevet Sergeant Traeger is regularly sought to service locals’
needs regarding Service SA registrations and inspections. He is also called upon to assist with larger operations and investigations.
“Over the years Elliston has been the scene of several shark attacks, serious road crashes and major drug searches,” he said.
“I have also assisted in joint operations with fisheries and national parks officers.”
Brevet Sergeant Traeger is fully engaged in the local
community as a member of Elliston Council and a netball coach.
“Elliston has a welcoming community and offers fantastic work/life balance,” he said.
“I can fully focus on my policing role and community involvement and then spend my downtime fishing, surfing and taking trips on my motorcycle.
“I urge anyone interested in country policing to look
at the towns available. Each one is fairly unique, but all offer a great lifestyle and opportunities, especially if you have a young family or enjoy doing a lot of outdoor activities.”
Working in a single-person station gives you the opportunity to improve your problem-solving and quick-thinking skills.
The vast expanse of the Eyre Peninsula. Photo: Shutterstock.
Best by a country mile
One person who knows all about the wonderful lifestyle on the Eyre Peninsula is Brevet Sergeant Ashlee Ellis, who spent her formative years in Whyalla before serving her hometown in her first posting after graduating from the Police Academy in 2020.
Brevet Sergeant Ellis is now the Officer in Charge at Cleve, a small wheatbelt service town of around 950 people in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula, approximately halfway between Whyalla and Port Lincoln. She won the role permanently in mid-2024 after previously relieving in Cleve, along with small country stations at Cowell, Kimba and Wudinna.
“I enjoyed working in Cleve the most, so it’s exciting to make this job my own,”
Brevet Sergeant Ellis said.
“It was great being a general duties patrol member in Whyalla, however after relieving in small country stations I felt ready to take
the next step in my policing career and wanted more responsibility.
“I was keen to have my own station in a rural area and the friendly and welcoming nature of the Cleve community made it a very attractive and easy decision to come here.”
Brevet Sergeant Ellis believes that working in a regional LSA offers significantly more opportunities to gain skills and experience over a shorter period.
“Working a singleperson station gives you the opportunity to improve your problem-solving and quickthinking skills,” she said.
“The role requires you to be self-motivated, well-organised and selfdisciplined.
“You have a lot more autonomy but with that comes responsibility and you need to be willing to work solo the majority of the time.”
Brevet Sergeant Ellis has
been warmly welcomed into the Cleve community.
“The locals want a police officer in their town, so they have made a big effort to make me feel welcome,” she said.
“Most people go out of their way to stop and say hello. You can’t walk past a car without the driver and the passenger waving at you.”
For Brevet Sergeant Ellis, immersing herself in community activities is integral to developing relationships with locals.
“The role offers opportunities to engage in activities that bring people together and have a positive influence in their lives at a more personal level,” she said.
“I’ve joined local basketball and softball teams and attend the local gym, where I’m now a committee member. I’m also attempting to start an Eastern Eyre women’s football team.”
Brevet Sergeant Ellis
plans to remain in Eyre and Western LSA for her entire policing career and encourages others to make the move to the region.
“I grew up in the country and have all my family and friends here. The lifestyle of country policing definitely suits me,” she said.
“When you move to a country town, the team becomes your new family.
“Although they have all moved away now, I still communicate daily with my first team members in Whyalla and plan yearly trips with them.
“Country policing has its challenges; however, this offers the ability to progress not only your knowledge and skills in policing but also your own personal growth.
“The career opportunities and rewards, along with the wonderful lifestyle make it all worthwhile.”
Brevet Sergeant Ashlee Ellis in Cleve. Photo: Brevet Sergeant Glen McKenzie.
DOMESTIC ABUSERS IN THE EYE OF THE STORM
Family and domestic violence infiltrates every demographic of society and can affect anyone irrespective of their gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or cultural background; however, it disproportionately impacts women. anyone irrespective cultural background;
Family violence and/or intimate partner violence is the leading cause of serious injury, disability and death for women in Australia.
On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner (Australian Institute of Criminology 2023).
Family and domestic violence is more than just physical abuse. It is
behaviours that are used to coerce, control or create fear for another person within a family or intimate relationship. This can include physical violence, sexual violence, financial abuse, stalking and harassment, social abuse and isolation, emotional and psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, and honour-based violence. It is insidious and disempowering and the trauma has a profound and long-term impact on victim survivors.
Women are around three times more likely than men to have experienced violence inflicted by a partner since the age of 15 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2023).
Intimate partner violence is the greatest health risk factor for women aged 25-44 and the single largest driver of homelessness for women (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2018).
These disturbing statistics and the harrowing
experiences commonly faced by victims demand a strong and committed response. In July 2024, South Australia Police (SAPOL) launched Operation Storm, a quarterly police operation occurring over a two-week period targeting known and repeat domestic abuse perpetrators.
“Operation Storm is a
state-wide offender-centric operation focusing on domestic abuse offenders identified as having risk indicators which create an elevated level of threat to victims,” said the Officer in Charge of Family and Domestic Violence Section, Chief Inspector Kellie Watkins.
Police officers check on a member of the community.
Photo: Stephanie Johnson.
“The operation focuses on locating, investigating and where appropriate arresting wanted suspects for domestic abuse offences, warrants, compliance checks and for the service of intervention orders.”
Operation Storm was first held in July 2024, with a second targeted response occurring in October/ November. More than 400 police officers participated in each of the two fortnightly phases targeting 638 perpetrators who have a history of domestic violence offending or breaching intervention orders, as well as those with a firearms licence.
The targeted operation has seen police attend nearly 800 properties across the state, leading to the arrest of 167 alleged domestic violence offenders, 29 reports, 104 bail compliance checks, and 48 intervention orders issued.
Operation Storm members have conducted 18 firearms prohibition order compliance searches and executed 22 warrants for various domestic abuse offences. Overall, 342 charges have been laid following arrest or reports.
Chief Inspector Watkins hailed the operation a great success, emphasising the proactive approach is contributing to combating domestic abuse across the state.
“We will not only take actions against offenders who pose a threat to victims, but also proactively identify opportunities to refer offenders to behaviour change programs,” she said.
“Operation Storm employs a focused deterrence approach towards perpetrators, with the second phase resulting in 135 support referrals being made to offenders to access rehabilitation services.
“Subsequently, 85 visited the SAPOL website to view this material, showing some are willing to access services to seek assistance with their behaviour.”
Notable arrests resulting
from Operation Storm include a 48-year-old man from Ingle Farm who was charged with strangulation, aggravated serious criminal trespass, threats to kill and numerous aggravated assaults. A 39-year-old man from the Adelaide Plains was apprehended after he allegedly assaulted his partner and set two cars on fire, causing $100 000 damage. Police also arrested a 60-year-old eastern suburbs woman for the attempted murder of her domestic partner.
Operation Storm uses an intelligence-led approach to inform and prioritise operational actions, with Public Protection Branch proactively identifying offenders based on a range of risk indicators. The operation is delivered locally by Districts and Local Service Areas as a 24-hour ‘day of action’ during a two-week period enabling flexibility for local police. Operation Storm utilises a range of police resources including members from general duties, Criminal Investigation Branch, Child and Family Investigation Section, and regional family violence areas, as well as other specialist areas across SAPOL.
“Operation Storm is about having a consistent, coordinated and proactive approach to reducing and preventing domestic abuse,”
Chief Inspector Watkins said.
“It’s vital that we surge resources into this operation to reduce recidivism, hold offenders accountable for their behaviour and limit the risk of harm to vulnerable victims.
“The results we have achieved so far would not have been possible without the tireless contribution of our frontline officers, both during the operation periods, and every day responding to domestic abuse calls in the community.”
TAKING UP THE FIGHT FOR A BETTER FUTURE
While Operation Storm is increasing the focus on the activities of domestic abusers, SAPOL is helping to shape the future response, with its commitment to supporting the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence in South Australia. The Royal Commission commenced on 1 July 2024 and will run for 12 months.
Headed by Assistant Commissioner Stuart McLean, SAPOL’s sixmember Royal Commission team has been busy collating relevant information from various areas of the organisation and preparing informative submissions for the Royal Commissioner, Natasha Stott Despoja.
The Royal Commission is focusing on the key areas of prevention, early intervention, South Australia’s response, recovery and healing, and how these efforts can be better integrated and coordinated.
Royal Commission Team member, Detective Inspector Erin Vanderwoude, welcomes the opportunity for SAPOL to contribute to reforms that better respond to, and prevent incidents of domestic, family and sexual violence.
“Our team has looked at the system as a whole and identified where the gaps are, what best practice looks like and recommended the resources and funding required, particularly for external services to support ongoing victims of family violence,” she said.
“We recognise that responding to these forms of violence is a complex and shared responsibility and hope that providing SAPOL’s genuine insights will lead to reforms that deliver a domestic, family and sexual violence system to better meet the needs of the community.”
An offender is caught in a storm. Photo: Stephanie Johnson.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme enables earlier intervention by strengthening the ability of police and other agencies to provide appropriate support to those at risk.
Mapping out a multi-agency response
Family and domestic violence offences in South Australia have continued to increase over the past five years. In the 2022-23 financial year, there were approximately 22 000 family and domestic violence related occurrences, with 14 000 of them involving assaults and property damage. Additionally, more than 3000 police intervention orders were issued.
SAPOL has shown leadership in this complex area through pioneering the Multi-Agency Protection Service (MAPS), introducing the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme and more recently partnering with Women’s Safety Services SA (WSSSA) to open the Northern Multi Agency Hub.
A multi-agency response is critical for enabling early intervention and prevention. For the past decade SAPOL has been at the forefront of MAPS which shares information with other services to effectively manage family and domestic violence.
MAPS co-locates representatives from SAPOL (as the lead agency) and its partner agencies, the departments for Correctional Services, Human Services, Education and Child Protection; South Australian Housing Authority; SA Health and WSSSA.
“MAPS members share information about referred matters and issue actions to the most appropriate participating agency to mitigate risk to vulnerable people, and ensure they receive relevant and timely support,” Chief Inspector Watkins said.
Recognising the damaging effect of domestic abuse in the community, SAPOL continues to develop collaborative partnerships with other agencies to
support and protect victims.
Following in the footsteps of the successful Multi Agency Hub in the western suburbs, SAPOL and WSSSA partnered to establish the Northern Multi Agency Hub. The new hub offers a coordinated response to family and domestic violence prevention, early intervention, and recovery giving more victims access to the vital services, support and information to keep them safe.
“The focus of the police work within the hub is on victim support and management and interagency information sharing,” Chief Inspector Watkins said.
“Hub staff undertake the delivery of domestic violence disclosures and provide a ‘police station’ service of accepting reports, taking statements and preparing intervention order applications for referred clients.”
Chief Inspector Watkins believes the new hub is making a positive difference to people in the northern suburbs and Barossa region.
“Prior to the hub opening, victims had to visit a police station. Now they can access a victim support service and engage with multiple agencies in an environment where they feel safe and supported,” she said.
“Both of our multi-agency hubs are only accessible by referral.”
REDUCING THE THREAT
Many women are unaware that they could be atrisk of becoming a victim of abuse. This is where the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is invaluable. Launched in 2018, the DVDS allows South Australian residents aged 17 years or older who have reasonable concerns about
their safety in relation to a current or former intimate partner (where there is ongoing contact) to apply online to SAPOL for relevant information to be disclosed.
A third party such as a friend, relative or professional working with a person can also make an application for a disclosure to be made by police to the person they perceive to be at risk of harm.
“The DVDS enables earlier intervention by strengthening the ability of police and other agencies to provide appropriate support to those at risk,” Chief Inspector Watkins said.
“Information disclosed may include convictions for physical and sexual assault, property damage, stalking and other reports made to police which have not, for various reasons, progressed through court.
“Current and historical intervention orders, including breaches, along with convictions for relevant offences committed outside of South Australia are also included.”
The disclosure of information allows a person at risk to make an informed decision about their safety and seek assistance, undertake safety planning and/or decide whether to remain in the relationship.
“The DVDS allows us to work in partnership with Women’s Safety Services SA to engage with at-risk women from the start and provide the necessary support to ensure their needs are met,” Chief Inspector Watkins said.
As of 30 June 2024, there have been 2398 applications lodged with police via the online application process. Of these, 1768 (74 per cent) met the criteria for progressing to a disclosure meeting with the person at risk; 1585 (66 per cent) of applications
were submitted by the person at risk, with the remaining 813 submitted by a thirdparty applicant.
So far, 946 disclosure meetings have been held, noting at any point in time, between 20 and 30 applications are ‘in progress’ and have not yet reached an outcome. Importantly, all applicants/persons at risk, irrespective of whether their application meets the criteria, are contacted by a domestic violence specialist worker (from WSSSA) and are offered assistance and support.
“The disclosure is only provided verbally, with police and a specialist family and domestic violence worker present to support the person at risk and make a safety plan,” Chief Inspector Watkins said.
“Information disclosed is confidential and assurances sought that details of the meeting will not be provided to the person causing the concerns.
“The success of the DVDS, along with SAPOL’s other initiatives has made a discernible difference in responding to family and domestic violence.”
FOREVER REMEMBERED
National Police Remembrance Day provides a timely opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and fallen in the line of duty.
Observed annually on 29 September, it allows us to reflect on the inherent dangers of policing, while remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and expressing gratitude to those currently serving.
The 2024 remembrance was particularly poignant as we reflected on the life of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig who died in the line of duty on 17 November 2023. The 53-year-old was tragically killed after responding to a call at an isolated farm property in Senior, in the state’s south-east. He was one of three officers who confronted an armed offender at the scene, along with Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, who was injured, and Constable Rebekah Cass, who was uninjured and provided critical support to her colleagues.
Brevet Sergeant Doig is the first serving police officer in South Australia to have lost their life from a firearm since 1985 and first officer to be killed while on duty since 2002. He became the 62nd South Australia Police (SAPOL) officer to have lost their life in the line of active duty.
On 27 September 2024, many people united across the state at National Police Remembrance Day services to pay their respects and remember the 62 officers, along with the police members from Australian and South West Pacific police jurisdictions who have died while protecting and serving their communities. Services were held at the Police Academy, the Riverland’s Banrock Station and at Mount
Gambier and Port Pirie police stations.
Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams attended the Police Academy service where she delivered an emotive address capturing the essence of National Police Remembrance Day, while reflecting on the life and career of Brevet Sergeant Doig.
“National Police Remembrance Day provides a valuable opportunity to reflect upon those who serve and those who have fallen, recalling their unquestionable dedication to our profession and our community at large,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
“Brevet Sergeant Doig served his community with the highest integrity, commitment and compassion, displaying honour and courage in performing his duties while knowing the risks his job entailed.
“The profound outpouring of grief across SAPOL and throughout the South Australian community after his passing highlighted the esteem in which Brevet Sergeant Doig was held.”
Brevet Sergeant Doig was a much-loved member of the Lucindale community for 12 years; his final posting in an extensive country policing journey spanning 25 years, including roles in Port Lincoln, Cleve and Robe. He personified SAPOL’s vision of ‘safer communities’ both on and off duty throughout his policing career which began in 1989 as a member of Cadet Course 32. He joined SAPOL as one of a group of individuals but soon became part of the police family, initially working in Unley and Christies Beach patrols before embarking on his country policing odyssey in 1998.
“In policing Brevet Sergeant Doig found his true passion and purpose and set an example to others,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
“He was regarded by many as the quintessential bloke who embodied what it means
to be a country police officer, and had an unwavering dedication to the communities he served.
“The overwhelming display of gratitude and support from so many people since Brevet Sergeant Doig’s untimely passing indicates that the hallmarks of his service –respect, integrity and courage – were appreciated by both his colleagues and the wider community.”
Brevet Sergeant Doig’s family attended a private ceremony on 5 September 2024 to unveil his plaque on the Wall of Remembrance at the Police Academy. At this ceremony, Brevet Sergeant Doig was also posthumously awarded the South Australia Police Bravery Medal and Leadership and Efficiency Medal, adding to the many accolades attained throughout his distinguished career.
Brevet Sergeant Doig’s name was then added to the National Police Memorial at the National Police Remembrance Day service in Canberra, with Commissioner Grant Stevens and several of the late officer’s colleagues in attendance. Also there to pay their respects was a contingent of around 100 motorcycle riders representing SAPOL on the annual Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance.
In the nights leading up to the Canberra service, the National Carillon was illuminated with an image of Brevet Sergeant Doig. In Adelaide, venues including Police Headquarters, Adelaide Oval’s southern stand, Riverbank precinct footbridge, Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Town Hall, and the O-Bahn tunnel were illuminated with blue and white chequering on 29 September to commemorate National Police Remembrance Day.
“National Police Remembrance Day clearly demonstrates the demanding and dangerous nature of policing,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
“It is a job quite unlike any other, with our people knowingly and willingly putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives of others.
“Brevet Sergeant Doig epitomised this, with his selfless actions on that fateful night in Senior.
“We remember Brevet Sergeant Doig and the other 61 South Australian police officers on the honour roll and pay tribute to their supreme sacrifice.”
OPPOSITE
ABOVE: The National Carillon in Canberra illuminated with an image of the late Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig. Photo: Supplied.
PAGE: The memorial service at the Police Academy for the unveiling of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig’s plaque; Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams honours the fallen on National Police Remembrance Day. Photos: Andrew Challen.
COMMUNITY LEADER MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The Naracoorte community has been so welcoming and caring. I describe it as a community united by compassion.
Senior Constable Chris Mailley outside Naracoorte Police Station.
Photo: Sara Gilligan.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Celebrating his award win with Commissioner Grant Stevens. Photo: Andrew Challen.
Going above and beyond to support domestic and family violence victims has seen Senior Constable Chris Mailley awarded South Australia Police Officer of the Year.
Theannual award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Unley, honours the outstanding commitment of a police officer serving the community, with nominations only accepted from the public.
Based in Naracoorte, the Family Violence Investigation Section member has been the impetus behind the development of the Upper South East Domestic Abuse Program (USEDAP), which was launched in 2022. The groundbreaking program provides immediate access to funds to assist those in life-threatening domestic situations.
Senior Constable Mailley has worked tirelessly to develop the program, with his perseverance and creativity initiating a communityfocused approach to assisting victims. The USEDAP has been invaluable in boosting support in the region.
Senior Constable Mailley was humbled to receive the award.
“It’s nice to be awarded later in my career as it shows, like so many police officers, we don’t lose our passion for what we do,” he said.
“I don’t see the award as mine though. This belongs to the community – businesses, service groups, individuals, colleagues and the management team – there’s just too many involved and that shows how much support there’s been for the domestic violence program and other initiatives we’ve set up.
“It also shows we are always trying new ideas to resolve problems here in the Limestone Coast.”
Senior Constable Mailley was inspired to create the USEDAP after a woman came to him seeking help. Her partner was about to leave prison, and there was reason to believe he was likely to cause her serious harm. The woman was willing to move interstate, but she didn’t have the funds to do so.
“She was one of the reasons I developed the program,” Senior Constable Mailley said.
“I thought we needed to have access to immediate funds that we could tap into, irrespective if it’s day or night – that’s the model we needed.”
Through the USEDAP, Senior Constable Mailley was able to help the woman leave before her partner was released from prison. He estimates that the program has already assisted around 50 vulnerable victims, ensuring they can safely escape their domestic situation. The urgent assistance has ranged from the supply of food, clothing and baby milk formula to flights for people to leave the region.
“We are dealing with people at the most vulnerable point of their lives,” Senior Constable Mailley said.
“Previously, my work was offender focused but I also see the importance of victim management. Not only keeping people safe when their life is at risk, but also working with survivors to help restore their confidence and dignity. That in itself is rewarding.”
The USEDAP is a subcommittee of the Naracoorte Lucindale Community Care Network – an incorporated body with charity status – and is independent of any government support agency.
“The program does not receive government funding but raises its money from within the community through donations and fundraising events, and from the support of local businesses,” Senior Constable Mailley said.
“I worked closely with Community Care Network chairperson Erika Vickery to develop the USEDAP concept and from then on, connecting with the right people has allowed the program to go from strength to strength and be so well supported by the community.
“There’s no way I can do this work on my own and without that community support.”
The passionate officer feels grateful to belong to the supportive, tight-knit regional community, one which he has been an integral member of since journeying ‘down under’ from the United Kingdom (UK) in 2009 with his wife Amanda and son Jake. Before arriving in Naracoorte, Senior Constable Mailley enjoyed an exciting 15-year policing career in the UK working in the riot squad, tactical teams, drug disruption, firearms unit, the Criminal Investigation Department and the covert arena.
“We moved to Australia for the better lifestyle, and we have no regrets,” Senior Constable Mailley said.
“I recall we all had a cheeky smile at each other as we flew in and saw Glenelg beach and from there on, our new life commenced.
“The Naracoorte community has been so welcoming and caring. I describe it as a community united by compassion.”
In addition to his
unwavering commitment to domestic violence support, Senior Constable Mailley has a strong involvement with the Naracoorte Lions Club and has worked closely with the local high school to empower students through the newly created Respect Award. He has also dedicated time on and off duty to set up initiatives for vulnerable young people, including the construction of a BMX track, and running numerous drug awareness community forums for young adults. On top of all that, he somehow manages to find time to run his own farm and powder coating business.
When asked about slowing down, the highly respected community leader said he’s “not done yet”.
“I’m hoping to see the upper south-east achieve the best domestic violence support in the state,” Senior Constable Mailley said.
“We’ve been very successful in covering the crisis and recovery stage, but we’re now increasing our focus on prevention.
“We are currently working on initiatives to help prevent family and domestic violence in the community, including collaborating with schools and AC Care so we can change the attitude of young people and hopefully create a generation that changes society for the better.”
Moments in Time
THE END OF AN ERA
RIGHT (clockwise):
Celebrating 100 years of Thebarton
cadets undertaking police vehicle predriving inspections at the Advanced
South Australia Police (SAPOL) has bid farewell to a significant piece of its history, with Thebarton Barracks making way for the construction of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
T1March 1917. Costing £16 000 to build, it was initially constructed for the use of mounted constables as the North Terrace Barracks were no longer suitable.
The original buildings consisted of a kitchen/ mess, administrative quarters, dormitory and stable groups, chaff mill, farriery, saddlery, exercise circuit and quarantine shed. The Inspector’s residence stood in relative isolation on the eastern extremity of the site. There was also provision for the Aboriginal trackers who worked with the mounted police when required.
Over its 107 years, Thebarton Barracks was home to Junior Constable training, the Police Garage, Traffic Branch, Advanced Driving Wing, Underwater Recovery and Emergency Operations Group, and Aged Driver Testing among others. It was also the original home of STAR Group until 2001.
In recent years, its residents included Mounted Operations Unit, Dog Operations Unit, Road Safety Section, State Operations Support Branch, Police Security Services Branch, Traffic Camera Unit, Armoury, Band of the South Australia Police, and the South Australian Police Historical Society. The Road Safety Centre, with its mock roadway, was opened adjacent to the Barracks in 2013.
On 30 September 2024, the Barracks site was officially handed over to the hospital’s builders, signifying the end of an era for the heritagelisted facility. Commissioner Grant Stevens acknowledged the farewell felt “bittersweet”.
“For over a century, Thebarton Barracks has been a cornerstone of our operations, witnessing countless milestones and serving as a testament to SAPOL’s enduring legacy,” he said.
“We now have an opportunity to weave cherished traditions into new and innovative ways of operating, with this move allowing us to acquire modern facilities such as the new Road Safety Centre at West Beach and stateof-the-art facilities at Gepps Cross for Mounted Operations Unit.”
All 15 SAPOL units formerly based at Barracks are now at new sites, with the Thebarton Barracks Project Team having worked closely with the State Government over the past two years to ensure that staff have modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation that meets SAPOL’s operational requirements.
A video remembering and paying homage to an integral part of our history can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/rtd_FdEpEXI
Barracks in 2017;
Driving Wing in 1974; officers in a Detective Training Course in 1964. Photos: Andrew Challen and South Australian Police Historical Society.