Blueprint
From the Editor Content
Last year 117 lives were lost on South Australian roads with a further 856 people seriously injured, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. South Australia Police (SAPOL) is unrelenting in its pursuit of reducing this senseless carnage, recently introducing a range of hard-hitting road safety campaigns targeting drug driving, seatbelts and distraction – three of the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of road trauma. These confronting campaigns focus on changing behaviours through messages that resonate with the target audience and encourage them to make better decisions on our roads.
Effective decision-making is also imperative for the Bomb Response Unit, where the risk of death or serious injury is only metres or seconds away as they attend to explosive-related incidents across the state. The ‘team profile’ article in this issue explores the demands of this highly specialised field,
along with the rigorous training, technology and safety equipment required to successfully perform the role. Sergeant Chris Bull knows the importance of making the right call, having achieved more than 260 AFL games, including the 2016 grand final as a boundary umpire. We discover how he stays at the top of his game in two careers. We also meet Senior Sergeant First Class Russell Dippy to explore his successful 25-year career in Emergency and Major Event Section. Hoping to enjoy similarly extensive careers are Police Security Officers (PSOs) who are now taking advantage of the expansion of PSO roles by performing tasks previously undertaken by frontline police officers. The new focus on the security of people, places and property provides more diversity and career development opportunities for PSOs while helping SAPOL meet the increasing demand for services. In this issue we also highlight the diligent investigative work of our people in shutting down a syndicate of scammers, and meet brave ‘Sergeant’ Sammy Scully, a terminally ill eight-year-old boy who joined our ranks for one special day.
• MATHEW RODDA
We are fully participating in two key government inquiries – one into the mental health of our workforce; the other into domestic, family and sexual violence. Commissioner's foreword
In SAPOL we take pride in providing leadership to improve the safety of South Australians and driving transformation to build safer communities.
We always look for opportunities and new ways to tackle challenges and that is why we are fully participating in two key government inquiries –one into the mental health of our workforce; the other into domestic, family and sexual violence.
A Parliamentary Select Committee is examining the support and mental health services for police and SAPOL has provided evidence on the challenges facing the frontline and the suite of programs we offer, not only to our staff but their families as well.
While we are making progress in ensuring the right services and supports are in place, there is still a reluctance by some to ask for help and we look
forward to the committee’s recommendations and opportunities they present to strengthen our wellbeing services.
More than ever before there is an increased focus on the scourge of domestic, family and sexual violence. SAPOL is committed to responding to and reducing the incidence of domestic, family and sexual violence. We have shown leadership through pioneering the MultiAgency Protection Service, introducing the DV Disclosure Scheme and more recently opening the Northern DV Prevention and Recovery Hub in partnership with Women’s Safety Services SA. The State Government has commenced a Royal Commission into family, domestic and sexual violence and SAPOL will play an integral part in this. I have formed a team to spearhead our involvement and support the work of the Royal Commission to ensure constructive outcomes. I hope it can be a genuine circuitbreaker and deliver enduring change.
Other changes on our agenda include the transition of several policing activities to
Police Security Officers (PSOs) to free up frontline police. Concentrating on the ‘security of people’ PSOs have taken on the role of cell and hospital guards and conducting detainee conveyances. The last tranche of PSOs commenced as cell guards in April and collectively have returned over 19 000 hours back to the frontline since July 2023. Next is the expansion of PSO duties to cover ‘security of places and property’ such as event management, crime scene guards, exhibit property conveyancing and Operation Nomad duties later this year.
The State Government’s recent budget has also provided funding for initiatives to help further reduce the demands on the frontline. Among these are the Digital Police Station concept which will see intuitive online access to a range of services currently only available from a police station; civilianising a further 24 positions to return officers to operational policing; and acceleration of a telephone resolution desk with the addition of 31 civilian call-takers, freeing up police to deal with non-emergency taskings over the phone that
currently require a patrol to attend. Funds have also been provided for a new Naracoorte Police Station to support regional policing.
We are also well advanced in relocating 15 business units from Thebarton Barracks for the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital. We are looking to vacate the site by October 2024 and it is a massive investment and coordination exercise. Accommodation solutions include greenfield developments, like the new home of our much-loved dogs, horses and the Band at Gepps Cross and our new Road Safety Centre at West Beach.
In closing, I congratulate Chief Superintendent Scott Allison, Senior Sergeant Heidi Baldwin and Senior Sergeant First Class Richard Errington for their Australian Police Medals in the King’s Birthday Honours. I also want to acknowledge and thank retiring Assistant Commissioner Noel Bamford who has served SAPOL and the South Australian community with distinction over the past 47 years.
•
GRANT STEVENS COMMISSIONER
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
From a very young age Vicky Nielsen wanted to become a police officer, however her dream was cut short when she failed to meet the height requirement to join New Zealand Police. Now, decades later, she is proving that becoming a police officer is no tall order as a Senior Constable with South Australia Police (SAPOL).
“Iwanted to be a police officer since I was at primary school,” Senior Constable Nielsen said.
“I remember a female police officer visiting the school. She was wearing a skirt and carrying a handbag and I was fascinated by her.
“Unfortunately, as an adult I couldn’t achieve my dream job in New Zealand due to the height restrictions.”
Senior Constable Nielsen didn’t let this dampen her enthusiasm, embarking on a diverse career path that saw her indulge her passion for travel. She spent four years as a tour guide leading coach tours around Europe, followed by another four-year stint as second in charge of IT operations at CNN Turner Broadcasting in London.
After finishing her eightyear European odyssey, Senior Constable Nielsen headed to Adelaide in 1994 to visit a friend who had been a flatmate in London.
“I posted my CV around, landed a job with Apple and
have been living in Adelaide ever since,” she said.
“I instantly liked Adelaide and I particularly loved the Central Market – the smell reminded me of Europe.”
Senior Constable Nielsen spent more than a decade working with Apple Australia, becoming their first ever female technician and female service manager. Despite this career success, there remained a yearning to become a police officer. A chance conversation then laid the foundations to finally make this a reality.
“A friend of mine said she was applying for SAPOL and I questioned whether she was too short,” Senior Constable Nielsen said.
“She said there are no height requirements anymore and I thought that’s it, I’m going to do it too.”
In 2007 Senior Constable Nielsen realised her dream when she joined SAPOL, initially serving in Grenfell Street Patrols. She recently joined the Holden Hill Response team after spending the past six years at the City Watch House as a Senior Cell Guard.
“My role involved managing prisoners, taking them from facilities, and making sure they were safe and looked after,” she said.
“I loved working at the City Watch House and particularly enjoyed training Police Security Officers (PSOs).
“My favourite part of being a police officer is teaching people and imparting knowledge to others, whether they are cadets, probationary constables or PSOs.”
Senior Constable Nielsen believes she makes a difference.
“The people in the City Watch House are there due to an allegation so by treating
them with respect I received their respect in return,” she said.
“Many of the prisoners thanked me for the way I looked after them.
“I took a lot of pride in my work and hoped I was making a difference with some of them, especially the young ‘juvies’ that came through.
“I would chat to them in the cells, talking about life and the differences they can make, and hope they go away thinking positively about how they can move forward with their lives and not come back again.
“I often said to them, don’t take it personally but I never want to see you again.”
Senior Constable Nielsen’s reputation and positive impact followed her into her new role at Holden Hill Response.
“On my first two shifts I came across two males at separate jobs. On both occasions they looked at me said ‘you’re the nice lady from the Watch House’,” she said.
“One told me that I would be proud of him as he’d been staying out of trouble. I was happy that they remembered me and showed me respect.”
While Senior Constable Nielsen enjoyed her position at the City Watch House, it still ranks behind her favourite policing role – being a member of the SAPOL contingent that travelled to Christchurch in 2011 to assist in the aftermath of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake. As a proud Maori woman of Ngai Tahu descent, Senior Constable Nielsen leapt at the chance to help her hometown through the disaster that killed 185 people and injured several thousand.
“It was soul-destroying seeing the city that I grew up in experience such devastation,” she said.
“My late mum’s house fell down around her and one of my brothers lost his house.
“Despite the heartbreaking scenes, it was an amazing opportunity to return home and help out.”
Senior Constable Nielsen still vividly remembers the emotional experience.
“Everywhere we went we were greeted like heroes; people were coming up to us on the streets thanking us and giving us hugs. They were so grateful for our presence,” she said.
“On the last day the New Zealand Police Commissioner gave us a Certificate of Appreciation and my tribe, the Ngai Tahu did a haka for everyone and presented each of us with a green stone necklace.
“It was such an emotional and beautiful occasion.”
Thirteen years later, Senior Constable Nielsen still maintains an unshakeable spirit and believes she made the right choice by following her dream to become a police officer.
“When I first told friends that I wanted to join SAPOL they said I was going to change. I look back now and think I have changed but for the better,” she said.
“Height hasn’t impacted on my ability to successfully perform the role. I’ve always been called a pocket rocket and told that my voice is my best weapon.”
A self-proclaimed ‘people person’, Senior Constable Nielsen continues to relish the opportunity that policing gives her to utilise her natural communication skills.
“What I love most about policing is the interaction with people. Making people happy is what drives me,” she said.
“I still get great satisfaction from the job I do.
“I always knew I belonged in blue. It may have taken a while to get there but I feel a great sense of achievement and fulfilment at how it’s turned out.”
My favourite part of being a police officer is teaching people and imparting knowledge to others.
Senior Constable Vicky Nielsen. Photo: Justine Bracegirdle.
We conduct high-risk searches for bombs, explosives and booby traps, and are responsible for responding to all terrorist incidents.
IN THE LINE OF FIRE
Brevet Sergeant SW inspects a potentially explosive device.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but for the members of Bomb Response Unit (BRU) it’s their extensive knowledge that equips them to handle extremely dangerous things, with the risk of serious injury or death only metres or seconds away.
Highly specialised bomb technicians such as Senior Sergeant CT draw upon their vast experience and intensive training to effectively deal with the heightened sense of danger and mitigate the many risks involved. Senior Sergeant CT is one of four members in BRU who manage, train and supervise 12 bomb technicians located within the Security Response Section and various areas across SAPOL.
“BRU is responsible for all explosive-related incidents anywhere in South Australia. These include dealing with real or suspected improvised explosive or incendiary devices, assessing suspect packages or items, high-risk and VIP searches, disposal of commercial explosives and providing specialist support to other SAPOL areas,” Senior Sergeant CT said.
Known as the Explosives Coordination Section until 2017, BRU became part of the elite Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Group in 1999. Senior Sergeant CT joined the unit six years later, after pulling the pin on his career in the electrical and air conditioning trade and armed with explosives experience from his time with the Army Reserve. He enjoys the mental challenge of the role, with the team constantly tested by the 250 to 300 jobs it attends each year.
“These jobs encompass everything from improvised explosive devices and commercial destructions to courses and training exercises,” he said.
“We conduct high-risk searches for bombs, explosives and booby traps, and are responsible for responding to all terrorist incidents.
“BRU provides pre-event searches and a response capability for the visits of major dignitaries and are trained and equipped to respond to chemical, biological and radiological incidents, including management of incidents at which the State Multi Agency Response Team is deployed.”
While some jobs can be resolved by viewing images on a phone and offering advice, the unit occasionally receives extremely complicated jobs that test the knowledge and skills of its bomb technicians.
“Homemade explosives jobs are challenging,” Senior Sergeant CT said.
“People go online and find unsafe instructions, resulting in our bomb technicians attending home labs full of explosives made by unqualified people in completely unprepared labs.
“These tasks are complicated and timeconsuming as we need to work out where the toxic and dangerous chemicals are, what the finished product is and what’s explosive.”
IN SAFE HANDS
Being a bomb technician is demanding. You can be called out at any time and the physical and mental challenges are not for everyone. If you are prone to heat stress injuries or are claustrophobic, the role is not for you.
“Generally we don’t require specialist skills prior to joining – we try to recruit people who are willing to learn and teach them what they need to know,” Senior Sergeant CT said.
“In the past BRU has attracted people with previous trade, military, chemistry or electronics experience but this ability and experience isn’t mandatory.
“To become a member of BRU your rank must be no higher than Brevet Sergeant and you have to successfully complete the exhaustive six-week Bomb Technician Course.
“You then need at least five years of ongoing training and experience to get anywhere near the skillset you require to be competently running most jobs you face.”
Brevet Sergeant AM completed the intensive training course in 2009 and then worked as a bomb technician until winning a full-time position in BRU in 2012. He brought extensive military experience to the role having served seven tours in Northern Ireland before becoming one of the first group of SAPOL’s international recruits in 2006.
“I performed a role in the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) awareness as well as cordon and security duties within Transit Services
Brevet Sergeant AM conducts a thorough investigation, and above, undertakes training. Photos: Andrew Challen.
Branch and did some of the training with BRU so this inspired me to explore the bomb technician role,” Brevet Sergeant AM said.
“I enjoy the training aspect, particularly preparing the next group of bomb technicians and seeing them flourish after I’ve trained them.”
Brevet Sergeant AM also relishes the challenges and variety of his role.
“We never see the same thing twice. This can be interesting but also dangerous, so we have to apply our tools, training and techniques to safely resolve every job,” he said.
“There is no such thing as a repetitive day in BRU.”
Despite the high risks for members of this elite team, it is relatively safe with no member seriously injured on duty since the unit formed.
“We are provided with the best available equipment and have a rigorous training regime, so the job is theoretically no more dangerous than a general patrol officer role,” Brevet Sergeant AM said.
“It’s about having patience and being able to slow down and do things as methodically and correctly after 12 hours in 35-degree heat as you did when you first arrived.
“Preservation of life is the main goal. Plenty of bomb technicians around the world have been killed or injured by impatience.”
THE WEIGHT OF EXPECTATION
Technology is imperative to BRU’s success. The team has access to portable x-ray equipment, weapon systems, remote video and manipulation equipment, and chemical detection and identification systems.
The main tools of the trade are the three remote control robots, ranging in size from four to 460 kilograms. They are the first to go into the line of fire where they can drill, cut and probe suspect devices without anyone being harmed. Fitted with cameras, the robots can take x-rays to see
what’s inside and also open packages, deploy weapons, manipulate objects and take samples, with the two larger robots capable of climbing up flights of stairs.
However, when machines can’t be used, BRU members must don the bomb suit and get hands-on. Weighing around 38 kilograms, the EOD10 bomb suit offers the wearer protection against blast pressure, fragmentation, heat/flames and any impact from being thrown by the blast.
Brevet Sergeant BA has been kitting up on a full-time basis since he permanently joined BRU in 2015 after spending the previous three and a half years as a parttime bomb technician.
“The suit is around half my body weight, plus I need to carry whatever equipment I need to do the job which could potentially be another 15 kilos,” he said.
“You are totally encapsulated in the suit so your core temperature immediately starts rising. On a hot day you can wear it for around 10-15 minutes, and up to 40 minutes on a cool day before fatigue and dehydration sets in.
“Bomb technicians also occasionally need to wear breathing apparatus, which adds a further 15 kilos to the load.”
Despite these demands, the former electrician enjoys the diversity of the role.
“On an average day I could be doing a pre-planned search for a dignitary visit, attending to a suspicious package, repairing a bomb robot, preparing training, or being sent to a country location for a job,” Brevet Sergeant BA said.
“There is always something to do.”
Despite the risk of being a split second from disaster, Brevet Sergeant BA doesn’t contemplate the danger while doing his job.
“The adrenalin and the need to get the job done safely and effectively takes over from any thoughts about the dangers. I usually think about the danger after the event when I’m relaxing at home and reflecting on the task,” he said.
“As a team we are careful
and meticulous in what we do and rely on our experience when it comes to assessing jobs.”
We never see the same thing twice. This can be interesting but also dangerous, so we have to apply our tools, training and techniques to safely resolve every job.
Brevet Sergeant SW assesses a device with the aid of a remote control robot.
OPPOSITE PAGE:
Brevet Sergeant AM uses the tools of the trade to resolve a high-risk job. Photos: Andrew Challen.
Finding her strong suit
or Brevet Sergeant SW, being a bomb technician means that her shift as a team leader in Security Response Section (SRS) can suddenly change when an explosives related task is called in.
“A key role for bomb technicians is supporting the Bomb Response Unit with rapid assessment of a job,”
Brevet Sergeant SW said.
“Sometimes this means a simple attendance for collection or advice; other times it can turn into a major incident requiring a lot more resources.
“The bomb response role is state-wide, which means I can start my shift at Netley but end up boarding a plane and travelling anywhere from Kangaroo Island to the Nullarbor
Brevet Sergeant SW qualified as a bomb technician in 2021, a year after becoming an inaugural SRS member, with her interest sparked by her partner’s experiences and enjoyment of performing the same role.
“The role appeals to my inquisitive nature, attention to detail, lateral thinking and sense of satisfaction of working within a small team environment toward a common goal,”
“I enjoy being a bomb technician as I get to work in a unique field within SAPOL and am constantly learning.
“I also like how bomb technicians often have time to gather information and make detailed plans.
Attention to detail is vital, as even the smallest factor could significantly alter our response to the job and what equipment will be utilised.”
Brevet Sergeant SW undertakes regular training to maintain and update her skills and knowledge.
“Bomb technicians have compulsory monthly training sessions to refresh the skills we have learned. This involves skills-based training on specific equipment, techniques for analysis, and scenario-based training,” she said.
“We also have training with other agencies to upskill our knowledge around chemistry, electronics, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) procedures, and responses to major explosive or chemical incidents.”
This training builds on the initial six-week course that all aspiring bomb technicians must successfully complete.
“The course is constant, fast-paced learning and can be quite mentally and physically demanding,” Brevet Sergeant SW said.
“The instruction is intense but very thorough and the BRU trainers and supervisors do what they can to draw the best out of you. Completion of the course is a great accomplishment but it’s just the beginning of your learning.”
Training is vital as the wrong move or poor thought process when dealing with explosives can have disastrous consequences.
“The role will always have an element of risk, however that can be significantly reduced with a workable plan and preparing for contingencies,” Brevet Sergeant SW said.
“We have a lot of specialist equipment available to reduce the risk, along with our training which incorporates lessons learned from previous tasks. Safety is always the biggest priority.”
The safety aspect is enhanced by the collaborative nature of bomb response work.
“Bomb technicians always work in pairs or as a team, so you never face challenges alone,” Brevet Sergeant SW said.
“Everyone within the team has their strengths, thereby creating an environment where you always learn from someone around you or can ask your teammates for assistance.
“Our team is closeknit which is essential at explosives taskings as you must trust your colleagues entirely. You rely on them for everything – even dressing you in the bomb suit.”
The heavy EOD10 bomb suit can be cumbersome and challenging to wear but is vital in enhancing the chance of the wearer’s survival if the unthinkable happens.
“Although the suit is well over half my body weight, the weight is well-distributed. However, the helmet is noticeably heavy,” Brevet Sergeant SW said.
“The suit has an inbuilt fan system but on a warm day, in the sun, walking up hills or across uneven surfaces whilst carrying heavy equipment, it feels more like a sweat suit.”
According to Brevet Sergeant SW the most challenging aspects of wearing the bomb suit are the lack of dexterity, restriction of movement and limited peripheral vision.
“This makes the simplest of tasks quite difficult and timeconsuming,” she said.
“Fatigue can be an issue so I rely heavily on my overall fitness, endurance, and resilience to remain focused on the task at hand and not get frustrated, overwhelmed or careless.
“It is during these times that mistakes can happen, which can have devastating results.”
Putting on the EOD10 bomb suit requires assistance from a colleague. Photo: Andrew Challen.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
Running the perimeter of the MCG on the fabled ‘last Saturday in September’ in 2016, boundary umpire, Sergeant Chris Bull knew he was experiencing something special. The noise of the huge crowd, the players’ intense contest, the pressure on umpires to make the correct decisions – this was the realisation of a childhood dream and the culmination of years of training and hard work.
While most footy-mad kids aspire to grace the MCG as a player, Sergeant Bull’s pathway to umpiring on the hallowed turf emanated from the disappointment of his junior football career being curtailed by injury.
“Around 11 years of age I suffered two leg injuries in one season,” he said.
“The doctor said I was growing faster than what my muscles were growing so he recommended that I take a couple of years off footy so my muscles could catch up.
“A family friend was an umpire so my parents suggested I do that while I couldn’t play footy.”
Sergeant Chris Bull at Adelaide Oval.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
Sergeant Bull joined the SANFL in 2001, honing his umpiring skills in the under 17 and under 19 competitions before making his SANFL league debut in 2005. After patrolling the boundary for 149 SANFL games, including four consecutive grand finals from 2007-2010, Sergeant Bull made the huge step up to the AFL in round 1 of 2011.
“I will always remember the excitement of my first AFL game, Adelaide versus Hawthorn at Football Park in front of more than 42 000 fans,” he said.
Sergeant Bull has gone on to umpire more than 260 AFL games, including 14 finals. Running parallel to his umpiring career has been an equally successful career as a police officer which began in 2010.
“I always wanted to be a police officer but had put off joining SAPOL to focus on becoming an AFL umpire as I didn’t think I’d be able to combine the two careers,” Sergeant Bull said.
“I’d umpired four SANFL grand finals but still wasn’t being considered for the AFL so I thought I’d missed my chance and applied for SAPOL instead.”
As luck would have it, while doing the cadet course at
the Police Academy in 2010 Sergeant Bull received a call from the AFL offering him an umpiring contract for 2011. With a knack for making the right calls, Sergeant Bull decided to simultaneously pursue both promising career opportunities.
“It’s been challenging combining both careers. It definitely makes my life busy but I think doing two roles I love is a great mix,” he said.
“Having a passion outside of SAPOL assists with my policing role, while policing helps me to switch off from footy.”
As a supervisor in the Elizabeth District Policing Team, Sergeant Bull has the flexibility to make effective decisions both on and off the field.
“Management has always been supportive of my AFL commitments throughout my policing career,” he said.
“When working weekends with SAPOL I umpire in Adelaide and often umpire interstate when on weekends off. I have only missed one AFL game due to SAPOL work commitments.”
Sergeant Bull not only needs to find time for game day, but also a rigorous training regimen to ensure he remains at the peak of
his powers in his 14th AFL season.
“I have an online training program and train with the other four Adelaide-based AFL boundary umpires, including SAPOL colleague, Constable Jason Moore, as a group once a week,” he said.
“I do four running sessions plus some strength work each week. As I get older a lot of my time between games is spent on recovery and looking after my body.
“I’ve managed to avoid serious injuries apart from a stress fracture in my foot that kept me out for 10-12 weeks.”
LAYING IT ALL ON THE LINE
Preparation and organisation have not only seen Sergeant Bull seamlessly combine two challenging careers, but also ensure he has been on the frontline to witness famous AFL moments.
“I was umpiring at the SCG in March 2022 when Lance Franklin kicked his 1000th goal,” he said.
“When the goal was scored, I was standing at the point post and was quickly ushered down the race by a security guard as the crowd streamed onto the ground.
“I then watched the mayhem from the grandstand as I waited to get back onto the ground. It is one of those moments where you look back and think ‘I was there’.”
Another game still etched in Sergeant Bull’s memory is the 2016 AFL grand final when he performed in front of 99 981 spectators and witnessed the Western Bulldogs break a 62-year premiership drought. It was the pinnacle of his umpiring career but almost didn’t happen.
“I got the call to say I was selected but then caught the flu and was sick all week leading up to the grand final,” Sergeant Bull said.
“It was also the week of the infamous state-wide blackout. I was flying to
Melbourne the next morning and didn’t know when my flight would leave so it was an interesting preparation for the most important game of my life.
“On game day I tried to stay focused but also enjoy the moment. It was such a special atmosphere, especially late in the last quarter when Bulldogs fans realised their team was going to win.”
Four years later, Sergeant Bull had the polar opposite experience when he ran the boundary line in front of a desolate Adelaide Oval, with crowds locked out due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was a weird experience. During the 2020 season I would fly on chartered aircraft to and from games in Brisbane and Gold Coast and then go into quarantine,” he said.
“I was lucky to keep working during the pandemic, doing my umpiring while also performing a supervisor role in the Covid medi-hotels.”
One bonus of empty stadiums was the absence of feedback from the crowd.
“I receive a bit of feedback when I’ve had a close call or made a perceived error, but most of the time it’s just noise,” Sergeant Bull said.
“I don’t worry about the crowds or other external pressures. I put pressure on myself to perform and rely on my experience and training.
“It’s similar with my policing role. Working under pressure, dealing with conflict and effective decision-making are all common themes in both jobs.
“Being organised and well-prepared, along with pursuing career paths that I’m passionate about, has ensured that I continue to achieve success and satisfaction in both fields.”
Sergeant Bull has gone on to umpire more than 260 AFL games, including 14 finals. Running parallel to his umpiring career has been an equally successful career as a police officer which began in 2010.
Sergeant Chris Bull embraces the white line fever of a Showdown at Adelaide Oval. Photos: AFL Photos.
SCAMMING SYNDICATE COLLAPSES LIKE A HOUSE OF CARDS
Continual advances in technology provide us with the ability to be better connected, however it also presents opportunities for committing crimes via the use of personal identification information. The way financial criminals operate is rapidly changing, necessitating a unified and evolving policing response to impede their offending and reduce the harm caused to unsuspecting victims.
Scams remain a prevalent form of financial crime, with integrated methodology and technology-enabled offending presenting challenges for Financial and Cybercrime Investigation Branch (FCIB) in curtailing scammers. These challenges are not insurmountable, as Serious and Organised Financial Crime Investigation Section (SOFCIS), part of FCIB, recently proved when it successfully shut down an Adelaide-based syndicate of scammers.
In early November 2022, SOFCIS were aware that three Chinese nationals on varying Australian visas –Sheng Li, Renzhong Chen and Xiaoxin Zheng – had travelled to Adelaide from Western Australia to commit offences. The three men were the operational face of the Genesis Market investigation, started in 2020 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in conjunction with the
Australian Federal Police (AFP). Genesis Market was an invite-only website that sold individual and packages of compromised credentials including device and browser fingerprints and username/ password pairings, enabling cybercriminals to replicate a compromised user’s unique online presence.
Upon arriving in Adelaide, the trio began their offending, triggering an investigation undertaken by 12 SOFCIS members, with valuable assistance from Digital Evidence, Confiscation, Cybercrime Investigation and Forensic Accounting sections.
FCIB Operations Inspector, Detective Inspector Pete Wirth recognised the need for a timely response.
“SOFCIS identified that from 1 November 2022, Chen, Li and Zheng attended numerous stores across the metropolitan area, including Coles, Officeworks, Kmart, Priceline, Target and Drakes,” he said.
Offending was occurring in real-time so it was imperative to take action.
“Offending was occurring in real-time so it was imperative to take action.”
SOFCIS found that the trio used numerous mobile phones which had stolen credit card details loaded onto them to purchase goods via electronic wallets, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, now known as Google Wallet. These devices were used to buy gift cards such as Vanilla prepaid Visa cards valued
between $100 - $500 each and assorted mobile phone SIM cards.
Chen, Li and Zheng all operated within the same ‘cell’, however Chen adopted more of a supervisory and organisational role. Chen was in contact with another Chinese national in Victoria, who paid each of them $300 to $400 a day to commit the crimes while they were in South Australia. Transactions recorded on victims’ credit card statements showed purchases of meals, cigarettes, groceries and pharmaceutical supplies on top of the daily payments. The trio was captured on CCTV footage committing the offending.
“Detectives found that CCTV showed them tapping their phones on EFTPOS terminals attempting to pay for goods, and if a card was declined, they would swap between other cards loaded onto the devices until they found a card that could conduct the fraudulent transactions,” Detective Inspector Wirth said.
“They would generally utilise self-serve checkouts and often were in possession of multiple phones.”
Chen, Li and Zheng’s offending was monitored by SOFCIS investigators, who were also busy obtaining further evidence. On 17 November 2022 they made their move, arresting the trio at a North Haven Airbnb in which they were residing.
“Police seized 183 exhibits from the premises, including laptops, mobile phones, iPads and smart watches,” Detective Inspector Wirth said.
“Upon his arrest Li was in possession of 15 $250 Vanilla prepaid Visa cards in the clothing he was wearing and in his wallet. A further 110 Vanilla cards were found in Chen’s bedroom, with the cards totalling around $23 000.”
All three offenders were charged with 75 counts of theft and possess personal identification information charges. On 19 November 2022, Li and Zheng were further charged with five counts of using another person’s identification to commit an offence.
ON A PHISHING EXPEDITION
A digital forensic examination of the 40 seized electronic exhibits over 25 days found more than 700 electronic records of personal identification information. Investigators located copies of ID documents such as passports and interstate driver’s licences on Chen’s laptop, along with an 89-page spreadsheet containing the personal identification information of around 1800 people from across Australia,
signifying a sophisticated phishing scam.
“The data included victims’ names, phone numbers, email addresses, passwords, credit card numbers and accompanying expiry date and CVV number,” Detective Inspector Wirth said.
“This information was captured on a secondary cloud-based app called Heroku which records data from phishing scam text messages sent to victims.
“We suspected this data was purchased via the dark web from Genesis Market.”
Upon reviewing the digital evidence, screenshots were located of the HOBO DR1 SMS system, showing how the phishing messages were created, and examples of the trio testing the system were located on Chen’s mobile phone. HOBO was also accessible via their mobile phones, as was Heroku.
“HOBO DR1 is a cloudbased app that allows someone to send SMS messages via computer, mobile phone or app,” Detective Inspector Wirth said.
“The app was used to send bulk phishing SMS messages from sender IDs including Spotify, Netflix and Foxtel advising recipients that the payment method for their account was declined or not valid and asking them
to update their credit card details via a link contained in the SMS.”
Many scam victims received a SMS purporting to be from Optus, as they were a victim of the ‘Optus hack’, saying they were entitled to a 12-month free Equifax account by entering their personal information and credit card details. Some other victims responded to a phishing SMS to apply for American Express cards, providing their personal details on the online form via the Heroku app.
“Once a victim clicked on the link in a phishing SMS it would take them to a portal where their personal identification information would be obtained. Someone would then load the stolen credit card data onto mobile phones, usually on the same day, and start using them to buy goods and services until the transactions were declined,” Detective Inspector Wirth said.
As part of the investigation 59 applications for bankers’ orders were submitted to obtain victim and suspect banking records to progress the investigation. The results showed offending on a national scale, with only Tasmania and the ACT having no victims. The 28 identified victims, aged from teenagers
to late fifties, had a total of $26 400 stolen.
“When contacted by police some victims thought they were being scammed and did not believe that SAPOL detectives were calling or emailing them,” Detective Inspector Wirth said.
“To overcome this, we contacted interstate police jurisdictions to request they attend victims’ home addresses to personally discuss the offending and ask them to contact us regarding statements to progress the investigation.”
SCAMMERS PAY THE PRICE
In October 2023, Chen, Li and Zheng received their sentences in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court after previously pleading guilty to more than 180 counts of various offences including identity theft. Zheng was sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment, with a nonparole period of 10 months. Li was also sentenced to 13 months, while Chen was sentenced to one year and five months, with a nonparole period of 12 months, as Magistrate Jayanthi Pandya found Chen had a “higher responsibility” in the crimes and was “pivotal to the success of the operation”.
“The men were ordered to equally pay back the money stolen from the 28 victims and were also each charged $80 000 under the victims of crime levy. After completing their sentences, Zheng and Li were transferred into Australian Border Force custody.
Detective Inspector Wirth was pleased with the outcome, but stressed that despite the apparent ease of offending, it was far from a simple case.
“This offending required an organised syndicate with highly technical skills to be able to execute the offending on such a scale,” he said.
“The investigators did an outstanding job in identifying the offending methodology and gathering evidence to support tactical action. It is hugely satisfying to put an end to the offending in such a short time frame.”
Although the investigation was spearheaded by SOFCIS, there was a collaborative approach with all areas of FCIB making a significant contribution. SAPOL also liaised with a range of
Commonwealth agencies and state police jurisdictions to investigate and resolve the case.
“Collaboration with key industry partners, state jurisdictions and Commonwealth agencies allowed quick access to all the information we needed to apprehend the offenders,” Detective Inspector Wirth said.
“Being able to disseminate information to our partners helped arrest key syndicate members interstate and prevented further victimisation.”
Despite this success, financial crime remains an insidious practice. In 2022 Australians lost over $3 billion to fraud and online financial crimes, with phishing accounting for more than $150 million in victim reported losses.
“Our financial crime investigators are constantly grappling with novel problems and developing innovative solutions to protect victims and disrupt offending,”
Detective Inspector Wirth said.
“The harm to victims of financial crime extends far beyond monetary loss. Compromised personal identification information creates unnecessary hardship in many aspects of the victims’ daily lives and where significant losses are incurred, there is generational harm to families.”
For valuable tips and information about how to protect yourself from scams and cybercrime, visit www. police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/ scams-and-cybercrime.
If you have fallen victim to a scam, you can report the matter to www.cyber.gov.au and for support regarding identity theft visit www.idcare.org
THIS PHOTO and OPPOSITE PAGE: Items seized from the offenders’ residence; one of the trio caught on CCTV; text messages sent to victims.
Photos: SOFCIS.
SECURING A BETTER FUTURE
PSOs now have an enhanced rank structure which includes Senior PSO and PSO Sergeant.
It’s a challenge currently facing police jurisdictions across Australia – addressing everincreasing demand for services while trying to recruit and retain staff in a competitive labour market. For South Australia Police (SAPOL), a shift towards a more flexible and efficient use of resources by expanding the role of Police Security Officers (PSOs) is having an immediate impact while laying solid foundations for meeting future challenges.
The transformation of the PSO role began in 2022 when legislative changes saw Protective Security Officer renamed to Police Security Officer. This heralded the introduction of the PSO Transition Project to drive this major strategic organisational reform aimed at maximising the benefits of PSO resources and deploying them as a key pillar of a more flexibly enabled workforce. Several roles focusing on the security of people, places and property that were undertaken by police were identified as being able to be performed by PSOs, thereby enabling police resources to be redeployed to other frontline duties.
Stage 1 of the District Support Model commenced in June 2023 after a successful trial period, with the District Support Section being permanently established within Police Security Services Branch (PSSB). Officer in Charge of PSSB, Superintendent Trent Cox says the first stage focuses on
‘security of people’ duties.
“PSOs are now transporting and guarding prisoners in medical facilities, undertaking prisoner conveyances throughout the metropolitan and near-regional areas, and conveying people detained under the Mental Health Act as well as children under guardianship orders to their place of care,” he said.
“Since 3 June 2023, PSOs undertaking Stage 1 duties have attended to more than 4600 SACAD taskings that would usually have been performed by police officers and returned around 24 000 policing hours to the frontline.
“Stage 1 was completed in April this year following the deployment of the final 10 PSOs as cell guards, bringing the total to 55 PSOs working in metropolitan custodial facilities. This resulted in 45 police officer positions being released to address frontline demand.”
The expansion of the PSO role provides immediate and tangible benefits for SAPOL’s frontline as demand continues to increase, while also offering more diversity and enhanced career development opportunities for PSOs.
“The greater range of functions is likely to provide more fulfilment for PSOs and lead to the role of a PSO being seen as a career in its own right and not just a pathway to policing,” Superintendent Cox said.
“PSOs now have an enhanced rank structure which includes Senior PSO and PSO Sergeant.
“PSSB and the Academy and Learning team are currently developing a promotional framework in support of the upgraded rank structure. This will give PSOs a chance to achieve tertiary qualifications in pursuit of promotional opportunities, similar to their police colleagues.
“There has never been a better time to become a PSO.”
This is emphasised by the
funding provided to SAPOL in last year’s State Budget to recruit 189 PSOs over a four-year period. Currently 101 of the additional PSOs have come onboard, with a further five PSO Qualification Program courses scheduled to be held throughout 2024-25.
Securing suitable talent is imperative as Stage 2 starts to roll-out. The second phase will focus on the security of property and places and will see PSOs undertaking roles including conveying exhibit property, traffic cordons at major incidents, guarding crime scenes, and security services at major events. PSOs will also perform Operation Nomad duties, recover stolen or abandoned vehicles and conduct welfare checks on vulnerable people.
“Ninety-six PSOs have already been trained in Stage 2 duties,” Superintendent Cox said.
“We expect PSOs to commence some of these tasks in the latter part of 2024, however the full range cannot be undertaken until a greater number of PSOs have completed their training.”
and Acting PSO
OPPOSITE PAGE: PSO Bianca Williams
Sergeant Taylor Reilly on patrol in the city. ABOVE: PSO Bianca Williams. Photos: Andrew Challen.
On the frontline of change
Taylor Reilly is one of the new breed of PSOs who is enjoying the career development opportunities afforded to him by the expansion in roles. Joining SAPOL three and a half years ago, he initially honed his craft in Covid medi-hotels, summons delivery and school patrols before making the move to District Support Section (DSS) in December 2022.
Now an Acting PSO Sergeant within DSS, he manages a team of PSOs in metropolitan cell complexes and patrols to assist with detainee conveyances and hospital guard duties.
“On a shift-by-shift basis I manage incoming DSS requests, assess jobs for DSS patrols, despatch crews and oversee the job,” Acting PSO Sergeant Reilly said.
“Depending on the type of job I will assist my crews and ensure the correct processes are followed to ensure the safety of PSOs and detainees.”
As one of the first PSOs to secure a supervisory role at DSS, Acting PSO Sergeant Reilly is relishing the teamwork aspect and variety of tasks.
“When I first became a PSO I never expected to have a
role in custody management, however I’m embracing the opportunity to perform different jobs on each shift,” he said.
“Without changing teams or rosters, PSOs can perform several types of roles from one team and location. You could be on a flight, driving out to Port Pirie or picking up a detainee for a ‘fit for custody’ check at a metropolitan hospital. This variety keeps the job interesting.
“The team environment is great, and we feel like we’re making a positive overall contribution to SAPOL by releasing police patrols to other more critical taskings.
“I’m now undertaking training in Stage 2 duties so it’s exciting to see what else I can learn to enhance my PSO role and continue both my personal and career development.”
UNLOCKING A FULFILLING CAREER
While the current focus may be on the two stages of the District Support Model, PSOs continue to perform a range of business-asusual activities through their various roles in Protective
Security Unit (PSU), Static Security Unit and the Security Control Centre. This is a significant contributor to the state’s counter-terrorism strategies and a crucial part of police operations, with their protection of vital government assets creating a safer and more secure environment for government employees and members of the community accessing government facilities.
Teams of PSOs work around-the-clock shifts to carry out static and mobile security duties along with 24-hour alarm monitoring and CCTV surveillance across the Adelaide CBD and major transport corridors. New PSO graduates typically undertake traditional, business-as-usual functions initially to gain an understanding of PSSB’s business operations before performing DSS duties.
One such graduate is PSO Bianca Williams, who is now a member of PSU, having successfully completed the PSO Qualification Program in September last year.
“I currently work as a directed response patrol member, looking after government infrastructure and buildings within the CBD. This includes responding to
incidents and security risks at these locations,” she said.
“While working at PSU, I have performed two-up directed and response patrols, solo school patrols and static guard duties.
“I really enjoy how diverse and unpredictable the role is, with each shift presenting different challenges.”
PSO Williams joined the PSO ranks at an opportune time.
“I completed my DSS training as part of the PSO Qualification Program and then spent two weeks in DSS completing the required out-phase which included cell guard duties and the conveyance of detainees,” she said.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at DSS gathering experience which has helped me in my current role.
“I look forward to continuing to develop my skills and knowledge, drawing upon the extensive training and support available, so I can pursue PSO career development opportunities as they arise.
“It’s definitely an exciting time to be a PSO.”
Acting PSO Sergeant
Taylor Reilly and PSO Bianca Williams are embracing the new direction for PSO careers.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
BRAVE LITTLE BOY IN BLUE
Sammy Scully had dreams of becoming a police officer when he grew up, but tragically was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
‘Sergeant’ Sammy Scully reports for duty.
Photo: Mix 102.3.
> COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: SERGEANT SAMMY
South Australia Police (SAPOL) recently welcomed its youngest recruit, with eight-year-old ‘Sergeant Sammy’ joining its ranks for one special day.
Sammy Scully had dreams of becoming a police officer, and more specifically a member of Dog Operations Unit, when he grew up but tragically was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in January last year and given less than two years to live. On 14 May, SAPOL joined forces with radio station Mix 102.3 to help Sammy fulfil his dream of belonging in blue.
Sammy’s adventurous day began at 11.00 am when he was picked up from his school by the PolAir helicopter, much to the delight of his cheering classmates. Sammy, looking the part in a custommade SAPOL uniform, was whisked away in the chopper, accompanied by his mum Alison Harrison and Commissioner Grant Stevens. Upon arrival at Adelaide Oval around midday, Sammy was greeted by a group of police officers, including members of Dog Operations Unit, Eastern District Patrols and State Traffic Enforcement Unit.
Sammy met Brevet Sergeant Sam Conroy and his Labrador drug dog, Police Dog (PD) Csaba, along with Sergeant Simon Rosenhahn and his general purpose dog PD Bomber, who was almost the size of Sammy.
“Sammy loved meeting the dogs, giving them a pat and throwing Bomber’s favourite toy for him,” Sergeant Rosenhahn said.
“Sammy was presented with a couple of special Dog Operations Unit mementos and had some photos taken with the dogs.”
Dog Operations Unit members were touched by Sammy’s story after hearing about it on Mix 102.3.
“Upon hearing that it was Sammy’s dream to be a police dog handler, we were all very
keen to help out in any way we could to make that dream a reality,” Sergeant Rosenhahn said.
“While it’s an incredibly sad story and heartbreaking to see what Sammy and his family are going through, we were blown away by their resilience and hope that Sammy enjoyed his time with the dogs.”
After a fun-filled session with the police dogs, Sammy’s journey continued, with a special police motorcade escorting the young officer to Rundle Mall. Sammy was greeted by Mix 102.3 breakfast show hosts Ali Clarke and Max Burford who were instrumental in organising and promoting Sammy’s big day, along with Premier Peter Malinauskas who had issued a ‘stop work order’ for an hour from 12.30 pm. South Australians came out in droves to witness the pint-sized officer in action, showing their support and admiration for his unwavering spirit.
Sergeant Sammy got to show the crowd he had what it takes to be a police officer, accepting the challenge from
Commissioner Stevens to diligently hunt down three high profile crooks – singer Guy Sebastian, Australian cricketer Alex Carey and Adelaide Crows player Reilly O’Brien – who were on the loose in Rundle Mall after stealing SA Police Legacy bears. Impressed with Sammy’s outstanding work in apprehending the ‘hardened criminals’, Commissioner Stevens promoted him to Senior Sergeant and presented him with a framed Certificate of Appointment.
“Sammy had an eventful and productive first day on the job,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“He caught three criminals, which is more than what some police officers catch in a whole week.
“Not only did he show great policing know-how to capture them but he also recovered the stolen bears.
“Sammy did a fantastic job. He certainly set the standard for the rest of the recruits joining SAPOL.”
Commissioner Stevens praised the broader community for their involvement in making
and his mum
Sammy’s special day one to remember.
“I was overwhelmed with just how many people turned up to Rundle Mall to support Sammy and his family,” he said.
“It really shows the true nature of the South Australian community.
“I was also impressed with the participation of our SAPOL members who went out of their way to welcome Sammy and ensure he had a fantastic experience.
“SAPOL was honoured to play its part in helping the team at Mix 102.3 hold such a successful event and make Sammy’s wishes come true.”
It was a wonderful day for Sammy, who has never let the grim prognosis dim his spirit. He labelled it “the best day ever” and mentioned that he was “very tired” after such a long day at work.
When asked why he wanted to be a police officer, the young recruit said, “It’s just a great job and I like helping people.”
Sergeant Sammy
Alison Harrison celebrate his big day with (clockwise) Ali Clarke, Commissioner Grant Stevens, Max Burford, Reilly O’Brien and Alex Carey.
Photo: Mix 102.3.
Sammy met Sergeant Simon Rosenhahn and his general purpose dog PD Bomber, who was almost the size of Sammy.
Sergeant Sammy with Police Dog Bomber, Sergeant Simon Rosenhahn and Commissioner Grant Stevens.
Photo: Sara Gilligan.
SETTING THE WHEELS IN MOTION
For 10 days in January, South Australia basked in the international spotlight as the world’s best cyclists traversed the state, providing enthusiastic crowds with 1136 kilometres of elite racing through Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula, Barossa, Adelaide Hills and the Riverland.
Held from 12 -21 January, the 24th instalment of the Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) saw more than 750 000 people lap up the cycling action, along with the range of related activities, participation rides, community celebrations and live entertainment.
While thousands of fans lined the picturesque stage routes and enjoyed the racing and festivities, South Australia Police (SAPOL) was busy working collaboratively with event organisers and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of participants and the community.
Central to these efforts was Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Kirby Morley from Emergency and Major Event Section (EMES). As the EMES Planner for this year’s TDU she was responsible for planning and coordinating the police response on behalf of the Police Commander and supporting the EMES Traffic Planner and traffic operation.
“The EMES planner is the main point of contact for both the event and for SAPOL personnel,” she said.
“It’s a multi-faceted role involving a range of functions including developing the
Riders crank it up a gear during Stage 5 of the 2024 TDU from Christies Beach to Willunga Hill. Photo: Shutterstock.
The sheer size and duration of this major international cycling event presents challenges for police but SAPOL once again proved it was up to the task.
operation order, coordinating staff and setting up command group and stakeholder meetings.
“I also looked after fleets and logistics, prepared operational briefings, and liaised with Districts, Local Service Areas (LSAs) and specialist areas throughout the event.”
The sheer size and duration of this major international cycling event presents challenges for police but SAPOL once again proved it was up to the task.
“We liaised with 27 SAPOL services/branches and had more than 100 of our people
attached to the event on each of the 10 days,” SC1C Morley said.
“Personnel was drawn from numerous Districts and LSAs, along with areas including State Operations Support Branch, STAR Operations Section, Security Response Section, Mounted Operations Unit, Traffic Services Branch, negotiators and bicycle patrols.
“As the event is mobile, every day was different. The TDU is one of the only events we plan that cannot go ahead without our presence, so that adds a level of pressure to ensure every road is covered
for the race.”
This year’s TDU also had the added complication of ‘Issue Motivated Groups’ with Extinction Rebellion protesting against the Santos sponsorship and ProPalestine objecting to the inclusion of the men’s Israel Premier Tech cycling team.
“Both groups actively advertised their intent to protest and disrupt the event, so SAPOL utilised the major event declaration and legislation to assist in managing crowd behaviour,” SC1C Morley said.
“During the TDU planning process, the
Police Commander, Police Forward Commander and an intelligence member contacted representatives from the identified protest groups to outline the legislation available and the action police would take if the event was disrupted.
“This approach, along with the daily proactive work
of our members managed to maintain the groups’ compliance throughout the event.”
SC1C Morley was an integral member of SAPOL’s seven-member TDU Command Group based at the Event Operations Centre (EOC). The group was joined by representatives from key stakeholders including Events SA, SA Ambulance Service, St John, Event Medical Plus, Country Fire Service and State Emergency Service.
“This provided a coordinated multi-agency approach to the event which was vital to resolving any issues that arose,” SC1C Morley said.
“A combination of the EOC, extensive planning by the Command Group in the months leading up to the event, and deployment of highly visible policing resources throughout the TDU ensured a safe environment for both the community and participants.
“Only three arrests were made during the event – two for disorderly behaviour and one for a traffic matter.”
For SC1C Morley the TDU remains the most significant event that she has planned during her five years with EMES, which has also included planning the Christmas Pageant, Covid border operations, New Year’s Eve, music concerts, and games in the AFL and A-League.
“What I enjoy most about the TDU is the networking with SAPOL members and stakeholders,” she said.
“I also revel in the camaraderie between SAPOL members and the atmosphere of the event.
“It takes a lot of moving parts within SAPOL to make the TDU run safely and smoothly. Everyone involved performs their daily duties with enthusiasm, humour and a big smile on their faces – it’s infectious.
“This was a major reason why this year’s TDU was a resounding success.”
Everyone involved performs their daily duties with enthusiasm, humour and a big smile on their faces – it’s infectious.
Bicycle patrol members at the end of Stage 4 at Port Elliot.
INSET: Officers get into the TDU spirit. Photos: Andrew Challen.
Planning is streets ahead
Traffic management is integral to the success of the TDU, with moving and static road closures implemented to ensure public safety and minimise traffic disruption. Preparing the traffic operation orders that underpin this is the domain of 18-year EMES veteran, Senior Sergeant Chris Holland. He has been involved in the TDU since 2007, with this year being his eleventh consecutive TDU as Traffic Planning Coordinator and Traffic Commander.
As a member of SAPOL’s TDU Command Group, Senior Sergeant Holland commenced the traffic planning process in May last year, with discussions between SAPOL, Events SA and the TDU Race Director, Stuart O’Grady regarding the proposed race routes.
“Planning ramped up once
the routes were locked in,”
Senior Sergeant Holland said.
“I then met with Sergeants Paul Watts, Silv Dovi and Eamon Bull from State Traffic Enforcement Unit (STEU) to go through roles for the event and draw upon their vast TDU experience.
“The traffic planning process culminated in the operation orders being signed off by the TDU’s Police Commander in early January.”
While an extensive planning process is vital to the event’s success, it needs to be ably supported by police resources during each stage of the race.
“Up to 29 traffic members including cars and motorcycle officers were used at static points on road closures each day, while the peloton entourage involved 30 members including lead and rear escorts, three STEU
supervisors and a further 18 STEU members,” Senior Sergeant Holland said.
“The rolling road closures can look chaotic but seeing the ‘speedies’ and traffic members perform their roles in closing the road is aweinspiring.”
Accomplishing road closures involves detailed preparation with Senior Sergeant Holland and Sergeant Dovi, the Traffic Points Commander, utilising their extensive event knowledge.
“We drive all the women’s and men’s TDU stages and work out areas of concern and where the static point members will be deployed each day,” Senior Sergeant Holland said.
“I determine how many static points are needed for each route which are usually at major turn movements and high-risk locations and then ascertain the secondary points which are covered by the peloton and junction motorcycle members.
“This planning is supported by the work SC1C Mick Klose does with his bicycle patrol operation orders which supplements areas of concern on each route. His tireless efforts to support
the operation each year with bicycle patrols is integral to its success.”
The real test of this preparatory work is during the actual race, particularly with the riding peloton being accompanied by an entourage including team and event vehicles and motorbikes.
“It’s easier to manage when the peloton and entourage is together in one group than when there is a breakaway of riders from the peloton as that elongates the road closure and increases the risk of a leakage of public vehicles,” Senior Sergeant Holland said.
With such meticulous planning, coupled with the strong commitment of police personnel, it’s no surprise that traffic management was a triumph for SAPOL.
“There were no major incidents during any of the rolling road closures,” Senior Sergeant Holland said.
“International race commissaries and the TDU Race Director have consistently stated that this is the best and safest event in the world. This is a credit to the Traffic Services Branch members who consistently perform their duties to such a high standard.”
Monitoring the TDU from the Event Operations Centre.
INSET: A motorcycle officer ensures the safety of the peloton.
Photos: Andrew Challen.
DRIVING HOME THE MESSAGE
Last year 117 lives were lost on South Australian roads –the highest number since 2010. A further 856 people were seriously injured, with the tragedies touching families, friends, communities, first responders and health workers in ways most of us can’t imagine.
Filming a scene for the confronting drug driving campaign.
Photo: Media Road Safety Unit.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) is unrelenting in its pursuit of reducing the senseless carnage on our roads, with hard-hitting road safety campaigns being a significant vehicle for improving road user behaviour. In recent months, new campaigns targeting seatbelts, drug driving and distraction – three of the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of trauma on South Australian roads, alongside speeding and dangerous road users – have hit the market.
Since South Australia introduced compulsory seatbelt wearing in 1970, thousands of lives have been saved and serious injuries avoided. Disturbingly however, more than 50 years later people are still flouting the law, with neglecting to wear a seatbelt contributing to 10 per cent of deaths on South Australia’s roads in 2023, while nearly 3000 people received fines. Targeting
this absurd behaviour is the aim of the graphically powerful “It wouldn’t hurt” campaign that delivers a strong message depicting the real consequences of crashes involving drivers who choose to not wear a seatbelt.
Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Darren Fielke believes high-level research and frontline police experience are fundamental to creating such a confronting true-to-life campaign.
“The crashes and depicted injuries were informed and designed with input from Major Crash Investigation Section members, who brought detailed expertise about forensic features of crashes to create an authentic dramatisation of common crash scenarios,” he said.
“The stories in the campaign are grim for a reason; they are real.
“Not wearing a seatbelt
Filming the hard-hitting seatbelts campaign.
Photo: Media Road Safety Unit
Superintendent Darren Fielke at a media conference.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
WOULDN’T HURT TO WEAR A SEATBELT.
can result in catastrophic outcomes so it’s vital that the campaign accurately captures the potential for disaster awaiting drivers and passengers and grabs people’s attention.
“I’m hoping this campaign will shake people’s apathy and make them realise it wouldn’t hurt to wear a seatbelt.”
“It wouldn’t hurt” is running state-wide on digital platforms, billboards, television, radio and outdoors. The cross-platform campaign is the culmination of more than six months of extensive work led by Richard Blackwell, the manager of SAPOL’s Media Road Safety Unit (MRSU).
“Creating road safety campaigns involves a lot of work, from the initial idea to researching both the trauma stats and the audience, developing and testing the creative, generating the media strategy, pushing
through government approvals, then actually making the ads and booking them,” he said.
“Each campaign has its challenges. Seatbelts tested us as it was the first time we flipped a car while filming, which was dangerous for the stunt crew and people on set.”
The confronting and real nature of “It wouldn’t hurt” taps into the public’s appetite for more realistic depictions of trauma, a trend identified by MRSU’s research.
“This type of advertising seems to cut-through and get noticed quickly,” Mr Blackwell said.
“It works well with this campaign as we are targeting a group that are still resistant to wearing seatbelts and either don’t understand the potential consequences, forget or simply don’t care.
“I’m hoping this campaign will jolt those drivers and highlight that choosing to not wear a seatbelt is not a cause worth dying for.”
WOULDN’T HURT TO WEAR A SEATBELT.
DRUG DRIVERS
Drug drivers are the target of a road safety campaign that portrays a confronting, yet realistic look at the effects and ramifications of their choices and delivers a strong key message – that “reality hits hard when you drive on drugs”.
Directed at those who are most represented in road trauma, male drug users between 20 and 40 years of age, the campaign was designed to address both users of methylamphetamine (meth) and cannabis in two separate advertisements, each speaking to the driving characteristics of each target group.
Crash and enforcement data clearly shows that despite what drug users may believe, driving with illicit drugs in their system clearly impairs their ability to drive safely.
“Typically, we hear cannabis users say they are
and try not to attract attention while drivers or riders who have taken meth perceive themselves as alert and responsive,” Superintendent Fielke said.
“Both notions are wrong. Cannabis can affect perception, reaction time and judgement, while meth can make drivers aggressive, over-confident and dangerously drowsy as the high wears off.
“These driving behaviours are also obvious to police patrols who have the power to pull over and randomly test drivers for drugs.”
Between 2018 and 2022, 66 lives lost and 540 serious injuries on South Australian roads were the direct result of a vehicle being operated by someone who tested positive for drugs. This represented 14 per cent of total lives lost and serious injuries. Last year, drug driving resulted in 21 lives lost (18 per cent) and 111 people seriously injured (13 per cent). During the period 2018 – 2023,
33 271 drivers or riders were detected drug driving and given an expiation notice or arrested.
These are sobering statistics that demand a compelling and confronting response.
“It was important that this campaign was authentic and portrayed a realistic representation of drug driver behaviour,” Mr Blackwell said.
“It was harvested from insightful research and drew upon the crash and drug expertise from Major Crash Investigation Section and Serious and Organised Crime Branch.
“A marathon creative development process and an on-point media strategy were also crucial in delivering the key message.”
The campaign was designed to break down irrational thinking that there are no consequences, both legally and morally, to drug driving.
“Drug driving is a particularly difficult issue to address because we know that drug users are already prepared to break the law and take a risk, so driving to them is incidental; getting the message right is hard,” Mr Blackwell said.
“While this campaign doesn’t condone drugs, it accepts that people are taking them and we have an obligation to stop them driving.”
MRSU undertook extensive attitudinal research with cannabis and meth users as the campaign’s message is aimed at them and not all road users.
“We want drug drivers to see themselves in the ads, reflect on their experience and pre-load a sense of paranoia in them before they get behind the wheel,” Mr Blackwell said.
“We are hoping the impactful crash and police enforcement scenario will emphasise the reality of their actions.”
The “Reality hits hard”
campaign appeared on television, radio, digital platforms and outdoor billboards from March to May, and will run again multiple times over the next year, as will the “It wouldn’t hurt” seatbelt campaign.
“We rotate campaigns from month to month and have targeted road safety messages in market every day of the year,” Mr Blackwell said.
A GRIM REMINDER ABOUT DISTRACTION
The Grim Reaper is the star of SAPOL’s most recent foray into the road safety space, with a campaign focusing on driver distraction and imploring drivers to put away their phone while driving.
“Stop flirting with death” is the key message of the campaign that primarily targets 20 to 39-year-old drivers who account for around 60 per cent of mobile phone infractions.
“The campaign showcases the reality that every mobile phone interaction while driving might as well be an interaction with the Grim Reaper, who will do everything possible to distract the driver and lure them to a far worse destination,”
Mr Blackwell said.
“The campaign was tested amongst the target audience, who appreciated the fresh angle and humorous nature of the advert, while acknowledging the seriousness of the key message.”
Using a mobile phone while driving increases a driver’s crash risk by at least four times. So far this year distraction has been a suspected cause in more than 1900 collisions, with 10 lives lost and 160 serious injuries being attributed to distraction.
“It’s not only texting or answering phone calls anymore; it’s also streaming music and podcasts, GPS and increasing connection to social media,” Superintendent
Fielke said.
“Every second that your eyes are on your phone, they are not on the road ahead of you, and you’re driving blindly. The message is simple, stop flirting with death and leave your phone alone while driving.”
The “Stop flirting with death” campaign is currently airing on TV, outdoor, radio and digital channels.
MRSU continues to create fresh and compelling ways to engage with road users, with a raft of road safety campaigns in the pipeline.
“We are currently in production of a new drink drive campaign to replace the award-winning “Selfish Prick”, and an enforcement campaign to support Traffic Services Branch activities,” Mr Blackwell said.
“We are also in the early stages of developing a new speed campaign and one
targeting young drivers – a group that’s overrepresented in our data.
“As with the seatbelt, drug driving and distraction campaigns, the focus will be on changing behaviour via messages that cut-through and resonate with the target audience in order to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads.”
The full campaigns for drug driving, seatbelts and distraction can be viewed online at www.police.sa.gov.au/ your-safety/road-safety/roadsafety-campaigns
OPPOSITE PAGE: Police prepare to deliver a reality check to drug drivers.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
A WELLPLANNED APPROACH
Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” For Senior Sergeant First Class (SS1C) Russell Dippy failure has never been an option during his 25 years in Emergency and Major Event Section (EMES) where his planning acumen and innate understanding of emergency management has ensured South Australia Police (SAPOL) is always extremely wellprepared for the challenges ahead.
SS1C Dippy was an inaugural member of EMES, becoming the section’s first planner in 1999, 12 years after joining SAPOL as a member of Course 20. His policing career commenced at the City Watch House, followed by roles with Port Adelaide Patrols, Adelaide Patrols, Transit and Communications. However, it is at EMES where, as a planner, and since 2008 as the Emergency Management Coordinator, he has left an indelible imprint while at the forefront of emergencies across the state.
“I joined EMES when we were planning for Y2K and
remain here after 25 years as I’m still learning,” SS1C Dippy said.
“I’ve managed to do things in SAPOL, in policing nationally and with international deployments that have all tied back to the knowledge and skills I’ve gained while in EMES.”
SS1C Dippy has undertaken operational and strategic leadership roles through a range of emergency management responses to disaster events.
“Under the State Emergency Management Plan, SAPOL has the coordinating role for all 22 events and is the control agency for 11 of them, including earthquakes, accidents involving aircraft, rail or marine transport, and terrorist incidents,” he said.
“My job is to provide all the overarching policy, planning, training and development for both of those roles, trying to make sure it’s as seamless as possible.
“On a day-to-day basis I provide holistic emergency management policy, training and leadership across the prevention and preparedness to emergencies and support operational management of response and recovery operations.
“I also provide extensive executive support and training to government and non-government agencies to facilitate emergency management awareness and development.”
During his planning days in EMES SS1C Dippy was involved in significant events
including the Adelaide-based Sydney Olympics soccer games in 2000, the royal visit of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in 2002, and the detention centre protests at Woomera in 2002 and Baxter (Port Augusta) in 2003 and 2005. While these events had their inherent challenges, the exposure to natural disasters brought a new level of complexity.
“I was a member of the police contingent that travelled to Victoria in February 2009 in response to the Black Saturday bushfires that tragically caused 173 deaths,” SS1C Dippy said.
“I visited an area ravaged by fire. It was eerily silent with no leaves rustling, no animals, just scorched earth and black sticks, along with a burnt-out Ford Falcon with its wheels melted into the ground.
“Standing there made me think the more I can do in my role to keep people away from this type of devastation, the better.”
In 2011 SS1C Dippy undertook the planning to send a SAPOL group across the ditch to New Zealand in response to the Christchurch earthquake.
“After the plane departed for Christchurch I discovered that batons and handcuffs were a prohibited import when coming back to Australia so I had to do the extensive paperwork to register SAPOL as a weapons importer so we could bring our kit back home,” he said.
READY AND WILLING
Being able to pivot quickly was also the hallmark of SS1C Dippy’s leading role in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite all the talk of it being an ‘unprecedented’ event, it was the learnings from swine flu in 2009 that put SAPOL on the front foot with its response.
“The knowledge gained from swine flu amended the Emergency Management Act
and Y2K led to a business continuity plan being developed by EMES which was crucial years later when Covid suddenly hit in early 2020,” SS1C Dippy said.
Covid was a time of upheaval for EMES with the team running multiple declarations under the Emergency Management Act and preparing hundreds of documents to obtain an extension of powers.
“EMES was also doing tasks such as border planning and the coordination of airports and medi-hotels,” SS1C Dippy said.
“You couldn’t see out of the EMES office windows due to the sheer amount of whiteboards.
“We then lost many of our people to Covid operations and for a while I was the only one left at EMES.
“I was running the State Emergency Centre on an active basis while also responding to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements in relation to the extreme bushfire season of 2019-20, responding to the Independent Keelty Report into the bushfires and leading the state’s internal operational debrief.”
During the height of the Covid pandemic SS1C Dippy received the prestigious Jim Hullick Award from the Local Government Association. He was recognised for his collaborative work across councils and state agencies and his advocacy which saw the role of local government formally recognised in the State Emergency Management Plan in 2016.
“I was honoured to receive the award. I have worked closely with councils on emergency management for many years, including bushfires, floods and the Covid pandemic,” SS1C Dippy said.
“In emergency situations, being able to tap into the local insights and resources of councils is crucial”.
I’ve managed to do things in SAPOL, in policing nationally and with international deployments that have all tied back to the knowledge and skills I’ve gained while in EMES.
SS1C Russell Dippy.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
I think I’ve made a positive impact on colleagues, agencies and the community.
A CLASS ABOVE THE REST
SS1C Dippy is an active participant in many of Australia’s national policy areas relative to emergency management. He is a founding member of the Australian Emergency Management Assistance Team (EMAT) and in 2014 was deployed to the large, complex Hazelwood coal mine fire in Victoria to provide expert assistance.
SS1C Dippy’s know-how was also sought in 2009 when he travelled to Samoa in the aftermath of the tsunami as part of the Australian Medical Assistance Team to implement the process of dedicated logistics people accompanying medical teams.
SS1C Dippy’s vast knowledge and experience ensures he is always in demand.
“I provide regular input into national plans and doctrines to support the ongoing professional development of emergency management and emergency managers across Australia,” he said.
“I’m also kept busy as the Oceania Council Treasurer for the International Association of Emergency Managers and as a member of both the Australasian Institute of Emergency Services and the International Emergency Management Society.”
Amazingly, the dual internationally certified emergency manager has managed to find time to undertake a Doctor of Public Safety at Charles Sturt University. This is the latest in a catalogue of impressive academic achievements including a Masters in Emergency Management, two Graduate Certificates, and various Diplomas in Management, Leadership, Business, Accounting, Volunteer Management and Training.
“This constant study reflects my passion for emergency management,” SS1C Dippy said.
“Having all these qualifications makes some people wonder why I don’t explore new opportunities. However, at EMES I have access to the state, local and
national areas I need to make a difference.
“I’m grateful that SAPOL continues to support me as what I’m doing here significantly impacts upon SAPOL’s role and has flowon affects for emergency management across the country.
“My position and current study also allow me to further my work in leading the professionalisation of emergency management so that the role is seen as a profession in the same way as, for example, a doctor or nurse.”
SS1C Dippy lives and breathes emergency management, with this passion only matched by his extensive volunteer work with St John Ambulance, a strong affiliation that began as a 10-year-old cadet.
“Parallel to my policing career I did 35 years with St John and finished as the State Superintendent, responsible for the operational side of St John volunteers in South Australia,” he said.
“I often dedicated 15-20 hours a week to St John,
which occasionally rose to 35-40 hours when State Superintendent, on top of my full-time policing role.
“I guess I’m unique in that I have had my job, my passion and previous volunteer work all align to carve out a successful and satisfying career.”
Reflecting on his career, SS1C Dippy believes he has made a difference.
“I think I’ve made a positive impact on colleagues, agencies and the community,” he said.
“As much as emergency management is about plans and processes, it’s all about people. I get great satisfaction in seeing the number of people coming to EMES, broadening their thinking and then being promoted within SAPOL.
“After 25 years I’m still learning and enjoying my role. As they say, if you do something you love you never work a day in your life, and that’s what it’s like for me EMES – I get paid to pursue my passion.”
SS1C Russell Dippy in the State Emergency Centre.
Photo: Andrew Challen.
SHINING A TORCH ON INCLUSION
It was amazing to see the smiles, excitement and sheer joy on their faces as they basked in being the centre of attention.
Sergeant Jade Hill and a Special Olympics athlete with the ‘Flame of Hope’.
Photo: Supplied.
Running the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) through Berlin in June 2023, Senior Sergeant Michael Tolson experienced the true meaning of the Special Olympics movement.
For the Deputy Chair of LETR SA it was an unforgettable experience, only matched by the emotion he felt while running the final leg at the previous Special Olympics World Games in the United Arab Emirates four years earlier.
“Those two events have given me some of the most memorable experiences of my life, all because we show up to support our Special Olympics athletes at a local level,”
Senior Sergeant Tolson said.
“The Berlin experience was overwhelming, with thousands of people lining the streets to loudly cheer on the athletes. It was amazing to see the smiles, excitement and sheer joy on their faces as they basked in being the centre of attention.
“This support continued at an incredible opening ceremony with everybody coming together to celebrate the Special Olympics.”
Senior Sergeant Tolson participated in his first torch run in 2016 and was instantly drawn to LETR and the opportunity to engage and connect with the intellectually disabled community.
“When I first met some of the athletes I was captivated by their excitement and the high regard in which they hold police,” he said.
“To them we are heroes; to us they are inspiring.”
Known as ‘The Guardians of the Flame’, the LETR is a
charitable program that is the largest grassroots funding and awareness vehicle for the Special Olympics globally. It began in the USA in 1981 and expanded into Australia in 2004, with more than 100 000 police worldwide participating in over 3000 fundraising events each year.
“It’s awesome to see so many police officers join the ‘Flame of Hope’ runs with Special Olympics athletes,”
Senior Sergeant Tolson said.
“LETR SA also appreciates the payroll donations from SAPOL members which helps fund new equipment and programs for athletes.
“We encourage SAPOL employees to become involved with LETR through donations or joining as a committee member to assist in organising the events and runs we conduct each year.”
One of those events is the Polar Plunge, which this year saw LETR supporters brave the chilly waters at Glenelg
beach during winter.
“The Polar Plunge built on the success of last year’s inaugural event. It was wellsupported and raised valuable funds and awareness for our South Australian athletes and promoted the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games,” Senior Sergeant Tolson said.
LETR committee member, Sergeant Jade Hill will be in Torino, Italy in March next year, where she will join LETR members from across the world in the final leg team, carrying the Flame of Hope through Italy to the opening ceremony of the World Winter Games.
“I feel honoured not only to have been nominated but selected. It will be a lifechanging experience for me and one I am proud to be part of,” she said.
“I will also be playing a huge role in making sure the athletes’ experience is one to remember.”
An athlete engages with police cadets at a recent LETR SA event.
RIGHT: Police with the ‘Flame of Hope’ at a Limestone All Abilities Soccer event in Mount Gambier. Photos: LETR SA.
Sergeant Hill brings a wealth of experience to her LETR role, having been involved in support roles for people with disabilities throughout her career, including School Liaison Officer at both Ashford Special School and Errington Special Education Centre. This was invaluable in recent years when serving SAPOL’s Limestone Coast Local Service Area where she was involved with All Abilities Soccer, the Polar Plunge and supporting local athletes including a swimmer at the 2022 Special Olympics National Games.
“I assisted her with swimming and personal fitness training in the lead-up to the event,” Sergeant Hill said.
“When I received the phone call advising that she had won gold and placed in other races I was so excited for her. She had worked so hard towards her goal and I was privileged
to have been included in her success.
“I’m proud to be involved in LETR and support such deserving athletes. I encourage others to join us to ensure this amazing work continues to grow.”
RECOGNISING ABILITY
Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Nichole Crouch experienced her first torch run eight years ago and now participates in LETR events with her 11-year-old son Cooper who has special needs.
“LETR shows Cooper that he can pursue his passion despite his differences and that diversity should be celebrated,” SC1C Crouch said.
“It encourages him to dream big and be proud.
“Cooper is involved with ‘All Abilities Cheer and Dance’ and performed a ballet solo at their end of year show. He
would absolutely love to take his dancing onto the big stage of the Special Olympics with DanceSport.”
SC1C Crouch believes that LETR is extremely valuable for children who continually face huge obstacles in their daily lives.
“They may never get a ribbon on sports day or be able to join a local competitive sports club, however LETR highlights what these individuals can achieve and promotes inclusion,” she said.
“As a parent of a special needs child it can be hard work advocating for their rights so it’s wonderful to see the LETR community embrace their diversity and give these kids the support and recognition they deserve.
“LETR is saying – we see you; we respect you; you matter; you are enough; in fact, you are incredible.
“The Special Olympics athletes have such big hearts and are truly inspirational. We
can all learn a lot from them.”
For young Cooper, LETR is an opportunity to feel valued and respected.
“Everyone is different, but despite these differences we should all still be able to pursue our passions and be given opportunities to do the things we love,” he said.
“These athletes show the world that no matter who you are, what you look like, where you’re from or what disability – I like to call it super-power – you have, you can still do great things.
“Just because you’re different doesn’t mean you are worthless; you are worth a lot.”
To find out more about LETR SA, visit their website at sa.torchrun.org.au
Moments in Time
RIDING THROUGH HISTORY
Motorcycles have played an integral role in police transport, and in particular traffic policing since South Australia Police (SAPOL) acquired two Harley-Davidson 7.9 horsepower motorcycles and sidecars in 1922.
Fourpolice officers were trained to ride them to perform traffic duty within the city area and to provide transport in urgent police cases.
“These motorcycles quickly became SAPOL’s principal means of motorised transport for everyday policing operations, expanding to a fleet of 24 Harley-Davidsons by 1931 and providing a more cost-effective form of horsepower than SAPOL’s equine contingent,” said retired Deputy Commissioner John White from the South Australian Police Historical Society.
By 1947, SAPOL’s motorcycle fleet had increased to 58, with 43 based in Adelaide and 15 located at various country police stations.
The following year saw SAPOL’s first solo motorcycle, with four Harley-Davidson 750cc WLA models purchased specifically for traffic duty.
“Riders patrolled in plain clothes and under instructions to only pursue and report blatant speeding offenders,” Mr White said.
By 1954 the number of solo motorcycles had expanded to 132, comprising 34 Triumph 6T Thunderbirds and 98 BSA 650cc Golden Flash bikes used for high-speed work. SAPOL
received its last delivery of Triumph motorcycles in 1957, with these mostly replaced by BSA A10s by the early 1960s.
“This was also the time when the traffic floppy soft-top cloth cap and the leather peak cap were discarded, and motorcycle traffic constables were first issued with crash helmets,” Mr White said.
Throughout the 1960s SAPOL continued to purchase numerous A65 model BSA motorcycles, with the last of the BSA model A65 Thunderbolts, featuring fitted police two-way radios, delivered in 1974.
That same year, SAPOL purchased 110 Honda CB750K2-P model solo motorcycles equipped with a transverse mounted 750cc four-cylinder engine and a five-speed transmission.
“The powerful Honda machines were a vast improvement on the BSA and provided a new standard of reliability, comfort and safety for the Motor Traffic Constable,” Mr White said.
“Later that decade, SAPOL added the Suzuki GS750 to its fleet due to difficulties obtaining Honda spare parts.”
In 1985 the introduction of specially marked Holden V8 Commodore patrol cars for traffic policing saw the fleet of 209 solo motorcycles reduced to 92. Two years later SAPOL began its long and continuing association with BMW with the acquisition of 57 BMW K100 model 1000cc solo motorcycles. Today, 34 BMW solo motorcycles remain in police service for road safety, education and traffic enforcement duties.
RIGHT (clockwise): BMW motorcycles in 2014; Senior Constable John Hornibrook on a Honda Four 750cc CB750K2 in 1974; Traffic members George Modra and Stan Swaine in a 1946 Harley Davidson 1200cc model 10/12 fitted with Dusting sidecar. Photos: SAPOL and South Australian Police Historical Society.