WAPU Police News - June 2014

June 2014

Saved from danger

Little girl rescued from burning vehicle

Down but not out Officer recovering after being stabbed

The social media revolution How Twitter is changing policing

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE

WA

POLICE UNION

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JUNE 2014

POLICE NEWS THE MAGAZINE FOR THE WA POLICE UNION

CONTENTS

11

20

Appeal bites back

22 Industrial Report

A little girl was left in a burning car until she was rescued by a Midland Constable

WAPU successfully lobbies DPP to appeal assault conviction acquittal

24 Field Report

Saved from danger

06 WAPU Directors and staff 08 President’s Report

29 Opinion 30 Q&A

14

26

Constable Kean Ball-Hornblow has come face to face with adversity

Have you visited WAPU’s new website?

Read more to find out more about the Union’s newest tool.

Down but not out

WAPU’s new website

How did Twitter bring the spotlight on Kensington Police and bring them closer to their community?

A new initiative launched to help police officers in need.

WA

37 Motoring 39 Superannuation 40 Entertainment

44 New Members

Ryan Marron Foundation expanded

639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 P (08) 9321 2155 F (08) 9321 2177 E admin@wapu.org.au

35 Legal

42 Member Benefits

28

POLICE UNION

4

33 Health

16

The social media revolution

Police News June 2014

31 WAPU Opinion

45 Retirements, Resignations and Vale 46 Where are they now?

Office hours Monday-Friday 7am-4pm After Hours Emergency Director 0438 080 930 www.wapu.org.au Follow us on Twitter @WAPoliceUnion

DISCLAIMER WAPU (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are the sole discretion of the WA Police Union and the magazine is offered for information purposes only.

The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the Publishers, its Directors or employees.

COPYRIGHT All materials in this publication are subject to copyright and written authorisation from WAPU is required prior to reproduction in any form.

ADVERTISING Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to the advertiser. All advertising is undertaken in good faith and WAPU takes no responsibility for information contained in advertisements.

PUBLISHED BY WA Police Union 639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 (08) 9321 2155 ADVERTISING WA Police Union (08) 9321 2155

Above Constable Katie Roberts has embraced social media while working at Kensington Police Station. cover Cadet Ben Lynn and Constable John Kapinga at Midland Police Station following the heroic rescue.

Cover picture: Jody D’Arcy Photography

WA

POLICE UNION

24/7 EMERGENCY Director

Board of Directors

GEORGE TILBURY President 0409 105 898

BRANDON SHORTLAND Vice President 0419 802 650

JON GROVES Deputy Vice President 0438 080 868

WENDY ROUTHAN Executive Assistant

JESSICA PORTER Media Officer

MICK KELLY Treasurer & 24/7 Emergency 0438 080 930

Staff

PAUL HUNT Secretary

6 Police News June 2014

Chris Vitler Finance Manager

STEVEN GLOVER Media Officer

Board of Directors & Staff

EMERGENCY all-hours Director MICk KELLY

0438 080 930

HARRY ARNOTT Director 0407 989 008

PETER KELLY Senior Industrial Officer

LINDSAY GARRATT Director 0407 775 050

Andrea Wyllie Industrial Officer

MICk GILL Director 0427 097 000

JANE BAkER Research Officer

KEVIN McDONALD Director 0434 833 283

DAVE LAMPARD Field Officer

PETER POTTHOFF Director 0407 476 679

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HARRY RUSSELL Director 0412 585 429

TARRYN SMITH Accounts Officer

JAIMEE McCAGH Administration Officer

PENNY BROWN Administration Officer 7

Police News JUNE 2014

George Tilbury President

Major changes ahead for UK Police Federation From May 20 to 22, I attended the Police Federation of England and Wales Annual Conference on behalf of the Police Federation of Australia.

The main issue discussed at Conference was the need to change the operational structure of the Federation and to implement 36 recommendations resulting from an independent review.

Last year, outgoing Chairman Steve Williams commissioned the review by former Home Office Permanent Secretary Sir David Normington.

The report raised issues about the Federation’s lack of financial transparency, lack of public accountability, inability to promote good behaviour and professional standards and internal divisions that have stifled its effectiveness and reputation.

The 36 recommendations, which were all voted for, focused on: • A new ethics, standards and performance process for Police Federation representatives; • The publication of all Police Federation accounts, expenses and hospitality received by individual officers; • A new independent reference group to evaluate how the Police Federation is meeting its public interest obligations; • Streamlining and professionalisation of Federation representative structures; • The abolition of separate committees for each rank which have become divisive and create unnecessary cost;

However, in WA, reform is not a solution to remedy the State’s financial position as there is absolutely no comparison.

8

• More accountability to members including the direct election of the National Chair; and • An initial 25 per cent reduction in member subscriptions for at least one year, financed by the abolition of rank committees.

The final report emerges at a time of chaos for the Federation, with the Government declaring it will cut remaining public funding to the organisation.

Home Secretary Theresa May, who was one of the keynote speakers at Conference, delivered her Government’s view on the Federation. She told the 1200-strong audience that if the Federation did not change, that Government would do it for them.

Ms May left the lectern in silence, without applause.

Upon rising of Conference, there was a vote for a new Chairman. However, the vote was split 50/50 for the two nominees, Steve White and Will Riches, so the Treasurer decided the Chairman position through the toss of a coin.

Steve White was declared the winner after tails emerged.

Mr White supports reform and will start to implement the recommendations over the coming two to three years.

Other challenges facing the Police Federation, from which we can learn here in WA, include the drive to increase privatisation of Government services, which in most cases has been a dismal failure.

The 43 UK police forces had to reform due to the financial position of the country and in reaction to austerity measures.

Geographically, WA is 12 times bigger than the UK and we have one police force. Reducing the number of forces should be the first thing on the agenda, but there appears no political will to tackle this issue, which would provide significant savings.

President's report

01 02

According to Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, violent crime, sexual offences and domestic violence have increased with prosecutions and convictions in decline.

She also told Conference a minimum of 20 per cent was cut from the police budget and 15,000 officers have been let go over the past few years.

What we can learn from the situation in the UK, is that their police forces have been made to reform as a primary reaction to austerity measures.

However, in WA, reform is not a solution to remedy the State’s financial position as there is absolutely no comparison.

There is a stark difference, so providing improved service delivery to the community of Western Australia must be the primary focus.

The Community Development and Justice Standing Committee, chaired by Margaret Quirk, will now travel to the UK this month to investigate for itself how reform is affecting policing and whether the grass really is greener on the other side.

Given the very muddy waters and unreasonable level of political interference, only time will tell if the UK has the best practice policing model. One thing’s for sure; you’ll need to hold on as it’s going to be a rough ride! ▷

03

01 Inspectors separate rank committee. 02 Former Chair Steve Williams delivers his keynote speech. 03 Home Secretary Theresa May addresses media questions in the press room after her keynote speech.

9

President's report cont.

We are extremely pleased common sense has prevailed and officers will soon be able to use their discretion when dealing with a detained person.

CIA amendment ends babysitting

New Directors on board

Amendments to the Criminal Investigation Act have been read into Parliament which will eradicate the need for police officers to “baby-sit” those who have been taken into custody.

Section 139(3) of the Act which requires that a person arrested on suspicion of committing an offence and held pending charges must remain in the close company of a police officer, unless it is impracticable to do so, will be deleted.

We have long fought for this part of the Act to be repealed because it is impractical and ties up valuable police time.

Instead of an officer being out on the frontline, they are often left holding the hand of someone in custody.

We are extremely pleased common sense has prevailed and officers will soon be able to use their discretion when dealing with a detained person.

This is a great win for Members and we congratulate Police Minister Liza Harvey for listening to our concern, as well as WA Police for their support.

The vacancies on our Board of Directors have been filled after the completion of a By-Election by the WA Electoral Commission.

Senior Constable Mark Johnson 6274, Detective Sergeant Peter McGee 7577, Sergeant Ward Adamson 6518 and Senior Sergeant Graeme Macey 7794 took up their new positions as Metropolitan Region Directors at our June Board Meeting.

We welcome our new Directors, who will be an integral part of our team. They have arrived at a busy time of year and will continue to help the Union move forward on its current path.

They will serve our Members for the remainder of the current term, which expires with the rising of Annual Conference in November next year.

We thank all other candidates for nominating and encourage them to continue their active involvement in the Branches.

We also thank Members for voting and having a say in the direction of our Union.

Blood testing legislation close Our long battle to have mandatory blood testing legislation introduced into Parliament has finally come to fruition with the Mandatory Testing (Infectious Diseases) Bill 2014 currently before Parliament.

Mandatory blood testing has been on the Union’s agenda for years and played a part in our 2013 Pre-Election Submission.

This legislation will have a huge effect on more than 100 officers, and their families, who are potentially exposed to a communicable disease each year during the course of their duties.

This legislation will effectively reduce the stressful waiting time for blood test results from six months, to a few days.

We are extremely pleased that our hard work and lobbying of Government has resulted in this important piece of legislation being introduced. I would also like to thank Deputy Commissioner Steve Brown and WA Police for their assistance.

We now hope that all WA politicians will see how important this legislation is, support the bill and pass it as soon as possible.

We will let you know when this bill becomes law.

10 Police News June 2014

Industrial Agreement Offer At time of going to press, the Union had received an Offer from the State Government for a replacement Industrial Agreement.

WAPU Directors and staff held meetings throughout the metropolitan area and Regional WA to discuss the Offer in detail with Members.

The Offer included no trade-offs and pay rises of 2.75 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent over the term of the agreement.

The Offer has been put to Members via an online vote with the results to be known in coming days.

The Union will not accept this Offer without the endorsement of Members covered by the Agreement.

Saved from DANGER

By Steven Glover

“My immediate thought was for the little girl.”

That was the sole driving factor in Constable John Kapinga’s mind when he ran towards a burning car on Sunday, April 20.

“I had seen her in the car earlier and had no idea whether she was still in there or not. I saw the flames and it was on fire so I had to react quickly,” Const. Kapinga told Police News.

Earlier, Const. Kapinga along with Senior Constable Duncan Carter and Cadet Ben Lynn were tasking in Midland when they spotted a car coming towards them with no headlights on.

The decision was made to pull over the vehicle and it was then that Const. Kapinga noticed the car had the same registration plate as a vehicle police were looking for in Ellenbrook.

“I was aware of a job in Ellenbrook where there was a bit of a domestic which was going on and the male had taken off in the car with his daughter,” he said.

“The car had stopped at a red light and the lights went green and it stayed still. So I got out of the car, approached the vehicle and his window was up, he looked at me and I told him to put the window down, he looked away, I told him again ‘put the window down’.

“I saw the young girl sitting in the front passenger seat of the car at the time and he just put his foot down, screeched the tyres and then took off down Great Eastern Highway.” ▷ 11 Police News JUNE 2014

Ebony-May’s father was driving the stolen vehicle and fled the scene of the crash, leaving the threeyear-old crying and screaming in the car.

12 Police News June 2014

The 23-year-old Constable raced back to the patrol car and chased after the vehicle but could not see it because the headlights were still turned off.

“We continued to drive down Great Eastern Highway.

I noticed a couple of cars started to pull off to the side of the road and had their hazard lights on.

“So we drove a bit further down and saw that the car had crashed into a concrete barrier as it’s gone up the slip lane.

The car was already on fire, so we pulled up.”

It was then that Const. Kapinga’s instincts and concern for the little girl kicked in.

He got straight out of the patrol car, raced to the passenger side of the vehicle and saw the little girl, Ebony-May Simpson, sitting in the front seat. Flames burning no less than a metre or two from her.

“The flames were right at the front of the bonnet where the windscreen meets. I opened the door of the car, took hold of the girl, raced back down to the police car and put her in the back.”

Ebony-May’s father was driving the stolen vehicle and fled the scene of the crash, leaving the three-year-old crying and screaming in the car.

“I was very surprised (to see her in the car), I don’t know how anyone could do that to their own child.

“I don’t understand what was going through his head.

I mean you can be drunk but still even to do that to your own daughter, and while I don’t have kids myself, I can’t comprehend what was going through his head.”

While Const. Kapinga and Cadet Lynn looked after Ebony-May, Sen. Const. Carter controlled the flames until firefighters arrived to extinguish the blaze.

The flames were hot enough to smash the front windscreen, melt the dashboard and leave the front half of the car a burnt mess.

“We got an ambulance and firies there and then my partner (Sen. Const. Carter) took off,” Const. Kapinga said.

“I didn’t know where he went, then I realised he had seen the male who was limping down another street, so we followed and caught up with him.”

Bevan Stanley Cameron, 25, had 10 charges laid against him following the crash and is currently going through the courts.

Young Ebony-May was taken to hospital immediately after the crash where she underwent emergency surgery for a torn bladder and was in a spinal splint while doctors assessed her injuries.

Her mother, Caitlin, said Ebony-May asked after the policeman who had pulled her from the wreck.

“Ebony-May said the policeman saved her and we want to see if the rescuing officer can come and visit her,” Caitlin said.

It was a request Const. Kapinga and his fellow officers could hardly refuse.

“It was nice to see her and to see she was no longer in pain, crying or screaming,” he said.

“It was nice to meet mum, she was very thankful for what we had done and the rest of the family as well. They were very, very thankful which was good.”

The three officers presented Ebony-May with a Police Legacy teddy bear to keep her company throughout her two-week stay at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Sergeant Dave White was working on the night of the incident as the Operations Manager and he was full of praise for the officers.

Sgt White said he found out the full details when the officers returned to the station following the incident.

“Straight away I knew it was something that was pretty special. He’d gone above and beyond what was required and he probably saved the kid’s life,” he said.

“It was an excellent outcome to not only be able to get the child back but also make sure she was safe by taking her out of the burning vehicle. The outcome could have been a lot worse if they were not there.

“They used a lot of restraint because it would be very easy to want to chase that car knowing that you have a serious offender and he’s got a child you need to get away from him as soon as you can. They were very good in showing a little bit of restraint in a very emotional and tense situation.

“If they weren’t there, if he’d done it (crashed the car) two kilometres up the road or on a back street and no one had been there, I’ve got no doubt that there would have been a different ending.”

Const. Kapinga said he never considered the risks he was putting himself under during the rescue.

“I’ve never really had anything similar to this incident before. I have been to crashes and other serious incidents previously and obviously your main concern is to make sure there isn’t anyone in the car, so I guess that has probably helped. Your first priority is always making sure everyone is ok,” he said.

Luckily, none of the officers involved in the rescue were injured.

Const. Kapinga said it was an incident that he would never forget and he was very thankful for the support of his colleagues.

“If they weren’t there, if he’d done it (crashed the car) two kilometres up the road or on a back street and no one had been there, I’ve got no doubt that there would have been a different ending.”

“I’ve had a lot of support from colleagues but also people I hadn’t spoken to in a while saying well done so it is nice to have the support.”

One of those who called Const. Kapinga to offer his congratulations was Union President George Tilbury.

Mr Tilbury and Const. Kapinga previously worked together at Midland Police Station and he said Const. Kapinga had shown commitment and willingness to assist in all situations.

“All officers would like to say they would do what John did when put in that situation but to actually face it and to act in that manner is going above and beyond the call of duty,” Mr Tilbury said.

“Having worked with him during his early days in the job, and to see him now, I am very proud of what he did.”

Two months down the track, Const. Kapinga has continued to serve the people of the Midland region.

While the hype has died down, his commitment to the community has not, he said he would not hesitate to do it again.

01 Constable John Kapinga.

02 Constable Kapinga with Midland Cadet Ben Lynn.

01 02

01 02 On a usually peaceful and quiet Sunday morning, Constable Kean Ball-Hornblow woke up to the sound of his Sawyers Valley Volunteer Fire Brigade pager.

FACING THE FLAMES 16

POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2014

The message told him that a potentially devastating fire had started in Parkerville and that it was heading straight for his home in Stoneville.

It was Sunday, January 12 and it was one of the hottest days of summer so far.

The mercury peaked at 40 degrees in Perth, but no doubt it was hotter in the bush.

With no time to spare, the 22-year-old Constable scavenged his home to find buckets to fill with water. He knew he had to get out quick.

That was the moment Kean grabbed the closest bag he could find – a WA Police CHOGM bag – and stuffed it with a pair of jeans, t-shirt, socks and anything else he could grab from nearby.

One treasured item he also managed to get was a Martin & Co acoustic guitar, a gift from his recently widowed grandad.

Just as Kean went to throw his bag of clothes into his ute, spot fires began to break out in the bush surrounding his uninsured home.

Quickly ensuring his rescue dog Marley was safe in the car, Kean gabbed the buckets of water and threw it over the burning flames. He knew putting out the spot fires would only give him an extra few minutes, at the most, to get out.

As the volunteer firefighter was putting out the small bushfires, he was faced with the intense roar of flames as it climbed over the hill towards his home.

The flames licked the top of 20 metre trees and was moving fast up the hill, straight towards Kean.

He tried to stay and battle the blaze, but the heat was too intense and the fire was moving too fast.

“I couldn’t get out using my driveway because it was completely engulfed in a wall of flame,” Kean remembers. “If I went out that way I would have died, so I jumped in my car and took off down a firebreak track.”

Battling against overgrown trees, ash and embers, Kean managed to push his way out through the firebreak to a clear road.

Initially, Kean returned to his street to see if he could do anything for his neighbours.

A couple of volunteer firefighters on his street, who brought in a private tanker, were trying to put out the fire and save homes on the street.

It was at that moment when Kean was getting water for the tanker, that he knew his house was gone. ▷

At just 23 years old, Constable Kean Ball-Hornblow has already been through a lot.

BY JESSICA PORTER

17 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2014

Down but not out

By Jessica Porter

14 Police News June 2014

In January this year, the constable and volunteer firefighter lost his house and prized motorbike to a blaze that tore through the Perth hills. All the while, trying to fight the fire and save other people’s homes.

But just a few months on, Kean is recovering at his new home after a knife was plunged into his chest while on duty.

On the evening of April 30 – Kean’s last shift before three weeks’ annual leave – Kean and his partner Senior Constable Simon Briggs were requested to assist officers from Morley, who were trying to talk to a woman holding a knife.

“We didn’t get much information, just that they were dealing with someone with a knife and they needed help, so we went down to help them out,” Kean said.

As the officers got to the corner of Morley Drive and Beechboro Road, they saw the two officers from Morley Police Station trying to talk the woman into dropping the knife.

“She wasn’t really responding,” Kean said.

“She was just completely in her own head. She was pacing up and down with the knife in her hand, holding the handle with the blade out the bottom,” he said.

“She wasn’t threatening us, or coming towards us, so it was a bit different in trying to work out how to handle it.”

While the Morley officers were talking to the woman, Kean and his partner positioned themselves around the woman.

“She was just pacing between all of us,” Kean said.

“She was kind of holding the knife towards herself, which I later found out was the whole reason why we were there; she was going to attempt self-harm. So that changes how you tactically respond to the incident because if you utilise a taser, she could fall on the knife and kill herself.”

While the officers were still trying to talk to the woman, she stopped pacing and walked in Kean’s direction.

“I was trying to talk to her and then she’s turned around. But as she’s turned, she’s brought the knife down to her side, which was the first time she’d done that,” he said.

Kean saw an opportunity, and instinctively grabbed the woman’s wrist and upper arm in an arm bar.

“It was obviously a quick situation so I can’t really remember how it all happened, but the other officers have all jumped in as well and at some point she’s tried to get the knife into her other hand.

A struggle ensued, and during the incident, the 20cm serrated knife ploughed 5cm into Kean’s chest.

“I didn’t even feel it at the time,” Kean remembers.

“It felt like I’d just been hit or punched in the chest. I obviously saw the knife but I didn’t connect that it had been in me because I still managed to get the knife off her and we all took her down to the ground.

“I ended up cuffing her ankles to try and calm her down but it wasn’t until I got the last cuff on that I realised I was in quite a bit of pain.”

Kean said he looked over to his partner who, by this time, had “connected the dots”.

“He then called the ambulance and took me off to the side. I then got my vest and jacket off to find all this blood,” Kean said.

Kean said the knife went through his shirt, load bearing vest and jacket.

“I think I went into a little bit of shock but I think I managed to calm myself down pretty quickly,” he said.

Officers organised for the woman to be assessed by doctors at Graylands.

Ambulance officers rushed Kean to Royal Perth Hospital’s trauma unit where he spent the next week in hospital. He was visited by the Police Commissioner and WAPU President.

“It felt like I’d just been hit or punched in the chest.

I obviously saw the knife but I didn’t connect that it had been in me because I still managed to get the knife off her…”

03

01 Const. Kean Ball-Hornblow recovers at home. 02 Police News featured Kean's bravery in its February edition.

03 Kean's dog Marley keeps him company during his recuperation.

“Doctors did all these scans and x-rays but they found that the knife just got my lung. So my lung had a cut in the pleura (the sack around the lung). I was bleeding into my thoracic cavity and my lung was collapsing. So they put an intercostal catheter through my chest into my cavity and they drained blood out of my chest for about five days,” he said.

Kean has been left with scars on the right side of his chest, which will probably never go away.

About seven weeks after the incident, Kean was cleared by his specialist and was allowed to return to work.

Kiara Police Station OIC Senior Sergeant Ian North said the station couldn’t wait to welcome Kean back to work.

“I’ve known Kean since he was a cadet at Ballajura Police Station, so it was really upsetting to see him hurt. But I’m glad he will be back on deck soon,” he said.

Even though Kean is still rebuilding his life after the fire, and now after being injured, he has always remained positive and optimistic.

“It could have happened to anyone, just sucked that it happened to me… but I’m alright,” he said.

15 Police News JUNE 2014

The social media revolution

By Steven Glover

16 Police News June 2014

Kensington OIC Acting Senior Sergeant Gavin Kerber said Twitter has enabled police to interact with the community.

T

he words reform have been on everyone’s lips recently since the Frontline 2020 trial in the South East Metropolitan District was announced in November last year.

While there has been plenty of rumours, feedback and changes, one of the major innovations which has already been hailed a major success is the use of social media by frontline police, in particular Twitter.

For the uninitiated, Twitter is a social media site which allows users to follow and be followed as well as send posts or “tweets” to other users. The only catch, posts can only be 140 characters long. So short and sharp.

One of the stations using Twitter successfully is the team at Kensington Police Station whose Twitter handle is @KensingtonPol. The guys and girls at Kensington have developed a major following with some of their tweets even making their way into The West Australian.

Constable Katie Roberts is just one of the team who has been using Twitter as part of her daily duties in the Burswood Local Policing Team and she loves it.

It started off with directions from WA Police and the Kensington Officer-in-Charge for each team to tweet once a day per shift however, Constable Roberts said a few of the officers worked out to be successful they needed to engage with high profile people in order to improve @KensingtonPol’s reach.

“One of the guy’s, who has now left, sister-in-law does a bit of communication type stuff outside of the job so she was like you need to hit the high profile people. Therefore we got Lisa Barnes (6PR journalist) on board and others like that kind of let us reach audiences we wouldn’t normally,” she said.

The team have now moved from a tweet per shift to tweeting whenever and wherever.

“I do not even keep track of how many (tweets) I do in a shift now because we will tweet a few different things but you also tweet back to people that have tweeted to you,” she said.

“We are just trying to keep it going, keep it rolling along and keep people interested.

“At times it can be quite helpful and it doesn’t take long to send a tweet, they are only 140 characters. You can do it in the car, you can do it before you walk out the door, or you can do it in the time it takes your partner to go and fill his drink bottle up before you leave, stuff like that.”

As with all forms of social media there are issues relating to negative feedback and comments. Const. Roberts said this was a challenge for the team at Kensington.

“It is another form of building relationships which is what the local policing team model is all about, engaging with the community and engaging people.”

“Because we are getting such a big following, we need to keep on top of our tweets and keeping on top of the people that aren’t tweeting back to us in a nice way by trying to block them straight out. We want to keep it positive and we want to keep it so people actually want to read stuff about what we are tweeting.”

The tweets sent by Kensington Police Station range from traffic statistics to items of lost property. While this might seem a little mundane to the average reader, this has been one of the areas where the team at Kensington have excelled.

“It is about keeping it light, keeping it humourous and remembering to show that we’re people, not all just blue force, blue shirts and firearms,” Const. Roberts explained.

“We want people to come up and have a chat. We have some fun with it and our boss is really happy for us to run it and he says whatever goes just keep it professional and it’s worked.

“We have had locals tweet us stuff so it is getting out there and they are enjoying it. The Town of Victoria Park are on board, they are forever retweeting stuff we tweet and things like that.”

Kensington’s OIC Acting Senior Sergeant Gavin Kerber said while it was a foreign concept to him and some of the other officers, the Twitter account has been very helpful.

“There’s people out there now interacting with us that before the reform wouldn’t have had that opportunity apart from talking amongst themselves, in their own little circles.

Now we are sort of included in the circles,” Sen. Sgt Kerber said. ▷

17 Police News JUNE 2014

01 The team at Kensington Police Station who have been using social media.

02 Constable Katie Roberts believes social media should be embraced by police.

03 @KensingtonPol has helped find lost items and distribute traffic statistics.

18 Police News June 2014

“It is another form of building relationships which is what the local policing team model is all about, engaging with the community and engaging people. If we are on Twitter interacting it sort of breaks down that barrier about the police being in that building and they are separate from everyone else and they just drive around in cars and give everyone tickets.

“They can see a bit of a human side to us and it is another way they can interact and engage with us and us with them.”

Sen. Sgt Kerber said one of the main guidelines given to officers was if they did not think the information should be posted, then don’t post it and come seek advice.

“Once it’s out there, if you’ve said something tongue in cheek, it can be cut off by Media Section and they can do something about it. They can retract it however, if someone sees it they can take a screen shot of it and you may never get that back, so you’ve just got to be careful.

“Use your common sense and treat it as though you were talking to someone from a media outlet, from the newspaper and just be mindful whether the information that you are releasing can be released, should be released and releasing it won’t interfere with anything that is going on, such as an ongoing investigation for instance.”

He also said the officers did not engage with followers who were trying to get political comment.

“We’ve had people get on Twitter and then tried to engage us in that sort of comment (political) and straight away it is look, we can’t comment on that, this is our business, our business is policing and yes, we will put a humourous slant on it when we can and that is what engages people that use social media but we also do have a serious message to get out there. It is still business.”

While there are so many positives with social media use, unfortunately there are also negatives, some of which have been

experienced by WAPU Members and told to Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers senior associate Rachael Shaw.

Ms Shaw said it was a criminal offence to use a “carriage service” in a way that was menacing, harassing or offensive.

“The definition of ‘carriage service’ includes phone, email, Facebook and Twitter. The penalty is imprisonment for three years,” Ms Shaw said.

“The offence of ‘stalking’ can also be used to charge someone who repeatedly communicates with a person, directly or indirectly, intending to intimidate the person.”

She said police officers also had to be wary of their computer use when it came to social media.

“The Code of Conduct prohibits the unauthorised use of WA Police email or internet for inappropriate non-work related material,” she said.

“Work computers and work email are the property of WA Police.

WA Police are entitled to access and read all emails transmitted using work email. Email created and received using a WAPOL email address is the property of WA Police.

“The message is best summed up as follows – WA Police computers and programs should only be used for work related purposes.

“Off-duty, police officers are welcome to engage in social media banter and commentary. However, communications, posts or tweets may be subject to scrutiny if it brings discredit to WA Police or breaches the law.

“It is an offence against the Police Force Regulations for a police officer to act in a manner that is likely to bring discredit on the Force or is unbecoming of a member of the Force.”

Ms Shaw said there is a common misconception that there is nothing wrong with disparaging someone provided you did not name them.

01

“Use your common sense and treat it as though you were talking to someone from a media outlet, from the newspaper…”

02 03

“If the person is able to be identified in any way, then the person who made the comments can be liable both criminally and civilly,” she said.

“The Courts are filled with defamation actions by people who claim to have been defamed on social media. The more ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ a person has, the larger the award of damages will be.”

She recommended that if police officers are having issues in regard to negative comments and harassment on social media to make a police report.

“In addition, certain social media sites have mechanisms that allow material to be removed from the internet,” she said.

“If the material still remains, the officer may want to consider seeking an injunction from the Court to remove the offensive material and/or seeking an order for damages.”

Const. Roberts said fellow officers needed to be careful when using their own social media accounts.

She does not use her personal Twitter account very often, she uses it mainly to see what others are doing however, she does use Facebook.

“In regards to Facebook, don’t put anything up there that you wouldn’t want everyone to know. I don’t have myself in a uniform on my page. People that I know, know that I am a copper but I don’t open it out for the world to see,” she said.

“It is silly to think that just because it is private and it is personal on your page that it doesn’t mean someone isn’t going to get a hold of it.

“Law enforcement agencies do have the technology to get into those things and read those things. I’m sure the organised crime guys do it as well.

“If you do not want it out there in the real world then don’t put it online.”

Sen. Sgt Kerber only signs people up to his Facebook page if he is friends with them in the real world.

“My friends have friends that can tap into what their friends have seen so they can see what you put on there and you are always a representative a WA Police and you have to be very mindful of what you say and how you use social media.”

While there are potential negatives to social media use it appears the positives outweigh them and there is a role for social media in policing.

Const. Roberts said the team at Kensington were hoping to keep the Twitter account once the trial was done and dusted.

“We are hoping to increase the followers and get it as another platform out to the public,” she said.

“Not everyone will go to their local police station and know their local coppers but if they see that we are on Twitter they may not think it is something major enough to make a phone call about but they may send us a direct message or send us tweet.

“It is about getting out there and the public knowing who you are. They may not know your faces but they know you are out there.

“They know what we are doing in their patch and they are really happy we are sitting in these school zones and caught this guy for six burgs and whatever else.

“It is a tool I think we can definitely utilise as long as we keep doing it.”

And the message for other stations and officers considering asking WA Police for a Twitter account?

“Embrace it. If it comes to your station, if you are asked to do it, embrace it. It can be quite fun and it doesn’t really take that long. It’s the world going forward, technology changes, you may as well keep up with it and actually enjoy it while you can.”

19 Police News JUNE 2014

01

Appeal bites back

By Jessica porter

A series of events last month left a senior constable and mother of two questioning the justice system and why she still is a police officer.

20 Police News June 2014

After 17 years in the job, Senior Constable Kelly Robinson has never been bitten by an offender until January last year.

But it was the overturning of that assault conviction in March which left Kelly seriously questioning the judicial system and her career with WA Police.

Daniell Brook Staskos and her ex-partner were in the process of being arrested in Fremantle on January 13 when the assault on Kelly took place.

Kelly recalls that Staskos and her ex-partner were yelling and swearing at each other on the street.

“Initially, I had welfare concerns for the female because the male was standing over her yelling,” Kelly said.

The pair continued to yell at each other, and while Kelly was on the phone to the station, they walked away from police.

“They walked towards the cinemas and the male was punching walls, yelling and swearing. The female was also yelling and swearing,” Kelly said.

Police started to walk towards the couple and in response, the male put his hands up. Staskos however, pushed another officer.

It was just before that push that Kelly had in her mind that she would arrest Staskos for disorderly conduct.

Officers were arresting Staskos and in the process, the arrest moved to the ground.

“She was resisting and there was a struggle on the ground.

I said to her a number of times to stop resisting. Then all of a sudden she lifted her head and clenched down on my thigh,” Kelly said.

It was a bite which, despite Kelly’s thick pants, indented her leg and left skin peeling off from the area. She was also struck in the face by an elbow, which left a yellow bruise above Kelly’s eye.

“My leg was throbbing. My eye was bruised and my head and neck was hurting from the struggle,” she said.

02

01 One of the bruises on Kelly’s face. 02 Kelly attended Fremantle Hospital after the offender left teeth indentations on her leg.

If the incident wasn’t traumatic enough for Kelly, she now had to face her husband and two children, who she knew would be mortified by her injuries.

“My husband just couldn’t believe it,” Kelly said.

“I also couldn’t believe that another human could do that.

It’s just disgusting.”

But the reaction from her two daughters, aged seven and 12, was heartbreaking.

“They didn’t want to come near me,” Kelly said.

“The little one didn’t want to hug me, she was scared she was going to hurt me.

“It was really upsetting because you don’t want your kids to see or be exposed to that part of the job.”

The next few weeks saw family and friends help out with dropping the kids to school because Kelly was too embarrassed to attend the school grounds with her injuries.

When the physical wounds started to heal, Kelly was required to sit through a week-long trial which saw Staskos convicted of assaulting a public officer after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct.

“It was emotionally draining, I was disillusioned about the job. I felt during the process that I was being treated like a criminal, not a victim of crime,” Kelly said.

That was evident when a court orderly told Kelly to leave the courtroom after the conviction was read out because she was upsetting the family.

But the stress didn’t stop there. Kelly awoke one morning last month to read in the media that Staskos had her conviction overturned on appeal, claiming Kelly was not acting within the course of her duties and that the arrest was unlawful.

“I felt absolutely gutted,” Kelly said.

“I felt let down by the court system and no one from the Agency told me about it.

“Why put people before the courts if the system fails you?

That is a hard pill to swallow. It’s hard for me even now to talk about it,” she said.

“What this could mean for other police officers who are bitten or assaulted during the course of their duties while acting in good faith is unimaginable.”

This successful appeal evoked anger within the police community and the Union.

Director Kevin McDonald called the judgement “outrageous”.

“The question must now be asked whether the judiciary have the remotest idea what the functions of a police officer are,” Mr McDonald said.

“Because of this judgement we now know with crystal clarity that when an officer makes a decision to effect an arrest in good faith which is later found to be (dubiously or technically) unlawful, the arrested person is free to punch, kick, bite, wrestle and otherwise resist that arrest without fear of prosecution. We have reached a pretty sorry state haven’t we?”

The Union could not sit and watch an offender walk the streets with no punishment for assaulting an officer.

As soon as the appeal was published, President George Tilbury wrote to the Attorney General, Director for Public Prosecutions, Police Minister and Police Commissioner to seriously consider the ramifications of this unjust outcome.

“What this could mean for other police officers who are bitten or assaulted during the course of their duties while acting in good faith is unimaginable,” Mr Tilbury said.

“We immediately requested the DPP to review this decision.”

Last month, the DPP indicated that it would fight the overturned conviction on two grounds.

Firstly, the DPP will allege that the Judge erred in finding that Kelly was not acting within the performance of her functions when she was bitten.

Secondly, that the Judge erred in finding that the respondent had been denied procedural fairness, as they were provided with sufficient knowledge to understand and answer the case brought by the prosecution.

The appeal notice has now been filed and Kelly will be notified when the matter is listed for hearing.

21 Police News JUNE 2014

Andrea Wyllie & PETER KELLY Industrial Officer

Senior Industrial Officer

Transitioning from PAO to police officer The state Government promised an additional 720 officers would be delivered during its current term and the recruiting push for individuals to “Step Forward” is something everyone is familiar with.

However, WAPU has noticed that a growing number of police auxiliary officers are applying for employment as a police officer and getting knocked back without being told how they need to improve.

One simple question that needs to be asked is how an individual who is already serving the Commissioner as a PAO with all of the powers, duties and obligations of a member of WA Police can be treated so inappropriately and unfairly.

22 Police News June 2014

In most cases, an individual has taken part in the full application process only to be deferred or rejected. They are usually sent a standardised letter stating they have been unsuccessful and that should they wish, they can submit a further application in the future at a specified time.

Some of our Members are being advised that they must wait up to 12 months, and in one case 15 months, before they can reapply. This is contrary to the information on the official website for police recruiting which states that unsuccessful applicants can reapply six months after failing an entrance exam or physical test.

This begs the question as to why auxiliary officers aren't being treated differently to other unsuccessful applicants.

An auxiliary officer who is eager and willing to address their identified shortcomings should be given an insight into the areas which they need to improve. This would allow an individual PAO to take appropriate measures to successfully meet the necessary requirements when they next apply.

The Union is not submitting that all police auxiliary officers are suitable to become sworn officers. However, we do believe that given they are already employees of the Commissioner and members of the police family, they should be dealt with in a higher regard than an applicant from outside WA Police.

The Union considers the current approach to not provide feedback is in conflict with Public Sector Standards in Human Resource Management. Because the Commissioner has appointed the PAO to their position, as employees, they should be afforded the right to transparency.

The aforementioned view of the Union was raised with the Commissioner when he attended a recent Board Meeting and he has agreed that there may need to be a future investigation into how police recruiting is conducted.

One simple question that needs to be asked is how an individual who is already serving the Commissioner as a PAO with similar powers, duties and obligations of a member of WA Police can be treated so inappropriately and unfairly.

PAO Members can be assured that the Union will not let this matter go. Given that the Commissioner has only just become aware of the circumstances, we will give him time to address the issue before taking the matter further.

Further updates will be provided to affected Members by the Union Industrial Team.

Accessing annual leave travel concessions When officers transfer from one location to another, and on some annual leave travel, Members who use their own vehicles in lieu of flying are reimbursed motor vehicle allowances as provided in our Industrial Agreement.

In some circumstances, Members may not choose to claim the full motor vehicle allowance rates. Reimbursement is then capped at the lesser amount of either the full motor vehicle allowance or the rate charged by airlines for a fully refundable economy air fare.

Although we do not agree that the application of a ‘cap’ is fair, it is a provision in our Industrial Agreement and accordingly cannot be successfully challenged in the Magistrates Court.

The agreed arrangement In Mid-2008, following a series of minor under and overpayments caused by fluctuating air fares and administrative misinterpretation, the Union and WA Police reached agreement that: • WA Police would obtain air fares (at the flexible and fully refundable rate) for all destinations within regional WA as at July 1 each year.

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The Union allowed this arrangement to roll on without incident for several years. In 2013, it was observed that some of the fares and hence the cap had reduced significantly.

• The airfare at that time will be used as a cap for reimbursement to employees travelling in their own vehicles on annual leave and/or on transfer over the following 12 months.

• Should air fares increase over the 12-month period, the cap will be reviewed upward accordingly; and • Should air fares decrease during the 12-month period the cap as at 1 July will remain in place.

It was also agreed that the only air fares to be used would be those where there is a regular and reliable direct flight.

The Union allowed this arrangement to roll on without incident for several years. In 2013, it was observed that some of the fares and hence the cap had reduced significantly.

It was also observed that some of the air fares in the schedule provided by WA Police were lower than those applied by other government agencies.

After a series of meetings and correspondence, which has dragged on for almost two years, we are still waiting for the Agency to provide the source documents used to adjust the rates on July 1, 2009 through to July 1, 2013 or to advise us that it does not have the documentation to justify the Annual Schedules.

In the end, it may pan out that the Union will be forced to take claims on behalf of individual Members to the Industrial Magistrates Court for unpaid contractual entitlements, but let’s hope not.

Kensington Police @KensingtonPol

To the male we just arrested – I wouldn't be telling your mates you just got out run and arrested by a 5"2 female #egobruiser #girlpower

Michelle Roberts @MichelleMidland

Ryan Marron Foundation luncheon at Swan Districts... Good to have @ MarkMcGowanMP here. Toni Misitano – great speech!

Paul Papalia @papsMLA

WA Police suffering PTSD as a result of their service deserve a better deal.

WA Police Union @WAPoliceUnion

Have you checked out our new website? www.wapu.org.au is a great new online resource! #StrengthInUnity

Police News JUNE 2014

Dave Lampard & Dean Giacomini Field Officer

Field Officer

Branch Delegate Training The WA Police Union field officers have begun a State-wide training program to up skill Branch Officials ahead of this year’s Annual Conference.

Our Branch Officials around the State are often the first point of contact for Members, so it is very important that all our officials know what the Union can assist with, what benefits we deliver to Members and also what issues can be dealt with

by Branch Officials.

24 Police News June 2014

After a successful application for funding from the Trade Union Education Fund National Workplace Employment Program, the Union has been able to develop a modified Core Training for Delegates program which will be rolled out throughout Regional WA. Field Officer Dean Giacomini said the training aimed to create a cooperative workplace relations environment by improving the skills and knowledge of Branch Officials.

“The programs provided by the Trade Union Education Fund help to improve employment practices and workplace outcomes for businesses, employees and unions as well as enhance cooperation between employers and employees,” Mr Giacomini said.

“The full program runs over three days. However, it is unrealistic to ask WA Police to give us Branch Officials for three days of training so we have created an abridged version of the program which provides our officials with the information they need in one day.”

The training delivered covers elements of workplace relations such as dispute settlement as well as information about the Union, what it offers Members, how to run an active branch and running successful meetings.

“Our Branch Officials around the State are often the first point of contact for Members, so it is very important that all our officials know what the Union can assist with, what benefits we deliver to Members and also what issues can be dealt with

by Branch Officials,” he said.

Mr Giacomini said the dispute resolution section of the training program was well received and where possible he invited representatives from the various district offices to attend.

“At our Geraldton training day, we had Inspector Jack Lee come along for half an hour during the dispute settlement section and discuss his perspectives about the process which was very beneficial to our Branch Officials,” he said.

“The Union is encouraging, where possible, for Branch Officials to discuss station-level issues with OICs before going

over their heads to the District Office. It is important that the OIC is given the feedback and an opportunity to act before getting the District Office involved.

“If the OIC is unwilling to discuss potential changes and our Members are still aggrieved then it is time to get our Regional WA Directors involved and the District Office.

“This is all important because if things escalate to the stage of needing to go to the Industrial Relations Commission, these steps must have been ticked off before the Commission will even consider a claim.

“While there is an industrial requirement to tick off these steps, the Union also believes the steps are required as more often than not the issue will be sorted at one of these levels.”

The training has already been completed in the South West, Wheatbelt, Mid West-Gascoyne, Goldfields and Esperance with more sessions planned for the Pilbara, Kimberley and Great Southern.

All training will be completed well in advance of Annual Conference to assist branches with preparing motions to be considered by Conference.

“We are trying to encourage branches to consider the big picture with their conference motions,” Mr Giacomini said.

“Some of the smaller, local issues can be dealt with via motions to the Board of Directors. Conference is the major decision making, direction setting vehicle the Union has at its disposal and there needs to be a focus of big Statewide issues which are affecting the broader Membership.

“I encourage all Members to start considering their motions for branch meetings which could be put before Conference in November. Branch Officials will be appropriately skilled to advise whether a motion should be directed to Conference or the Board of Directors and if they are unsure then the Union’s Field Officers are happy to assist.”

This year’s Annual Conference will be held on November 24-25 in Perth.

Field Report

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03 04

HOURS OF DUTY One of the key aspects Branch Officials now need to be aware of is their involvement in the development of Extended Settlement Period Rosters.

It has also become increasingly important for Branch Officials to understand the workings of the hours of duty clause of the Industrial Agreement.

Field Officer Dave Lampard said officials, especially those elected to represent Members in the metropolitan area and large centres around Regional WA, needed to be aware of the hours of duty clause of the Industrial Agreement.

“Our officials need to be sufficiently aware of their requirements regarding branch input into the development of any Extended Settlement Period Roster to ensure the protection of Members’ rights and conditions as far as possible to ensure industrial conformity,” Mr Lampard said.

Compliance with Clause 12(5) of the Industrial Agreement, the Police Manual Rostering Guidelines HR-26.2 and adherence to the recommendations contained in the WorkSafe Working Hours Code of Practice are all aspects which officials need to be familiar with.

Mr Lampard acknowledged this was an onerous task for officials however, the Union could assist.

“The current Branch Delegate Training, can only cover the basics pitfalls associated with rostering, however it will help officials understand the process and avoid the detriments that occur from time to time that effect our Members,” he said.

A training day on rostering will be run for metropolitan Branch Officials by the Union’s Field Officers with alternative arrangement being planned for regional branches.

If Branch Officials or Members are having issues with rostering, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Lampard at WAPU HQ on 9321 2155 for advice with the process.

CARNARVON POLICE AND JUSTICE COMPLEX While in Carnarvon delivering Delegate Training, Field Officer Giacomini and Media Officer Steven Glover visited the Carnarvon Police and Justice Complex.

The $52.5 million facility, including $9.5 million from Royalties for Regions, will have courts, police and community and youth justice services on the same site.

The new complex will offer: separate entries for the courthouse, police station and community justice services; a court registry area; two courtrooms – jury courtroom and magistrates courtroom; jury assembly and deliberation areas; mediation and pre-trial conference facilities; better facilities for victims of crime; separated spaces for witnesses and vulnerable court users, including children; outdoor courtyard spaces – public and secured; and ample onsite parking.

The new complex is due to be completed later this year.

01 WAPU Field Officer Dean Giacomini delivering training to branch officials from Central Midlands, Central West Coast, Geraldton and Murchison Branches. 02 Branch Officials at the Geraldton Training Day with Field Officer Dean Giacomini.

03 Recently elected Upper Great Southern Branch Officials Vice President David Swain, President Robert Jonas-Green and Secretary Jason Jones.

04 The new Carnarvon Police and Justice Complex under construction.

25 Police News JUNE 2014

DOING More for members

WAPU has a new website he new WAPU website is live T and fully operational.

01 02

The Union has invested in a new site which will cater for both Members and the broader public.

The new website features a Members’ only area as well as a public site where media, politicians and everyday West Australians can read about the Union, its history and activity in the media.

An important aspect of the website upgrade was to give Members a better experience and the new Members’ area will provide this.

Information such as Member benefits, newsletters, industrial agreements, legal services and welfare are all included in the new-look area which will provide Members with plenty of information to complement the current services they already receive from Directors and WAPU HQ staff.

The new Members' area will also give Members access to the WAPU Forum through the use of a single password.

President George Tilbury said the latest website redevelopment had been delivered on time and on budget and he believes the investment will be well worth it in the long run.

“Members have been crying out to Directors for a new website and we have delivered it for them,” he said.

“I encourage all Members to login and use the new website. It is important that you visit regularly to keep up to date on all issues and if you miss a newsletter or broadcast from the Union, it will appear on the website so it will be a fantastic reference, which is accessible at all times.”

01 Home Page 02 Members Home Page 03 Member News page 04 Forum 05 Member benefits page

26 Police News June 2014

Give us you feedback and win Please visit the WAPU Forum and leave us your feedback on the new website to go into the running to win one of these fantastic prizes, thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners: 1st Prize 55inch LG TV Latest Model 2nd Prize 42inch LG TV Latest Model 3rd Prize Pair Spotters Vector, Blue Mirror Sunglasses 4th Prize DeLonghi Nespresso U Milk Coffee Machine 5th Prize Sennheiser wireless headphones

The website went live in May and since then, the Union has received positive feedback about the new look and content.

“I encourage Members to tell us about their experiences with the new site so we can continually improve and make changes, where required,” Mr Tilbury said.

“Our previous website was managed externally however, the new site has been set up so our Media Team can update the website easily from WAPU HQ.” Mr Tilbury, on behalf of the Board of Directors, thanked graphic designer Sam Kleidon, Mark Higham and the team at Stretch Creative for building the website and the WAPU Media Team for managing the redevelopment.

“We finally have the website we've all been wanting for so long and I hope Members use it daily,” Mr Tilbury concluded.

To encourage Members to visit the new website and provide feedback, the Union has secured some prizes for Members who visit the WAPU Forum and leave their feedback by 5pm on Monday June 30, 2014. The winners to be drawn at random on Tuesday July 1, 2014.

All winners will be notified by WAPU staff so please ensure the Union has your correct details. You can update your details through the website by clicking the ‘Update your details’ button on the top right hand side of the Member Home Page.

03

Logging in for the first time If you are visiting the new site for the first time you will need to follow a few simple steps to activate your account: 1. Visit www.wapu.org.au 2. Click ‘Log In’ on the top right hand side 3. When logging in for the first time, read the instruction and click the prompt ‘click here to reset your password’ 4. The website will then ask for your Email Address – this will be your WA Police email 5. An email will then be sent to your WA Police email account with a verification code and a link to enter the code and your username. *Your username is your ‘pd’ number in the format ‘pdXXXXX’ 6. After completing step 5, you will then enter to create your password following the prompts.

7. Once you have created your password, you are ready to access the Members’ only area by entering your username and password into the login screen provided.

04

05

27 Police News JUNE 2014

Ryan Marron Foundation expanded

01

The Ryan Marron Foundation has been expanded to assist all WA police officers with the help of a new partnership with Steel Blue.

The foundation will provide assistance to WA police officers and their families in times of necessitous circumstances.

After contracting Murray Valley Encephalitis; a rare mosquito borne virus, the Foundation was initially set up in 2011 to support Ryan’s extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

This virus infected Ryan’s brain and carried with it a potentially fatal outcome however, Ryan managed to pull through albeit with a devastating brain injury.

Ryan’s long-time partner and co-worker, Toni Misitano created the foundation and was behind the decision to expand its work.

“The need for support in this line of work is essential,” she said.

“Our officers provide a vital service to our community and in the tragic and unfortunate case of injury and illness we need to ensure there are support networks in place to help both the injured victims and their families.”

Steel Blue general manager sales and marketing Ross Fitzgerald said the company was committed to supporting the foundation and the ongoing funding and support it will provide to injured officers and their families.

Steel Blue will donate $4 from every boot sold from its new Response Range boots to the Ryan Marron Foundation.

The initiative was launched publically last month at the WAFL match between Swan Districts and Claremont.

28 Police News June 2014

Police officers, firefighters and paramedics were all given free entry to the match.

WAPU President George Tilbury was on hand to provide his support and was pleased that the Union played an integral role in establishing this worthy organisation with an initial $20,000 donation.

“Unfortunately, there are distinct gaps in benefits provided to officers broken at work, which needs to be addressed by WA Police and the State Government,” he said.

“The Ryan Marron Foundation is working hard to assist police officers and their families, which is an admiral gesture.

The Foundation will complement existing services, such as Police Legacy and the PFAC”.

Mr Tilbury said the Union also had a primary role to play to address the gap in support services, with a proposal currently being worked on for presentation to WA Police and Government.

“We have recently completed a survey as part of Project Recompense, which will ensure that all Members, past and present, will help shape our submission, which will be launched at Annual Conference in November.”

Project Recompense seeks to find the best possible solution to look after police officers who are broken on duty and unable to continue working as a police officer.

01 WAPU President George Tilbury with Toni Misitano and Ryan Marron at the initiative launch at Steel Blue Oval.

KICKIN

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Saturday, 1 League gam Steel Blue O Old Perth R

Michelle Roberts

Shadow Minister for Police; Road Safety; Crime Prevention; Culture and the Arts

Opinion

Policing at the crossroads Policing in WA and to some extent right round Australia is at a crossroads.

It’s never been more important for you to be vigilant, prepared and unified.

The danger here is that getting a just wage outcome will be more difficult than ever and that your wages and conditions will decline in real terms.

Police wage negotiations this year will be tougher than ever. Firstly, because of the passage of the Workplace Reform Bill by the State Liberal Government and secondly because of the Barnett Government’s financial mismanagement which has resulted in the loss of the State’s AAA credit rating.

Concurrently with this, WA Police is embarking on the most massive reform process. Reviews and changes are already underway. New policing models are being talked about right around Australia. What we are yet to see is whether the primary objective of this in WA and elsewhere is more effective policing or whether it’s about cost cutting and forcing police to do more with less.

Dealing with the twin issues of wage negotiations and the reform process is likely to create significant pressures this year and set the direction of WA Police into the immediate future. How you respond and the outcomes you and your Union achieve will be critical.

Earlier this year, the Workforce Reform Bill passed through the Parliament. This Bill compels the Industrial Relations Commission into becoming an arm of economic policy.

It ensures that decisions made by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) have appropriate regard to the Public Sector Wages Policy Statement, the State's financial position and fiscal strategy, and the financial position of the relevant public sector agency.

The independent salary umpires that we have trusted for years are to have their independence taken away.

The Premier and the Treasurer will be the invisible members of the Commission, never there, but always present, with their political and economic priorities determining the quantum and nature of any award, regardless of considerations of wage justice, equity, necessity or fairness.

The Premier and his Government showed nothing but contempt for your Union’s argument, to exempt police from the wages section of the Workforce Reform Bill. Their aim is clearly to restrict police wages to a minimum, irrespec tive of all other considerations.

The Government has its priorities wrong. They have borrowed a huge (and still growing) amount of money to fund pet projects. Now they have to find savings to try and convince international credit ratings agencies that they are actually competent enough to manage an economy. That is why they have enacted this legislation – to cut costs at your expense.

As recently as February 25, the Premier told the Parliament that: “Our police officers are the highest paid in Australia by a significant amount.” A claim that he and his Minister have since repeated.

The most accurate measure of wage comparison is hourly rates of pay. By that measure Constables and Senior Constables may have the highest starting salaries compared with other Australian jurisdictions, however, that comparison deteriorates as you move up the incremental scale. Further up the ranks, Sergeants and Inspectors wage rates begin in the middle of the pack on a state-to-state comparison and then start moving backwards. Contrary to the Premier and his Minister’s assertions, police in WA do not have the highest wages in all categories.

The Government has its basic priorities all wrong. It has run up debt and it is expecting you to clean it up by “tightening your belts” and being “flexible”. The danger here is that getting a just wage outcome will be more difficult than ever and that your wages and conditions will decline in real terms.

The State Police Budget has, in recent years, been repeatedly hit by so called “efficiency dividends” as the Barnett Government seeks to balance its books. The Commissioner is continually being asked to do more with less.

As I move about the community, I am always reminded of the respect that the community has for our police.

They are aware of the difficult and dangerous job that you do. They know that you are under pressure and they want the Government to support you.

Community support will always be your trump card and you may well need to play it as the challenges of the year ahead unfold.

29 Police News JUNE 2014

Q&A

Q: What role do you think social media has to play in policing?

Police News June 2014

Constable Kurt Ford Carnarvon Police Station “Social media has been a big one in the last five years, WA Police Facebook page especially. I’ve noticed in my friends list, quite a lot of non-police officers liking the page and sharing what WA Police post out. I think it has been quite successful in that regard to helping out Crimestoppers and that sort of thing.”

Detective Jon Ellis Carnarvon Detectives “I think moving forward with the change in demographics and the like social media is playing an increasingly more important role in policing keeping everyone informed of what is happening.

It is often easier than picking up a telephone, most people nowadays are pretty comfortable jumping on Twitter or Facebook and I think it will be very important in the future.”

WAPU Opinion

KEVIN McDONALD

Metropolitan Region Director

A get out of jail card and the administration of Justice The courts are entrusted with and apply significant sentencing discretion.

But what happens when the public begin to question the sentences being handed down?

Over recent years, there has been a loud and repeated public outcry over what are seen as soft sentencing options being regularly imposed by the judiciary.

There has been criticism that the judiciary has lost touch with the community’s standards and expectations. So much so that the State Government has seen fit to legislate mandator y sentencing options for a range of criminal offences as a last resort to address inadequate sentencing.

I guess the next question is why are soft sentencing options being imposed with such common regularity and all this community outrage apparently falling on deaf judicial ears?

Could it be that there isn’t enough space in our jails to accommodate everyone who ought to go there?

Surely, the judiciary don’t check to see if there are rooms available at the Corrective Services Hotel chain before they hand down a sentence.

… word on the street is that accommodation is a very real sentencing consideration when some of the judiciary decide how to punish convicted offenders who might ordinarily attract a penalty of incarceration.

I am no expert on the Sentencing Act but I would be very surprised if it contained any provisions that relate to the availability of beds in our prisons.

Despite this, word on the street is that accommodation is a ver y real sentencing consideration when some of the judiciary decide how to punish convicted offenders who might ordinarily attract a penalty of incarceration.

The general prospect of this scenario is bad enough but from a police perspective, it is particularly abhorrent that those convicted of assaulting public of f ice r s (in pre s cr ib e d circumstances) could be avoiding jail not only through legalistic loopholes, but also because there isn’t enough room for them in our jails.

Recently, the Government projected that new burglary laws would result in approximately 266 more inmates over four years – inmates that would need to be accommodated in already crammed prisons.

While these tough new laws are necessary and welcome, who is going to be left out of prison as a result?

If the availabilit y of jail accommodation is an unwritten judicial consideration in the process of sentencing convicted criminals, does this consideration extend to or place pressure upon other judgements?

I don’t know if this behaviour would be technically breaking the law, perhaps it’s more like making it up as you go along.

I don’t want to speculate upon how this might be occurring practically or specifically, or who might be involved for two reasons. One is that it would be stating the bleeding obvious and second, I don’t want to get sued. But it’s starting to look a bit murky isn’t it.

Given the outcry over soft sentencing practices, at the very least those involved in this unsavoury matter ought to come clean and inform the community instead of hiding behind a holier than thou, patronising veil of authority.

If the courts are engaging in a prison bed count before handing down sentences, the authorities must come clean and make public this information if it is true.

31 Police News JUNE 2014

Professor Daniel Fatovich

Emergency Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital and University of WA

HEALTH

Get vaccinated for the flu I recently had my annual flu vaccination.

Have you had yours?

At least talk to your GP about it.

It is estimated that it (the flu) kills nearly 3,000 people per year in Australia – more than the national road toll.

The impact of influenza (the flu) on health is significant. It is estimated that it kills nearly 3,000 people per year in Australia – more than the national road toll. Recent data from Queensland shows an early rise in hospital admissions this year for influenza compared to the same time last year, so early vaccination is recommended.

What is the difference between the common cold and influenza? Both are viral infections, but involve different t ypes of viruses. Common cold symptoms typically begin with a sore throat which might only last a couple of days, followed by a runny nose and nasal congestion. There might be a mild fever. You are contagious for the first few days.

Influenza is more severe, can come on quickly, and includes symptoms such as: fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and cough. Swine flu is associated with vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms may improve over a week, but typically one feels run down afterwards, sometimes for weeks. Medical complications (e.g. pneumonia) especially occur in vulnerable groups (typically people with chronic diseases). So influenza is a serious viral illness.

There are two main types of influenza: influenza A and influenza B. The problem with viruses like this is that they are constantly changing, which means that the vaccine needs to be updated each year to match the expected strains of the virus.

The World Health Organisation recommends the type of vaccine each year depending on the data and results that have been collected. Influenza, as a virus that changes, can therefore be unpredictable, which means that sometimes a new strain emerges that is not covered by the vaccine. Also, the body’s immune response declines over time, which means an annual vaccination is required.

Ever y flu season is different.

Typically, the strain that dominated the nor thern hemisphere winter appears in our flu season. This includes the swine flu, which affects people aged 24-64 years, rather than older people. Other groups at increased risk from swine flu are pregnant women, obese people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The inf luenza vaccine is an inactivated product, so it cannot cause the flu. Common side effects of the vaccine include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. Side effects may last one or two days.

Unfortunately, people under 65 years of age with medical risk factors are less likely to choose to be vaccinated. High risk groups can receive the vaccine for free. These include: pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years, those with an underlying medical condition, people aged 65 years and older, Aboriginal Western Australians aged 15 years and older. Experts advise vaccination for people who are routinely in contact with high risk people.

Strategies to prevent the spread of a viral illness like influenza includes: cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and aim into the crook of your elbow; use disposable tissues to blow your nose and don’t reuse them; wash your hands with soap and water; avoid sharing personal items such as drink bottles, cutlery, crockery and towels; avoid crowded public places if you are unwell; do not send children who are ill to school and daycare centres. If you are unwell, stay home from work. No one ever thanks you for spreading your infection.

The US based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccination for everyone over the age of six months. It appears to reduce time off work and visits to doctors.

If you would like Professor Fatovich to write about a particular health topic, please email your suggestions to jessica.porter@wapu.org.au

33 Police News JUNE 2014

Free legal service for current and retired WAPU Members and their families.

The WA Police Union is partnering with leading law firm Tindall Gask Bentley to provide Members with access to first class legal services.

Established in 1970, TGB has grown to become South Australia’s largest plaintiff law firm and has now expanded into Western Australia.

The firm offers a full range of legal services.

Receive 30 minutes free preliminary advice on all legal matters.

We also offer a 10% discount on any legal fees for: • Workers Compensation*, • Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation*, • Family and Divorce law, • Estates and Estate Planning, • Business and Property.

To book an appointment with a lawyer or for more information contact WAPU HQ on (08) 9321 2155.

*If you have not made a claim, disregard this publication.

Tim White

LEGAL

Partner, Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

Can I get compensation after a car accident?

Wa’s motor accident compensation system is fault based, so you only have a claim if you are injured in an accident when someone else is at fault.

Third party insurance doesn’t cover you for injuries that you suffer due to your own negligent driving.

You can be partly responsible for an accident and still have a claim. For example, turning across the path of another car at an intersection, you would be likely be mostly at fault, but not totally. Your claim for compensation is reduced by the extent to which you are responsible.

Following the accident – “What should I do?”

Immediately after an accident you need to obtain full details of the driver of the other vehicle, and if the police attend be sure to get the police report number too. If the police don’t attend, you need to go to a police station and report the accident.

It goes without saying that it is important to obtain whatever medical treatment is necessary, and ensure that it is documented accurately. If you go to hospital, it is helpful to get a copy of your discharge summary.

Making a compensation claim The next step is to make a claim with the Insurance Commission (IC of WA). The Commission has a standard claim form that you need to carefully complete and send in.

What can I be compensated for?

A number of areas are covered, including: • Pain and suffering • Past loss of income • Past medical expenses • Voluntary help around the home • Future loss of income • Future medical expenses • Future help around the home The TGB legal service is available to WAPU Members, past Members and their families. To arrange an appointment contact WAPU HQ on (08) 9321 2155.

The amount of compensation paid for each of these areas varies depending on the extent of your injuries and your individual circumstances.

For example, one variable circumstance is the impact of the accident on your work and your ability to earn income.

If you are in a physical job, a quick return to full time work can be difficult.

At best you may be able to perform light duties or only work part time. In this situation, you would be entitled to compensation for lost income, which may be ongoing.

These concepts are complex, which is why it is important to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer who is aware of what information needs to be obtained.

When can my claim settle?

Before compensation can be determined, injuries need to stabilise so an understanding can be gained of the long-term impact. A formulated claim is put forward to the Insurance Commission covering all the areas you have suffered losses in.

Do I have to go to court?

Most claims can be resolved by negotiating with the Commission, so court is unlikely. The out of court settlement process is quicker and more efficient.

Do I have to pay all of the legal costs?

No. The majority of the legal costs are paid by the Commission. There may be a gap in the costs, but again this should be explained to you in detail, if it occurs. Also, you are not required to pay the fees until your claim concludes so there are no bills along the way, and the fees are often recouped from your settlement payout.

Time limits and thresholds There are strict time limits that apply with motor accident claims. So it is important to seek legal advice soon after the accident. If you miss these time limits you may miss out on compensation. There are also complex thresholds that apply to certain parts of your claim, so it is extremely important these are considered by an experienced lawyer early in the claim process.

Will you see someone initially without charging?

Yes, our firm can offer a free initial interview as part of our legal service for WAPU Members. This assists our lawyers to determine if we can add value and be of benefit to you with your claim.

It will also give you a chance to ask any important questions you have about the process involved, legal costs and other matters.

It is important to remember that each claim will different based on individual circumstances.

35 Police News JUNE 2014

Use your salary wisely Your own dedicated Salary Packaging specialist

Save with exclusive National Fleet Discounts

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Let the team at Fleet Network show you how to save thousands when buying your next new car. It’s all about using your pre-tax salary, and taking advantage of all the additional benefits only Fleet Network can offer.

It’s worth a call – it’s your salary, after all.

While stocks last.

Call us for an obligation free quote NOW

1300 738 601 www.fleetnetwork.com.au

Lease Package Save

Fleet Network Pty Ltd *To qualify for this offer you must mention this advertisement to Fleet Network prior to the completion of your initial contract. Vehicle must be new and supplied by Fleet Network. Not valid in conjunction with any other current Fleet Network offers. Employees should consult their employer’s salary packaging policy before entering into a contract.

Bought to you by

MOTORING

Fleet Network

New car, less tax. It's simple.

As the 2013-14 financial year draws to a close, it’s a good time to consider how to maximise your take-home salary.

It’s all about making the most of your pre-tax salary so that at the end of the day, you take home more.

A novated lease – it’s the new term in town and it’s in the same league as salary packaging and salary sacrificing. And it means the same thing. It’s all about making the most of your pre-tax salary so that at the end of the day, you take home more.

A novated lease is the optimal choice when buying a new car.

When looking for a new car, and if you are not in a position to buy the car outright, you’ll need to source finance. The majority of people will approach a bank and obtain a personal loan. The ‘traditional’ option; personal loan repayments will come from their post-tax income, or Net Cash Salary.

In addition to the repayments, there are a myriad of running expenses like fuel, services and maintenance that will also come out of their Net Cash Salary.

At the end of the day, this option will reduce their take home salary.

The other option is a novated lease.

Novated leasing allows you to purchase your vehicle using your pre-tax income, or Taxable Salary, plus you’ll receive savings on all those additional running expenses (including the GST). Your repayments are deducted and your income tax is calculated on a new, lower income. This means you pay less tax and have a greater Net Cash Salary to use on the things you enjoy.

It all sounds pretty simple. Well… it is!

In the table shown on the right you can see an example calculation where a brand new 2014 Nissan X-TRAIL ST (FWD) Wagon Petrol Automatic can be purchased using a lease term of five years (kilometres based on 15,000kms per year). Using this example, this brand new X-Trail can be owned for less than $200 per week and you can save more than $15,000 over a five year lease.

These savings can then be put towards the more important things in life.

So when it comes to novated leasers, are they all the same?

The short answers is – no. There are many options out there to consider, but one is definitely – what are the other benefits they can offer? And also – will you just be another number or will you receive personalised service both during the contracting period and after?

Fleet Network has been sourcing a better deal for police officers for two decades. As a nationwide company,

Description

Fleet Network has strong buying power and can source the vehicle of your choice from anywhere across Australia. Your dedicated consultant will provide detailed salary packaging information to your departments authorised bureau provider, ensuring no hassles for you, plus there are a range of benefits and discounts available to Fleet Network clients. It’s all part of our offer to you.

So if you’re in the market for a new car, make sure you make the wisest choice. Call Fleet Network on 1300 738 601 or visit www.fleetnetwork.com.au.

It’s your salary, after all.

Not Packaging

Packaging using Employee Contribution Method

Annual Salary – Less motor vehicle – Less FBT – Less GST on employee contribution – Less luxury car charge + add input tax credits

$85,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

$85,000.00 $7274.04 $0.00 $540.00 $0.00 $1201.32

Taxable salary

$85,000.00

$78,387.28

Tax (inc. Medicare) Net salary pre employee contribution Employee contribution (vehicle)

$20,672.00 $64,328.00 $13,214.04

$18,198.68 $60,188.60 $5940.00

Net Cash Salary after ITC

$51,113.96

$54,248.60

Fortnightly all inclusive costs of salary packaging with GST input tax credits

$482.80

Fortnightly reduction in take home pay after tax with salary packaging

$387.67

Net Packaging Benefit per year*

$3,134.64

*The above table shows the net benefit gained per annum by acquiring the vehicle with a novated lease agreement versus a private finance agreement assuming the monthly repayments and running costs are the same in both scenarios. Example for illustration purposes only. Based on the purchase of a new 2014 NISSAN X-TRAIL ST (FWD), Wagon, Petrol, Automatic, lease term 5 years, kilometres based on 15,000kms per year. Savings will vary. Terms and conditions apply.

37 Police News JUNE 2014

You’ve worked hard for Your communitY for manY Years.

BUT WHO SERVES YOU IN RETIREMENT? Just like you, our skills in the public sector are tailored to a specific need: helping you to plan your retirement. It’s why we’ve been specialists in public sector financial planning for over 20 years.

Public sector superannuation schemes give you access to a unique range of benefits, but they’re also complex. So it’s important you get the right advice to maximise opportunities and create the lifestyle you want in retirement.

If you’re looking to retire and want to get the most out of your money, talk to a financial planner who really understands your specific needs.

to book an obligation-free appointment call 9214 4150 or visit: ssfs.com.au/wa

STATE10004_P_PN_FP

servinG the PeoPLe who serve western austraLia

Level 3, 197 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 ABN 86 003 742 756 | AFS Licence 238430

STATE10004_WA_P_PN_250x211.indd 1

27/05/14 9:21 AM

Superannuation

State Super Financial Services State Super Financial Services (SSFS) is pleased to be working with the WA Police Union to provide financial planning advice to its Members.

SSFS has a deep understanding of the financial planning services required by WAPU Members; this comes from their long-standing relationship with police union members in NSW and the Australian Federal Police. SSFS was founded in 1990, specifically for the purpose of providing professional financial planning advice to current and former public sector employees and their families. SSFS has more than 55,000 clients, $13 billion in funds under management and over 140 financial planners across 18 offices nationwide, including the WA State office located in Perth.

SSFS has a deep understanding of the financial planning services required by WAPU Members; this comes from their long-standing relationship with police union members in NSW and the Australian Federal Police.

The ser vices SSFS currently provides to members of the Police Force on the eastern seaboard are now available to WAPU Members.

SSFS conducts popular workplace seminars that provide useful initial information about planning for retirement in a convenient way and the team of Perth-based, professional financial planners can help Members of WAPU: • Understand and maximise the unique tax opportunities available to WA police officers • Plan and implement a transition to retirement strategy • Work towards achieving retirement goals • Provide decision-making support GESB, the trustee of both Gold State and West State, is no longer able to provide financial advice to its members because of the closure of GESB Financial Advice.

SSFS’s financial planners have a strong working knowledge of GESB schemes and they are now available to support WA police officers with financial planning advice.

WAPU Members and their families can book an obligation-free appointment with an SSFS financial planner. Fees only apply when you decide to partner with us on an ongoing basis. SSFS’s financial planners are salaried and do not receive commissions for giving advice.

Whether you are approaching retirement, considering redundancy, or still have a long career in front of you, SSFS can help you plan your financial future.

Please call the Perth office, located at level 3, 197 St George's Terrace, on 08 9214 4155 to make an appointment. Alternatively, to find out more about SSFS and their services in the workplace, please visit www.ssfs.com.au/wa.

State Super Financial Services (SSFS) is the holder of Australian Financial Services Licence 238430, ABN 86 003 742 756. This information is of factual nature only about SSFS and is not financial advice.

39 Police News JUNE 2014

READ

Sexts, Texts & Selfies

All April edition winners are listed on our website: www.wapu.org.au

St Kilda Blues

Watch

Susan McLean RRP $29.99

Geoffrey McGeachin RRP $29.99

Wolf Creek 2

3 Days to Kill

Australia’s top cyber cop Susan McLean lays down the law on one of the greatest social issues to affect our young generations in Sexts, Texts & Selfies, a no-nonsense guide to online safety.

Social media is a rapidly developing tool connecting more and more people worldwide, but the implications are often lost on younger generations. When it all goes wrong it can be seemingly irreparable for the untrained parent.

With almost three decades of experience in cybercrime with the police force, McLean has seen every example of technological misuse.

From the destructive impacts of cyber bullying, to fallout of ‘sexts’ gone viral and the hidden lurks of online predators, McLean provides firsthand advice on how to keep children safe in the 21st century.

With no question too taboo and no answer too trivial, Sexts, Texts & Selfies is the handbook no parent can afford to be without.

Melbourne's first serial killer is at work and only one man can stop him.

It’s 1967, the summer of love, and in swinging Melbourne Detective Sergeant Charlie Berlin has been hauled out of exile in the Fraud Squad to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl, the daughter of a powerful and politically connected property developer. As Berlin's inquiries uncover more missing girls he gets an uneasy feeling he may be dealing with the city's first serial killer.

Berlin's investigation leads him through inner-city discothèques, hip photographic studios, the emerging drug culture and into the seedy back streets of St Kilda.

Some victories come at a terrible cost and Berlin will have to face an awful truth and endure an unimaginable loss before his investigation is over.

The laugh. The smirk. The truck. The way with a knife.

Mick Taylor (John Jarratt – Django Unchained) is back... stalking Wolf Creek and haunting your nightmares.

In 2005, filmmaker Greg McLean created a benchmark of modern horror, unflinching in its brutality and psychological impact. Now nearly a decade on, Mick Taylor has matured into a beast more sadistic and cunning than ever before.

He’s returned for the thrill of the hunt and the joy of the kill.

Switching from gutting boars to back-packers, Mick is on a rampage to wipe tourists off the map, one prey at a time.

British traveller (Ryan Corr – Where The Wild Things Are) has just landed in the wrong place at the wrong time... and the chase is on.

Stare into the face of pure evil and journey back to Wolf Creek – Mick Taylor is waiting for you.

In this heart pounding actionthriller written by Luc Besson, Kevin Costner (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit) is a dangerous international spy determined to give up his high stakes life so he can finally build a closer relationship with his estranged wife and daughter, whom he’s previously kept at arm’s length to ensure they stay out of danger.

But first, he must complete one last mission – even if it means juggling the two toughest assignments yet: hunting down the world’s most ruthless terrorist and looking after his teenage daughter for the first time in ten years, while his wife is out of town.

1 Disc $39.95 SRP

1 Disc $39.95 SRP

win

win

We have one copy of Sexts, Texts & Selfies and St Kilda Blues to give away courtesy of Penguin Books Australia. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, address, book title and contact phone number. Winners will be drawn on July 1.

We have five copies of Wolf Creek 2 and 3 Days to Kill to give away courtesy of Roadshow Entertainment. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, address, DVD title and contact phone number. Winners will be drawn on July 1.

Police News June 2014

See

22 Jump Street

SEASON COMMENCES June 19 After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) when they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on an athletic team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now they don't have to just crack the case – they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship. If these two overgrown adolescents can grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that ever happened to them.

22 Jump Street is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and features performances by Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare and Ice Cube.

win

LISTEN

Transformers: Age of Extinction 3D

SEASON COMMENCES June 26

Transformers: Age Of Extinction 3D is the fourth film in director Michael Bay's global blockbuster franchise. The film begins after an epic battle that left a great city torn, but with the world saved. As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history, while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs. With help from a new cast of humans, Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen) and the Autobots rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet.

In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world.

The film features Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz, Sophia Myles, Bingbing Li, Titus Welliver and TJ Miller.

We have two double passes to give away to 22 Jump Street and Transformers: Age of Extinction 3D. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, address, title of the movie and contact phone number.

Winners will be drawn on July 1.

STAY GOLD

Entertain me

LAZARETTO

FIRST AID KIT RELEASED June 6

JACK WHITE RELEASED June 6

First Aid Kit, the duo of Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg, release their new album, Stay Gold through Sony Music.

Their closely interlocking voices, straight from the diary lyrics and sprawling four-piece band have come to mark the magic of First Aid Kit. With the Joshua Tree skyline, heartache and highways as its evocative backdrop, Stay Gold picks up where 2012’s The Lion’s Roar and their 2010 debut, The Big Black and The Blue left off – its single, ‘My Silver Lining’s’ passionate folk and larger-than-life Americana a perfect foil for the sisters' extraordinary vocal harmonies.

A bona-fide contemporary sensation, First Aid Kit have shared stages with Jack White, Lykke Li and Bright Eyes, and performed at Coachella, Primavera and Glastonbury. They’ll also play the sold-out Splendour In The Grass festival when making their fourth tour of Australia in July.

Jack White, of The White Stripes fame, will release the follow up album to 2012’s goldcertified, multiple-Grammynominated, international number one Blunderbuss.

The title track and first single was released earlier this year to solid acclaim.

The new album features the tracks; Three Women, Lazaretto, Temporary Ground, Would You Fight For My Love?, High Ball Stepper, Just One Drink, Alone In My Home, Entitlement, That Black Bat, Licorice, I Think I Found The Culprit and Want And Able.

Additionally, Jack recorded and released a special mono live version of "Lazaretto" (and its B-side cover of Elvis Presley's "Power Of My Love") within a matter of hours on Saturday, April 19, commemorating Record Store Day by issuing and breaking the record for the World’s Fastest Released Record.

win We have five copies of Stay Gold and Lazaretto to give away courtesy of Sony Music Australia. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, address, album title and contact phone number. Winners will be drawn on July 1.

41 Police News JUNE 2014

Member benefits

SAVE with WAPU Member benefits Check out more Member benefits online at the new WAPU website Spotters Sunglasses

55% off normal retail price on all sunglasses.

MORE DISCOUNTS? If you know a business or a venue that might be interested in providing a special deal or rates for WAPU members, the Union would like to hear about it.

Please contact Director Peter Potthoff on 0407 476 679 or admin@wapu.org.au to pass on the details.

WAPU HQ has a number of Spotters Sunglasses at Reception, so please call in and select your model/lenses then order by email. More details are available at www.wapu.org.au

Pie Face

25% discount to all card carrying WAPU Members.

110 Williams St Perth CBD.

Back by popular demand

Due to the popularity of the previous Autobahn discount, the Union has been able to secure a new deal for Members.

Discount on all tinting.

Special Members’ prices: Sedans usually $330 – Members’ price $290.

50% off all standard rates.

3/9 Inspiration Drive, Wangara, 0437 141 020.

Book your stay and receive 15% off the best available rate of the day. To book call 9267 4888.

Receive a $20 discount on any service or 5% off any repair until 1 July, 2015 upon presentation of your WAPU Membership card.

Novotel Vines Resort

20% off at OPSM and Laubman & Pank as well as receive a FREE Digital Retinal Scan or come in with a family member & both receive a FREE “Ultra Wide” Digital Retinal Scan.

20% discount to all Members when ID is shown. Shop 10/1904, Beach Road, Malaga, 9248 5994.

Ignition Racing

Mantra on Hay

AUTOBAHN

OPSM – Laubman & Pank

VIP Pool Care Malaga

U Need it! Window Tint

*

www.wapu.org.au

Present the printed voucher from www.wapu.org.au and your WAPU Membership Card to redeem the offer.

Great Winter Sale Winter is a perfect time for cuddling with your loved one, red wine, warming yourself in front of the fire, indulging with fine cheese and enjoying the warmth.

Stay at the Novotel Vines Resort before the end of Winter and enjoy overnight accommodation in a resort room starting from only $99 per night!* Call Reservations on (08) 9297 3000 to secure your winter special.

*For stays from May 20 till August 31, 2014, subject to availability.

Have you got a great deal from a service recommended by the Union?

Let us know, like Troy did, so we can tell our other Members.

Using Shop-Rite, I saved over $1,800 when air-conditioning my house. Shop-Rite recommended Tony at Air-Pro Air-Conditioning and his price and service was outstanding. I highly recommend getting a price from Tony if you are thinking of air-conditioning your house.

Troy – Kensington Detectives.

Discount Buying Electrical Discounts MotorService Vehicles We are here to help with the products you wish to purchase! Simply contact us with the make, model number and your best price; let us do the rest!

1300 650 214 www.shoprite.com.au Police News June 2014

With over 30 years experience, ShopRite’s car consultants know where to look, who to ask and how to negotiate. Let us do all the running around for you!

Retail Partners Receive special deals from over 60 ShopRite retail partners! Offering real discounts to members, you are sure to find a bargain!

Discount Buying Service

Make sure you check out the fantastic “Deal of the Day” offers on our website!

* WAPU SCHOOL HOLIDAY BALLOT APPLICATION Applications will only be accepted on this form, It can be faxed, emailed or posted to WAPU HQ. Complete and return by Friday 18 JULY 2014 to: WA Police Union 639 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 Fax: 9321 2177 Email: admin@wapu.org.au

Only mark the holiday periods and locations you are prepared to accept in numerical order of preference.

Note: Bookings are available from Saturday (2pm) to Saturday (10am) only.

APRIL 2015 WEEK 1 04.04.15 to 11.04.15

Results to be advised by Friday 25 JULY 2014

WEEK 2 11.04.15 to 18.04.15

EITHER WEEK

ALBANY

Name (Please Print):

BUSSELTON VILLA 4

Reg no:

BUSSELTON VILLA 11

Address (Home):

BUSSELTON VILLA 15 Post Code: Work (Unit/Section):

ESPERANCE EXMOUTH KALBARRI UNIT 27

Email (Home):

PORT DENISON

Phone no. (Work): YALLINGUP

(Home/Mobile):

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We’ll be at WAPU on the third Tuesday of every month between 10am and 11am. Alternatively, visit the WAPU website for more information about P&N Bank.

Contact us Donna Webb Tonia Veal

0428 100 969 0423 783 390

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Police News JUNE 2014

Retirements & resignations

Retiring member letters can be sent to: Police News, WAPU, 639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 or submitted via email to admin@wapu.org.au

Retiring members

Resigning members

4922 Tjipke Bargerbos 5715 Christopher Dawson 7743 Paul Morrell 12558 Mervyn Comeagain 40361 Kerry Appleton

7592 Marja Milligan 9052 Thomas Bateman 9273 Alan Ingram 9428 Paul Litherland 9982 Dean Tapper 10236 Jane Price 10800 Naomi Smith 11249 Matthew McNally 11260 Brooke Gardiner 11965 Rachel Sherborne 12923 Scott Mellowes 13503 Scott Murphy 14171 Aidan Parkinson 14717 Ashley Michael 15057 Shakti Singh 15298 Shane Garnett 15302 Darren Crick 40203 Jeremy Garlett 99538 Brendan Chapman 99682 Steven Gillibrand 99695 Cameron Wild 99725 Kristen Pope

Vale

Retired 3458 Alexander Warren Veitch Sergeant Aged 72

Retired 2938 Joel Louis Hollier Constable Aged 79

3265 Louis Egidio Gresele First Class Constable Aged 78

2304 Frederick William Matson Assistant Commissioner Aged 88

2223 Charles Roy Buckley Sergeant Second Class Aged 90

2910 Albert Henry Howell Constable Aged 86

4729 Gregory John Hill Detective Sergeant Aged 61

5326 Ronald John Gillzan First Class Constable Aged 86

Exclusive Discounts Exclusive Discounts Exclusive Discounts Rottnest Island Accommodation Rottnest Island Accommodation Rottnest Island Accommodation

Police Police Union Union members members will will benefit benefit from from an an exclusive exclusive discount discount on on Rottnest Rottnest Island Island accommodation accommodation Police Union members will benefit from an exclusive discount on Rottnest Island accommodation between May and September 2014. between May and September 2014.

Police Union will benefit between Maymembers and September 2014.from an exclusive discount on Rottnest Island accommodation between May and September 2014.

Weekend Mid-week Weekend Packages Packages in in 4 4 bed bed Mid-week Packages Packages Weekend Packages in 4 bed Mid-week Packages self-contained accommodation from $280 3 self-contained accommodation from $280 for for 3 nights nights Weekend Packages in 4 bed Mid-week Packages self-contained accommodation from $280 for 3 nights from $310 for three nights and $410 for 5 nights. from $310 $310 for for three nights nights and $410 $410 for 53nights. nights. self-contained accommodation from $280for for5 nights from three and from $310 for three nights and $410 for 5 nights.

Discounted ferry tickets from Fremantle and Hillarys are available in conjunction with these packages.

Discounted ferry tickets from Fremantle and Hillarys are available in conjunction with these packages.

Discounted ferry tickets from Fremantle9432 and Hillarys are available in conjunction with thesebook. packages.

Call Call Rottnest Rottnest Island Island Reservations Reservations on on 9432 9111 9111 (open (open Mon-Fri Mon-Fri 8.30am 8.30am to to 5.00pm) 5.00pm) to to book.

Discounted ferry tickets from Fremantle and Hillarys are available in conjunction with these packages.

Call Rottnest Island Reservations on 9432 9111 (open Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5.00pm) to book.

Payment required at time of booking. Subject to conditions.

Payment required at time of booking. Subject to conditions.

Call Rottnest Island Reservations on 9432 9111 (open Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5.00pm) to book.

Payment required at time of booking. Subject to conditions.

Payment required at time of booking. Subject to conditions.

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Police News JUNE 2014 14/04/2014 8:41:32 AM 14/04/2014 8:41:32 AM

Where are they now?

Murray John Towton Regimental number: 4414

What are you up to now?

What was the highlight of your career?

Just really enjoying the freedom and independence of retirement. Playing golf a couple of times a week, fishing and catching a few crays here in Geraldton. I love spending time with family, especially our four grand kids and doing a bit of overseas travel with my wife – Di.

Highlights of my career include being selected as a Detective, serving in the Gold Squad with three great colleagues and later promotion to Sergeant.

What areas did you work in?

I was a police cadet for four years, then served at Carnarvon and later Geraldton in general duties, CIB, Perth and Fremantle, 79 Division and the Gold Stealing Squad in Norseman.

What did you like most about policing?

What I enjoyed most was the investigative side of policing and having the satisfaction of successfully tracking down and convicting the criminal element.

It was very satisfying being able to take them off the streets. Plus, I had the chance to work with great blokes over the 32 years and forming lifelong friendships with many. There was a great camaraderie that existed in those times and I worked with many good bosses who looked after their troops. I enjoyed my country service, I suppose because I grew up in the bush. I also received tremendous satisfaction being involved in and serving as a Branch President of the WA Police Union.

What did you dislike about policing?

Having to put up with incompetent superiors, especially those that had never done any hard yards and were promoted out of their depth, especially under the merit based promotion system and later the Delta reforms.

Many of us felt let down by the lack of support from senior and commissioned officers (of the day) when we encountered difficult and stressful situations.

46 Police News June 2014

In your opinion what have been the biggest changes in policing over the years?

The biggest change that I experienced was the implementation of the Delta reforms, which I believed was totally unnecessary and which effectively snuffed out a lot of promotional opportunities for so many good experienced officers, who either retired or resigned because of it.

Is there anything you would do to make policing as a profession safer and more appealing?

I think that there has to be so much more support these days from the hierarchy to the operational and frontline officers who are out there policing in a very dangerous and difficult environment, compared to the one that I encountered.

What do you miss the most about the job?

The main thing I miss about the job is the great comradeship I experienced and the many humorous blokes I worked with, also the funny things and incidents which occurred on a daily basis. I have many fond memories and it was a joy to go to work.

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