BEHIND THE BADGE: PSO Senior Sergeant Chris Jeffery

Editorial and photography: Jesse Wray-McCann

I moved down from Newcastle and was working at a company that made home gymnasiums. A local sergeant dropped in one day and I got talking to him. He told me about these Protective Services Officers (PSOs) that were being formed and that I should give it a go. I thought at the time, “It’s a secure job and I might give it a few years and maybe go across to the police or move back north”. Thirty-three years later, here I am.

I was happily cruising along for quite a while. Then, seeking career advancement, I went about creating opportunities, such as developing training packages for emerging technologies like CCTV, electronic alarms and access control. It kept me busy and further opportunities came along, such as maintaining PSO recruit law notes and then PSO recruit training. As rank structures within the unit increased, I kept throwing my hat in the ring and it eventually led me to where I am today.

I have oversight of the parliamentary precinct. This precinct comprises Parliament House and the Office of the Premier. I work with six PSO sergeants and 38 PSO seniors and first class. We provide protection for the Premier, as well as maintaining the good order and security of Parliament House. Public order management and stakeholder engagement at this precinct certainly keep things busy.

Since the early 1990s, PSOs have been responsible for the security and ceremonial services at the Shrine of Remembrance. PSOs can qualify as Shrine Guards by undertaking a course comprising foot and ceremonial/rifle drill. Officers are deployed from the Shrine of Remembrance and, while the primary duty is the security of the location, they also perform ceremonial duties at the Shrine. The Shrine Guard is often called upon, and has performed ceremonial duties, at locations such as the Victoria Police Academy, various locations throughout Victoria for Blue Ribbon dedications and events, Canberra and two trips to France and Belgium.

A long time ago, I was with some fellow officers and we had cause to conduct a pat-down search of a fairly large and intimidating male. I drew the short straw and was ‘volunteered’ to conduct the search. Luckily, he was compliant but unknown to me was that he was hyper-ticklish.

I’m sure it was a sight to see a six-and-ahalf-foot person squirming around giggling uncontrollably. The search took about 15 minutes.

When attending an incident, don’t rush, and take some time to formulate a plan. Think before you speak. Never send an email in anger. Don’t get bogged down with things outside of your control or that do not impact you. A well-used cliché – people may not remember what you said or what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. And finally, know your role.

I enjoy the people development side of the role. Whether it’s the recruiting process of guiding people through the journey from civilian to PSO, helping someone through the promotion process or helping run a local training day, it’s great.