Police News February 2015 By Countrywide Austral

N

E

W

S

O

U

T

H

W

A

L

E

S

POLICENEWS OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NSW

PRINT POST PUBLICATION NO. PP100018976

TESTING TIMES FOR ALL

VOL 95 NO 2 FEBRUARY 2015

You could be owning your home sooner with a Police Value Home loan 7.00%

• Discounted rate for Police1

Compare and Save!3

• 100% interest offset savings account

5.88%

5.90%

5.98%

Rocket Repay Standard Variable

Westpac

5.88%

Standard Variable

Commonwaelth Bank

5.32%

Standard Variable

ANZ

• Redraw facility also available

Tailored Standard Variable

• Unrestricted additional payments – no penalty2

NAB

• No monthly loan administration fees

Police Value Variable Comparison Rate* 5.4% p.a.

• Variable or fixed interest options or a combination of both

Police Bank

• Available for purchase or refinance with no ongoing fees

6.00%

5.00%

p.a.

For more information and to apply call 131 728, visit www.policebank.com.au, or visit your nearest Service Centre (see back cover for details).

Effective Date: 10 December 2014. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Fees and charges and lending criteria apply. 1. Police Value Home Loan only available to current serving Police Officers or a Retired Police Officer(s) who are a member of a Union that is associated with the Police Federation of Australia. This includes NSW Police Association (including Associate members), and the Australian Federal Police Association. Rate discounted against Premium Home Loan. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Fees and charges and lending criteria apply. 2. An early repayment fee may apply on fixed rate portion of any loan. 3. This information was correct as at 10 December 2014 and was obtained from publically available information located on the website of each financial institution. Please note that Interest Rates and Comparison Rates are subject to change. To the extent permitted by law, we accept no responsibility for the accuracy of information, or any loss you or any person suffers due to relying on information provided. *The comparison rate is based on a loan of $150,000 over a 25 year term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Police Bank Ltd. ABN 95 087 650 799. AFSL/Australian Credit Licence No. 240018. Level 27, 1 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NEW SOUTH WALES

Tel: (02) 9265 6777 E/N 57070 Website: http://www.pansw.org.au Level 4, 154 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000 Email: policenews@pansw.org.au ISSN0047-9934 Published Monthly Follow your Association on Twitter @PoliceAssocNSW

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President Scott Weber

Vice President Pat Gooley

Treasurer Tony King

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SW Met Region Area 1 Vacant

SW Met Region Area 2 Nathan Doyle

NW Met Region Area 2 Ian Johnstone

NW Met Region Area 1 Allanah Anson

Police now face potential threats that go beyond the inherent dangers of the job. The Association is calling on the next NSW Government to commit dynamically to the protection, safety & wellbeing of Police and the community. See story on page 10.

CONTENTS REGULAR ITEMS

Southern Region Area 2 Jason Hogan

Southern Region Area 1 Michael Connor

Central Met Region Area 1 Oliver Behrens

Central Met Region Area 2 Mick Aalders

3

5 24 27 28

Northern Region Area 2 Brett Henderson-Smith

Northern Region Area 1 Dean Koenig

Western Region Robert Dunn

Commissioned Officers Region Gary Merryweather

29 34 36

Editorial News Round Up Mailbag Book Review Changes in the Force Noticeboard Classifads Off the Cuff

VOL 95 NO 02 FEBRUARY 2015

FEATURE ITEMS

10 What police want from our next government 14 Fighting members’ battles 16 Before firing off on police shootings, put yourself in the shoes of the cops facing death 17 Doug awarded for bravery in the line of duty 18 Class 323 welcomed 20 Rugby League action 25 Tribute to George Shepherdson

Non LAC Region Area 1 Stephen McDonald

Non LAC Region Area 2 Melissa Cooper

Non LAC Region Area 3 Gerard O’Connor

Non LAC Region Area 4 Michael Buko

Mr P. Remfrey Secretary Mr M. Hilder Asst Sec Organising Ms J. Carroll Asst Sec Legal Ms K Membreno A/Manager Industrial Ms C. Prosser PA - President and Secretary Ms A. Monk Senior Coordinator Legal Services

NORTH WEST METRO/NORTHERN Mr J. Goddard Field Services Officer Mr G. Doyle Industrial Officer Mr R. Harty Industrial Officer

MEDIA Ms A. McLaughlin Communications Coordinator

NON LAC (SPECIALISTS) Mr M. Harmer Field Services Officer Mr A. Bond Field Services Officer Mr A. Boromisa Industrial Officer

TEAMS CENTRAL METRO/SOUTHERN Mr M. Ward Field Services Officer Mr S. Little Industrial Officer Ms C. Esdaile Industrial Officer CPO Mr T. Bear

Field Services Officer

SOUTH WEST METRO/WESTERN Mr M. Thomson Field Services Officer Mr P. Richardson Industrial Officer

OHS Mr P. Hannen

Workplace Safety Officer

The Police Association publishes the New South Wales Police News in accordance with its Privacy Statement which is available on the Association website.

LEGAL SERVICES Mr R. Collins Mrs K. Cole Mr P. Madden Ms A. Brown Ms J. Whalebone Ms G. Moschoudis Mr D. Kennedy Ms S. Anderson Mr A. Skinner Ms V. Sokias Ms S. Fosbery Miss E. Hagan Miss B. Golledge Miss S. George Ms S. Minahan Miss A. Fleming

D & D Coordinator MET Officer In House Counsel Solicitor Solicitor Solicitor Solicitor Solicitor Research Officer Research Officer Research Officer Senior Legal Clerk Legal Clerk Legal Clerk Legal Clerk Legal Clerk

INFORMATION ORGANISING CENTRE Ms K. Ward Supervisor Ms T. Fletcher Ms E. Hampson Ms N. Hawley ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Ms N. Scott Administrator Membership/Branches Mr H. Spiby Data Entry/Support Officer Miss J. Gard Admin Clerk Ms N. Silva Publications Officer Ms D. Straesser Research Librarian EXTENDED LEAVE Ms K Doherty Mr G. Chilvers Ms S. Pope

Advertisers Alert Countrywide Austral is appointed by the New South Wales Police Association as the authorised publisher of NSW Police News. The Police Association does not accept any responsibility to any advertiser or consumer in respect to advertising appearing in Police News. For enquiries re advertising in this magazine, please contact the publishers: Level 2, 310 King Street, Melbourne • Postal: GPO Box 2466, Melbourne VIC 3001 Ph: (03) 9937 0200 • Fax: (03) 9937 0201 • Email: policenews@cwaustral.com.au Disclaimer: Countrywide Austral (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are the sole discretion of the New South Wales Police Association and the publication 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 publisher, its directors and employees.

Copyright: All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright.

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 any advertiser.

Every single one of our members can be confident their future is our priority.

If you want low fees1, competitive returns and a fund that’s easy to deal with, join the fund that looks after Australia’s most respected professions.

Call 1300 650 873 or visit firststatesuper.com.au 1 Low fee rating is based on Selecting Super’s assessment. Please visit www.selectingsuper.com.au for more information.

Consider our product disclosure statement before making a decision about First State Super. Call us or visit our website for a copy.

FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672 ASFL 293340 is the trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 53 226 460 365.

PLN_InGoodCompany_275x210_1113

Join First State Super You’ll be in good company

FROM THE EDITOR

I

t’s been a testing time for police, especially in recent months, with the increase in the terror threat alert within Australia, and the attacks which have taken place both here and internationally.

The Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris left 12 people dead, including two police officers, one executed while wounded.

A policewoman was also killed in another shootout with a gunman in south Paris.

This followed the December siege in Martin Place, Sydney and the ambush and murder of two New York police officers in December 2014.

Also occurring last year was the stabbing of and injury to two Victorian police officers and the death of an army reservist in Canada.

When hostages were taken at the Lindt Café on 15 December, 2014 and two innocent people were killed, this shocking event brought home to the people of NSW the dangers we can face from those that mean us harm and the challenges police must address at any time.

In addition to being a highly skilled and highly trained police force, more than ever before police officers must remain vigilant and hone the ability to absorb and adjust to the changing circumstances with which they are confronted.

There is no question the potential threats police now face on the job go beyond the inherent dangers of the profession.

We have entered a new era of violent acts and the escalating threat to all police not only encompasses heightened security threats, but includes rising violence from a number of quarters, including assaults while undertaking routine daily duties.

More violent attacks on police officers have added to growing concerns that respect for those in uniform has hit an all-time low. Disrespect has become commonplace with the prevalence of cowardly attacks on officers who are only trying to do their job and go home safely to their families at the end of their shift.

Simultaneously, policing is in the

WE NEED MORE POLICE TO MEET NEWLY EMERGING THREATS spotlight as never before with the media, bystanders and sometimes even the perpetrators capturing events while unfolding. Rolling coverage by media outlets and social media coverage often becomes as much the story as the events themselves.

In what has become a growing trend, police officers are increasingly being filmed while involved in operational incidents with footage finding its way onto social media networking sites including Facebook and the Internet, leading to people attempting to identify the officer, then target and harass that person.

In December last year, your Association informed members that the NSWPF Dress Policy had been amended regarding registered number identification nameplates. Following numerous discussions with the Commissioner and Deputies, officers can finally be issued with a numbered plate and we are pleased to see this step forward.

This is a good outcome and having an alternative to a nameplate is best practice, officers can have one available even if they don’t wear it every day.

Members would also be aware the state government has given its support to your Association’s campaign for all police to be equipped with Body Worn Video (BWV) cameras.

This technology can deliver security and accountability to both police officers and members of the public. It has been demonstrated to change the behaviour of potential offenders, aware of the fact that they are being recorded.

We are reminding those in a position to make the decisions within NSW Government and the NSW Police Force, that now more so than ever, we must be equipped with the tools, resources and training we need to continue to protect the people of NSW.

PRE-ELECTION SUBMISSION

Your Association is seeking a response from all of the major political parties contesting the 2015 state election

to commitments we have sought on behalf of our members.

We are pursuing commitments across the following areas; for specifics on each please refer to pages 10–13 of this edition.

• Protecting our community in the face of the terrorist threat • Ensuring we have the Police to meet emerging threats • Mandatory mobile supervision • Ceasing the unsafe practice of single officer policing • Bail conditions • Examining the laws of evidence related to sexual and violent offences • Sentencing of sexual assault offences • Police wellbeing and resilience • New body armour for NSW Police • Bringing NSW Police into a technological age • Rolling out body worn video across the Police Force • Biological hazards, peace of mind and treatment for Police and emergency service workers • Greater fire protection for Police in high-risk bush fire areas • Extending Project Tamplin to all police stations • Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology on Police vehicles • Single oversight of NSW Police • Police transport of people with a mental illness • Utilising more cost effective methods for prisoner transport • Toughening consorting powers to target bikies • Extending vehicle sanctions to drunk and dangerous drivers • Minimising safety risks and disruptions caused by demonstrations and public assemblies.

Our commitment to represent our members’ interests to all key stakeholders and ensure the views and issues concerning police are addressed is resolute.

Scott Weber President

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 3

COMPENSATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALISTS We can assist with all compensation problems including FSS, Metlife and TAL claims. Our team is professional, experienced and compassionate.

Why not call us today?

Your first consultation is free.

1800 25 1800

stacksgoudkamp.com.au

Sydney, Liverpool, Newcastle

NEWS ROUND UP

CORRECTION

On page 10 of the January 2015 edition of Police News, a photo showing members of the Tactical Operations Unit was incorrectly captioned as the Public Order and Riot Squad. We sincerely apologise to members of the Tactical Operations Unit for the error. (AAP Image/ Dan Himbrechts)

APPLICATIONS FOR PANSW SCHOLARSHIPS CLOSING SOON Did your child sit for the Higher School Certificate last year?

Do they intend to go on to some form of tertiary education?

Then read on.

The Association awards scholarships annually to assist the dependent children of financial serving members, to complete courses of tertiary education at university, college of advanced education or similar tertiary institution.

The scholarships are tenable for three years and are awarded based on the results of the Higher School Certificate.

Applications are invited from eligible students who sat for the Higher School Certificate last year. Each applicant must supply with their application: • A copy of their HSC results • A copy of their ATAR score • A copy of their university enrolment receipt.

Scholarships will then be awarded by the Association to any eligible applicant whose ATAR is, or is in excess of 75.00.

Applications received after 28 February 2015 will not be considered except in exceptional circumstances.

For any scholarship enquiries and to obtain an application form, please contact Harrison Spiby at the Association office by email: harrison.spiby@pansw.org.au or phone (02) 9265 6777.

The scholarship application form is also available for download on our website www.pansw.org.au

John Clarke & Son MANUFACTURING JEWELLERS

High Class Diamond and Precious Stone Ring Specialists Design Award Winners 1974, 76, 78, 79, 83,85, 87 & 91

40% DISCOUNT

To all PA members and their families

Ask to see our fine exclusive selection of unique engagement, dress, eternity and wedding rings…

Or our large selection of earrings, necklace and chains, bracelets and pearls.

Three generations of experience is our guarantee of satisfaction. You discuss your ideas with the jeweller who actually creates the ring, not a salesman, and your ring is individually handcrafted.

Remodelling is a speciality.

Also valuations.

Open for your selection

Mon - Fri 7.30am - 4pm

& by appointment on

Sat 8.30 - 11am

19 Chandos Street, St. Leonards Phone: 9436 4519 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 5

NEWS ROUND UP

NSW POLICE LEGACY BICYCLE RIDE

The NSW Police Legacy Bicycle Ride will be held from 1–3 May 2015.

The three-day, 300km bike ride returns for its third year and aims to raise much needed funds for the Legatees and families that are supported by NSW Police Legacy.

The ride, which began in 2013, has now raised $80,000 for NSW Police Legacy.

The ride begins at the New South Wales Police Memorial in The Domain, and culminates at the National Police Memorial in Canberra. There are overnight stops in Mittagong and Goulburn.

This year the event will again utilise a portion of the money raised for the Morgan Hill Educational Scholarship, which will see two Apple iPads awarded to two high school age students to assist with their studies.

Constable Morgan Hill of Class ADPP21 lost his battle with depression in March 2009. He was the dux of his senior high school and a former winner of Archbishop of Sydney’s Prize for Student Excellence. The scholarship is designed to promote excellence in education and shine the light on depression in police officers, both serving and retired.

The ride is for riders of all abilities who wish to challenge themselves and achieve personal goals.

NSW Police Legacy is our own police charity, and a notfor-profit organisation that receives no government funding.

Sadly last year more children of our police colleagues became Legatees.

Event organiser, Senior Constable Craig Tonks of North Shore LAC, believes in helping those in the police family.

“I created the ride when I saw how financially stretched NSW Police Legacy was, I knew they could do more work if only they had more funding. In reality anyone of my mates in the job could need NSW Police Legacy and I wanted to make sure that help was there,” he said.

Entry forms and the FAQ form are available by emailing Senior Constable Tonks on tonk3cra.

HERO OF THE RIOTS RECOGNISED

Established 1899

POLICE HAVE SPECIAL COMPENSATION RIGHTS. WE CAN HELP YOU. Let Carroll & O’Dea guide you through your legal problems.

With over 100 years of service to our clients, we can help with your entitlements to compensation. Call today to get a confidential no obligation case evaluation from Hanaan Indari or Nadia Baker. Ask about our no win no fee policy.

www.codea.com.au

1800 059 278 6 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

Retired Assistant Commissioner Mark Goodwin APM recently presented retired team leader of the Miranda Commuter Crime Unit, acting Sergeant Craig Campbell with his rank and service board for his 20 years service to NSW. Both former officers are well known for their actions during the Cronulla riots.

Craig was famous for his meritorious actions in saving the lives of two young men on a train at Cronulla during the riots. Footage of Craig went around the world showing Craig’s baton swinging efforts to get through the crowd to make his way to the two men who were being assaulted.

He single handedly rescued both the victims in one of the bravest acts during those riots.

The presentation was made in Gymea.

Drive into 2015 in your dream car!

There’s never been a better time to take out a Fleetcare novated lease.

Whether you’re in the market for a new or used car, let us save you money on vehicle price, fuel, maintenance and much more!

From

$290

per fortnight1

Ford Focus Ambiente Hatch 1.6L Auto

Fully maintained

Save tax of $1,900 per year^! ^estimated tax savings figure

From

$420

per fortnight2 Fully maintained

2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Wagon AWD Auto Save tax of $2,400 per year^! ^estimated tax savings figure

For a quote in a matter of minutes, call Adam on 1300 655 170 ext 859 or 0448 448 723

Sign up today and receive a $250 BP fuel card* *Terms and conditions apply

Terms & Conditions 1. Quote is correct at time of publishing and is based on a 5 year lease with 15,000kms travelled per year. Prices and specifications subject to change and all quotes generated will be based on individual circumstances. 2. Quote is correct at time of publishing and is based on a 5 year lease with 20,000kms travelled per year. Prices and specifications subject to change and all quotes generated will be based on individual circumstances. *BP Offer Terms & Conditions. 1. The customer must not be an existing Fleetcare novated lease client to participate in this promotion. 2. The $250 BP Fuel card cannot be issued until the new customer receives finance approval. 3. BP Fuel cards will be issued via post as soon as possible following finance approval. 4. Fleetcare reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time without prior notice. 5. This offer is subject to availability.

For more information, visit fleetcare.com.au

NEWS ROUND UP

WATCH PRESENTATION

open water swimming, Oz tag, petanque (French bowls), paintball, pistol, rifle (small bore), sailing, soccer (beach), soccer (field men), soccer field (women), softball (mixed slow pitch), squash, surfing, swimming (pool), table tennis, tennis, ten pin bowling, touch football, track and field and triathlon.

To find out more head to the games official website www.nswpolicegames.com.au

GREG BLACK FAREWELLED

Last December President of the Police Association, Scott Weber, presented Gregory Matthews with a PANSW watch in appreciation of his 16 years of dedicated service as a police officer. Gregory joined the NSWPF in June 1986 and served at numerous locations including the Dog Squad, SW Region. Photo shows Gregory and his family with Scott.

NSW POLICE GAMES The 2015 NSW Police Games gets underway at new venues in Wollongong from 14–19 March. All NSW Police Force employees are encouraged to take part: sworn, unsworn or retired and including Volunteers In Policing, and full time employees of government agencies with a law enforcement role such as NSW Fire and Rescue, Ambulance NSW, Customs, NSW Department of Corrections, Australian Protective Service, SES, the Sheriffs Department, Rural Fire Service, Australian Federal Police, as well as Police Bank employees within NSW. Retired and family members from each of these agencies are also encouraged to take part.

The 38 sports offered in 2015 are: angling, aquathon, basketball (mixed), basketball (men’s), biathlon, boxing, clay target, cycling, equestrian, fun run/walk, golf, 000 half marathon, hockey (mixed), indoor cricket, indoor rowing, mountain bike racing (cross country), mountain bike racing (all mountain race), netball (women’s), 8 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

Last December the President of the PANSW, Scott Weber, and Association staff farewelled PANSW Life Member and Assistant Secretary, Organising Greg Black, who is currently on leave prior to his retirement. Scott presented Greg with a plaque which stated: In recognition and appreciation of your 36 years’ service to PANSW and NSWPF. 2014: PANSW Life Member; 1994 to 2014: PANSW; 1978 to 1994: NSW Police Force. We wish Greg well for the future.

CORRECTION In the December 2014 edition of Police News, the Vale article titled “Death of Sergeant Jeff ‘JJ’ Smith” incorrectly nominated 1997 as the year Sgt Smith was shot at Nelson Bay Police Station. The shooting actually occurred in 1993.

We apologise for the error.

NEWS ROUND UP

EX-SERGEANT STEVE WINDER Ex-Sergeant Steve Winder would like it to be known that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive terminal illness and welcomes contact from the work mates and friends that he made throughout his long police career. His contact number is 0437 841 174.

Ex‑Sergeant Winder worked in the Darlinghurst area and later at Kogarah, Hurstville and Sutherland Shire during 34 years of service.

POLICE MEMORIAL A memorial to honour sworn and unsworn members of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) who have died whilst serving, or as a result of an injury or illness for which they were medically discharged, is being planned for the north east corner of the Sydney Police Centre. It will include a display of names and/or registered or serial numbers of remembered individuals.

This memorial is supplementary and exclusive to other NSW Police Force and national memorials and related criteria.

In January, a competition was launched seeking the design ideas of the broader police family. It is open to any member or relative of a member of the NSWPF, the Police

OUT OF THE BLUE

Association of NSW, Retired Police Association of NSW, the Public Service Association and NSW Police Legacy.

Entries will be assessed by the memorial committee, which will make recommendations to the NSW Police Commissioner who will then make the final decision.

For more information visit the Police Property Group intranet site or email memorial@police.nsw.gov.au Entries close on 14 February 2015.

BY NOEL JOHNSON

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 9

NSW ELECTION 2015

WHAT POLICE WANT FROM OUR NEXT GOVERNMENT The Police Association of NSW is seeking a response from all of the major political parties contesting the 2015 state election to the following commitments we have sought on behalf of our members. They have been abbreviated for publishing purposes.

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY IN THE FACE OF THE TERRORIST THREAT The PANSW seeks a commitment to ensure the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) has the personnel, training, capabilities and resources to protect the people of NSW from terrorism while continuing to reduce overall crime rates, by: • Increasing the number of sworn police in NSW, • Funding the immediate roll-out of active shooter training for all police, • Advocating on behalf of all emergency services to ensure the Federal Government allocates 20MHz of the broadband spectrum to emergency service communication, and • Funding the upgrade of NSW Police Stations to rectify significant safety threats present in current police infrastructure.

above consultation, and • Fund the development of a central facility for operational training with the necessary specification to deliver effective active shooter training.

Allocation of 20MHz of the 700 MHz Broadband Spectrum to Emergency Service Communication The 700MHz band can carry large amounts of data at high speed, over long distances and penetrate buildings. If just 20MHz of this band is allocated to emergency services, the communication capabilities of emergency services to respond to major events would be vastly improved.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to support the campaign of the Police Federation of Australia, and to advocate on behalf of the people of NSW for the Federal Government to direct ACMA to allocate 20MHz of the 700MHz spectrum to emergency services.

Active Shooter Training for all Operational Police Officers

Upgrade Police Stations across the State

If an active shooter attack occurs, inevitably the first responders to such an attack will be the nearest police and traditional policing tactics will not necessarily be the best response.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to: • Full consultation by the NSWPF on appropriate standard operating procedures and training for active shooter incidents, • Allocate funding to the NSWPF to provide comprehensive training to all NSWPF officers in relation to active shooter incidents, • Allocate funding to the NSWPF to equip all officers as required under any standard operating procedures developed as a result of the

An additional $50 million in Treasury funding to be allocated to the NSWPF to ensure all stations are upgraded within two years to have: • Safety screens at front counters, • Electronically controlled front doors to enable station lockdowns, • Adequate security lighting around the perimeter of stations, • CCTV so persons can be seen approaching stations, • Duress alarms, • All furniture in public foyers to be fixed, • Video intercom at front of stations, and • No parking for members of the public beneath any station unless

10 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

access to the parking area is security controlled.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to ensure NSW Treasury and the NSWPF continue to effectively fund the continued monitoring and remediation of hazardous materials in all police stations and housing.

An additional $45 million in Treasury funding to be allocated to the NSWPF to replace the police stations at Mount Druitt and Taree with secure, modern facilities.

ENSURING WE HAVE THE POLICE TO MEET EMERGING THREATS Our state has the second lowest police to population ratio in Australia.

This ratio is an important factor in determining how quickly police can respond to calls for help.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to increase, on an annual basis, the authorised strength of the NSW Police Force to at a minimum match the annual percentage increase in the population of NSW.

Countering the terrorism threat The PANSW is calling for increases in police numbers to allow the NSWPF to maintain the widest flexibility in the deployment of resources while addressing the threat of future terror attacks or incidents.

Addressing the horrors of child abuse Allocate a total of 50 positions from the future increases in authorised strength to the Child Abuse Squad to address continuing increases in the workload of officers.

NSW ELECTION 2015

EXAMINING THE LAWS OF EVIDENCE RELATED TO SEXUAL AND VIOLENT OFFENCES

Develop and implement a fair and equitable human resource distribution model with the capability to determine priorities and areas of greatest need based on workload, socio-demographic and environmental factors.

For too long police officers have seen large sections of lawfully obtained evidence excluded from being presented to the jury in court proceedings as it is considered too prejudicial or unfair to the accused. In many instances, this is evidence such as tendency evidence demonstrating an accused’s pattern of abusing multiple children, or admissions of guilt deemed to be unfair to the accused.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to form a joint taskforce of stakeholders, to investigate strategies to ensure pertinent evidence is not excluded from criminal proceedings for sexual offences and violent offences.

Provisions of the Evidence Act 1995 and judicial interpretations of that Act should be closely examined by the taskforce. The taskforce should make recommendations by April 2016.

Stakeholders on the taskforce should include NSW Police Prosecutors, Office of the General Counsel for the NSWPF, NSWPF Detectives, Office of the DPP, Police Association of NSW, and Victim Support Groups such as Bravehearts.

MANDATORY MOBILE SUPERVISION

SENTENCING OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENCES

Ensure mobile supervision is included in Part 1 of First Response Policing Agreements state-wide.

In October 2014 the Joint Select Committee on Sentencing of Child Sexual Assault Offenders issued its Final Report on “whether current sentencing options for perpetrators of child sexual assault remain effective”, and “whether greater consistency in sentencing and improving public confidence in the judicial system could be achieved through alternative sentencing options.” The PANSW supports the reforms recommended by the Committee. Specifically in relation to addressing inadequate sentencing patterns, the PANSW seeks a commitment to implement the following recommendations.

• Recommendation 5: Increasing the maximum penalty for an offence against section 66A(1) of the Crimes Act 1900, from 25 years imprisonment to life imprisonment, • Recommendation 8: A number of

The Child Protection Register and Police Management of Offenders Have the number of officers responsible for Child Protection Register (CPR) management in each LAC and their case load reviewed, and appropriate numbers of the additional officers identified in Recommendation 1 allocated to CPR management in each LAC.

Recruiting the right people at the right time for the right jobs

CEASE THE UNSAFE PRACTICE OF SINGLE OFFICER POLICING Ensure the use of single unit policing ceases.

BAIL CONDITIONS The PANSW seeks amendment of the Bail Act 2013 to create more appropriate responses to the breach of bail conditions, including the creation of an offence for breach of bail.

The PANSW believes when seeking bail, a person accused of committing a serious indictable offence while subject to conditional liberty of all forms should be required to show cause why his or her detention is not justified.

offences be added to the Standard Non-Parole Periods scheme, • Recommendation 17: The Attorney General considers applying for a guideline judgement, or judgements, for child sexual assault offending, and • Recommendations 21, 22, 23: The formation of a taskforce to investigate the possibility of establishing a Specialist Court.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to add to the Standard Non‑Parole Period scheme, the following offences in the Crimes Act 1900: s66B, s66C(1), s66C(2), s66C(3), s66C(4), s66EA, s66EB(2),(2A), and (2B), s91D, s91E, and s91G. The PANSW seeks a commitment the Attorney General will assess which offences relating to sexual assault and sexual assault of children are appropriate for guideline judgements and then make applications for guideline judgements of those offences.

The PANSW seeks a commitment that the taskforce investigates the possibility for establishing a Specialist Court called for in Recommendations 21, 22 and 23 will be formed and report back promptly and its recommendations seriously considered.

POLICE WELLBEING AND RESILIENCE Fund the delivery of training packages substantially similar to the PANSW C.A.R.E program to all Police that: • Provides officers with tips and skills on staying happy and healthy, • Teaches officers to recognise the warning signs of psychological injury, and strategies to provide support to those suffering psychological injury, and • Provides gatekeeper training for preventing suicide.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to: • Provide recurrent funding over four years to the Workforce Improvement Program to continue to deliver its current programs and roll-out programs currently in development, • Provide recurrent funds to the PTI Reconditioning program to establish a full-time, permanent service, with a view to progressively roll out the program state-wide, and • Provide recurrent funds to the Your Health Check program.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 11

NSW ELECTION 2015

ROLLING OUT BODY WORN VIDEO ACROSS THE POLICE FORCE

restore the income protection levels for officers with Total Permanent Disability to those under the previous scheme, and rectify deficiencies with current insurance arrangements that effectively punish injured officers for returning to work.

Investigate strategies to deliver services and support to former NSW Police Officers.

NEW BODY ARMOUR FOR NSW POLICE Fund the roll-out of the customised ballistic/stab resistant vests currently being developed for the NSWPF.

BRINGING NSW POLICE INTO A TECHNOLOGICAL AGE Additional Treasury funding to the NSWPF to: • purchase and support smartphone technology and tablet devices for police where appropriate on a continuing basis.

• equip all Traffic and Highway Patrol (T&HWP) Command and Police Transport Command (PTC) police with smartphone and tablet technology by the end of 2015.

• replace the current Panasonic Tough Books with appropriately optioned tablet devices by the end of 2015.

Implementation of any necessary legislative changes to allow the electronic issuing of all TINs, PINs, CINs and Field CANS by the T&HWP Command and all rail and transport infringements, Field CANs and CINs by PTC police by the end of the Budget 2015 Parliamentary session.

12 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

The PANSW seeks a commitment of additional Treasury funding to the NSWPF to equip all frontline police with body worn video (BWV) devices by the end of 2016, and identify and install required IT and other technology support systems for these devices.

Development of a comprehensive protocol for the storage retention of data captured by BWV devices and body and in-car devices operated

by T&HWP Command officers that does not require the NSWPF to retain footage unrelated to a COPS event or formal complaint beyond 60 days and for any necessary legislative changes to be introduced into NSW Parliament by the end of the Spring 2015 Parliamentary session.

BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS — PEACE OF MIND AND TREATMENT FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS The PANSW believes there are three necessary responses to address the dangers of police, ambulance officers and other emergency service workers being exposed to bodily fluids: • The creation of an offence of deliberately applying bodily fluid to a NSW police officer, law enforcement officer or other emergency service worker or volunteer.

• A legislated power to order mandatory testing of a person to whose bodily fluid an officer was exposed.

• Biological protective equipment in all NSWPF vehicles.

The PANSW seeks in principle support for the establishment of mandatory testing for prescribed infectious diseases of any person where it is reasonably suspected their bodily fluids have been transferred, intentionally or accidentally, on to or

in to an emergency service worker or law enforcement officer.

The PANSW seeks the establishment of a multi-agency working party to develop necessary legislative and procedural changes to allow for an enforceable order to be made for mandatory testing.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to the provision of disposable biological hazard protection equipment including protective coveralls and face masks in all police vehicles.

GREATER FIRE PROTECTION FOR POLICE IN HIGH-RISK BUSH FIRE AREAS Additional Treasury funding to the NSWPF to equip all frontline and emergency response police officers in high-risk bush fire prone areas with Fire Personal Protective Equipment by the start of the 2015/2016 bush fire season.

EXTENDING PROJECT TAMPLIN TO ALL POLICE STATIONS Additional Treasury funding to the NSWPF to equip all police stations with automated external defibrillators by the end of 2015.

AUTOMATIC NUMBER PLATE RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY ON POLICE VEHICLES $15 million in additional Treasury funding to the NSWPF to fit additional Police vehicles with Automatic Number Plate Recognition units by the end of 2015.

SINGLE OVERSIGHT OF NSW POLICE The PANSW supports rigorous oversight of NSW police officers.

The PANSW is seeking a commitment to establish a single wide-ranging integrity agency delivering improved outcomes for police accountability, improved procedural fairness for officers involved in investigations, and better resource efficiency.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to: • Transfer the functions of the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC),

NSW ELECTION 2015

• Transfer the police oversight functions of the Ombudsman to the ICAC, • Review the legislative powers of the PIC, the Ombudsman and the ICAC, to assess what additional legislative powers the ICAC would require to perform the police oversight functions, including additional powers beyond those afforded to current oversight agencies if deemed appropriate, • Provide the ICAC with all additional legislative powers and resources required to perform the police oversight functions, and • Reinforce the ability of the Inspector of the ICAC as well as the Parliamentary oversight committee through legislative changes and resourcing enhancements to provide greater review capabilities of disputed actions by the ICAC.

POLICE TRANSPORT OF PEOPLE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS NSW Health is not delivering on its agreement to attend Section 22 apprehensions to conduct the transport of people with a mental illness.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to rectify this situation. The ideal solution is to ensure NSW Health vehicles or ambulances conduct mental health transport in all cases except those where risks to safety require the use of a police vehicle. In the interim, to mitigate the risks associated with police vehicles being used for mental health transport, strategies to reduce travel times must be implemented including: • removing the requirement that police transport persons with a mental illness to a declared mental health facility, allowing transport to the nearest health facility until an ambulance can relocate them onto a declared mental health facility, or • further increasing the number of declared mental health facilities, beyond the recent commitment, selecting sites based on needs, so the distance between communities and the nearest declared facility is significantly reduced.

The PANSW seeks a commitment to oblige NSW Health to conduct all mental health transport, with police only conducting the transport when no other options are available, provide adequate resources to NSW Health to meet this obligation, and reduce travel times required to transport a person to an appropriate health facility.

UTILISING MORE COST EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR PRISONER TRANSPORT Fix the current problematic and resource intensive methods involving police consistently being used to transport prisoners across the state.

EXTENDING VEHICLE SANCTIONS TO DRUNK AND DANGEROUS DRIVERS Extend the vehicle sanctions scheme to include high range PCA and mid range PCA offences. Where appropriate extend the vehicle sanctions scheme to include other road safety offences including drivers caught with illegal drugs in their system, refusing a breath analysis, hindering or obstructing the taking of a blood sample, or when drivers wilfully alter the concentration of alcohol in their blood.

TOUGHENING CONSORTING POWERS TO TARGET BIKIES

MINIMISE SAFETY RISKS AND DISRUPTIONS CAUSED

BY DEMONSTRATIONS AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES

Double the penalties applicable to an offence under section 93X(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 where one or more of the parties to the offence was a member of a criminal group as defined under Section 93S of the Crimes Act or a member of a declared organisation under the Crimes (Criminal Organisations Control) Act 2012 or subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order under Part 7 of the Firearms Act 1996.

Amend the Summary Offences Act 1988 Part 4, to provide for a requirement for organisers of a public assembly to engage in negotiations with the NSWPF on measures to mitigate safety risks or disruptions caused by public assemblies, the capacity for police or courts to refuse authorisation for a planned assembly based on a public interest test, and effective sanctions for unauthorised assemblies. y

Photo: NSW Police Force.

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 13

INDUSTRIAL UPDATE

FIGHTING MEMBERS’ BATTLES This update provides information regarding significant matters dealt with by the Industrial Division of the PANSW. In addition we include other industrial relations news of interest. We hope you find this news update useful.

PAYMENT OF INCOME PROTECTION DURING PERIOD OF PAID MATERNITY LEAVE The PANSW made representations on behalf of an officer who was denied the payment of income protection during a period of half pay maternity leave. Following our representations to the NSWPF a back payment was made to the officer to top up her pay from the maternity leave amount up to 75%. This was a good win for all of our members as it has now been established that paid maternity leave is simply an offset of income protection and does not disentitle them overall.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE LEAVE AND CARER’S LEAVE

Following our last report on this issue the Association became aware of further instances where members had been declined Family and Community Service Leave (FACS) and Carer’s Leave inconsistent with the provisions of the Crown Employees

(Police Officers – 2014) Award. Any members in such situations should contact their branch official or the PANSW Information Organising Centre. Members should consult clause 29 of the Award for their entitlement to FACS leave and clause 21 regarding their entitlement to Carer’s leave (Sick leave to care for family members).

CHILDCARE TRIALS

As members may be aware the PANSW participated in the Childcare Flexibility trials which aimed at providing more flexible childcare options for our members.

The Childcare Flexibility trials were an encouraging attempt towards addressing the growing need for a more flexible and accessible model of childcare for policing families.

The results of the trial demonstrate that the working patterns of police are indeed unique and any new model of non-standard hours childcare will need to accommodate this uniqueness. The Police

Federation of Australia is working with the Federal Government and childcare providers to come up with solutions to make childcare flexible, affordable and accessible for our members.

SUPERANNUATION INCREASE FROM 1 JULY 2014

Members of Police Super (PSS) and State Authorities Superannuation Scheme (SASS) will have the 0.5% increase in the superannuation guarantee charge from 1 July 2014 applied through an amendment to the State Authorities Noncontributory Superannuation Amendment Act 2013.

PSS and SASS members will have a separate account established within their scheme structure to accept these additional employer contributions backdated to 1 July 2014. The increase will mirror the entitlement applied to Police who are not PSS and SASS members.

This approach varies from the original government proposal

All our members are aware of the big stuff the PANSW does, like negotiate for pay increases, and lobby for better equipment and more effective legislation. Additionally, we get calls for assistance and advice on a daily basis, like the one below.

APPRECIATION

I was recently injured and required a back operation at Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, on 20 November 2014.

A colleague from Armidale contacted the Association and advised them of my predicament. After my operation I was sore and sorry and had trouble walking. I could not carry my hospital bag without significant pain.

Matt Harmer from the Association contacted me at the hospital and offered to pick me up from the hospital and take me to Sydney Airport. I graciously accepted this offer, as I dreaded the thought of trying to walk and carry my bag on public transport. Matt picked me up from hospital on a Sunday morning despite having had little sleep after being recalled to support police involved in a shooting incident the previous evening.

I can’t express my appreciation to Matt for taking the time to pick me up and take me to the airport on a Sunday when I know he would have much rather been spending time with his family. My sincere and heartfelt thanks to Matt; the support he gave me at that time was invaluable.

Sergeant Mark Garvey Armidale

14 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

INDUSTRIAL UPDATE

of amending the basic benefit defined benefit formula to reflect the increase.

We are still waiting on further details as to how the arrangement will work including whether members can make additional personal contributions to this account.

CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGES TO THE CONCESSIONAL CAP Effective from 1 July 2014 the concessional cap has risen to $30,000 p.a. for those under the age of 50 and to $35,000 for those over the age of 50. Members will be aware that due to PBRI insurance premiums being recognised as a contribution for purposes of taxation, NSW Police officers continue to suffer inequity in their ability to contribute towards their retirement savings.

As this is essentially a federal

issue, and as part of our ongoing campaign, PANSW elected officials and staff attended a further series of lobbying meetings at Parliament House, Canberra in December 2014.

This is a critically important issue and you Association will continue to work to seek that the PBRI contribution be exempted from the concessional cap. The recent announcement by the Federal Government of the appointment of a new Assistant Treasurer provides another opportunity for us to progress this issue.

PUSH TO CUT PENALTY RATES BEFORE CHRISTMAS

In other news, the Federal Government has announced a wholesale review of Australia’s workplace laws that could see wages, conditions and rights at work slashed.

The Federal Government recently released its terms of reference for the Australian Productivity Commission review of the Fair Work Act. The terms are broad enough to consider a range of arrangements including penalty rates (such as shift penalty rates, public holidays, etc).

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) stated that this could see a range of union won entitlements such as penalty rates, wages, conditions, safety and rights at work jeopardised.

Whilst this does not directly affect any state employees it is of grave concern as any changes at federal level may have a flow on effect on state industrial relations in future.

(Source: ACTU) y

Compiled by Alex Boromisa Industrial Officer

LOOKING AFTER YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH We’ve teamed up with Police Association of NSW Health to bring you great value health insurance. a 3% discount off your health cover* no excess on hospital cover for kids under 25** gap free general dental and physio for kids up to the age of 25 at Members First Providers# gap free on selected optical packages at Members First Providers.## Our Bupa consultants are here to help. If you’d like to find out more, request a call back by visiting www.bupa.com.au/callmeback

To sign up to your health plan: 134 135 and quote ID 2076395

bupa.com.au/corporate username: corporate password: healthplan

corporatecallback@bupa.com.au

*Discount is reviewed periodically by Bupa and your Company and is subject to change. Must pay by direct debit or payroll deduction (if available). **No excess for kids is available on selected covers, including Corporate Hospital Top, Corporate Hospital Intermediate and Platinum Visitors Cover with excess on family memberships. #Gap free general dental and physiotherapy is available on Ultimate Corporate Health Cover and Corporate Advantage and Corporate Classic covers (gap free general dental only on Platinum Visitors Cover) when taken with hospital cover on a family membership, when treatment is provided by a Members First dentist or physiotherapist. Major dental only available in VIC and SA, excludes orthodontics and hospital treatments. Annual limits, waiting periods and fund rules apply. Child dependants only. ##Selected optical packages. Conditions apply. Optical benefits are subject to your level of cover. Fund rules, waiting period and annual maximums apply. Bupa Australia Pty Ltd ABN 81 000 057 590. 11518-04-14P

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 15

VIEWPOINT

BEFORE FIRING OFF ON POLICE SHOOTINGS, PUT YOURSELF IN THE SHOES OF COPS FACING DEATH It takes a particularly chronic case of bleeding-heart syndrome to prefer a police officer is slain rather than any harm come to a deranged criminal endangering innocent lives.

By Caroline Marcus Reprinted courtesy of The Sunday Mail

T

he disorder appears well and truly pandemic in Queensland, which has been rocked by an atypically high number of police shootings lately – an average of one a month since April (2014), resulting in four deaths.

Yet for all the civil libertarians hyperventilating into their soy lattes, the truth remains that there’s been no evidence to suggest the officers in question did anything wrong.

In the most recent instance, 32-yearold Troy Martin Foster was shot dead after running at police with a knife.

The career criminal, wanted for questioning over an armed robbery and awaiting sentencing for drugs charges at the time of his death, had shown up at his terrified mother’s Gold Coast home and brutally bashed her.

Foster was on the front lawn, threatening both his mother and niece with the weapon when police arrived and he turned on them instead.

A day earlier, 51-year-old Edward Wayne Logan was shot dead by police after lunging at them brandishing a weapon – some media have reported it as a metal pole – during a violent rampage outside his son’s home on the Sunshine Coast.

He had been spending the day with his son, daughter-in-law and other family members while visiting from Melbourne.

Enter the armchair experts.

Their letters to The Courier-Mail plead for police to back off, call for support or shoot to immobilise.

None of them explain at exactly what point an officer should pause to whip out their radio while an armed 16 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

maniac is sprinting towards them or how one goes about shooting a fastmoving target in the leg.

The critics should familiarise themselves with the tragic tale of Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson, who was stabbed to death after attending a neighbourhood dispute in Sydney in December 2012.

The city mourned the loss of the decorated policeman and adored family man; in retrospect, would anyone complain had Anderson been able to draw his own weapon in time?

But police don’t have the benefit of hindsight.

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart says hesitating even for a second could prove the difference between life and death.

“If someone is running at you with a knife and they’re two metres away, trying to shoot them with a Taser is not the sensible option,” he has said.

On the other side of the world, the US city of Ferguson, Missouri, has also been gripped by a story of so-called police aggression.

Riots have again flared after a Grand Jury decided a police officer who shot dead a young thief should not be prosecuted.

Protesters have painted 18-year-old Michael Brown as a modern-day Rodney King, claiming he was shot because he was black and the officer white – a longrunning history of racial tension in the area providing the backdrop.

But after 25 days considering the physical evidence and witness testimony, the jury concluded officer

Darren Wilson was acting in selfdefence when he shot Brown, who despite being unarmed, was much larger than Wilson and had reportedly punched him twice in the face and reached for the policeman’s gun after being stopped for questioning over a store robbery.

There were similar allegations of racially motivated police brutality which followed the shooting death of teen terror suspect Numan Haider closer to home in September.

The 18-year-old was killed after stabbing two counter-terrorism officers outside a Melbourne police station, having voluntarily met them for questioning over an apparent terror plot.

Yet instead of condemning Haider, Islamic Council of Victoria secretary Ghaith Krayem flared already high tensions within the Muslim community by suggesting it may be the police who were to blame.

“I’m not going to condemn what he did because I don’t know what he did and I think it’s wrong for anybody to be condemning this young man until the full investigation takes place and we actually understand what occurred,” Krayem said.

Others asked why police were so quick to fire instead of resorting to nonviolent means to resolve the situation.

Because I’ve personally found politely interrupting a homicidal lunatic to inquire if they’d care to discuss the matter over a cup of tea to be an excellent strategy.

Might I suggest a more effective way to avoid being shot by the cops?

Don’t try to stab them. y About the author: Caroline Marcus is a journalist with A Current Affair

FEATURE

DOUG AWARDED FOR BRAVERY IN THE LINE OF DUTY Mollymook police officer Doug Nyholm was presented with a Certificate of Commendation for the role he played in attempting to prevent a murder suicide in the Riverina three years ago.

By Katrina Condie Reproduced courtesy of Milton Ulladulla Times

M

ollymook police officer Doug Nyholm was presented with a Certificate of Commendation for the role he played in attempting to prevent a murder suicide in the Riverina three years ago.

Senior Constable Nyholm returned to his home town of Mollymook just over 12 months ago and is now based at the Huskisson police station.

Looking back to the tragedy that took place on a farm in the small town of Urana, near Albury, on December 22, 2011, brings a tear to the officer’s eye.

“It’s not something you can forget,” he said.

Senior Constable Nyholm was one of five police officers called to a rural property where they attempted to prevent John Heath from shooting his wife, Renee Martin, and later himself.

Senior Constable Nyholm was in the line of fire and called on Heath to drop his gun, before he murdered his wife and turned the gun on himself in front of police.

The incident shattered the town, with the small community rallying behind the couple’s three young children left behind.

The NSW Police Force recognised Snr Cst Nyholm for his brave conduct displayed in the face of grave personal danger at a ceremony held in Nowra on Friday November 28 2014.

The accolade was the fifth bravery commendation for the officer who, over the past 24 years, has been recognised for his involvement in the Stuart Diver rescue during the Thredbo landslide and for the role he has played in bushfire management in the state’s mid-west.

Senior Constable Nyholm has also previously been honoured for preventing two young boys from taking their own lives.

Shoalhaven Police Area Commander Joe Cassar (left) presents Senior Constable Doug Nyholm with a Certificate of Commendation for bravery.

The ceremony was also attended

by Federal Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis, Assistant Police Commissioner Gary Worboys, Wollongong Local Regional Commander Superintendent Kyle Stewart, and Shoalhaven Local Area Commander Joe Cassar.

“The accolade was the fifth bravery commendation for the officer who, over the past 24 years, has been recognised for his involvement in the Stuart Diver rescue during the Thredbo landslide and for the role he has played in bushfire management in the state’s mid-west.”

During Friday’s ceremony, he was also presented with a service clasp.

The presentation was a special day for Snr Cst Nyholm with his family in attendance, as well as his former school teacher and Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock who, he said, “made a fuss” over him on the day.

“It was good to catch up with Shelley,” he said.

After joining the police force in 1990 and spending most of his time in the Riverina, apart from a four year stint in Bombala, Snr Cst Nyholm said he was excited to be living back on the coast near his family and friends.

The Emergency Services Games world champion surfer told the Times he was really enjoying catching a few waves. y POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 17

FEATURE

CLASS 323 WELCOMED For the 313 students of Class 323 Friday 12 December 2014 will be forever etched in their memory.

That was the day they were sworn in at an attestation ceremony at the NSW Police Academy at Goulburn. The class comprised 222 policemen and 91 policewomen.

The newly attested officers are settling into their postings at Police Stations across NSW, and continue to study by distance education with Charles Sturt University.

Long serving officers Detective Chief Inspector Ian Bown and Inspector Harry Goedings were also recognised for their distinguished careers as they marched off the parade ground in December.

The Governor of NSW, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Stuart Ayres, inspected the new recruits on the parade ground, along with the Police Commissioner. y

Photos courtesy of Police Monthly/Sasha Woolley 18 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

FEATURE

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 19

FEATURE

RUGBY LEAGUE ACTION 2014 was a year of excitement for the NSW Police Rugby League organisation.

Below, Peter Nissen wraps up the year.

A NSWPRL player of 2014 Mitch West in action against the Queensland Police.

20 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

fter the country carnival and city country fixtures played earlier in 2014, a strong NSW team was selected to play the Queensland Police Team before State of Origin 2 in Brisbane. The NSW team was based on the Sunshine Coast. Coach Craig Sheridan reinforced that the Queenslanders would be at their best as they were commemorating 150 years of policing.

FEATURE

The successful 2014 NSW Police Rugby League team that defeated Qld Police at Suncorp stadium.

Action from the NSW v Qld game. NSW fullback Lee Cameron takes a spectacular catch.

The NSW team was joined by Commissioner Andrew Scipione, Deputy Commissioner David Hudson and Assistant Commissioner and Patron Alan Clarke and Assistant Commissioner Jeff Loy. It was fantastic to have such high ranking support and the team responded by spoiling Queensland’s party and winning the match 32 points to 12.

Tries were scored by Jai Jones, Dave Cox, Danny Lawrence, Mitch West, Matt Jonstone and Liam Watson. Josh Murphy kicked seven goals from seven attempts, a remarkable feat on the big stage.

Man of the match was NSW lock Danny Lawrence, closely followed by Mitch West and Lee Cameron who was moved to fullback when Liam Watson left the field with concussion. Mitch accepted the inclusions of Brayden Sharrock and Jordan Hollis to join him, Dave Cox and Danny Lawrence in overpowering the spirited Queenslanders. Veteran

hooker Rob Mears was surgeon like in controlling the game from the ruck area.

The following day NSW had to back up against a spirited Affiliated States team at the Maroochydore Rugby League Complex. The Affiliated States team was coached by former NSW Superintendent Adam ‘Gus’ Purcell who recruited former NSW players Trevor Kraus and Bruce Tape to plan his ambush. Despite the ambush, the Blues prevailed and ran out winners 18–10 after a spiteful affair. It was nice to see life member Alex Ramsay, and his son Heath, who made the trip to support NSW. In other encounters, the NSW Police Bank Cup grand final was played at the ‘New Era’ Cabramatta stadium on a chilly night on 8 August 2014. The MacArthur Bulls were led by Rob Mears and classy centre Dan Drewe in a tight and intense match. The Cronulla team was a worthy opponent and, despite

the loss of several players before and during the game, matched the Bulls in every department. Each time the Bulls scored, Cronulla veteran Beaudie Cullen and Josh Murphy rallied his troops and the Sharks hit back. The final score was the Bulls 16–Sharks 12 and the crowd enjoyed a really exciting match. Rob Mears was named man of the match.

In the Plate Grand Final, the Eastern Suburbs Wombats led by player of the year, Mitch West, accounted for the Parramatta Eels by 22 points to four.

TOUGH PLAY

An Australian Police team was selected to take on the mighty New Zealand Police team. The National Rugby League (NRL) requested this game be played as a curtain raiser to the ‘Four Nations’ fixture between the Australian Kangaroos and England at AAMI Park (home of the Storm) POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 21

FEATURE

The successful 2014 Australian Police Rugby League team.

Retiring NRL legend Rob Mears captain of the MaCarthur Bulls who won the Police Bank Cup with Stephen McDonald, club President.

2014 Police Bank Cup winners, MaCarthur Bulls.

Melbourne on Sunday 2 November 2014.

New South Wales Police players Brayden Sharrock, Mitch West, Andrew Atkins, Lee Cameron, Sean Jenkins, Matt Johnstone, Rob Mears and Josh Murphy, along with training staff Craig Sheridan, Glenn McDougall, Paul Wallace and Bob O’Riordon, were selected in the Aussie team.

The team went into camp on the Wednesday. Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the team at an official dinner and presented the players with their game jerseys. Rugby league legend Robbie Mears, a veteran of 156 NRL and English Super League first grade games, announced he would 22 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

retire at the conclusion of the game.

Phil ‘Sheppy’ Stonham, an ACT officer and country rugby league legend, also indicated it would be his last game of rugby league. Brad Fittler and Michael Buettner spoke to the Australian team in the sheds just prior to kickoff.

The Australian team responded to the encouragement and hit the large Kiwi team with everything they had and led by 40 points to 10 at halftime. In the second half the Kiwis hit back and, at one stage the score line was 50 points to 34. Despite the plethora of points, the game was still tough and had the large crowd roaring at the fast open style both teams displayed. The final score

was Australia 60–New Zealand 34.

Thanks again to all our sponsors and supporters for their support during 2014, in particular, Crimsafe the Police Bank, BREON, Police Health and Smart Leasing.

We look forward to a fantastic 2015 season and welcome any new or past players to become involved in this fantastic police rugby league community. Our website www.nswpolicerugbyleague.org has plenty of photographs, stories and information — check it out.

All new players are welcome to our fantastic organisation. Please direct inquiries to our Vice President Rod Sheraton via sher2rod@police. nsw.gov.au y

MAILBAG

CONFUSING PRIDE WITH PROFESSIONALISM

The comments made by a federal law enforcement officer that the state should have called out the military to control the Lindt café siege reveals the flaws and imbalances created since 9/11 by those agencies and their sudden threefold expansions, causing an inexperienced officer to give a hasty and naive assessment based on no merit or operational principles whatsoever.

It follows that the officer then has not even confidence in the capacity or capability of the Australian Federal Police Special Operations Unit, should a similar event rise within their jurisdiction, to handle the situation and the Australian Defence Forces should then be called in to handle the federal event rather than the AFP. The belief that the Army, through its recent operations in warlike zones, is the better option belies their rules of engagement wherein use of maximum force is the norm in combat situations and lethal outcomes will result.

Further their insertion into a civil power operation, multifaceted, without training or experience, could not bring the best outcome The NSW Government would, on professional and immediate advice, have concluded that the highly trained forces of the state, being the Police, other emergency services and non government agencies, working to a highly developed master plan and being familiar with the location, were the proper response to this situation. Most importantly the state is committed through its civil powers to the rule of minimum force, and the use of “judicial killing” is confined to the protection of life and limb. This was so evident in the continuing statements and briefings during the siege that the object was to end the siege through negotiation.

An overview even at this early stage reasonably can conclude the response was immediate and sufficient, the committed resources adequate, the containment period effective, the resulting entry into the stronghold and its outcome forced upon the Police by the actions of the offender, and the then response in the aftermath by Police, Ambulance, Fire Service and the designated hospitals was first class.

To emphasise these specialist policing skills acquired by all states but neither understood nor ignored by the maker of the statement, is the unassailable fact that there is a siege, albeit varying in size and complexity, occurring literally “continuously” throughout all states and territories on a daily basis. This then morphs into an operational hardness of professionalism as was so emphatically shown during this event.

DEATHS Retired

Name John Thompson Thomas Baker John Conaghan Jeffrey Smith Brian Moore Syd McMurray Paul Wilcox Keith Stralow Robert Dewit William Tanks John Gerits George Shepherdson John Davoren Andrew Millward Geoffrey Vickers Robert Warren Charles Starr Brian Rassmussen

CRAIG OSBORNE CRAIG OSBORNE Managing Partner Managing Partner

CRAIG OSBORNE Managing Partner

Norman Webber

Retired Commander (Legal, NSW Police) National Research Officer United Nations and Overseas Police Association of Australia

Date of death 26/12/2013 18/10/2014 18/10/2014 19/10/2014 25/10/2014 26/10/2014 03/11/2014 04/11/2014 07/11/2014 10/11/2014 13/11/2014 14/11/2014 15/11/2014 19/11/2014 20/11/2014 28/11/2014 29/11/2014 02/12/2014

Age 79 years 88 years 91 years 61 years 70 years 86 years 48 years 74 years 52 years 70 years 66 years 95 years 71 years 81 years 60 years 77 years 75 years 77 years

Proudly Proudly offering offering Police Police Proudly Association Association offering Police members: members: Association members: ➠ High skill set in Compensation Law ➠ High skill set in Compensation Law ➠ Substantial discounts to Police for ➠ Substantial discounts to Police for legal services in Conveyancing, legal services in Conveyancing, ➠ High skill setand in Compensation Law Family Law Wills and Estates.

Family Law and Wills and Estates. ➠ Substantial to Police for Free Simplediscounts Wills WOLLONGONG: Level 2, 110 Crown St legal services in Conveyancing, WOLLONGONG: Level 2, 110 Crown St KIAMA: 66 Law Collins St Wills and Estates.

Family and KIAMA: 66 Collins St

CHRIS SHEPPARD CHRISCompensation SHEPPARD Head, Head, Compensation Law Division Law Division

NOWRA: 88 Kinghorne St NOWRA: 88 Kinghorne St DAPTO: 49A Princes Hwy DAPTO: 49A Princes Hwy WOLLONGONG: Level 2, 110 Crown St bOWRAL: 387 Bong Bong St bOWRAL: 387 Bong Bong St KIAMA: 66 Collins St SyDNey: Level 5, 350 Kent St SyDNey: 88 Level 5, 350 Kent NOWRA: Kinghorne St St

CHRIS SHEPPARD

DAPTO: 49A Princes Hwy

Head, Compensation FREECALL: 1800 www.rmblawyers.com.au bOWRAL: 387 Bong Bong St Law Division FREECALL: 1800 681 681 211 211 www.rmblawyers.com.au

SyDNey: Level 5, 350 Kent St

24 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

FREECALL:

1800 681 211 www.rmblawyers.com.au

VALE

TRIBUTE TO GEORGE SHEPHERDSON

2 FEBRUARY 1919–14 NOVEMBER 2014

To The Executive Members & Staff of the Police Association of NSW, I was deeply moved when the flowers and card expressing your sympathy on the passing of my father arrived last week.

My daughter Catherine, who resides in Melbourne, has also lost her much loved grandfather.

My father, George Shepherdson retired from the NSW Police Force in 1979. Although his eyesight was failing he enjoyed reading the monthly Police News journal, and I would also read articles of interest to him when the print became too small for him to read.

I am his only child. Mum passed away on 21 February 2010 and I moved up to Winmalee from my Sans Souci home in August of 2012 as his full time carer.

Ironically, I had taken Dad to get new glasses just prior to his accident. On 23 September 2014 he leaned out of his recliner rocker and reached for the copy of Police News in order to test his new glasses. He fell head first out of his recliner chair, then onto his right hip. I knew immediately he had broken his hip.

He fractured the head of the femur and underwent a partial hip replacement under a spinal anaesthetic because of his age. He was born on 2.2.1919, and aged 95 years.

He had many ups and downs in Nepean Hospital. Then another fracture appeared above the original fracture site.

Even that didn’t deter him; he was a fighter and wasn’t ready to die. He was transferred to the Blue Mountains Hospital at Katoomba.

He was due to be discharged to our home at Winmalee on 17 November. I was busy clearing out the back room to set it up with the necessary hospital type equipment on 13 November when the hospital rang to say he had taken “a turn for the worse”.

When I arrived at the hospital at 11.15am Dad was semi conscious but we could still converse. I sang to him and prayed with him. I stayed with him continuously until the very end at 3.55am on Friday 14 November.

I feel very privileged to have been able to complete Dad’s final journey with him. Being a registered nurse for 45 years I am totally committed to all patients dying with dignity, and Dad’s passing was just that, very dignified.

His mentally capacity was intact right up until his death.

It was his 95-year-old body that failed him in the end.

I am still grieving and will for a long time. We were very close; I was always “my father’s daughter”. He was privately cremated on 19 November 2014.

Once again, thank you for your very kind expression of sympathy; it was greatly appreciated during my period of mourning.

Linda McGuinness

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 25

Salary packaging a new car is easier than you think.

Here’s how Smartleasing makes the process fast and easy.

Instant Online Pre-Approval* Smartleasing’s online credit approval system makes it easier and faster to set up a novated lease. Simply complete an online credit application and you’ll receive instant pre-approval*, so you can search for your next car with confidence!

Apply tod ay to rece ive your FRE E

250

$

Fuel Vouc her!**

Car Search

Buying Power

Car Finance

Trade-in Service

Simply tell us what kind of new car you’d like and we’ll find it for you at a great price.

Because we buy so many cars we receive exceptional discounts, which we pass onto you.

We provide competitive finance rates.

We can also help you dispose of your old car through our arrangement with Pickles Auctions.

Call us to speak with one of our friendly leasing consultants or visit us online for an obligation-free quote.

Call 1300 178 794 www.nswpoliceleasing.com.au

State 2014

*The final finance approval is subject to a credit check, which is usually completed within 24 hours.**$250 Fuel Voucher is only available to employees of the NSW Police Force. Vehicle must be financed by Smartleasing. The Voucher will be sent to you after your vehicle is delivered.

BOOK REVIEW

NO SECRETS IN DEATH Epilogue by Will Boast Published by Allen & Unwin Rrp $27.99

Reviewed by Ted Bassingthwaighte

L

osing a mother to cancer while she was in the prime of her life must be the single most difficult life challenge one could face. But to lose a younger brother in a senseless and tragic motor vehicle accident compounds the grief. So when Will Boast lost his father to complications from alcoholism he must have wanted the earth to open up and swallow him. These premature family deaths could have destroyed Will’s life.

After locating his father’s will in his briefcase, Boast began rummaging among his father’s meticulous records kept in manila folders. An unwanted visit to a lawyer and the lawful execution of his father’s last wishes lay ahead of him. A study of his father lay displayed before him in the tight angular hand-written labels on each folder. But when Boast found something hidden away that his father had intended he never find, his life changed forever.

Epilogue by Will Boast is a classic memoir. This true life story is much more than a collection of large fragments of Boast’s recollections of his childhood, his fractured family life and seemingly unproductive adulthood. Boast was born in England. When he was aged seven he and his family moved to the American Midwest state of Wisconsin for a better life than was on offer in England. Or so his father thought at the time. Fate and human frailties irrevocably intervened.

“Epilogue by Will Boast is a classic memoir. This true life story is much more than a collection of large fragments of Boast’s recollections of his childhood, his fractured family life and seemingly unproductive adulthood.”

Boast’s father, it seems, was an enigma wrapped up in a mystery. He could not be criticised for being an inadequate or undependable provider for the family in terms of material outcomes. It was the lack of emotional connection with the family that defined him, in Boast’s mind, right up to the day he died slumped over the wheel of his car,

his intestines bleeding and ulcerated from a life of alcohol use and abuse.

Did he know he was going to die that day? When he felt that first stab to his guts, he must have known something was wrong, seriously wrong. My God, the self-control!

Before calling me, no doubt he’d already had to rush to the bathroom and cough up blood. In less than nine hours he’d take his last breath.

Struggling with his accumulating grief, the loss of his father in these circumstances left Boast wondering why his father never called for help in his dying moments. The fact he didn’t call in his moment of most need gnawed at Boast for a long time.

He taught me that the worst, the weakest, the most shameful thing you could do was indulge your pain — continued on page 35

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 27

CHANGES IN THE FORCE

CHANGES IN THE FORCE

1–30 NOVEMBER 2014

Note: The term “separations” includes all categories of discharge such as resignations, medical HOD, medically unfit and optional retirement. In other words, all members who leave the NSW Police Force are listed under this heading due to privacy reasons.

SEPARATIONS Fox, Peter Raymond Powter, Barry John Tedder, Owen Stephen Mcdiarmid, Stuart Rex Warwick, Matthew Bruce Barden, Tod Maxwell Davis, Ronald William George, Robert John Millward, Peter James Musgrove, Charne Ann Nash, Jay Allan Passau, Michael John Rees, Keith Smith, Paul Anthony Winfield Bowling, James Anthony Brown, Darren Charles Fale, Fale Iosefo Gray, Samuel Joseph Gunning, Katie Jane Headley, Danielle Jane Ibrahim, Moray Lim, Arthur Marshall, Kaija Jayne Martinic, Paul Mckinven, Ross Mead, Robert Mousselamani, Hussein O’Brien, Peter John Petkovich, Miroslav Portch, Adrian Ross Pullen, Nathan Stephen Ross, Jamie Andrew Rutherford, Mark Edward Smith, Larissa Anne Turner, Kelly-Maree Lea Massing, Raymond Charles Pratten, Timothy Antill Thompson, Katie Lyn Wright, Mark Jonathan Drayton, Rohan Ian Neal

C/Inspector Inspector Inspector S/Sergeant S/Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Sen Constable Constable Constable Constable Constable Pro Constable

Port Stephens PoliceLink Command PSC Investigations & Field Services THPC Metropolitan Highway Patrol State Protection Group SCC Organised Crime Directorate Deniliquin SCC Serious Crime Directorate Hunter Valley Manning/Great Lakes Orana Hawkesbury Wollongong State Protection Group Liverpool Newcastle City SWM Operations Transport South / South West Chifley SCC Organised Crime Directorate Blacktown SWM Operations Albury CTST Anti Terrorism & Security Campsie Newcastle City Eastern Beaches Kings Cross Barrier THPC Regional Highway Patrol FSG Crime Scene Services Branch Central Hunter CTST Anti Terrorism & Security Flemington THPC Operations St George LAC Manning/Great Lakes Tuggerah Lakes Liverpool Eastern Suburbs

The above details are gathered from NSW Police records. While we endeavour for accuracy it is not always within our control.

28 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

NOTICEBOARD

30-YEAR REUNION OF CLASS 209 Current and former officers are welcome to attend the reunion for Class 209.

Date: Friday 6 February Time: 12 noon until late Venue: NSW Leagues Club, 165 Phillip Street, Sydney No money upfront. Bar and bistro available.

Please contact your former and current class mates of 209 and spread the word.

Send confirmation to Di Mackay via email hotpig007@ hotmail.com or 0403 026 124 or Bill Lewis via email lewi1wil@ police.nsw.gov.au Confirmation of attendance would be appreciated to assist the club with staffing requirements.

FAREWELL FUNCTION FOR SERGEANT LORN ‘BINDI’ RYAN 34 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

RETIREMENT FUNCTION FOR INSPECTOR JOHN MARES 38 YEARS OF GREAT SERVICE Date: Friday 13 February (Black Friday) Time: 6pm Venue: Barbarian Room, The Rugby Club, Rugby Place, off 31 Pitt Street Sydney.

Dress: Smart casual $40 includes venue hire, canapés and gift.

Drinks at club prices.

Police Bank Account 279787 BSB 815-000 “John Mares Retirement” Include your name with payment, please RSVP as soon as possible but no later than 31 January 2015 For further information contact, Det Sgt Bill Lewis (Lewi1wil) 0439-342760/53338 or Thinh Nguyen (Nguy3thi) 0439342761/54705 or Phil Allen (Alle1phi) 0439-342767/53247

Date: Friday 6 February Time: from 4.00pm Venue: Windsor Bowling & Sports Club, George Street, Windsor (entrance via McQuade Park) Cost: $35 per head Cost will cover finger food and gift, pay as you go drinks at club prices No tickets at the door Contact: Lynn Best on best1lyn@police.nsw.gov.au or EN 75104; Paul Quigg on quig1pau@police.nsw.gov.au or EN 29671; Nancy Warren on warr1nan@police.nsw.gov.au or EN 29659 Payment: Please deposit into Police Bank Account BSB: 815-000, Account No. 280433, S1 Lorn Ryan Retirement Social Club (Please indicate your name as reference when making payment)

PETER FENWICK RETIREMENT FUNCTION 40 YEARS SERVICE

HOLROYD, MERRYLANDS, WENTWORTHVILLE REUNION

CLASS 259 20-YEAR REUNION

Date: Saturday 7 February Time: 3pm Venue: Merrylands RSL Club, Merrylands Drinks at club prices.

For further information contact: Jenny Suwala via email on suwa1jen@police.nsw.gov.au or phone 9897 4879, EN 78879, 0402 403 279.

Date: Friday 20 February Time: 6.30pm onwards Venue: City Tattersalls Club, 194–204 Pitts Street, Sydney Cost: $95 includes beer, wine, finger food and a gift Payment to: KXD’s Feno’s Farewell (Westpac Bank) BSB: 032 032 Acc No. 291654 Dress: Smart casual No tickets at the door RSVP and payment not later than 2 February 2015 Email or phone: DSC Jackie Fraser on fras1jac@police.nsw.gov.au 83560050, DSC Darren Struthers stru1dar@police.nsw.gov.au or D/Insp Robert Allison alli1rob@police.nsw.gov.au

Calling all members of class 259, most notably remembered for our attestation parade being held on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House on 16 February 1995. A 20-year reunion is being planned for Saturday the 21 of February 2015. Location: Meeting up at 5pm on the footsteps of the Opera House. Then to a local venue to celebrate the last 20 years and tell a few war stories. Current serving members and those who have left the job are all welcome. If interested please register your interest

The Home of Fresh Food, Flowers and Paddy’s

/sydneymarkets

@sydneymarkets

@sydneymarkets

WWW.SYDNEYMARKETS.COM.AU

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 29

NOTICEBOARD

to either: Insp Brendan Bernie (e: bern1bre@police.nsw.gov.au ph: 0404 824 836) or Sgt Mark Ward (e: mark.ward@ pansw.org.au ph: 0400 952 888). Following confirmation of numbers a suitable location will be arranged.

SNOWY MOUNTAINS AREA POLICE REUNION 1950 TO 1990 For Police who served in the region during construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme.

Date: Saturday 7 March Time: 7pm Venue: Cooma Ex Services Club Cost: $35-00 per head. No payments at the door.

Any problems please contact organisers.

RSVP:23 February Payment: Bendigo Bank, BSB 633000, Acc. 150971281.

Ref. your surname. Snowy Police Reunion Contact: Tony Harvey tony.harvey1950@yahoo.com.au and Ted Calandruccio ecalandruccio@optusnet.com.au, tel 99993030

RPA FRIENDSHIP WEEK 2015 The RPA will hold its annual friendship week from 7–14 March 2015 at Nambucca Heads.

It is a week where retired members throughout the state catch up with old work mates and make new mates. Those attending are able to golf, fish, bowl, as well as take part in other activities available in the area. A great time is assured.

Serving members who would like to catch up with some of their old workmates are also welcome.

Accommodation details: White Albatross Holiday Park, 52 Wellington Drive, Nambucca Heads 2448.

Telephone (02) 65866468, Fax (02) 65694698, www. whitealbatross.com.au, Email manager@whitealbatross.com.au White Albatross Holiday Park has offered a 10% discount; mention the Retired Police when booking in. Book early so you won’t be disappointed.

Charles Halloran APM, Secretary, Northern Rivers Branch of the RPA, Email garnet10h@gmail.com

RETIREMENT FUNCTION FOR SGT STEPHEN MAWSON 43 YEARS OF SERVICE Date: 10 March Time: 6pm Venue: Narooma Golf Club Cost: $50 per head (incl finger food & gift). Alcohol at club prices.

Contact: Dawn Critcher, Narooma Police Station EN 22531, 02 4476 2044, email crit2daw@police.nsw.gov.au and Bob Moore EN 22546 or 02 4476 1096, email moor1rob@police. nsw.gov.au RSVP 2 March 2015

40-YEAR REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 146 We are looking for members of the class of 146 that graduated from the Redfern Police Academy on 10 March 1975, who are interested in attending a class reunion next year.

30 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

A date and location will be organised later in the year.

We are now seeking classmates who would be interested in attending the reunion for an indication of numbers.

Please contact John Beacham by email reunion280175@ outlook.com or Bob Duffy by email robertduffy27@gmail.com

STEVE EGGLETON’S SEND-OFF CELEBRATING 32 YEARS, ONE MONTH AND TWO DAYS’ SERVICE IN THE NSW POLICE FORCE Date: Friday 20 March Time: 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm Venue: The Entrance Diggers Club, 315 The Entrance Road, The Entrance Transport: The Diggers’ courtesy bus will encompass The Entrance to Forrester’s Beach.

Cost: $80 per person Payment details Electronic transfer from a banking institution other than Police Bank: Police Bank BSB 815000; A/C Name EGGS OFF; A/C Number 280697 Reference when paying electronically will be your name Electronic transfer from one Police Bank account to another, as above but include S1 with account number Contact: Superintendent Dave Swilks APM,VA via email swil1dav@police.nsw.gov.au or EN 60200 and Rose Dunlop dun1ros@police.nsw.gov.au or EN 60203 RSVP: 13 March

30-YEAR REUNION OF CLASS 208 JAN–MAR 1985 @ GOULBURN POLICE ACADEMY Inviting all 208 class members to reminisce at a casual get together.

Date: Saturday 21 March Time: From 1pm Venue: City, location to be advised.

For more information send your best contact details to: Miles Adams, rmmmadams@msn.com or contact direct on 0412 424 155 Leanne Douglas, doug1lea@police.nsw.gov.au or w: (02) 9285 3723 EN 53723 Gerard Dutton, gerard.dutton@police.tas.gov.au “Supporting All South Coast NSW Police Officers In 2015”

NOTICEBOARD

30-YEAR REUNION OF CLASS 211 ATTESTATION JUNE 1985 Date: 11 April Time: 6pm Venue: Sydney CBD (exact location to be advised).

Please contact Ken Schneiders (schn1ken) on ph: 79002 / 9689 7002, Fiona West on e/n 27388/88357388 (west1fio) or Paul Hampton on phampo@gmail.com

25-YEAR REUNION OF CLASS 243 Date: Saturday 2 May Time: 2pm Venue: Opera Bar Dress: smart casual Cost: $65 includes beer, wine, soft drink and finger food.

Police Bank Account name: Class 243 Reunion BSB: 815-000 Account No: 279354 (Include name in reference field) For further information contact: Sgt Cindy Milton, EN: 29574 / 8835 9574 Sgt Jack Russell, EN: 56525 / 9265 6525 Insp Glenn Jacobs, EN: 56486 / 9265 6486

GOLD BUYERS, PAWNBROKERS, METAL AND LICENSED DEALERS SQUADS REUNION 21 MAY 2015 For those Detectives and associates of the above squads as they previously existed as part of the former CIB,

having weighed gold bullion, tripped over television sets in the doorways of pawnbroker shops, struggled to find serial numbers of second hand property in dealers shops, dragged rolls of Telecom wire out of scrap metal yards, used a Plus 10 on diamonds at jewellers’ shops, trawled the antique and similar markets, listened to the rapid delivery gravel voice of auctioneers, and dealt with hundreds of property thieves, an opportunity has been created for a get together.

A committee under the stewardship of Dave Bright, Phil Budge, Paul Shiels, Alan Doyle, Dennis O’Toole and John Laycock has been planning this memorial event which will be held at 12 midday, Thursday 21 May 2015 at the 99 Club (Former Bowlers) 99 York Street, City near Market Street.

A meal will be provided at nominal cost.

Whilst the squads as we knew them no longer exist in modern policing circles, the memories certainly do and the occasion will certainly rekindle old friendships.

Former Detectives, public servants, pawnbrokers, second hand dealers and any other associates will be warmly welcomed. It is hoped we will have in excess of 100 in attendance.

For those interested please register your interest with Phil Budge on email backtothedealers@gmail.com or ring Dave Bright on 0404 446326.

Further details will be provided to those who have registered in due course.

Dave Bright President Back to Dealers Committee

2015 NSW POLICE GOLF CLUB PROGRAM 10 Feb Long Reef

26 Feb Monash

10 Mar Kogarah 22–27 Mar A.P.G.C. Gold Coast, Qld 7 Apr Pennant Hills 21 Apr N.S.W. 5 May Oatlands

21 May Ryde-Parramatta Stroke 1 Jun Pymble

18 Jun Manly

2 Jul Bonnie Doon

13 Jul Cronulla

30 Jul Twin Creeks 11 Aug Cromer 27 Aug Killara 9 Sep Stonecutters Ridge

Team S’ford $45 10.00AM (1 Tee) Best 2 Scores/Hole Single S’ford $70 9.00AM (2 Tees) Qual. match play Single Par $30 9.00AM (1/2 Tees) Single S’ford $75 Single S’ford $100 2 Ball Agg. S’ford $65 (1ST Round Steve Engel) (1st Round Club C’ships) $60 2 B.B.B. S’ford $85 (2nd Round Steve Engel) Stroke $90 (2nd Round Club C’ships) 2 Ball Aggregate $75 (3rd Round Steve Engel) Stroke $40 (3rd Round Club C’ships) Single Par $80* Single S’ford $65 Single S’ford $55 2 B.B.B. S’ford $75*

9971-8113 9913-8282 9567-0334

9.00AM (2 Tees) 9.00AM (2 Tees) 9.00AM (2 Tees)

9484-1358 9661-4455 9630-4444

10.00AM (2 Tees) 10.00AM (2 Tees)

9874-1204 9144-2884

10.00AM shotgun (9 holes)

9907-9553

10.00AM (2 Tees)

9349-2101

10.00AM (2 Tees)

9523-6777

10.00AM (2 Tees) 10.00AM (1/2 Tees) 10.00AM (2 Tees) 10.00AM (1 Tee)

9982-3088 8498-2700

*Incl golf cart For information please phone Assistant Secretary Greg Faulkner on 0410 336 360.

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 31

NOTICEBOARD

33-YEAR REUNION OF CLASS 182 We are seeking members of Class 182 who graduated from the Redfern Police academy on 28 May 1982 who are keen to attend a class reunion next year. Date and location (Sydney) will be confirmed later this year.

Contact either Trevor Carroll trecarr@aapt.net.au or Karen Inglese (Kelso) Karen.Inglese@cba.com.au to be included on the mailing list.

BLUE KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MOTORCYCLE CLUB AUSTRALIA — CHAPTERS II & V Established in Australia in 1978 we are the largest lawenforcement exclusive motorcycle club in the world and the first in Australia. See our history here: http://youtu.be/ZWpvIvx6Trs Members in Australia are spread between chapters on the west and east coast. We only accept serving and retired Police or law enforcement officers from Federal and State Government departments who have arrest powers.

As at 1st January 2013 we have 637 chapters with over 21,000 members in 29 countries. Australia now has 5 chapters, the newest being Chapter V based in Sydney. We have members from every Police Force and law enforcement agency in the country with officers of all ranks and designations.

We regularly organise and participate in charity, social and ceremonial rides and honour parades in every state and territory of Australia. Notably you will see our flag proudly flying as we participate in raising money for all Police Legacy funds across Australia in the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance.

For further information see our websites: www. blueknightsaustralia.org or contact Andy Bond our Chapter V Secretary at sec@bkaus5.org or bond1and@police.nsw. gov.au Post: Secretary, PO Box 387, Five Dock NSW 2046.

BLUE LINERS TOURING MOTOR CYCLE CLUB The Blue Liners TMCC was officially formed in 1994 to provide an enjoyable atmosphere with camaraderie amongst Police and friends who have an interest in riding motorcycles.

The club also organises rides to help raise money for worthwhile charities, with groups all over NSW and SE QLD. Rides are also organised through the week and weekends in various parts of the state by local co-ordinators.

For further information see our web site http://blueliners. com.au/wp/ Or contact Paul Hunt (Retired member) paulhunt2@bigpond.com

INNER WEST RETIRED POLICE All retired Police are invited to attend our social meetings at The Briars, Greenlees Sports Club, Concord, on the last Friday of each month, commencing 12 noon.

Contact: Bob Rolfe on 9874 7586, Tom Coleman on 9713 6569 or Max Mitchell on 9743 1548.

NSW POLICE BOWLING CLUB 11 Feb Cabramatta BC 11–19 March APBC Tuncurry Beach BC Australian Police Bowling Championships with a squad from Hong Kong participating.

32 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

12–3pm

9 Apr St Johns Park BC 8 May Windang Bowling Club President: Larry Davis, 0432062643 and Sec/Bowls Sec: Craig Sleigh 0421351203

1–4pm All day

NSW POLICE WIVES & FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP An invitation is extended to all Police wives, partners, widows, mothers or any friends who have an interest in our Police Service to join our group. Monthly meetings take place in the McNally Conference Room, Sydney Police Centre, Goulburn Street, Sydney at 10.30am.

Meeting dates for 2015 Monday 23 February Tuesday 31 March Wednesday 29 April Thursday 28 May Friday 26 June Monday 27 July Tuesday 25 August Wednesday 30 September Thursday 29 October Friday 27 November President: Valerie Evans (02) 9639 6961 Secretary: Patricia Carne (02) 9804 0849

NSW POLICE LEGACY LUNCHES NSW Police Legacy regularly organises lunches and catchups for our Legatees. If you would like to get involved or start a catch-up in your local area we invite you to contact Network Coordinator Karen Murphy on 02 9264 1311.

Longstanding Police Legacy volunteers Phil and Beth Holder regularly organise lunches in the MacArthur region.

Please contact Karen on the above number for details.

POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NSW ASSOCIATES BRANCHES CENTRAL COAST ASSOCIATES Meet at 11am on the third Tuesday at two-month intervals at Ourimbah RSL Club, Pacific Highway, Ourimbah.

Any change will be notified.

Branch Administrator: Brian McVicar (02) 4333 9971.

NORTHERN ASSOCIATES BRANCH Luncheons continue to be held on the second Tuesday of every even numbered month, i.e. February then April etc. with a short business meeting in advance of the luncheon.

Don’t forget to RSVP by Thursday before the luncheon to Alan Crumpton 02 4946 6477 or Terry Seery 02 4946 1242.

NORTH COAST ASSOCIATES Contact: John (Henry) Crick via email: joncrick@bigpond.net.au

SOUTH COAST ASSOCIATES Meet at 11am on the third Monday of each alternate even month at the Illawarra Master Builders Club, Church Street, Wollongong.

Branch Administrator: Bob Cocksedge 0438 089369.

NOTICEBOARD

SOUTHERN METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATES BRANCH Our branch’s bi-monthly meetings for 2015 will be held on the third Friday of each odd month at the SUS Club, Sutherland at 10am for a sponsored morning coffee first before our meeting starts at 10.45am. Members, especially new members, guests, visitors are all welcome. Then stay as many do for a light lunch afterwards. Up to 50 members (including police widows) regularly attend. For those who have not been previously, this is a great opportunity to renew old acquaintances.

Meeting dates for 2015 20 March 15 May 17 July 18 September 20 November Social calendar for 2015 20 February Visit to Hyde Park Barracks, tour and lunch.

17 April Watsons Bay Ferry Wharf Circular Quay, lunch at Doyles or new BAI café & restaurant 19 June Bankstown Trotting Club, show and lunch 21 August Cabramatta cultural tour and Asian lunch 16 October Members memorial BBQ, time to be decided 27 November X’mas Luncheon at Como Heritage Hotel Publicity Officer: Geoff Woodgate, tel 9523 7134 or email bestpl@tpg.com.au

SYDNEY ASSOCIATES Not active at this time.

MID NORTH COAST ASSOCIATES Not active at this time.

RETIRED POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NSW Are you leaving the job soon? You should consider joining the Retired Police Association of NSW (RPA).

Contact RPA State Secretary Peter Rankin on phone: 1300 581 713, email: rpansw@bigpond.com or mail: Retired Police Association of NSW, PO Box 354, Wingham, NSW, 2429.

Below are the RPA Branch contacts for regular meetings.

Regional Branches

Branch Secretary Telephone

Brisbane & Northern Suburbs (QLD)

Kevin Ramm

(07) 3122 7782

Central Coast

Tony Connolly

(02) 4332 9833

Central Tablelands

John Morris

0403 300 842

Coffs Harbour

Ian Hodges

(02) 6653 2263

Dubbo District

Ross Tighe

(02) 6882 4649

Gold Coast (QLD)

John King

(07) 5576 7976

Hornsby & District

Peter McDonnell

(02) 9482 2771

Illawarra

John Young

(02) 4257 5782

Kiama

Kelvin Schreiber

(02) 4237 7078

Manning Great Lakes Robert Barnes

(02) 6557 0718

Mid North Coast

Paul Griffin

(02) 6585 2815

Murray River

Desmond Restall

(02) 6025 7140

Newcastle

Ian Lovell

(02) 4987 6800

New England

Greg Chie

(02) 6721 0965

Northern Metropolitan

William McIntosh

(02) 9972 9093

Northern Rivers

Charles Halloran

(02) 6686 6543

Parramatta/The Hills Malcolm Bargh

(02) 9680 4009

Peel

Doreen Goddard

(02) 6760 6216

Penrith Blue Mountains

Ian Berry

(02) 4732 1258

Riverina

Steve Ross

(02) 6926 5224

South Coast

John Crockett

0412 240 058

Southern Highlands

Kenneth Rooke

(02) 4883 6819

Sydney

Barry Hocking

(02) 9644 2985

Water Police Sub‑Branch

David Buckley

(02) 9809 3076

Wide Bay (QLD)

Patricia Pickering (07) 4194 0021

POLICE POST TRAUMA SUPPORT GROUP Do you think you may be suffering from depression or anxiety? Have you been diagnosed with a depressive disorder? Need to speak with someone? We are not medicos, just ex-members who understand. We meet at 11am on the third Thursday of each month. The venue is the Campbelltown Catholic Club, 20 Camden Street, Campbelltown. Serving or former members welcome.

If you’d like more information visit www.pptsg.org.au, email esther@esthermckay.com or phone Bob on 4731 4488.

HAWKESBURY BRANCH Our aim is to bring a safe environment to all service personnel who are suffering with anxiety, depression and PTSD. We create a group environment where you no longer feel isolated and impaired, and where you have the opportunity to speak with a non-judgemental group of people who are suffering in the same or similar way and are together for support. It is a place where you can obtain information through guest speakers or literature that will empower you.

The Hawkesbury branch meets on the first Thursday of each month (excluding January), at the Richmond Club, 6 East Market Street, Richmond from 10.30am till 1.30pm.

MID NORTH COAST BRANCH Are you suffering from PTSD, depression and/or anxiety?

Do you wish to meet both former and serving Police and emergency services with similar problems? If so please contact Al Lukes (former Police Officer) on mobile: 0488 728 628.

The Mid North Coast Branch meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Wauchope RSL (Lasiandra Room) at 10.30am.

Serving and former emergency services personnel from Bulahdelah to Tweed Heads are most welcome.

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 33

CLASSIFADS

Phone (02) 9265 6777 for Classifads inquiries

FOR SALE BEARS IN BLUE: Signature bears

handmade by Police Wives & Friends Support Group are an ideal gift for Christmas, farewells, weddings, christenings, promotions etc.

They cost $40 (GST included) plus postage. Proceeds go to Police Welfare and NSW Police Legacy. For orders contact Mrs Joyce Christophers on 9871 6749.

2004 TOYOTA 100 SERIES LANDCRUISER STATION WAGON: in excellent condition. 6 cylinder turbo diesel, great for towing caravan.

Only travelled 169,000 kilometres.

Includes 12 months registration, reversing camera, rear air bag suspension, 4 new tyres and rear dickie seats. For all enquiries please call retired member Ian on mobile phone 0468 454 565.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION AMAKI: 2-bed unit, main street Kiama, sleeps 6. Foxtel, BBQ, stroll to shops/ beach. Member and ex discounts (quote rego no.) from $850 per week.

Min 2 nights stay. Contact 0242 321688. Ask 4 Jenna.

BATHURST SELF-CONTAINED COTTAGE: Sleeps five, close to CBD. Contact Kevin Morris 0415 466 073.

BEACH HOUSE SOUTH COAST:

MANYANA BEACH. Go to YouTube: SAUTAKAJESU 3-Bedroom, Heating and Cooling, 2xtoilet/Bath, BBQ, entertainment area, outstanding ocean views, TV/DVD/Stereo sys.

Best rates for police. Contact Leon: 0421630362, crossleon@gmail.com

BURRILL LAKE, SOUTH COAST:

Absolute water-front holiday cottage. 3 hours from Sydney.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Jetty.

Reasonable rates. Call Kay 4455 3632, 0408 258 118.

DIAMOND BEACH NEAR FORSTER: HEAR THE WAVES. Across road from beach.

34 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

Quality 3-bedroom home, (2 queen, 1 double, ensuite to main, sleeps 8+).

Air-con, 3 toilets, large living areas incl games room, table tennis, LCD TV/ DVD/VCR, AUSTAR, close to shops.

Ideal for summer or winter holidays.

Rates from $500 p/week. Ph. Dale 0425340809 AH.

HAMILTON ISLAND: Luxury 1 & 2

bedroom Apartments. Includes valet and Complementary Buggy. Website: www.hamiltonislandescape.net PH: Tania 0409042512.

JINDABYNE: 2 BR unit, sleeps 7, fully

furnished, lake views, big balcony, 50” plasma, BBQ, available summer/winter, budget rates. Ctc Lisa 0411771744 or lisa_alderton@hotmail.com.

Serving member

MOLLYMOOK SELF-CONTAINED HOUSE: Renovated 5-bedroom 2

bathroom, family beach house, large rear deck, ocean views. Sleeps 10, walk to beach/shops, supply own linen, towels etc. Christmas Holidays @ $2750 pw only, September–April @ $2500 pw, other times $2000 pw or minimum 2 nights’ stay @$350 pn. Call Peter or Jan on 0407013411 or 02 96341216 or email peterandjanclarke1@bigpond.com

NELSON BAY, VISTA HEADS:

50-metres off Shoal Bay Beach.

Penthouse or ground floor unit. FSC with linen. Weekly or 3-night couple special. Telephone (02)4984 1127.

SOUTH COAST HOLIDAY COTTAGE: Two-bedroom cottage

on Burrill Lake (Ulladulla). Just metres from lake boating and fishing and walking distance to the beach and shops. Modern amenities, pet friendly, very reasonable rates.

Contact Gary on 0407775477, 0244544513 or gkbdawson1@ bigpond.com

SUNSHINE COAST: Caloundra –

Bulcock Beach – Large 2 bedroom fully self contained apartments.

Linen supplied. Ocean views, heated pool, spa, BBQ, Austar, Secure undercover parking. 50m patrolled beach, 100m to shops, restaurants,

cafes. Reasonable rates. 10% discount to members & families. Contact ex Vic Police members Donna or Rhys on 07 54918509 Web:www.tranquilshores.com Email:-info@tranquilshores.com

UPPER HUNTER VALLEY:

Overnight cabins available, sleeps 3. Police rate $50 per night. Phone 0481 216 604.

VANUATU, PORT VILA: Oceanfront, half acre, new 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with spa bath.

Sleeps 8, satellite Television, wireless internet, ocean rock pool, etc.

Discounts for police. Serving member. www.starlingsonthebay.com

YAMBA: Beachfront, 2-bedroom, s/

contained unit in resort style complex overlooking Pippi Beach with pool, spa, BBQ and security parking. Bookings ring Steve or Joy on 0416 025 634 or 4977 3280.

TRADES & SERVICES ALL JOB APPLICATIONS & TRANSFERS: Expertly Written –

NSWPF MPRs, Lateral/Compassionate Transfers, EOIs, Resumes, Gov’t Criteria, Phone: 0415 440 134 Email: source@iprimus.com.au

CELEBRANT: Weddings, Namings,

Renewal of Vows, Life Commitments, Funerals & Memorial Services.

Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands but will travel to other areas. Robyn Foster 0412 503935 or 02 42609544. More info at www. celebrationsbyrobyn.com.au or email robyn@celebrationsbyrobyn.com.au

CIVIL MARRIAGE CELEBRANT:

Donna Cremerius (retired member).

Thinking of getting married in Port Douglas or surrounding areas? Now in the top 20 places in the world for weddings. For that perfect moment in time 0407 476764 or donna@ butterfly-kisses.com.au or www. butterfly-kisses.com.au

CONVEYANCING — BUYING / SELLING / WILLS: Special pricing

CLASSIFADS

for serving and retired police and their families. Contact us at PCA Lawyers by phoning 1300 859 612.

MARRIAGE CELEBRANT: Contact

Brian Loomes (ex-member). Weddings.

ALL AREAS. Ph: 9525 7622, 0418 226 650. www.bmloomes.com.au or bmloomes@bigpond.com

MARRIAGE CELEBRANT: Geoff Nilon J.P. (retired H.O.D.) on 0411 086248, or geoffnilon@gmail.com

MARRIAGE CELEBRANT: Sheree

Ward (Wife of Member) Will travel all areas, discounts to members.

WEB ceremoniesbysheree.com MOB 0409 812 157

MORTGAGE BROKER: Home/

Investment Property Purchase or Refinance. At Origin Finance — The Hills, we provide professional customised financial and real estate support. Our Mortgage Broking Service is FEE FREE. Heath Thompson is a Former Member. Ph 0424062991, email, heatht@originfinance.com.au

TERMITE TREATMENTS AND PREVENTION BARRIERS: We have

the best prices with all the guarantees using the best products in the industry.

Call Leon on 0421630362. Exmember of the police force. Termite Defence & Pest Management. Pest control prices: $110 units. $130 for

single-storey house, $160 double. www.termitedefence.com Contact: termitedefence@gmail.com

WEDDING & FORMAL CAR HIRE: Classic 60’s Mustangs used, full Ministry of Transport accreditation and insurance. Lawrie 0421325282 or Jane 0421325529. Enquiries to ponyweddingcars@dodo.com.au

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY:

Professional Wedding Photographer.

You keep all your digital images.

Contact Peter TASESKI, (ex-member) Graduate Diploma in Photography, on 0411340101 or visit www. livingcolourphotography.com.au.

20% Discount for Association members.

BOOK REVIEW continued from page 27

swallow it down, don’t say a word. Don’t’ talk about; you certainly didn’t write about it. His methods killed him, but he did with his pain only what he’d been taught to do, all he knew how to do.

Boast’s father, it seems was a bit of a doctrinaire in his work life as well as at home. As Boast sat on the floor slowly unpeeling his father’s brief, yet detailed life records, an unobtrusive folder presented itself.

Reaching into the file cabinet drawer one last time to satisfy his OCD urges his fingers brushed two more folders stuffed right at the rear of the drawer. The first contained a copy of his father’s will. The second folder, smaller than the others, was labelled in his father’s hand ‘Marriage/Div’.

Inside the ‘Marriage/Div’ folder lived a faded, curled document that when removed trumpeted its contents with a bold red stamp and a symbol of the English Crown … Southampton County Court. It was dated 1 July 1975.

Boast recognised his father’s signature on the bottom of the page but who owned the other? Who was Sara Boast? His head spinning with questions Boast slowly realised his father had been married before. Later that day after interrogating his much loved aunts about this marriage Boast was told he had two half-brothers born into the tumultuous first marriage of Andrew and Sara Boast.

Epilogue begins to flourish at this point in Boast’s story. Nothing about the eventually stilted and loveless

marriage of his parents and the wasted life of his brother is particularly enjoyable. That is not to say Boast has not written a clever and intriguing story to this point. For lovers of this genre the discovery of unknown family members, of whom every other of Boast’s close relatives knew, the possibility of learning about his father really will be most captivating.

At first resolutely taciturn about even contacting his unknown siblings, Boast reveals a lot of himself as he wrestles with his conscience and disbelief that the man he thought he knew could have kept such a secret from him and his brother. It is only after he fully accepts his responsibility as the executor of his father’s will that he ventures across the Atlantic to England to connect with his brothers. Boast knows they have an entitlement to an estate that revealed itself after the testator’s death to be a rather lucrative one.

Epilogue is a curious title for a memoir. An epilogue usually appears at the end of a book bringing closure to that piece of work. In this case the title is very apt for it is only after Boast has lost his family, and is seemingly at the end of the story, that the full story of his family is revealed. Telling one’s life story in such a raw and honest way, as Boast has done, enhances the attractiveness of what at first might seem unpleasant.

Of course lovers of memoir will get it. The peeling back of another’s life in such an uncompromising and well written manner is timeless.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. y

POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015 35

OFF THE CUFF

DEAR OFFICER, I SEE YOU. Reprinted courtesy of humanizing_the_badge http://humanizingthebadge.com/2014/12/28/dear-officeri-see-you/ Dear Officer, I want you to know that I see you. I see you choose the booth in the restaurant that allows you to have your back against the wall. I see you walking to your next traffic stop while you hope that it isn’t your last. I see you pulled over, two hours past your shift, as you finish your reports under a street light. I see you as you direct traffic in the scorching heat, the gusting snow, and the downpour of rain. I see you being filmed every time you try to do your job. I see you as you watch mainstream media crucify your character while minimizing your cause. I see that you are tired. I see that you are frustrated and misunderstood. I see that you are hurting as the world watches you bury your brothers and sisters that died because they were guilty of one thing: wearing a uniform with a badge. I see you. I see that you are flesh and bones just like me. I see that you are a human being who has a heart that beats for your calling to serve and protect. I see your cause and I want you to know that I appreciate it.

I hear you. I hear the sound of the garage door open after a long night of consistent tragedy. I hear the sounds of your heavy footsteps and I can instantly tell what kind of day it has been for you. I hear the sound of your duty belt hit the kitchen table as you relieve your back from the 30 extra pounds you’ve been carrying all day. I recognize the sound of Velcro as you unstrap your body armor and your work boots. I hear the sound of the refrigerator open as you rummage for leftovers. You’re starving because you often go without breaks and without meals for an entire shift. I hear the sound of your little boy’s bedroom door open as you enter his room. I hear the sound of you kissing his cheek and whispering that you love him. I hear the sound of your heartbeat as you choose to not share your day because you know that it will only scare me. And even though you do not speak, I still hear you. I still know that something happened on your shift that has broken your heart.

I feel you. I feel the difference in the way you hug me before you leave to go to the grocery store and the way you hug me before you leave for one more night on your beat. I feel the grip of your hand as they wheel you back to surgery to fix an injury you have sustained on the job. I feel the wetness of your tears as you try to make sense of the tiny life that was taken by the hands of her parents. I feel the sigh of relief when you see your little boy running towards you after you’ve experienced too much darkness in the world. I feel the sinking of your morale as you watch a very vocal minority flood social media with their misplaced passion for their idea of justice. I feel the way you look at me as you read that one more of your brothers or sisters has fallen victim to a hate crime. We both know that it could be our family at any given moment.

I need you. We need you. America needs you.

36 POLICE NEWS y FEBRUARY 2015

I know that the world isn’t making it any easier for you to wake up with the same passion you had when you first started. I know the world is making it extremely difficult for you to feel like anyone is on your side. I know the world is making you feel like the only allies you have can only be found in each other. I know that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to put your life on the line for a world that has seemingly turned their backs on you. But, I also know that won’t stop you. What the world seems to forget is that you don’t suit up every day for their approval. You don’t put your life on the line so people will sing your praises from the mountain tops. God knows you don’t do it for the money. You do it because it’s your calling. You do it for the generations to come. You do it for the safety of those who do not have the means to protect themselves. You do it because you believe that you can help goodness persevere in the face of evil. You’ve chosen to be a warrior and warriors don’t hang up their hats because of the opinion of someone else.

“I see that you are tired.

I see that you are frustrated and misunderstood. I see that you are hurting as the world watches you bury your brothers and sisters that died because they were guilty of one thing: wearing a uniform with a badge.”

I wish I knew how to fix it. The only thing I know how to do is support you. I’m aware that there isn’t a magic solution that will make the world see you for who you are: the amazing men and women in blue. I just want you to know that I see you. I need you to know that you are appreciated by a vast majority who is in your corner.

I need you to know that you aren’t alone. I need you to feel the presence of those who love and support you.

We are rallied behind you and ready to defend your character at any given moment. You are honorable.

You are courageous. You are worthy of a nation’s support.

We see you. We need you. We love you. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for getting up again today to protect my family. You are undeniably my heroes. I love you all.

Dedicated to the entire family of The Thin Blue Line. *In Memory of Officer Ramos and Officer Liu of the New York Police Department*

Donate now.

Transfer your balance to Police Bank’s multi-award winning Visa Credit Card and receive 0% for 9 months!1

ED

BY

AZ

CREDIT CARDS

IN E

RAT ED

RAT

TOP 20

INE AZ

CHOICE MA G BY

A C H OIC E M

G

Low ongoing rate of 10.96% p.a.

That’s lower than the big four banks!2

13.00%

Commonwealth Bank

ANZ

Westpac

NAB

13.49%

13.49%

13.49%

13.99%

Annual fee waived for the first year3

Low Rate Visa Card

Low Rate Visa Card

11.00% Low Rate Mastercard

Low Rate Mastercard

Police Bank

10.96%

Visa Card

Up to 55 days interest free on purchases

12.00%

p.a.

Convenient repayment options

ATM access to your funds world wide

For more information or to apply visit www.policebank.com.au call us on 131 728 or visit your nearest Service Centre.

PB Direct 131 728 E/N: 88884 | Sydney (02) 8268 2500 E/N: 44850 | Parramatta (02) 9841 8200 E/N: 44700 Penrith (02) 4720 5000 E/N: 44750 | Campbelltown (02) 4640 7000 E/N: 88839 | Newcastle (02) 4908 6200 E/N: 44870 Canberra (02) 6206 7000 E/N: 44860 | Goulburn (02) 4827 1000 E/N: 44730 | Gosford (02) 4320 0200 E/N: 44880 Wollongong (02) 4221 9000 E/N: 44830 | Port Macquarie (02) 6582 9900 E/N: 44840 | Norwest (02) 8814 3000 E/N: 44790 Effective Date: 10 December 2014. 1. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Fees and charges and lending criteria apply. 0% is applied to the Police Bank Visa Credit Card only if the card account being transferred is paid out in full and cancelled. Minimum balance transfer per card is $500.00. We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at anytime. Interest rate on remaining balance will revert to our standard variable Visa Card rate, currently 10.96% p.a. 2. This information is current as at 10 December 2014. Interest rates were sourced from each respective Financial Institution’s website. 3. Annual Fee Waiver can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Police Bank Ltd. ABN 95 087 650 799. AFSL/Australian Credit Licence No. 240018. Level 27, 1 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000.