Police Journal December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

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1920 – 2020

Police www.pasa.asn.au

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Police excellence on show during pandemic Letters 36

E EDITOR

It was never going to be possible in one issue to cover all the best parts of 100 years of Police Journal history. So, this issue is part two of the centenary coverage we presented in October. Future generations can look back at these two issues as a special historical pair.

For some Police Association members who suffered serious illnesses, telling their stories was almost therapeutic, and a way to raise awareness. We look back at what those members had to confront and how easily they might have lost their lives.

Then there was the series of interviews we ran with some of the most identifiable people in Australian life. Among them were actors, musicians, entrepreneurs, political commentators and a conservationist.

No series of interviews like this had ever before featured in a police magazine.

And with working animals such a major part of police work, the journal has regularly featured stories on police dogs and horses. We recall those stories and others we ran a few years ago on cops’ personal pet ownership.

We also recall what some of the most significant figures in Australian sport had to say to the journal 10-odd years ago.

And, as we value every member’s input, our In Memoriam acknowledges those contributors we’ve lost.

Then, at the end of our centenary coverage, find out a bit about who works with me to make the journal a success.

Brett Williams brettwilliams@pj.asn.au

Publisher: Police Association of South Australia Level 2, 27 Carrington St, Adelaide SA 5000 T (08) 8212 3055 F (08) 8212 2002 www.pasa.asn.au Editor: Brett Williams (08) 8212 3055 Design: Sam Kleidon 0417 839 300 Advertising: Police Association of South Australia (08) 8212 3055 Printing: Finsbury Green (08) 8234 8000 The Police Journal is published by the Police Association of South Australia, 27 Carrington St, Adelaide, SA 5000, (ABN 73 802 822 770). Contents of the Police Journal are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the Police Association of South Australia is prohibited. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. The Police Association accepts no responsibility for statements made by advertisers. Editorial contributions should be sent to the editor (brettwilliams@pj.asn.au).

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Reading the Police Journal since 1961 Opinion 39

Should’ve been collaboration on stab-proof vests Industrial 40

Election of delegates 2020/ Time to collaborate on police vehicle purchasing Health 43

How best to consume those Christmas drinks Motoring 44

Ram 1500/Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Banking 46

No year like 2020 Legal 49

Separating?

What about the children – and super?

Entertainment 50 The Last Shift 56 35 years on 58 COVER: Images from 100 years of the Police Journal.

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The survival stories

When Police Association members have sought to tell the stories of their personal ordeals, the Police Journal has been their outlet.

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High-profile Australians

Many of the views they shared with the Police Journal were perhaps not what readers expected.

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The animal stories

We always knew about the care and regard police had for their working animals but not so much about the pain they suffered after losing them.

24 Sports: the players, coaches, commentators and administrators No one in professional sport, not even the AFL boss himself, Gillon McLachlan, ever hesitated to speak with the journal about police and their work.

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In memoriam

A tribute to five Police Association members who graced the cover of the Police Journal.

32 The team with a truckload of expertise We finally reveal some details about the members of the team which has made the Police Association such a successful publisher.

34 High honour for fighting for Australian cops As the longest-serving and most experienced police union official in Australia, Mark Carroll was always destined for this special recognition.

December 2020

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INDUSTRIAL Andrew Heffernan Member Liaison Officer

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Nadia Goslino Grievance Officer

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COMMITTEE Steven Whetton Assistant Secretary

Michael Kent Treasurer

Allan Cannon Vice-President

Police Journal

Bernadette Zimmermann Secretary

Police Association of South Australia Level 2, 27 Carrington St, Adelaide SA 5000 www.pasa.asn.au

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Mark Carroll President

P: (08) 8212 3055 (all hours) F: (08) 8212 2002 Membership enquiries: (08) 8112 7988

Trevor Milne Deputy President

POLICE JOURNAL

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES

Brett Williams Editor

Nicholas Damiani

Anne Hehner

Sarah Stephens

FINANCE Jan Welsby

Tegan Clifford Assistant Finance Officer

OFFICE

Wendy Kellett Finance Officer

Shelley Furbow Reception

Caitlin Brown Executive Assistant

POLICE CLUB Bronwyn Hunter Manager

COMMITTEE Daryl Mundy

Mick Casey

Chris Walkley

Brett Gibbons

REPRESENTATIVES Superannuation Police Dependants Fund Leave Bank Housing

Samantha Strange

Mark Carroll and Michael Kent Bernadette Zimmermann Andrew Heffernan Andrew Heffernan

Julian Snowden

Alison Coad

Commissioner’s Office Health Safety & Welfare Advisory Committee Steven Whetton Legacy

Julian Snowden

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Intersex members

Nadia Goslino and Andrew Heffernan December 2020

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DELEGATES & WORKPLACE REPRESENTATIVES Metro North Branch

Metro South Branch continued

Gawler

David Savage

Norwood

Rebecca Phillis

Golden Grove

Darren Quirk

South Coast

Andrew Bradley

Northern Prosecution

Tim Pfeiffer

South Coast

Phillip Jeffery

Northern Traffic

Michael Tuohy

Southern Prosecution

Sallie McArdell

Parks

Matthew Sampson

Southern Traffic

Heath Suskin

Port Adelaide

Paula Hammond

Sturt

David Handberg

Salisbury

Tanya Leonard

Country South Branch

Country North Branch

Adelaide Hills

Joe McDonald

Ceduna

Chris Lovell

Berri

John Gardner

Coober Pedy

Glenn Batty

Millicent

Nicholas Patterson

Kadina

Gavin Moore

Mount Gambier

Stephanie Rickard

Nuriootpa

John Tonkin

Murray Bridge

Stephen Angove

Peterborough

Nathan Paskett

Naracoorte

Michael Hutchinson

Port Augusta

Peter Hore

Renmark

James Bentley

Port Lincoln

Mark Heading

Port Pirie

Gavin Mildrum

Operations Support Branch

Whyalla

Les Johnston

Paul Manns

Academy

Melanie Smith

Alex Grimaldi

Tania Sheldon

DOCIB

Jason Tank

Band

Andrew Ey

Elizabeth

Mark Shaw

Comcen

Brenton Kirk

Forensic Services

Adam Gates

Comcen

Allan Dalgleish

Fraud

Sam Agostino

Mounted Ops

Sonia Wellings

Intelligence Support

Kevin Hunt

STAR

Andrew Suter

Major Crime

Alex McLean

State Tac/ Op Mandrake Mark Buckingham

Port Adelaide

Scott Mitchell

Traffic

David Kuchenmeister

South Coast

Sasha Leitch

Officers Branch

Les Buckley

Women’s Branch

Kayt Howe (chair) (no delegates)

ATSI Branch

Brendan White (chair) (no delegates)

Adelaide

Metro South Branch

Police Journal

Bryan Whitehorn (chair)

Academy ACB

Crime Command Branch

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Dog Ops

Adelaide

James Cochrane

Hindley Street

Dick Hern

Netley

Paul Clark

Critical Incident Response Industrial staff on call 24/7 and ready to support you

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POLICE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Working for you P: (08) 8212 3055 (all hours) www.pasa.asn.au

P President

Mark Carroll

Police excellence on show during pandemic T

he global pandemic has impacted on policing in ways we would never have thought possible. It certainly presented challenges we hadn’t seen in our profession.

Every single Police Association member has shown extraordinary resilience and patience throughout the year, while dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on police work and resources.

Whether it was guarding state borders (with the great assistance of the ADF) or carrying out extra duties related to the pandemic, members have faced – and continue to face – extraordinary challenges.

Without the critical input of police officers all over the state, the success achieved before – and after – the emergence of the recent cluster would never have been possible.

Our members will be at the core of any subsequent fight. They remain on guard and ready. In their capacity as essential workers, their dedication and exceptional resilience will no doubt be drawn on before this whole situation is over.

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… I know of many members who have put a range of their own life commitments on hold.

Decision makers must understand just how heavy a price those on the front line inevitably pay.

As of late November, more than 100 of our members were in quarantine and others have been tasked with specific COVID-related duties.

As cops deliver an essential service – only deliverable by police – I know of many members who have put a range of their own life commitments on hold. Decision makers must understand just how heavy a price those on the front line inevitably pay.

The association is in constant communication with SAPOL and the government about this. We will do all in our power to assist members throughout this time.

To SAPOL, we have made our expectations crystal clear: that every member receives all the personal protective equipment he or she needs in the circumstances.

We also expect every member to be afforded priority and timely testing in an appropriate testing facility.

And no member who is a vulnerable worker, or has family in that category, should be compelled to be at risk while performing COVID duties.

Enterprise bargaining The Police Association has managed to negotiate successfully a new enterprise agreement despite all the controversies of 2020.

The offer we have received from the SA government is extensive. Both the association committee of management and our delegates endorsed it unanimously.

Members will soon have the opportunity to cast their ballot and can learn more about the specific parameters of the offer on our website.

If the offer is approved, the parties will seek to have the agreement ratified in the South Australian Employment Tribunal.

Members can also view the increases to their salary over the life of this agreement by using the Pay Calculator on the PASA website.

It is important to remember that we are an association with a membership rate of almost 99 per cent. This puts us in an extraordinary position, one which makes us the envy of most unions.

Clearly, outcomes like this would not be possible if not for the strength and resilience of our membership base. Every single member plays a part in this.

Support for NT constable Zac Rolfe In late October, Northern Territory Police constable Zachary Rolfe was committed to stand trial in the Alice Springs Supreme Court.

The charge is murder – over the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker in November last year.

Judge John Birch has granted a suppression order on the publication of his reasoning process in committing Constable Rolfe, accepting the defence argument that it could prejudice a fair trial.

Constable Rolfe will face court soon for a directions hearing when trial dates will be set.

Northern Territory Police Association president Paul McCue has highlighted that Constable Rolfe and, indeed, all the officers involved in the incident have the full support of their association throughout the lengthy legal process.

The Police Association of SA offers the same support both to Constable Rolfe and the NTPA.

If you and your family get even just a moment for some solace and reflection over the ChristmasNew Year period, take it.

Block out the craziness of this year and be filled with the sense of pride which is so rightly yours for what you contribute to society.

It can seem as if we’re just staring into an abyss when a series of personal tragedies and civil upheaval combine into such a dispiriting force.

We’ve done our best to endure the hardships of 2020, but other less publicized human suffering has continued in the Australian community.

The parent who has lost a child or vice versa, road deaths, mental ill health, homelessness and poverty, paedophilia, suicide, family violence.

These horrors, and the many people they curse, are the ones our members respond to and deal with every day.

And, in everyone’s interests, police responses are characteristically resolute and empathetic – even in the face of all else demanded of cops this year.

If you and your family get even just a moment for some solace and reflection over the Christmas-New Year period, take it. Block out the craziness of this year and be filled with the sense of pride which is so rightly yours for what you contribute to society.

There’s a list of essentials without which a community cannot function.

Security sits atop that list, and that’s why the community is overwhelmingly on your side and grateful to you.

I wish you and all Police Journal readers the best possible holiday season and precious time with loved ones.

Reflect and take pride Some of our members lost their homes and other precious belongings in the relentless 2019-20 bushfires.

Then the scourge of COVID-19 robbed us, at least temporarily, of our cherished way of life.

On Anzac Day, we lost Detective Chief Supt Joanne Shanahan in a suburban car crash – and grieved with the rest of the police family.

In May, the George Floyd death sparked mob violence across the US, where some cops became murder victims as protests became global.

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The survival stories I

n the minds of many is the perception of police as invulnerable. It is the false idea that, because they are the guardians of the community, they must somehow be superhuman.

Some think of other professionals in the same way: doctors and other health professionals heal the sick, so they do not themselves get sick.

But, of course, cops and others are just as susceptible as anyone else is to cancer, stroke, heart failure, or any other lifethreatening condition.

Many cops struck by those conditions have shared their stories of shock, fear, treatment and survival with the Police Journal.

“… at that stage, all my dreams of working at STARies, and in the police force, were over.”

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Senior Sergeant 1C Brett Girardi Testicular cancer STORY: The STAR survivor

“It was quite emotional. I broke down, and said: ‘Look, at this stage, I’m not even sure if I can make it back to STARies, let alone the police department. I want to let the guys know, but I don’t think I can let them know by myself.’ “… at that stage, all my dreams of working at STARies, and in the police force, were over.”

“The why-me stuff goes through your head and it was difficult to understand what was happening… The first two weeks of chemo was like treading into the unknown.”

Sergeant Tracy York Breast cancer STORY: A success on court… and in life

“I thought there was going to be some small cut. I didn’t realize they’d cut through all my underarm to take all the lymph nodes out.

“On Saturday night, I just cried the whole night through to Sunday. I just felt like crap and just cried. I think what had happened just hit me.”

“They can’t ever say you’re cured.

But there are milestones: the one-year, the five-year, the 10-year…”

“On Saturday night, I just cried the whole night through to Sunday.”

December 2020

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Sergeant Paul Zuromski Cancerous abdominal tumour STORY: Brought back to life

“I remember just putting my hand on my abdomen and I just felt this lump. Deep inside, I had a feeling that it would be a tumour.”

“I don’t know who it was who actually told me: ‘You’ve lost a tumour, a kidney and you actually died in surgery.’ ”

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“As soon as I got back, I went and threw my gun belt on, jumped in the patrol car and did some jobs. I needed to get back on the road. For me, that was great medicine.”

Senior Constable Bernie Reilly and Sergeant Phil Moreton Breast cancer and prostate cancer STORY: Just trying to survive

“The only time I had tears was when I looked at my breast after surgery, and it was so much smaller than the other one.

“But then I just sort of slapped myself (figuratively speaking), and thought: ‘What are you talking about? There are women out there who lose everything! Just get on with it.’ And I did.”

“I was disappointed because I felt that we’d beaten it the first time, and then it comes back and slaps you on the head.”

“Like a lot of guys, you shut down about it. I didn’t talk about it to anyone, just my wife.”

Phil Moreton

“You come out (of the illness) with this amazing outlook and you just don’t want to die, especially young.”

Bernie Reilly

Senior Constable 1C Robin Firth Mantle cell lymphoma

Senior Constable 1C Tina-Marie Hewkin Bowel cancer STORY: When back luck escalates

STORY: When the police family rallies

“I was really upset about it, but what do you say? How do you respond? The prognosis was bad, and there really was no silver lining.”

“I’ve not even looked at the figures for life expectancy. I’m not interested because everyone’s different.

“You sort of think you’ve got a police job for life and you just do the job but, really, that’s irrelevant to me now.”

“I rang my partner because he was at work (at STAR Group) and I told him.

He came straight home and, as soon as he walked in the door, I just lost it.”

“I guess at the time I was just numb.

It’s not something that you ever expect to sit in your doctor’s office and hear.”

“I had a couple of moments where I’d sit down by myself and go: ‘Oh my God! I’ve got cancer!’

“But I did always keep it in perspective. I considered myself really lucky that we got it so early.”

December 2020

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High-profile Australians H

igh-profile Australians have always been willing to speak with the Police Journal. Be it a musician, an actor, a business operator or a sportsperson, none of them has ever considered the journal readership too small or insignificant for his or her input.

Through long, meaningful interviews with them, the journal has been able to alert its readers to the deep respect these high-profile Aussies have for police.

The editorial team always considered it important for its readers (association members) to know who, among those with influence in society, understood and backed them.

And, in many cases, their views on policing and law and order would never have emerged unless the Police Journal had sought them for publication.

“It’s a noble career, and it’s one that takes great courage and deserves a lot of support from the community.”

Kate Ceberano

Maggie Beer

Award-winning singer-songwriter

Author, restaurateur, and food manufacturer

(Interview: 2014)

“I love police (officers). I think they’re people who get selected for that kind of job because they’re generally quite intelligent and can take orders.

“I think it’s an amazing job they do.

“The way I look upon them is that we’re privileged to have them.

“It’s a noble career, and it’s one that takes great courage and deserves a lot of support from the community.” “… when you have police, who can represent seniority in a place and put some measure of discipline in the area, you go: ‘God, thank you so much.’

It’s powerful. It’s a great thing.”

(Interview: 2011)

“It’s a good relationship (we have with police) here in the country. It’s like they’re another friend. Of course, we value that.

“If I was to ring because the neighbour’s alarm was going off at 3 o’clock in the morning, I know they would go.”

(On cops eating fast food on night shift) “It’s so bad for them in terms of their brains and in terms of their energy.

“Your brain needs fresh food.

At that time of night, they should be eating vegetarian – and I’m not a vegetarian, I can tell you.”

December 2020

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Brett Climo

Laurie Oakes (Interview: 2009)

(Interview: 2012)

Actor (Underbelly Files: Tell Them Lucifer Was Here)

Veteran political commentator and journalist

Jazz pianist and composer

(On accepting the role of Detective Inspector Paul Sheridan) “The most important thing for me was finding out … that the families of the two (murdered) officers were supportive of the project.

I found out they were, in fact, quite looking forward to having the story told. “… you just don’t want to offend people.

Drama, and being an actor, doesn’t give you the right to go in blindly and show off, all for the sake of drama.

“I never lost sight of the fact that we were dealing with a real story, and there are people involved, grieving.”

(On police running for political office) “The political parties have worked out that you want candidates who are connected with the community, and the police are.

Both parties realize the value of that.

“And people do trust police, I think.

The police listen; they deal with people’s problems all the time; they look after people. It’s a great profession.

“Another advantage of police in politics is that they’re trained to be suspicious.

It’s better to be suspicious than trusting in politics.”

(Interview: 2011)

“… it was closer to a documentary, so I just hope that we got it right.”

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Paul Grabowsky AO

“Policing is an activity … we need to have in order for our society to cohere.

And I don’t think there’s a sane person out there who would suggest that not having a police force would be a good idea.”

“A lot of these (police) people are in their early 20s and don’t have a lot of life experience. They’re called upon to deal with situations which call for great maturity and understanding.

“And I’m very impressed by whatever it is that they’re taught, (unless) it’s just coming out of their own personal sensitivities. But, in my experience, they just know how to handle themselves.”

“… if you’ve got crims who are as hard-core and as monstrous as Neddy Smith, you need cops who can stand and look them straight in the eye.”

Richard Roxburgh

Professor Chris West

Actor (Van Helsing, Moulin Rouge, Rake, Blue Murder)

Animal conservationist, former CEO Adelaide Zoo

(Interview: 2012)

(On playing disgraced former detective sergeant Roger Rogerson) “It was an amazing, well-structured moral fable.

At the centre of it was a story about the difficulty in keeping an even keel as a cop.

“Most interesting for me was if you’ve got crims who are as hard-core and as monstrous as Neddy Smith, you need cops who can stand and look them straight in the eye.”

(On his many roles as detectives) “You get a taste of what it (policing) is and what it’s about. What you don’t get is a sense of the day-to-day of it. The probably terrible bureaucratic grind of the thing.”

(Interview: 2010)

“I wonder about the really dramatic things, dealing with a siege, preventing other loss of life, and to have to shoot someone.

“I really feel for the police officer, and I think of the peer judgement, the media treatment and the shock of things like that.

“And I have certainly thought: ‘I hope they’re looking after that guy or girl (who had to face that situation).’ ” “Doing police work, and upholding law and order, is part of having a society that works.

It’s as simple as that.”

December 2020

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The animal stories

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tories about the commitment, loyalty and effectiveness of police animals have long featured in the Police Journal. Dog handlers have spoken proudly of their canine partners’ successes in tracking suspects and sniffing out drugs and firearms.

Mounted Ops members have explained the capacity and willingness of their imposing police greys to confront disorder and protect both cops and civilians.

And when talk has turned to the sad retirements and tragic deaths of their animal partners, cops have spoken with genuine, raw emotion.

Of course, working animals are not the only ones to which Police Association members are committed.

Many are particularly close to their own animals and spoke of them in Cops’ Creatures (2017).

Letting go (2013)

“Then he took probably (On the euthanasia of his dog, three or four breaths and Sultan) “I held his head and, as he was rolling over to go to sleep, I was saying that was it: he went away in his ear: ‘Where’s the crooks, mate? the crooks? Good boy.’ peacefully, but it was Where’s “I made sure they were the last he heard because that’s what he just horrendous.” words loved to hear.

“Then he took probably three or four breaths and that was it: he went away peacefully, but it was just horrendous.”

Sergeant Peter Crouch (Dog Ops)

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“There’s been countless times when, if it wasn’t for him (police dog Bear), I would’ve been really badly hurt, by guys with iron bars, knives, screw drivers…

“As a handler, you’re nothing without the dog, and vice versa.

It’s a bond. We’re with them (our dogs) 24 hours a day.”

Senior Constable 1C Bryan Whitehorn (Dog Ops)

Koda a hard act to follow (2016) “I saw blood going everywhere. He (police dog Koda) was bleeding heavily from the chest, but he never lost consciousness or started blacking out.”

“I didn’t realize the guy was armed with a knife.

“The dog sort of reeled back and came off. And then, he’s gone in again, but the offender stabbed him a second time.”

Almost a police centaur (2017) “She swept the entire footpath and, in doing that, moved about 15 people on with the one manoeuvre.

I remember a STARie looking up at me and saying: ‘That’s a really good job!’ ” “It was upsetting enough when I had to lead her onto the float for the last time. It was a sad thing to do but I knew it had to be done and I knew i t was for the best.”

(On police horse Quell) “… on patrols, she’d go anywhere you’d tell her to. She’d go through a crowd in Hindley St and wouldn’t hesitate.”

Senior Constable 1C Tanya Bowen (Mounted Ops)

Sergeant Tim Stacey (Mounted Ops)

Sergeant Simon Rosenhahn (Dog Ops)

December 2020

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Cops’ Creatures (2017)

(On the Tibetan Mastiff he adopted) “George is really my best mate.

He never gets frustrated with me and never judges me. He’s as loyal as the day is long. Our relationship is unbreakable, special and very loving.

Senior Constable 1C Lance Grant

(On her Netherland Dwarf rabbit) “Albie’s not a needy pet that needs to be walked or patted or played with.

He’s independent. He prefers to be next to you rather than being held.”

“I’ll be devastated when Albie dies, but that should be a while off yet.”

Senior Constable 1C Trudy Watkins

(On her Siberian husky) “Siberian huskies normally live to between 10 and 12. Zanteeko is already 11 years old and was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease when he was nine. So, I believe that every day after he turned 10 has been an absolute bonus and pleasure.”

Senior Constable Vanessa Sharp

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BIG SAVINGS! Police Association Members’ Buying Guide Facebook Group

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See the full list of offers on the Members’ Buying Guide on PASAweb (pasa.asn.au) or the Police Association app.

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T H AU S T R

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December 2020

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Sports: the players, coaches, commentators and administrators T

he Police Journal has always understood its readers’ love of sport, particularly football. Many of the most recognizable professionals in Australian sport have shared their views with the journal, and not just on the game they play, coach, call or administer.

All have been happy to talk about their personal experiences of, and regard for, police. Like the rest of us, they have their perspectives on policing, law and order and the justice system. And, about each one, all have had something relevant to tell the Police Journal.

Of course, some police officers have played and coached professional sport as well – and officiated. They, too, have told the journal of their experiences.

Neil Craig (Interview: 2009)

Adelaide Crows coach 2004-2011

“I would suspect that, for the (police) people on the front line, the majority of their work is probably about confrontation. “… that requires a lot of courage, self-management and responsibility to the community. I’m full of admiration for them.”

“I’ve found them to be really fair, professional and diligent. I’ve never felt negatively about the way they’ve conducted their business.”

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Bruce McAvaney

Matthew Primus

Seven Network commentator

Port Adelaide coach 2010-2012

(Interview: 2010)

(On the question of police officers playing pro football) “Let’s say Kurt Tippett (Adelaide) or Jason Porplyzia (Adelaide) or Travis Boak (Port Adelaide) was in the police force right now.

“Wouldn’t it be good if they could do both? It would also be very good for the police image. It would make it more personal.”

“But, in our society, we’re not going to just give somebody a token job with a title and let them go off and play football. That’s not going to happen in the South Australia Police.”

(Interview: 2011)

“What they (police) do is put their lives on the line.

We (players) don’t put our lives on the line.”

“What they (police) do is put their lives on the line. We (players) don’t put our lives on the line. We might put a knee, an elbow, a leg or a finger or something like that on the line, but we’re not putting our lives on the line.

And that’s what police are doing.”

“From day one on patrols, they could be involved in God knows what, a shooting, a pursuit... To be involved in that on day one would be bloody scary to deal with. Until you’ve actually lived it, you wouldn’t know what it was like.”

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Eddie McGuire (Interview: 2011)

Collingwood Football Club president

“When a police officer is attacked or murdered, that is an attack on the community; it’s an attack on me personally and on my family. And we have to take the strongest measures to make sure that our police are defended.

“Whether that’s politically, in the media, through public relations, or with whatever infrastructure or weaponry we require, or the strength of our judicial system.”

“They are saving people’s lives, giving people a fresh start in life, and all these things happen on a daily basis on the road. Quite often, all you hear is the negativity if something goes wrong, but there is so much more to policing.”

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Mike Turtur (Interview: 2011)

“I got a little bit Olympic cycling gold medallist and upset on the Tour Down Under race director stand and the got a little bit upset on the stand and (magistrate) had the“I(magistrate) had to tell me to settle down.

I was told that I needed to keep my thoughts to tell me to settle to myself and just answer the questions.

“And I’d never been to court for that type down. I was told of thing.

It was a bit of an eye-opener.” that I needed to (On protection for Lance Armstrong TDU) “You have to offer those keep my thoughts during types of people – whether they’re in sport, or politics – the same to myself and entertainment level of protection. And, having the (STAR guys with him during his visits just answer the Group) here? It worked terrifically.” questions.”

John Kosmina

Gillon McLachlan

Andrew Jarman

Adelaide United coach 2011-2013

Australian Football League chief executive officer

Adelaide Crows player 1991-1996

(Interview: 2012)

“I’d hate, as a policeman, to have to go and knock on someone’s door and say: ‘Your little girl’s been killed’ or ‘Your husband’s died.’ That would be really, really difficult.”

(On the infamous Pratten Park riot when supporters charged onto the ground) “I can empathize with the police because I know what it’s felt like.

“It was bloody frightening. It must be fairly terrifying (for police). You’re completely outnumbered. It makes you angry but, at the same time, you’re pretty high on adrenaline.”

(Interview: 2012)

“If you view the police professionally, like I do, then you see them … as good people doing their best with a role and an agenda.”

“I’m not sure that I would have the courage to do what a lot of these men and women do.

“It’s the uncertainty of going out somewhere in the middle of the night, to a house for a report of domestic violence, and knocking on the door. I don’t know if I would have the appetite to be doing that.”

(Interview: 2012)

“I think that’s where a lot of my deep respect comes from for those (police) guys and girls. Knowing that they’re on the front line, they’re in the trenches every day, I sleep well at night.” “… I’ve got some great friends who are detectives. I would love to solve a case with them, because it’s a bit like a football game.

At some stage, there’s an end product and you’ve got to make sure you come up with that by being better than the opposition.”

December 2020

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Senior Constable Matthew Kluzek (Interview: 1995)

Senior Constable First Class Peta Squire

Sergeant Tracy York (Interview: 2016)

(Interview: 2001) Adelaide Crows player 1994-1996

Adelaide Thunderbirds player 1997-2007

“It was magnificent (being drafted).

I remember the day I found out. They gave me a call straight from the draft place.

I was just pumped. It didn’t sort of hit me straight away. By the afternoon …

I realized what was happening.”

(On combining police work with pro football) “It was shocking, especially night shifts. If you didn’t get up and have lunch during the day, you’d go to training and you'd just be stuffed. Or, if you did get up during the day, then you didn’t get enough sleep.

“Most of the time I was on shift work was during pre-season, so we were training five nights a week, and I was just dead – absolutely dead.”

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“I popped up with: ‘I’m going to try to join the police force’.

“My dad was a bit apprehensive. I guess he’d heard stories, seen bits in the media, and thought it was dangerous. (Now) he rings me every day to see what’s happened.”

Peta Squire

“I was a little surprised (she was going to join the police), but knowing Pete, she likes a challenge – and that’s what it is to her.”

Former Thunderbirds coach Marg Angove

Adelaide Lightning coach 2011-2014, 2015-2016; Adelaide 36ers assistant coach 2014-2019

“… I was very organized. With the Lightning, a lot of our training sessions were in the late afternoon. Sixers’ training was in the morning.

“But then, I’d also have to be watching tapes and doing scouting for the Lightning.

If I did it again, I don’t know whether I could fit all of it in.”

“I’ve coached men now for a long time, so whether it’s men or women doesn’t worry me. It’s about player management and people management.

“If you took it to heart, you wouldn’t keep doing it (umpiring).”

Detective Senior Sergeant 1C Narelle Smith

Brevet Sergeant Chris Bull (Interview:2016)

(Interview: 2017)

AFL boundary umpire Adelaide Crows assistant coach AFLW; Glenelg Reserves coach 2017-2018

“It’s all about people. If you don’t put time into your people at work (in SAPOL) you won’t get the output you need to function as an organization.

“It’s exactly the same with footy.

As a coach, and as a manager in SAPOL, you have to show genuine care for your people. If you don’t, you won’t be able to build those relationships to be able to function in either of those spaces.”

“It was just funny that I sort of let go of the AFL dream and joined the police.

Then it all sort of happened at the same time. So, ever since then, I’ve been juggling both of them (police work and umpiring).”

(On the abuse umpires get from spectators) “Some of it probably goes a bit far, but some of it’s good banter.

“If you took it to heart, you wouldn’t keep doing it (umpiring). And if you get on social media after a game and read every comment about umpires, you probably wouldn’t last very long.”

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Top left: Joanna Kruk; top right: Mike Eichner (second from left); bottom row from left: Michael Nasalik with his family, Christine Lawrance (left), and Jeffrey Oats.

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In memoriam W

ithout Police Association members to contribute their time and stories over the last 20-plus years, no success would have come to the Police Journal.

So many members have spoken willingly and openly about their professional encounters, as well as their personal challenges. They have sparked the full range of emotions in journal readers.

Naturally, the participation of some interviewees has had them rightly appear as the cover story, a critical feature of magazine publishing.

In doing so, they have carried the expectation of connecting with, and drawing the interest of, the readership.

The Police Association honours those who delivered on that expectation but can no longer reflect on the value of their contribution.

Brevet Sergeant Joanna Kruk (1986 – 2020) Senior Sergeant Christine Lawrance (1947 – 2008) Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Eichner (1951 – 2018)

Sergeant Jeffrey Oats (1944 – 2016) Detective Senior Constable Michael Nasalik (1966 – 2002)

December 2020

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The team with a truckload of expertise

By Nicholas Damiani

Above from left: Dr Rod Pearce, Steve McCawley, Brett Williams, Sam Kleidon and Jim Barnett.

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uccess is possible without too much experience, but it rarely comes about that way when the goal is to lead in a particular field. Without a highly experienced team behind the Police Journal, it would never have become the leading and most awarded police publication in Australia.

Nor would it have achieved its international success and reputation. It has won three gold, two silver and three bronze awards in the US, and one gold and one silver award in Germany.

Some wonder, and even ask, how a police union could have accomplished so much as a magazine publisher. The enquirers are generally those who know little, if anything, about the production team the Police Association has assembled over time – and its truckload of expertise.

Association president Mark Carroll, after his 2008 election to office, refused to work to an amateur model to publish the journal. He was not himself a publisher but knew the key to success was to bring together the best available operators to work on a professional footing.

“It’s the same principle we’ve always worked on as a union to achieve our industrial successes,” he insists.

“We already had a proven writer and editor in Brett Williams, but we needed the best in photography, graphic design and editorial contributors.

“Ever since we’ve had all those assets, and the support of SA printer Finsbury Green, the Police Journal has held a place on the international publishing landscape.

“I’m truly proud of the team we’ve assembled and retained for many years now, and the heights to which we’ve elevated our Police Journal.”

Brett Williams

Editor Police Journal: 26 years Five of the 10 international awards the Police Journal has won in the past six years were for feature stories by Brett Williams. Among his other awards for journalism are two Publishers Australia Excellence Awards (2011, 2016) and an SA Press Club Award (2011).

Brett has written extensively on police life, covering the investigations officers undertake, the risks they face and the personal impact of their work. In this area of speciality, he is one of Australia’s most authoritative writers.

His vast body of work for the Police Journal includes almost 200 cover stories and hundreds of other features.

Part of the reason his insights are so credible is his service as a front-line police officer through the 1980s and early 1990s.

“I’ve interviewed hundreds of police for feature stories,” he says, “and I think they feel more comfortable talking to someone who has himself been in policing.

“I’m just grateful to them for always putting their trust in me to tell their stories accurately and responsibly.”

Steve McCawley

Sam Kleidon

Dr Rod Pearce AM

Sgt Jim Barnett (ret)

Steve McCawley is the proprietor of SlingShot Studios and the award-winning photographer behind almost every cover image of the Police Journal since 2009.

His first exposure to leading commercial photography came during a job he had in a specialized photographic lab in the 1980s.

Later, working as a photographer after a stint as a motor-sport official, he covered major events, such as the Australian Grand Prix. His images appeared on the covers of several leading motor magazines.

In 1986, Steve took up work with a leading Adelaide commercial photographic studio, with which he remained for almost 20 years.

Then, in Adelaide in 2005, he established SlingShot Studios, which services clients both locally and interstate.

“What’s kept me with the journal is the privilege of working with incredible people on their stories,” he says.

“It’s about coming up with something a bit special for the covers that support those stories.

It’s like no other work that I do, which just makes it that much more enjoyable.”

Sam Kleidon is an accomplished graphic designer and project manager with 20 years’ experience in her industry.

She has worked for publishers, design studios and digital and advertising agencies.

Among the beneficiaries of her expertise have been the Art Gallery of South Australia, the RSPCA and the Jam Factory.

For the last eight years, Sam has run her own design business with which she has served a select group of clients including, of course, the Police Association.

Her standing as a designer is such that she has served as a guest judge for the South Australian Architecture Awards.

“A lot of the work I do is corporate, like working through financials,” she says. “That’s not quite as engaging as working through stories about people, especially the stories in the Police Journal about people.

“Besides that, it’s really good working with the Police Association. For me, it’s interesting work. How could it not be interesting?”

Dr Rod Pearce, a high-profile and highly credentialled general practitioner, stepped into the role of health writer for the Police Journal in 2001.

He is a former president of the Australian Medical Association (SA) and former chair of the AMA Council of General Practice.

In 2008, the federal government appointed Rod to the external reference group to develop the National Primary Health Care Strategy for national health reforms.

In 2012, Rod received the Order of Australia for service to medicine as a general practitioner.

Today, he is deputy chair of the Immunisation Coalition board.

Almost all the 130-odd Police Journal articles he has written on medical issues have had specific relevance to police officers.

“It was an honour to be asked to contribute and I very quickly said yes,” he says. “I knew the issues that had been confronting front-line people, and to be able to actually talk to that group through the journal was an immense privilege.”

Jim Barnett has researched, road-tested and prepared reviews of hundreds of cars for the Police Journal since he became its motoring reviewer in 1996.

He took on and embraced the role as the Police Journal began to incorporate other lifestyle features such as film, book and IT reviews.

Jim has been a car enthusiast ever since his teen years when he could name every local make and model of the time.

Today, he delights in imparting his knowledge of new-to-the-market cars to association members and speaking with those who, before buying, seek his advice directly.

“I’m acutely aware that the reviews have to be extremely accurate and technically correct,” he says.

“And, in the years I’ve written reviews, I’ve seen the journal move ahead in leaps and bounds.

“It’s gone from a standard trade journal to a full-colour, high-quality, award-winning publication that I’m proud to be involved in.” PJ

Photographer Police Journal: 11 years

Graphic designer Police Journal: 10 years

Health writer Police Journal: 19 years

Motoring reviewer Police Journal: 24 years

December 2020

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High honour for fighting for Australian cops THE POLICE LABOUR MOVEMENT IS

NOT KNOWN FOR HANDING OUT ITS FORMAL HONOURS AND AWARDS ON A WHIM. It never exalts its own for anything less than extensive, highquality contributions to the movement.

So, for the highest accolade, the executive or delegate has to have made cops’ industrial interests pretty much his or her life’s work.

And, as the longest-serving and most experienced police union official in Australia, that is exactly what Police Federation of Australia president Mark Carroll has done.

He has served the PFA as a board member, vice-president and president – and the Police Association of South Australia as president – since 2008.

Mr Carroll has fought for police in their battles against industrial injustice around the nation. In 2011, as PFA vice-president, he marched with 5,000 police officers in Sydney to condemn the Liberal government for its attack on the NSW Death and Disability Scheme.

In 2017, he addressed 1,000 Western Australian police officers who had rallied on the steps of Parliament House in West Perth. The McGowan Labor government had reneged on an election commitment on police pay.

A resolute Mr Carroll assured the rallying cops of the support of their counterparts throughout Australia.

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“We stand shoulder to shoulder with you because we, cops, put our lives on the line,” he stressed. “We are the last bastions for a civilized society.”

Earlier this year, Mr Carroll reflected the anger of the Australian police community over the murder charge against Northern Territory Police constable Zac Rolfe.

He publicly condemned the haste with which some had judged the officer’s actions in the 2019 death of Kumanjayi Walker.

Mr Carroll also announced that the PFA fully supported Constable Rolfe in his “ongoing battle to clear his name and reputation”.

Standing up for cops first became a passion for Mr Carroll 29 years ago, when he became the Police Association delegate for Bank St police station.

His peers say that that passion has never waned.

He became an association committee member (1992), a full-time organizer (1997), assistant secretary (1999) and, ultimately, president of both the Police Association (2008) and the PFA (2014).

And back in 2008, significant political, union and other figures predicted major achievements from the newly elected President Carroll.

Federal Labor MP Chris Hayes (NSW) knew of his reputation as a details man, a negotiator and, when necessary, a fighter.

“I think Mark will have a significant impact on national police-related issues through the Police Federation of Australia,” he told the Police Journal 12 years ago.

“He’s been a significant contributor to that organization in his capacity as assistant secretary and industrial officer in South Australia.”

Now, in 2020, many others acknowledge Mr Carroll’s decadeslong commitment to the interests of working cops. Among them is PFA chief executive officer and former Police Association of NSW president Scott Weber.

“Mark has played a leading role in the development of the PFA for the past 12 years,” he says. “During his time on the PFA executive, particularly during his presidency, Mark has been at the forefront of lobbying for vital issues on behalf of policing.

“In 2017, he was responsible for securing a grant for the PFA from the federal proceeds-of-crime account to focus on the mental health and well-being of Australia’s police.

“Mark also managed to achieve a second grant from the proceedsof-crime account to help build the BlueHub web portal, which will become a one-stop shop for police mental-health and wellbeing issues.”

“During his time on the PFA executive, particularly during his presidency, Mark has been at the forefront of lobbying for vital issues on behalf of policing.”

Formal recognition of the Carroll expertise and commitment came from his peers at the annual PFA federal council meeting in September. The council members determined that their president of the last six years fitted the criteria for, and awarded him, life membership.

Of the now six life members of the PFA, awarded the honour over the last two decades, Mr Carroll is one of just four presidents.

“It’s just such a special tribute, and to be one of so few people who have received it is such a privilege,” he says. “And it all comes as the result of another privilege – the one to serve and fight for our 63,000 members right across the nation.”

Above: Mark Carroll addresses WA police officers from the steps of Parliament House in West Perth during the rally.

While Mr Carroll values his life membership and other honours, he had long sought specific recognition for others in policing. He therefore took delight in the Australian Police Bravery Award, conceived and introduced by the PFA under his leadership in 2018.

At each of six annual meetings of the PFA federal council since 2014, Mr Carroll has won re-election to the presidency unopposed.

“The state, territory and federal police unions have shown what they can achieve working together as the PFA,” he says.

“And receiving life membership along with my long-standing colleagues and fellow presidents, Ian Leavers (Qld) and John Laird (Vic), makes the honour all the more meaningful.” PJ

December 2020

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L Letters

Letters to the editor can be sent by: Regular mail Police Journal, PO Box 6032, Halifax St, Adelaide SA 5000 Email editor@pasa.asn.au Fax (08) 8212 2002 Internal dispatch Police Journal 168

Reading the Police Journal since 1961 Well, 100 years old. The award-winning Police Journal produced for all members and, I have no doubt, other interested readers. Congratulations.

The announcement (on Facebook) of the impending centennial celebrations caused me to reflect on my own readership of the journal, a publication containing material that is informative, entertaining and, dare I say, compulsory reading for serving and retired police officers.

The fact that it includes information and news from other police service providers, such as Police Credit Union and Police Health, is a bonus.

I had to take a long breath when I realized that I had been reading and digesting the articles and news for 59 of those 100 years. I first saw the journal as a 16-year-old cadet recruit in 1961 and have no doubt that I have read every issue since that time.

As one of the cadets at the Fort Largs Police Academy in the year it opened, and a member of the first course (R Troop) to graduate from that establishment, I recall how we eagerly grabbed a copy when the journal was delivered in bulk.

It seemed that reading the journal was a requirement for budding police officers although, in those early days, it was mainly

centred around industrial issues and similar matters.

As part of my training, I served around nine to 12 months as a cadet at Woomera and, again, the Police Journal helped to link the job statewide.

When I was working out of Angas St HQ in the mid-’60s, the Police Association was just across the road and, again, copies of the then monthly publication were readily available and contained all the information that any copper needed to know from an association point of view.

It certainly generated plenty of discussion on matters policing in the meal and locker rooms.

Like many of my era, I did a stint of service in No. 4 (Traffic) Division based at Thebarton barracks. Copies of the journal were delivered and circulated to all the divisions that operated out of that location.

Into the CIB in 1968 and, again, the journal was available for all.

Off to Mount Gambier in the mid-’70s and the journal again kept us abreast of matters industrial and, as I recall, a move toward articles relevant to policing and the experiences of others in the job.

There was also an increase in social news from various clubs and committees that were affiliated with

policing and the Police Association.

The journal served country members well in that it kept us in touch with what was happening in “the big smoke”.

Indeed, while stationed at Mount Gambier, I contributed a regular article on the happenings in and around the Mount and the broader South-Eastern Division.

That the journal has become an award-winning publication is testament to its quality.

Articles on the trials and tribulations of serving members are not only an interesting read but a lesson to others who will no doubt face some of the adversity (both personally and professionally) depicted in those articles.

The members involved are to be applauded and congratulated for allowing the journal to record and publish their stories.

The journal is a credit to the Police Association and to those who have served in the editorial role.

Keep up the good work, and I trust readers of the future can look forward to another 100 years of publication.

Best wishes Peter “Spoggie” Graham Chief Inspector (ret)

Journal important to the RPOA The members of the South Australian Retired Police Officers Association congratulate the Police Association and the Police Journal for 100 years of support, service and the provision of information to police officers serving and retired.

Since the formation of the RPOA in 1954, the Police Journal has been the important information source for RPOA members, including the current provision of an RPOA newsletter with each issue.

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The RPOA is grateful to editor Brett Williams and executive assistant Sarah Stephens for their personal inputs to the benefit of RPOA members.

Best wishes for the future.

Trevor Haskell President Retired Police Officers Association

Such a milestone

A great publication

Truth and realism

Congratulations to the Police Association of SA on reaching such a milestone.

As a former police officer from a police family and for Linda as a serving police officer, we know how much the Police Journal means to members, both serving and retired.

It’s a source of camaraderie, humour and practical tips that help keep us on the right track and is especially important to our remote members.

Keep up the good work and building on the legacy of those who went before us.

Congratulations on such an amazing achievement – 100 years of a great publication that voices so many issues on behalf of its members.

The journal has evolved into one of the best publications of its kind. Congratulations on a wonderful milestone.

The Police Journal is a credit to the Police Association.

It tells our professional and personal stories as police officers with total truth and realism.

As the subject of a 2015 cover story (Injured and abandoned), I saw the integrity of the journal, the mountain of work involved in producing it, and a principled approach to publishing.

I see the regard other members have for the journal, and that shows how important it is in the range of services the Police Association provides us.

The journal shows its strong sense of the broader police family, too, by sometimes presenting the stories of members from other Australian police jurisdictions.

The recent story of the dog attack on AFPA member Carla Duncan, for example, was compelling and relevant to all Australian police officers.

The journal offers so much variety – the feature stories, book reviews, movies, Police Credit Union and Police Health info, Mark Carroll’s updates on industrial issues, and so on.

As soon as I see that my journal has arrived in the letterbox, I collect it immediately, take it inside, sit down in silence and with a coffee and read it.

Then I send editor Brett Williams a text message to tell him that he and his team have produced another great journal.

Congratulations to the Police Association for 100 years of the Police Journal.

Mark Turner MLA Member for Blain Northern Territory Legislative Assembly 2019 Police Bravery Award recipient Linda Farrand Senior Constable Northern Territory Police 2019 Police Bravery Award recipient

Alex Grimaldi Detective Brevet Sergeant ED Child & Family Investigation

Journal a change agent Congratulations on reaching such a huge milestone. The journal has been instrumental in pushing for cultural change, highlighting and addressing the important issues that we are often too afraid to voice.

Thank you for everything you have helped us achieve in the past 100 years and into the future.

Andrew Goldsmith Sergeant

Journal respected, relevant Congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone for your publication, the Police Journal. A truly respected, informative and relevant publication for all serving members.

Many stories of members’ front-line experiences and personal life experiences that cast a bright light on their ultimate goal of serving the community.

You can certainly hold the bat high on reaching this 100.

Kind regards Brett Girardi Senior Sergeant First Class Southern District

Ali Coad Senior Constable City Watch House Continued over page December October 2020

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L Letters FEBRUARY 2020

Torn almost limb from limb

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Being a past serving police officer himself, Mr Dutton would have read the journal and no doubt appreciated the vast scope of its coverage of our profession, particularly as he had met me during the National Police Bravery Awards, and seeing – in the issue I was in – stories not only from the AFP but also New Zealand, NT and SA. Thank you once again for welcoming me into the Police Association of South Australia family and the Police Journal team as if I was one of your own.

Thank you for the motivation and platform to move past my trauma and turning it into a positive for potentially all officers who need to get back on track after trauma.

Carla Duncan Australian Federal Police

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Group Life Insurance Beneficiary Nomination Forms

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Owing to a Supreme Court decision, the Police Association no longer uses the GLI beneficiary forms. Existing forms held at the association have been destroyed.

Now, in the case of the death of a member, the GLI benefit (currently $300,000) will be paid to his or her estate.

Accordingly, the association’s strong advice is that you ensure that your estate is well-administered. This is best achieved by having a valid will.

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Australian Police Journal was a symbol that we, as police, no matter what jurisdiction we work in, go through the same trauma, face similar fears, and have to dig deep to find that resilience within us to return to a sometimes thankless job.

The Police Journal’s ability to collaborate and share experiences of all police jurisdictions, and publish them in such a powerful and empathetic manner, forms a strong alliance within Australia to mentally overcome the current political and social movements that we are all facing today.

Publishing those stories gives other officers and members of the public knowledge about what we go through.

With knowledge comes power and a weapon to fight through stigmas and challenges we face together.

Knowing you are not alone, and sharing your role with so many, gives us courage, particularly when other officers provide feedback and support, which I received from so many after the publication of my story.

I was able to hand the journal to Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton’s staff while on shift which he read during the COVID lockdown.

ON

First, I congratulate the Police Journal for 100 years of publications. So many achievements over the last 100 years, including international awards and recognition.

However, personally, I thank the journal for giving me the opportunity to share my story (Torn almost limb from limb, February 2020) and the recognition for what I had been through.

It not only allowed me to share my passion for reducing the stigma in mental health for police but it also gave me the motivation to pursue further post-graduate study and research for trauma rehabilitation for all police officers in the hope to improve Australia’s current return-to-work for all police jurisdictions.

I was given several copies of the journal that I featured in on the front cover.

I passed them on to universities, other police jurisdictions, friends and family, and some businesses. Being able to educate members of the public is so important for moving forward during these unprecedented times.

Additionally, having the opportunity to share an incident that an Australian Federal Police officer had been through in the South

“I remember him just flinging the screen door open and just holding it for that dog to run out.”

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Police Journal an educator

Police Journal

Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers provides a free legal advice service to Police Association members and their families, and retired members. To make an appointment to receive free preliminary legal advice covering all areas of law, particularly families and wills, members should contact the Police Association (08 8212 3055).

O Opinion

Mark Carroll President Police Association of South Australia Police Federation of Australia

Should’ve been collaboration on stab-proof vests N

ot many Australians would be happy to turn up to work each day if their jobs carried the risk of getting stabbed. And that’s entirely understandable. But, for police officers, that risk is, among other things, one of the sad realities of police work.

Vicious stabbings are not confined to TV cops shows or Hollywood movie scripts. They do occur and have, in some cases, cost police lives.

Senior Constable David Barr died in the Lyell McEwin Hospital in July 1990 after an attacker plunged a knife into his heart at the Salisbury Interchange.

Barr was just 31 and a father of two girls.

Clearly, where scope exists to counter the risk of police injuries or death by stabbing, responsible authorities must act – and act quickly.

And authorities in some police jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Western Australia, have indeed taken swift action. Each undertook a thorough trial of stab-proof vests in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Front-line officers in both those states soon wound up outfitted with the vests their employers had approved.

So, Australian law enforcement had its template. The need to spend time and taxpayer money on trials, for each of the nation’s nine police departments, no longer existed. The try-before-youbuy concept had already played out.

But SAPOL, it seemed, was unwilling to rely on evidence of the suitability of

the Australian-made vests its interstate counterparts had successfully tested.

It insisted that, in South Australia, yet another lengthy trial was necessary.

The Police Association had, as far back as 2017, highlighted the trial and subsequent roll-out of stab-proof vests in NSW. Our position was that another trial was an unnecessary expense and would delay the supply of critical protective equipment to SA police officers.

We feared the worst eventuality: a police officer injured in an edgedweapon attack as a long, unnecessary trial of stab-proofs vests took place.

Commissioner Grant Stevens announced in October that, after more than three years, SAPOL had concluded its trial and selected the vest it intended to distribute. He did not identify the manufacturer.

Clearly, SAPOL has selected a stateof-the-art stab-proof vest, and the Police Association is grateful for that.

Its roll-out is scheduled to finish in 2022.

But, in his press conference, Commissioner Stevens indicated that “technology has moved so quickly in this space”.

So, could it be that, by 2022, these now state-of-the-art vests will be technologically obsolete?

In Australia, we have so often seen time, energy, funding and resources wasted on trialling the same items of equipment in multiple jurisdictions.

In Australia, we have so often seen time, energy, funding and resources wasted on trialling the same items of equipment in multiple jurisdictions.

The Taser was a classic example.

It underwent numerous trials around the country, as did the load-bearing vest, when one series of tests would have supplied all necessary data on which to make decisions.

Also around the country, we run separate trials on firearms, potential police vehicles, uniforms, and other protective equipment.

The Police Association has, for more than a decade, urged the police departments of Australia to embrace the concept of collaborative action.

Fire departments and firefighters have long reaped the benefits of collaborative purchasing, as the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council has identified.

The reluctance of police departments to work collaboratively when it comes to equipment trials and purchasing is inexplicable.

The benefit to cops on the street is undeniable. And to allow any delay, no matter how brief, to the supply of potentially life-saving equipment is just not Australian.

So, the onus is on police departments to exploit every opportunity to work together in the interests of all police, and the safety of the Australian community.

December 2020

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Bernadette Zimmermann Secretary Police Association

Industrial

Election of delegates 2020 P

olice Association members will soon receive formal notification of the forthcoming election for delegate positions across the state.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) would normally have advised members of the election for the two-year term around October.

Before COVID-19, the timetable (set by the association in collaboration with the AEC returning officer) would have been such that ballots for contested positions were completed before December 31, 2020, as required under our rules.

This would have allowed all delegates, whether elected via uncontested nomination or contested ballot, to start the new two-year term from January 1, 2021. This is no longer possible.

The delay, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, has changed the way we do many things, even those we thought were set in stone, like the conduct of our elections.

Back in March, the AEC – in light of the COVID-19 risk to clients, staff and the community – advised all registered organizations, including the Police Association, that it would have to conduct its business in a much altered way.

As such, the AEC determined that, from the close of business that night, all industrial elections would cease and were to be rerun in three months.

As it turned out, that was extremely ambitious, and it did not eventuate.

As we now know, a second wave of infections occurred in some parts of the country and the AEC further advised that the cessation period which ended 40

Police Journal

Various appeals were made to the AEC to run our delegate election as soon as possible.

This was important given the timing of enterprise bargaining and outcomes, which were put to delegates at a special meeting in October.

on June 30 would now be extended to September 30.

The backlog of Australian industrial elections grew and was particularly problematic for many unions as it had the potential to cause serious governance issues.

The consequence for the association was that the usual timeline for the 2020 delegate election was pushed out.

Various appeals were made to the AEC to run our delegate election as soon as possible. This was important given the timing of enterprise bargaining and outcomes, which were put to delegates at a special meeting in October.

By negotiating with the AEC, we were able to secure a timetable by mid-November. It should ensure uncontested positions will be in place in time for the usual commencement of the two-year term from January 1, 2021.

Elections for any positions that require ballots, however, will not occur until next year.

My appeal to women members is to get more involved in the role of improving your workplaces – for yourselves and your colleagues.

The association has for years supported the notion of increased women’s involvement in its ranks through the delegate structure. With opportunity available now, consider nominating for one of the delegate positions across the state.

Call me at the Police Association or on my mobile to discuss the process, the role, or anything else about the association.

Date

DELEGATES ELECTION 2020 Term: 01.01.2021 – 31.12.2022

16.11.2020

Close of roll

17.11.2020

List of eligible members delivered to the returning officer

23.11.2020 Branch secretary arranges for election notice to be published on the branch website/newsletter 23.11.2020

Nominations open

07.12.2020

Nominations close at 5:00pm (1700 hours)

07.12.2020

Nomination withdrawal period closes at 5:00pm (1700 hours)

16.12.2020

Declaration of uncontested positions

18.01.2021

Postal ballot opens

16.02.2021

Postal ballot closes at 10:00am (1000 hours)

Steve Whetton Assistant Secretary Police Association

Time to collaborate on police vehicle purchasing S

APOL announced to the membership by e-mail in August that it was to begin “field testing and the introduction” of new additions to its general-duties fleets.

It identified, as suitable for generalduties testing, the Volkswagen Tiguan (SUV), Toyota Hybrid Camry (sedan) and Toyota Hybrid Rav4 (SUV).

SAPOL also indicated that it had taken delivery of these vehicles and earmarked them for fitting out for general-duties patrol use.

Released into the field, the vehicles, along with the Mitsubishi Outlander, underwent suitability testing and evaluation. Trialling of the four vehicles took place at three sites from June 2020.

SAPOL described its trials of the hybrid vehicles as “a tangible demonstration of SAPOL supporting the state government’s priority to lower emissions”.

It expected that, after successful trials, the four tested vehicles would replace the Holden vehicles by 2023-24.

The association has a seat on the Commissioner’s Office Health Safety and Welfare Committee and attended the meeting of August 20, when the fleet trial period came under discussion.

A consistent national approach to vehicle trials and procurement would enable the easy selection of job-specific vehicles and reduce costs through the associated purchasing power.

Given that each vehicle will handle differently, particularly under heavy breaking and acceleration, the association recommended the creation of training packages.

Member concerns Members have expressed concerns in respect of the trial vehicles’ suspension, cabin space, and seating comfort while wearing accoutrement belts.

Among their other concerns is unbalanced power delivery to frontwheel drives and subsequent wheelspin under acceleration.

Lack of driver autonomy also has members concerned. Safety features cannot be disabled to allow the driver to override the vehicles’ “cut-out” function during heavy braking and cornering at high speed.

Other items on the list of concerns are: • Lack of intercept acceleration.

• Autonomous engine idle shutdown decreasing the response capability from static position to intercept vehicles.

• Seating capacity and legroom.

• Duty equipment carriage and storage.

• ANCAP safety rating.

• Visibility to other road users particularly during response driving.

• Ground clearance.

• Occupant comfort (ergonomics).

• Transmission and handling – select vehicles with flexible gear options.

• Driver’s field of view – cameras and sensors.

• Tyres and wheels – full-size spare wheel.

• Door locking and security – chimes and flashes compromise member safety, inability to lock a running vehicle and concern regarding theft.

• Electrical supply capability.

• Suitability for the safe transport of offenders.

• Headlight vertical alignment and

flashing ability on low and high beam to warn oncoming motorists.

• Performance issues of frontwheel-drive vehicles on dirt roads and inclines.

Some experienced general-duties members have only ever undertaken their driver training in high-speed pursuits in Chrysler Valiants. They are now driving front-wheel-drive vehicles without retraining.

And clearly lacking is formal documentation, or a standardized form, for members’ use in reporting on the vehicles’ suitability for general-duties policing.

Community expectations The purpose of the police, as outlined in section 5 of the Police Act, is to reassure and protect the community in relation to crime and disorder.

It is incumbent on general-duties members to respond to calls for assistance by sometimes driving at increased speed (urgent-duty driving) or engaging in high-speed pursuits.

Legislation provides exemptions for police to drive vehicles in breach of certain provisions of the Australian Road Rules and the Road Traffic Act. The circumstances must be those in which the driver takes reasonable care and exemption from the provisions is reasonable.

The process is further governed by legislation, appreciations, risk management and policy. All incidents undergo intense scrutiny to ensure the safety of the public.

Vehicles need to be job-specific insofar as their capacity to handle constant driving. And, as well as police, the community, too, must have confidence in patrol vehicles.

Continued page 53 December 2020

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WE STACK UP ALREADY A MEMBER? In South Australia, every month* Police Health’s Rolling Extras is... $100.30 less than Bupa’s Top Extras 90 $16.60 less than Medibank’s Top Extras 90 $19.20 less than Bupa’s Top Extras 75 And when it comes to Hospital, every month* in South Australia, Police Health’s Gold Hospital is $12.90 less than Bupa’s Gold Hospital and $70.90 less than Medibank’s Gold Complete Hospital.

If you love your health cover and you think one of your close relations or eligible colleagues might do too, now’s the perfect time to tell them about us!

THAT’S BECAUSE YOU COULD BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR COVER PAID FOR A YEAR! For full terms and conditions, visit policehealth.com.au/ winmypremiums

Get in touch on 1800 603 603!

Police Health Limited ABN 86 135 221 519 A restricted access not-for-profit Private Health Insurer © 27/10/2020 * Based on the relevant Private Health Information Statement for a Family, in South Australia, published on PrivateHealth.gov.au, and does not include the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance or other applicable discounts, or the application of the Lifetime Health Cover loading. Price comparison correct as of 1 October 2020.

H Health

Dr Rod Pearce

How best to consume those Christmas drinks N

o more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four on any one day. That is the tough new guideline of the National Health and Medical Research Council. It is aimed at reducing the risk of harm from alcoholrelated disease or injury for healthy men and women.

Based on that guideline, the risk of men or women dying from alcohol-related disease and injury remains below one in 100.

We no longer consider men to be at less risk that women. We used to talk about two drinks for women being the same as four drinks for men. Women’s bodies are generally smaller than those of men and have a higher ratio of fatty tissue to lean muscle and so absorb alcohol more quickly than men’s bodies do.

This means that a woman drinking the same amount of alcohol as a man will develop a high blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) more quickly than the man will.

We are also strengthening our language when it comes to advice during pregnancy: “No level of drinking is known to be safe for the child.”

Coming up to Christmas and reconnecting with family and friends, there are a few things that can make the consumption of alcohol safer. If you drink 20 standard drinks a week but do it all in one day instead of spreading 20 drinks over six days a week, your lifetime risk of death owing to alcohol goes up 15 per cent.

Drinking less frequently and drinking less on each day or each drinking occasion further reduces the lifetime risk of alcohol-related harm.

It is important to have no alcohol in your blood if you are taking part – or supervising others who are taking part – in activities that require attention, concentration or psychomotor skills (driving) or supervising children.

A standard drink contains about 10 grams of ethanol (alcohol), which is the amount your body can process in one hour.

How much alcohol you can handle depends on your age, weight, gender and how you feel at the time. For the young, there is a more direct toxic effect of a higher BAC on the brain. This not only damages the brain but also affects judgement at a lower blood-alcohol level.

Those who are overweight are slightly disadvantaged. Alcohol is not absorbed into fatty tissue, so people with a greater proportion of body fat develop a high BAC more quickly than those who have lower proportions of fatty tissue.

If your lean mass is the same but you are small, you will have a higher BAC than a larger person for the same amount of alcohol consumed, because the alcohol is concentrated in a smaller body mass.

A bigger person might have an advantage at that moment with the amount of intoxication, but the longterm risks of alcohol remain the same.

Your body can only process one standard drink per hour.

The faster you drink, the higher your blood-alcohol level so nonalcohol drinks between, or low-alcohol choices, will keep the blood-alcohol levels lower.

Alcohol enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. If your stomach is empty when you start drinking, the alcohol will enter your bloodstream more quickly.

So, it’s a good idea to eat before you down your first drink and eat while you are drinking. To get the best out of mixing food and alcohol: drink plenty of water. You are then likely to drink less alcohol overall. Avoid salty snacks as they will make you thirsty and likely to drink more.

It’s easy to lose track of how much you have consumed. A standard drink is a can or bottle of mid-strength beer, 100ml of wine or a 30ml shot of spirits.

Drinks served in bars and restaurants often contain more than one standard drink. Try to count your drinks and finish them rather than accepting top-ups.

Your body can only process one standard drink per hour. The faster you drink, the higher your blood-alcohol level so non-alcohol drinks between, or low-alcohol choices, will keep the blood-alcohol levels lower.

Drinking water to quench your thirst before you start drinking alcohol helps. Sipping rather than gulping will stop the toxic effects of a high BAC as it spreads out the absorption of the alcohol and allows your body to process and detoxify.

It is best to avoid alcohol if you’re taking any medicines or recreational drugs because, when mixed with alcohol, they can produce unpleasant effects.

Likewise, you should not drink when you’re feeling depressed as alcohol can make you feel worse.

So, while the formal message is the less you choose to drink, the lower your risk of alcohol-related harm – and for some people not drinking at all is the safest option – you can drink safely and enjoy what could be a good end to 2020.

December 2020

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Motoring

Jim Barnett

Model Ram 1500.

Pricing Express V8 Quad-Cab $79,950 (drive away). Others priced between $89,950 (Express Crew Cab) and $109,950 (Laramie diesel) plus ORC. Drivetrain 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol (291kW/556Nm) or 3.0-litre V6 diesel (179kW/569Nm), eight-speed TorqueFlite auto with manual shifting, part-time or full-time 4x4 with two-speed transfer case.

Vital stats Length up to 5,850mm, width up to 2,097mm, wheelbase 3,569mm, ground-clearance 249-254mm, kerb-weight up to 2,715kg, payload between 735 and 845kg (all stats model dependant).

Towing Heavy duty 4.5-tonne tow bar standard on V8 with 3.5-tonne tow bar optional on diesel.

Fuel Combined fuel economy test 11.9L/100km (diesel), 12.2L/100km (V8).

Warranty/service Three years/100,000km with roadside assistance, service every 12 months or 12,000km.

Ram 1500 DESIGN AND FUNCTION Ram trucks are invading territory long held by Ranger, HiLux and even LandCruiser 200.

Ram Trucks Australia converts imported Rams (to RHD) and distributes them through its national dealer network with full factory backing.

Dismantled and rebuilt in Melbourne, Rams emerge with many new Aussie-made parts, including the dashboard.

Ram 1500 comes in base Express, luxury Laramie and sporty Warlock spec levels with a choice of 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol or 3.0-litre V6 Eco-diesel (Laramie only). Each features an eightspeed automatic transmission with manual shifting.

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Police Journal

Entry Express Quad Cab V8 has a huge 1,939mm long ute bed. This reduces rear seat room over the remaining Crew Cab variants, which have a 1,712mm bed but enormous rear-seat space.

All feature a hefty ladder chassis, 20-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, all coil suspension, bed liner and dual exhausts.

Express and Warlock feature a parttime 4x4 system with two-speed transfer case while Laramie has a full-time ondemand system.

Standard across the range are six airbags, reversing camera, tyre-pressure monitor, side steps, heavy-duty tow bar (accessory on Diesel) and electric brake controller.

Express Quad Cab features a five-inch touchscreen and 3.5-inch multi-view cluster with trip computer. The rest feature an 8.4-inch unit with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android auto.

An obliging monster

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DRIVING The RHD conversion is meticulous.

Ram feels big but, except for tight car parks, it’s a breeze to drive. Express has sufficient goodies but Laramie oozes luxury.

The dash layout is expansive as are storage options. A dash-mounted gear-selector knob leaves the console uncluttered and a pedal-operated park brake next to the right kick panel doesn’t get in the way.

With 179kW/569Nm the 3.0-litre V6 diesel delivers more power than expected.

It’s extremely smooth, very quiet and returned 10.5 litres/100km (hills/suburbs).

The 291kW/556Nm V8, with its cool burble, is a monster that effortlessly does anything demanded of it. It returned 14.6 litres/100km in similar conditions.

Superb on the highway, Ram effortlessly soaks up bumps on rough roads and is relatively agile in corners.

Model Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Price RRP $46,990 (GLX) to $57,190 (Exceed) plus ORC. Drivetrain 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel 133kW/430Nm. Eight-speed auto with paddle shifters.

Safety Seven airbags, forward-collision mitigation, LED lighting, reverse camera and parking sensors, hill-descent control. Exceed picks up Blind-spot warning, lane-change assist, rear-cross-traffic alert, bird’s-eye camera view.

Fuel Diesel, 68-litre fuel tank, 8.0 litres/100km combined fuel test.

Cargo Between 673 and 1,624 litres (five-seat), 502-1,488 litres (seven-seat).

Warranty/ Huge 10-year/200,000km warranty and 10-year (annual/15,000km) capped-price servicing (providing serviced service as per schedule at Mitsubishi dealers).

DESIGN AND FUNCTION

Its electrically operated 4x4 system provides excellent low-range reduction even with the V8 but its long wheelbase compromises rampover angles.

Braked towing capacity is (up to) 4.5-tonne and there’s the standard electricbrake controller but you will need to watch payload and grosscombination (GCM) weights.

Ram-Box storage system (optional on some models) features two 210-litre lockable boxes with lighting and drain plugs.

Revamped Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is now more desirable than ever. A bolder front end delivers a taller bonnet, new lighting assemblies, daytime running lights and a more aggressive grille.

Eighteen-inch alloys, flared mudguards and swept-up cargo bay windows enhance its athletic profile. And new LED tail lights, a bigger bumper and the now hidden tow bar (optional accessory) answer criticisms of the previous model.

Three model variants (GLX, GLS and Exceed) all feature the same 2.4-litre (133kW/430Nm) turbo diesel coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

All feature Mitsubishi’s Super-Select II 4WD system, which allows driving in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive on hard surfaces.

High and low range, with the centre diff locked for more difficult off-road terrain, also features as does multi-terrain mode when in low range.

Inside top-spec Exceed are comfy poweradjustable heated seats up front. The all-leather interior extends across all three rows. Rear 60/40 seats can recline and third-row seats can squeeze in adults for short trips.

Punching above weight

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport There’s dual-zone climate control with vents to all three rows, USB chargers front and rear, and a 220-volt 150-watt power outlet in the rear of the console.

Exceed also boasts smart entry and pushbutton start, a power tailgate operable from the key, a sensor kick switch under the rear bumper, a switch inside the car or a smart phone.

DRIVING Exceed features electrically adjustable seats coupled with its reach/rake adjustable steering.

Not the most powerful 4x4 wagon on paper, Pajero Sport punches well above its weight. Its 2.4-litre turbo diesel is smooth, quiet and capable of reasonably brisk acceleration.

The eight-speed auto delivers excellent shift qualities and performs with a minimum of fuss.

It’s quite manoeuvrable around town and very smooth on the highway. The all-coil suspension easily soaks up the worst bumps.

On rough dirt roads it feels more agile than many.

On Exceed drivers can choose from three different digital gauge layouts. Its new eight-inch touchscreen has TomTom sat nav and split-screen reverse camera.

December 2020

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B Banking

Paul Modra, Executive Manager – Member Value and Distribution, Police Credit Union

No year like 2020

we are now the most recognized credit union in South Australia with over 46,000 members and seven branches across SA and NT. We are excited to see where the next 50 years can take us.

The global pandemic

The year in review This year will be remembered as one of the most unpredictable, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that didn’t stop us from reaching our key strategic goals, all while continuing to support our community, our staff, and our members.

Turning 50 Police Credit Union officially turned 50 this year. It was a special milestone and a reminder of just how far we have come as an organization.

Our story is quite remarkable, having opened in 1970 with the coming together of a small group of police officers who combined their funds to provide loans for struggling colleagues.

From those humble beginnings in a small white house on Carrington St,

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The whole world was rocked by the pandemic and, although COVID-19 has dictated the tone of this year, we have all learned to work with the “new normal’, including here at Police Credit Union.

We dealt with the situation by remaining disciplined, well prepared, and vigilant: • More than 30% of staff transitioned to relocated working arrangements.

• Thermal imaging cameras were installed in branches to ensure the health and well-being of our staff and members.

• We increased our Contact Centre hours.

• We worked with customers over the phone or with video technology.

• We assisted 288 borrowers with COVID-19-related repayment deferral and hardship assistance representing a total value of $74.6 million.

As we move into 2021, we remain ready to handle any other “spanners” thrown our way.

Police Journal

New website The global pandemic highlighted the absolute importance of digital communication and access, which only motivated us further to work on a new website.

Launched in November 2020, we worked to create something that is still secure but also easier to navigate, with such features as: • Improved search functionality (find what you are looking for by typing in a keyword and seeing all pages containing that word).

• A fun and easy-to-use filtering system to help you find the home or investment loan to suit your needs.

• An improved help section with detailed how-to guides.

• A clean, fresh look with easier navigation.

Special partnerships Since 2006, our cumulative community investment spend has exceeded $5 million. While many organizations had to pull back on their sponsorships this year, we were lucky enough to be in a position to continue, and even initiate new important partnerships.

Our partnership with Crime Stoppers South Australia only continues to strengthen as we signed on again as a major sponsor.

Working part-time?

Are you currently working part-time? Are you commencing or ceasing part-time work?

If your hours change, it is important that you advise the Police Association.

Your subscriptions may be affected.

46

This (high number of calls and reports) has resulted in more than 2,100 apprehensions for a range of crimes and the seizure of 264 illegal firearms.

Please phone (08) 8112 7988 or e-mail membership@pasa.asn.au to advise of a change in hours.

Since launching our commitment as a major funding partner in 2017, Crime Stoppers SA has taken nearly 63,500 calls and almost 13,000 online reports about unsolved crime and suspicious activity.

This has resulted in more than 2,100 apprehensions for a range of crimes and the seizure of 264 illegal firearms.

We are proud to play a part in keeping the South Australian community safe.

Although COVID-19 put a pause on sporting activities for a while, we continued our support of the Adelaide Footy League, which was eventually able to establish a condensed playing season.

Another proud moment was the decision to enter into a major partnership with the Country Fire Service (CFS) Foundation.

Our experience working with those on the front line means we understand the importance of the work of the foundation and all the support it provides those volunteer firefighters and their affected family members, especially after the horrific fire season.

In what is a continued reflection of our dedication to giving back to our members, we set another near-record member satisfaction rate of 92.9%.

Giving back to our core bond We recognize that, while many could work from home during this period, the police remained at the forefront of the pandemic, tasked with protecting everyone’s health and our borders.

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We wanted to express our gratitude and did so through small gestures such as the delivery of more than 2,000 blue-iced doughnuts and homemade cookies to stations and border check points, as well as Nespresso coffee machines for police social clubs.

In our 50th year of providing the best for our police members, we also took the opportunity to find even more value in our Platinum product, offering up to 0.10% discount on home loan rates and up to 0.25% discount on car and personal loan rates, plus a saving of up to $420 with no package fees*.

Better now and in the future If it wasn’t enough to successfully navigate our way through the pandemic, we are also proud of our strong end-offinancial-year results. In what is a continued reflection of our dedication to giving back to our members, we set another near-record member satisfaction rate of 92.9%.

We also achieved a profit after tax of $5.2 million, 6.6% ahead of the previous year, and our total assets increased 3.4% to more than $1.17 billion for the year ended 30 June 2020.

That put us in a great position to continue delivering outstanding

products and services to our members.

Our milestone achievements from the past year are outlined in more detail in our 2020 annual report which can be accessed on our fresh new website (policecu.com.au). Just type “annual report” in the search bar, or head to one of our branches.

We look forward to moving into a new year with a sense of hope, positivity and unity.

For more information, please contact your local Platinum relationship manager, Glenn Lewis, on 0421 243 741 or Ryan Mountford on 0437 286 804.

They can help you access the benefits of our Platinum package.

Police Credit Union Ltd ABN 30 087 651 205 AFSL Australian Credit Licence 238991 Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. Full details upon request. All information correct as at 02/11/2020 and subject to change.

Police Credit Union reserves the right to withdraw or amend product features at any time. *Excludes Business Banking &/or Commercial Loans and loans to a Trust or Self-Managed Super Fund.

Change of Address The Police Association of South Australia needs your change-­of-address details.

If you have moved, in either the recent or distant past, please let the association know your new address. Its office does not receive notification of changed addresses by any other means.

The association will need your new address, full name, ID number, telephone numbers (home, work and/or mobile).

Members can e-mail these details to the association on pasa@pasa.asn.au or send them by letter through dispatch (168).

December 2020

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Free Legal Service for Police Association Members, Their Families & Retired Members.

Leading Adelaide law firm, Tindall Gask Bentley is the preferred legal service provider of the Police Association, offering 30 minutes of free initial advice and a 10% fee discount.

To arrange a preliminary in-person or phone appointment contact PASA on (08) 8212 3055

DISCIPLINARY & ADMINISTRATIVE LAW • ICAC

• Police Complaints

• Coroner's Court

• Equity & diversity

• Criminal Law

Sam Joyce

Luke Officer

Gary Allison

Amber Sprague

Wendy Barry

Dina Paspaliaris

John Caruso

Giles Kahl

Rosemary Caruso

Michael Arras

INJURY COMPENSATION • Motor accident injury compensation

• Public liability

• Workers compensation

• Superannuation claims (TPD)

FAMILY & DIVORCE Matrimonial, De Facto & Same Sex Relationships • Children’s Issues

• Property Settlements

• Child Support matters

• “Pre Nuptial” style Agreements

BUSINESS & PROPERTY • General business advice

• Business transactions

• Real estate & property advice

• Commercial disputes & dispute resolution

WILLS & ESTATES • Wills & Testamentary Trusts

• Advice to executors of deceased estates

• Enduring Powers of Attorney

• Obtaining Grants of Probate

• Advance Care Directive

• Estate disputes

Adelaide • Reynella • Salisbury • Mt Barker • Murray Bridge Gawler • Pt Lincoln • Whyalla • Perth (WA) • Darwin (NT)

tgb.com.au • (08) 8212 1077

L Legal

Wendy Barry, Partner Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

Separating?

What about the children – and super?

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lients approach family lawyers during some of their most difficult times. Their questions are varied and their situations unique but, invariably, they ask one or all of these questions:

Should I stay or go?

There are benefits to remaining in the home after separating. One is that it is a place in which you have accommodation. This might be preferable if you do not wish to pay rent living elsewhere, particularly if you will also be making mortgage repayments on the property.

Another benefit is that you can prevent your ex from running down the value of the property which would be detrimental to your position if the property is to be sold or if your interest is to be bought out.

But you should not stay in the property if you fear for your safety.

If your ex is violent, aggressive or threatening, you should consider leaving.

(Domestic violence does not only include physical violence – it includes financial control and passive-aggressive silent treatment.)

Your ex is not automatically entitled to half your super. It will depend, as it does with most legal problems, on the facts of your matter.

No property is more valuable than your life. If you feel unsafe living with your ex, you should strongly consider leaving.

How can I care for my children around my work roster?

A work roster with day, afternoon and night shifts is not fatal to having the children in your care following separation, particularly in circumstances in which this was the pattern during your relationship.

There are ways in which you can care for your children around work commitments.

First, plan ahead. If your work commitments are fluid, it might be difficult to plan for the care of your children beyond more than a few weeks at a time.

You might like to prepare a monthly roster which details when each parent will have care of the children and invite your ex to consider it and put it into practice.

If your ex is also a shift worker, you might find it useful to exchange work rosters on a monthly basis. You can use this as the basis for working out when each of you will have care of the children over the course of the upcoming month.

Second, communicate. You might think this is somewhat redundant since you and your ex are no longer together.

The reality, however, is that in order to care for your children around your work roster, communication is crucial.

A situation might arise in which you or your ex are required to work at short notice while the children are in your care.

In that case, it is important that you or the ex keeps the other informed and provides him or her first refusal for the children’s care.

This will assist in working out a way for the children to be still cared for either by the other parent, another family member or, perhaps, a childcare centre, if appropriate.

Generally, it is in the best interests of a child to have an ongoing relationship with both his or her parents. Therefore, if your ex will not agree to you having time with the children on account of your shift work, you should get legal advice.

Super – to split or not to split.

Must I share my super?

Your ex is not automatically entitled to half your super. It will depend, as it does with most legal problems, on the facts of your matter.

To work out whether you will need to share your super with your ex, consideration will be given to: • How long your relationship was.

• What assets you each brought into the relationship.

• What contributions you made to the assets during the relationship.

• What your current circumstances are (both financial and personal) and your future needs.

Sometimes it is possible to make a cash payment to an ex-partner instead of splitting your super. In other cases, there can be an argument for you keeping more than 50 per cent of your super.

How to answer these and other questions will depend on your individual situation; and you should always get advice.

Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers provides free initial advice through a legal advisory service to Police Association members and their families, and retired members. Police Association members and their immediate family receive a 10% discount on their wills. To make an appointment, contact the association (8212 3055) or start your will online at tgb.com.au.

December 2020

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E Entertainment

Pirate Stew Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell Bloomsbury, $22.99

Meet Long John McRon, ship’s cook and the most unusual babysitter anyone’s ever seen.

McRon has a whole crew of wild pirates in tow, and – for one boy and his sister – he’s about to transform a perfectly ordinary evening into a riotous adventure beneath a pirate moon. It’s time to make some pirate stew.

This tale of pirates, flying ships, doughnut feasts and some rather magical stew is perfect for all pirates, both young and old.

With a deliciously rhyming text from Neil Gaiman, and spellbinding illustrations by Chris Riddell, threetime winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, this picture book is joyful, quirky and action-packed.

Win a book!

For your chance to win one of the books featured in this issue, send your name, location, phone number and despatch code, along with the book of your choice to giveaways@pj.asn.au

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Police Journal

Snow

John Banville Faber Fiction, $29.99

“The body is in the library,” Colonel Osborne said.

“Come this way.”

Following the discovery of the corpse of a highly respected parish priest at Ballyglass House – the Co. Wexford family seat of the aristocratic, secretive Osborne family – Detective Inspector St John Strafford is called in from Dublin to investigate.

Strafford faces obstruction from all angles but carries on determinedly in his pursuit of the murderer.

However, as the snow continues to fall over this ever-expanding mystery, the people of Ballyglass are equally determined to keep their secrets.

Still Life Death in Daylesford

Val McDermid Hachette Australia, $32.99

Kerry Greenwood Allen & Unwin, $29.99

Surrounded by secrets, great and small, the formidable Miss Phryne Fisher returns to vanquish injustice.

When a mysterious invitation arrives for Fisher from an unknown Captain Herbert Spencer, her curiosity is excited.

Spencer runs a retreat in Victoria’s spa country for shell-shocked soldiers of the First World War. It’s a cause after Fisher’s own heart but what could Spencer want from her?

Fisher and the faithful Dot view their spa sojourn as a short holiday but are quickly thrown in the midst of disturbing Highland gatherings, disappearing women, murder and the mystery of the Temperance Hotel.

Meanwhile, Cec, Bert and Tinker find a young woman floating face down in the harbour, dead.

Tinker, with Jane and Ruth, Fisher’s resilient adopted daughters, together decide to solve what appears to be a heinous crime.

Disappearances, murder, bombs, booby traps and strange goings-on land Fisher right in the middle of her most exciting adventure.

On a freezing winter morning, fisherman pull a dead body from the sea. It is quickly discovered that the dead man was the prime suspect in a decade-old investigation, when a prominent civil servant disappeared without trace.

DCI Karen Pirie was the last detective to review the file and is drawn into a sinister world of betrayal and dark secrets.

But Pirie is already grappling with another case, one with even more questions and fewer answers.

A skeleton has been discovered in an abandoned campervan and all clues point to a killer who never faced justice – a killer who is still out there.

In her search for truth, Pirie uncovers a network of lies that has gone unchallenged for years. But lies and secrets can turn deadly when someone is determined to keep them hidden for good.

December 2020

51

Tame your home loan

with a Platinum Member special NO PACKAGE FEE Saving you $420 Lock in our lowest ever 3 Year Fixed Rate, it’s easy to apply and you could save thousands!

Call 1300 131 844, email us at platinum@policecu.com.au, head online to policecu.com.au/platinum or visit a branch.

Police Credit Union Ltd (PCU) ABN 30 087 651 205 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238991. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. Full details upon request. Interest rates current as at 23/11/2020 and subject to change. Maximum Loan to Valuation Ratio is 90%. Owner Occupied and New lending only with a minimum amount of $150,000. Interest Rate reverts to the Discount Variable Rate after the fixed rate period. Excludes Business Banking &/or Commercial loans and loans to a Trust or Self Managed Super Fund. *This rate includes a 0.10% discount off the regular rate – No further discounts apply. Comparison rate is based on a secured $150,000 loan over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees and other loan amount might result in different comparison rate. PCU reserves the right to withdraw or amend product features at any time. Please consider if the product is right for you.

I

E

Industrial

Entertainment

From page 41

The Witch Hunter

Max Seeck Welbeck, $29.99

Detective Jessica Niemi is called to investigate a murder which is completely out of the ordinary. The wife of famous writer Roger Koponen appears to have been killed in a bizarre ritual.

As more ritual murders occur in the coming days, it becomes obvious that Niemi is after a serial killer. But the murders are not random – they follow a pattern taken from Koponen’s bestselling trilogy.

Has a devoted fan lost his or her mind? Or is this case more personal?

The public expects such vehicles to enable police to pursue and apprehend individuals when and as necessary.

General orders General order Operational Safety – High Risk Driving stipulates that: “Police vehicles such as motorcycles, cage cars, unmarked vehicles, SUVs, 4WDs and utilities create additional risks. A member must consider this when assessing the risk of being involved in a pursuit and drive the vehicle accordingly.”

In previous years, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, or a vehicle with a high centre of gravity, was defined in the general order as a “vulnerable vehicle”.

Pursuing such a vehicle came with an increased risk as it was considered more vulnerable in the event of a crash.

Around the nation

Nut Free

Eleonora Thomas Eleonora Thomas, $24.95

Emanuela Smith appeared to be the perfect wife and mother, doting on her family. She believes she has all the right tools in life.

Emmie is no stranger to food intolerance. Her life has been nuts since she was born, so it is no surprise she developed an immunity toward them in her adult years.

People are nuts too. These types seemed to rush through Emmie’s life, just enough to stir her mind and then disappear.

Your senses have a way of letting you know when you are dangerously close to these people, but you have to listen carefully to your instincts.

Emmie learns this the hard way when she meets successful lawyer Nguyen Xin, who hides a dark secret.

Western Australia Police Force utilizes Kia Stinger V6, Holden VF II SV6 Commodore, Ford Falcon FG X XR6, Toyota Aurion Sportivo and Holden VF ute. Its 4WD vehicles are the Toyota Kluger, Toyota Hi Lux paddy wagon and the Ford Territory TX. Northern Territory Police Force has remained with the Kia Stinger and the last of the V8 Commodores, while some highway stations have new V6 Commodores.

Its unmarked vehicles vary from Mitsubishi to Hyundai to Ford, depending on the purpose.

Tasmania Police is equipped with Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tuscon, Toyota Camry, Ford Ranger (divisional van), Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester and Toyota Rav4.

Its 4WDs include Toyota Landcruiser and Ford Ranger.

Collaboration It is totally counterproductive for each state and territory police force to undertake its own trials and procurements. This practice is a drain on time and resources and comes, unnecessarily, at great expense.

A consistent national approach to vehicle trials and procurement would enable the easy selection of jobspecific vehicles and reduce costs through the associated purchasing power.

The Police Association wrote to SAPOL in October to obtain information on its field-testing process and proposed outcome of the new general-duties fleets.

We await a response.

December 2020

53

from all the team at the Police Club

Police Club “2020 Last Drinks” 5pm Thursday, December 24, 2020 Precinct Café reopens 7am Tuesday, January 18, 2021 Police Club reopens 11am Tuesday, January 18, 2021 Contact the Police Club team with any queries THANKS FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON

27 Carrington Street, Adelaide (08) 8212 2924 PoliceClub@pasa.asn.au

policeclub.com.au 54

Police Journal

Don’t miss out on A retirement function due to COVID-19

Let us host your farewell at the POLICE CLUB Register your interest now and we’ll do all the rest including: • Hosting your function at the Police Club (post COVID-19 & when restrictions are lifted) • Promoting your retirement event to members / your guests

• Managing the RSVP’s & guest payments • Gift bottle of red wine for the Guest of Honour • Packages at $10 per head for cocktail food & Friday night happy hours drinks from the bar

CONTACT PASA FOR MORE INFORMATION

(08) 8212 3055 or caitlinblackney@pasa.asn.au

December 2020

55

L

The Last Shift

For the full version of The Last Shift, go to PASAweb at www.pasa.asn.au

Kelly Clarke Peter Harvey Danny McGurgan John Martschink Vicki Morphett Vivien Muller Deborah Young

Detective Senior Sergeant 1C John Martschink Serious & Organised Crime Branch 43 years’ service Last Day: 20.09.20

Comments…

“Detective Senior Sergeant First Class. Not bad for a kid who left school at 14 and was recruited into SAPOL to ride horses. Apologies to Sergeant John Vaughn for never getting there.

“I thank the Police Association for its work over the years resulting in the current pay and conditions we all enjoy.

“I thank the mentors, supervisors and all those I have worked with, both senior and junior, who I have been guided by and learnt from.

“I will always remember those who started the journey with me and lost their lives far too early.

“Walking through the Fort Largs gates in 1977 to today has gone so quickly. When we joined, the term ‘the job’ was instilled in us and changed by the next generation into a career.

“Leaving all the powers and responsibilities now behind confirms that it is a lifestyle both on and off duty.

“For those who remain, just remember that the most valuable asset SAPOL has is the people. Without them, nothing can be achieved.

“If you are a supervisor, or aspire to be one, remember your people first and your personal aspirations second.

If you do this, your personal aspirations will still happen.

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Police Journal

“I remained (in the job) for a little longer than planned so as to be still serving when my son graduated.

I now leave him and a daughter as both serving SAPOL members and I am very proud to say that we were all serving members at the same time.

“I would do it all over again and, for those still serving, don’t take it any more seriously than it is. Have some fun and enjoy your time.”

Senior Constable Vivien Muller

SD Custody Christies Beach 31 years’ service Last Day: 18.11.20 Comments…

“My thanks to Mark Carroll, Steve Whetton and Bronwyn Hunter for their support and assistance after my husband’s accident at work. Solicitor Michael Ats, Injury Management Section and their associated areas have all been outstanding.

“I have had a lot of great adventures in SAPOL and worked with many fantastic people over the years.

Paul Clark – thank you for your patience and guidance during the Netley years and Chris Petts and Tracy Tulloch for your support and friendship during the Christies Beach years.

“To all the staff at Southern Property Section – you deserve recognition for the rescue that you undertook to save Jim’s life.

“To all the members who rang, dropped in, sent cards and gifts – thank you.

“Jim and I had planned to be riding bikes in France about now, but I guess that will have to wait for another year or two.”

Detective Sergeant Kelly Clarke APM

Elizabeth CIB 30 years’ service Last Day: 18.11.20 Comments…

“When I first joined SAPOL in 1980 as a 17-year-old kid fresh out of school, conditions for women were average at best.

“Walking the beat in court shoes and skirt, carrying a firearm in my handbag and being restricted to particular types of taskings, wasn’t my idea of an inspiring career and, after seven years, when our first daughter was born, I was happy to call it quits. There were no workplace agreements back then.

“Fast forward to 1997, when our youngest was aged eight and SAPOL realized that previous employees might be worth re-employing.

Happily, I can report that my second tour of duty (1997 – 2020) was remarkably different from my first.

“I was treated as an equal, well, in comparison to my early years anyway, with the same uniform, kit, and duties as the blokes. It was a breath of fresh air. The tide was slowly turning for women.

“I have absolutely loved every role I’ve been in from patrols to enquiries, to CIB and Major Crash. It has been an amazing ride with a busload of memorable moments and cracking jobs, but the accolades must go my colleagues at Holden Hill, Elizabeth and Major Crash.

“They are the ones who have had my back, motivated me, celebrated our successes, made me cry with laughter, supported me through thick and thin and groaned when I’ve pulled out the whiteboard for a big job but, most of all, they make me damn proud.

“I am lucky and grateful to have a wonderful husband and two amazing daughters, without whose support and encouragement I would not have achieved half of what I have.”

Senior Constable 1C Deborah Young

Communications Centre 41 years’ service Last Day: 23.08.20 Comments…

“After 40 years, I am leaving SAPOL with a huge smile on my face.

“On March 15, 1979, I was one of five women, the first female police cadets, to walk through the gates at Taperoo.

“I’m now leaving SAPOL as one of the two longest-serving female members, along with my course 68 mate, Patsy Kidd.

“I’ve spent most of my career at Communications Branch, and 25 years of it as a part-time member.

“I’ve had a fabulous life with my husband Peter (retired SAPOL) and two children.

“I give a huge thanks to Mark Carroll who assisted me with the many battles I’ve had with management regarding my part-time status.

“To everyone I have had the pleasure of working with I say thank you, keep smiling and goodbye.”

Senior Constable 1C Vicki Morphett

Communications Centre 39 years’ service Last Day: 13.10.20 Comments…

“I thank you for your tireless efforts for making conditions better for your members and the support you have offered.

“Over my 39 years of employment with SAPOL I have seen many changes, most of which you have been part of.

“Keep up the good work.”

Senior Constable 1C Peter Harvey

Christies Beach 43 years’ service Last Day: 15.10.20 Comments…

“I thank the association for its efforts in gaining the benefits we enjoy today.

“I also wish all members I have known and worked with the very best for the future.”

Senior Constable 1C Danny McGurgan

Waikerie 36 years’ service Last Day: 28.10.20 Comments…

“I have served at Whyalla, Amata, Yalata, Berri and Waikerie. I have had a great time and wish you all the best.

“Remember the job is what you make of it. Be positive.

“Thanks to the Police Association for its great work. Keep safe, please.”

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35 years on He has served as a dog handler for more than two thirds of his police career and loved it, despite some serious bodily damage.

SERGEANT PETER CROUCH

(Dog Operations Unit)

I think the job has definitely proved to be what I expected. From day one, I wanted to be a dog handler. I never would’ve dreamed of being a training and operations sergeant. But I was prepared to leave the DOU, go to the academy, and head back to shift work in Adelaide to enhance my chances of achieving this dream. Luckily, it paid off for me.

I joined SAPOL at 18 and had just turned 19 when I graduated.

My first posting was to the City Watch House on night shift. Friday night.

I had no idea what I was in for.

Having basically come straight from school, I learnt so much in those first three months about life as a copper and what I was about to get myself into.

“The job gets you down at times but, if your home life is great and you surround yourself with positive, loving people, you get through … ”

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Police Journal

I was about 21 when I attended a job at the Dry Creek railyards. I heard someone yelling, looked up, and saw a figure standing at the very top of a big, armed electricity tower. He yelled abuse at my partner and me and I tried to talk to him. He dived out from the tower, deliberately aiming for us. I still remember the sound and vision of him bouncing as he hit the ground. It’ll stay with me forever.

My greatest satisfaction in the job has come from my current role as training and operations supervisor.

I’m extremely fortunate to hold that title. I’m responsible for the day-to-day operations of our PADD and FED teams and for the deployment of police dog Chester, who is my fourth drug dog. I’ve previously had two generalpurpose dogs.

Policing has taught me millions of things. Not to take myself too seriously and not to take life too seriously. I think I’ve survived so long in the job because I have a really good work-life balance.

The job gets you down at times but, if your home life is great and you surround yourself with positive, loving people, you get through, and the same goes for work.

After four arthroscopies, a major knee operation, 58 stitches, and a broken ankle, all from working police dogs, I’ll be happy to just limp over the line in five years, when or if I hit 60. I successfully sat the bosses’ exam a few years back, but I think, at 55, my race is run. But I’d dearly love to be appointed operations manager of the Dog Operations unit. That’d be the icing on the cake.

ADVERTORIAL

Why Police Health stacks up O

ctober sees many of Australia’s big for-profits health insurers introduce premium increases that they deferred at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it time again to do the maths on how Police Health stacks up.

October 2020 — here’s how Police Health measures up in South Australia against some of the big health funds

EXTRAS

HOSPITAL

Every month*, Police Health’s Rolling Extras is now…

Every month**, Police Health’s Gold Hospital is now…

• $100.30 less than Bupa’s Top Extras 90 • $19.20 less than Bupa’s Top Extras 75 • $16.60 less than Medibank’s Top Extras 90

• $70.90 less than Medibank’s Gold Complete Hospital • $12.90 less than Bupa’s Gold Hospital

*Based on the relevant Private Health Information Statement for a Family, in South Australia, published on PrivateHealth.gov.au, and does not include the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance or other applicable discounts.

**Based on the relevant Private Health Information Statement for a Family, in South Australia, published on PrivateHealth.gov.au, and does not include the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance or other applicable discounts, or the application of the Lifetime Health Cover loading.

What’s more, Police Health has maintained a 98% Member Satisfaction Rating or higher for the past 13 years straight, and was recently voted top out of 29 health insurers for Quality, Value, Trustworthiness, Service, Rebates, Easy to Understand, Helpful Advice & Wellbeing Support! *** Switching from another fund is simple. Police Health will handle the paperwork with your current insurer, and any waiting periods already served on your previous cover transfer with you.

To find out more visit health.policehealth.com.au/sa or call 1 800 603 603. *** IPSOS Healthcare & Insurance Australia Report 2020. Running since 1987, IPSOS’s highly respected Healthcare & Insurance Australia Survey has been benchmarking the views of 20,000 consumers towards the sector every two years for over three decades.

December 2020

59

EXPRESS CREW CAB EATS UTES FOR BREAKFAST

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