Police Journal October 2017

Anything to be operational

“By

the time the amputation occurred I was petrified but I was kind of ready for it.”

EDITOR

Just about anyone looking for inspiration would be sure to find it in the story of Brevet Sergeant Ian Alderson The South Coast Intel member lost his leg after he broke it severely in an off-duty accident four years ago

Of course, people lose limbs and manage to carry on with their lives. But none that we know of, in Australia, were ever cops who worked their way back to full operational status.

Ian is a courageous, pragmatic bloke whose colleagues hold him in the highest regard. It was one of them who suggested we look into his story and a couple of them have their say about him in Anything to be operational (page 10)

Nicholas Damiani reports on the Police Association annual conference, which Premier Jay Weatherill, Opposition leader Steven Marshall and Commissioner Grant Stevens all attended Former Redgum front man John Schumann was a guest speaker as well In a compelling address to delegates, he again reinforced the message of mental-health awareness

With big numbers of recruits going through the police academy now, there are more than the usual number of graduation parades and graduate dinners. Our photographer, Steve McCawley, captured all the fun and glamour of two recent functions.

And, in our second last instalment of Cops’ creatures , we get to meet Brock the greyhound – and, of course, his owner, Carolyn Dale

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).

COVER: South Coast Intel brevet sergeant Ian Alderson. Photography by

10 Anything to be operational

It was a sacrifice which would get Brevet Sergeant Ian Alderson his mobility back – and he was prepared to make it

18 Police Association annual conference

This symposium again drew the big political players who outlined their positions on proposed shoot-to-kill laws and member health and safety.

22 Association president to continue leading nationally

Returned for another term as Police Federation of Australia president, Mark Carroll still believes it’s critical to represent police in the federal arena

24 Taking police mental health seriously

Acutely aware of the importance of its members’ mental health and well-being, the Police Association is undertaking its strongest-ever campaign

Steve McCawley

Mark Carroll President 0417 876 732

Jim Tappin Treasurer

Committee

Scheffler Secretary 0417 817 075

Police Association of South Australia

Bernadette Zimmermann Assistant Secretary

Kellett

Karger Grievance Officer

Mitch Manning Samantha Strange

Tom

Michael Kent

Trevor Milne Deputy President

Chris Walkley

Nadia Goslino Grievance Officer

Anne Hehner Jan Welsby

Sarah Stephens

Shelley Furbow

Caitlin Blackney

Julian Snowden

Daryl Mundy

Allan Cannon Vice-President

DELEGATES

Metro North Branch

Port Adelaide Kim Williams (chair)

Elizabeth Nathan Long

Henley Beach

Holden Hill

Gawler

P: (08) 8212 3055 (all hours)

F: (08) 8212 2002

Membership enquiries: (08) 8112 7988

Matthew Kluzek

Nigel Savage

David Savage

Golden Grove Stuart Smith

Parks Sonia Giacomelli

Salisbury Taryn Trevelion

Northern Prosecution Tim Pfeiffer

Northern Traffic Michael Tuohy

Country North Branch

Ceduna Chris Lovell

Coober Pedy Glenn Batty

Kadina Ric Schild

Nuriootpa Jeffrey Ellbourn

Peterborough Nathan Paskett

Port Lincoln Mark Heading

Port Augusta Peter Hore

Port Pirie

Gavin Mildrum

Whyalla Les Johnston

Crime Command Branch

Fraud Jamie Dolan (chair)

Major Crime Rob Beattie

Adelaide Alex Grimaldi

DOCIB Melaina Sponheimer

Forensic Services Adam Gates

Holden Hill

Narelle Smith

Intelligence Support Kevin Hunt

Port Adelaide Scott Mitchell

South Coast Jason Tank

Sturt Brad Scott

Metro South Branch

Adelaide Paul Blenkiron

Norwood Rebecca Phillis

South Coast Andrew Bradley

South Coast Phillip Jeffery

Southern Traffic Peter Tellam

Southern Prosecution Andrew Heffernan

Sturt David Handberg

Country South Branch

Mount Gambier Andy McClean (chair)

Adelaide Hills Joe McDonald

Berri John Gardner

Millicent Nicholas Patterson

Murray Bridge Stephen Angove

Naracoorte Grant Baker

Renmark James Bentley

Operations Support Branch

Dog Ops Bryan Whitehorn (chair)

Police Academy Paul Manns

Police Academy Rhett Vormelker

Band Andrew Ey

Comcen Brenton Kirk

Firearms Brett Carpenter

HR Kerry Rouse

HR Paul Agnew

Mounted Ops Melanie Whittemore

State Tac/ Mark Buckingham

Op Mandrake

Traffic David Kuchenmeister

Transit Richard Hern

ATSI Branch Shane Bloomfield (chair) (no delegates)

Women’s Branch Mardi Ludgate (chair) (no delegates)

Officers Branch Les Buckley

REPRESENTATIVES

COHSWAC Bernadette Zimmermann

Housing Bernadette Zimmermann

Leave Bank Bernadette Zimmermann

Legacy Sam Strange

Police Dependants Tom Scheffler Fund

Superannuation Bernadette Zimmermann Tom Scheffler

SOGII Matthew Karger

President Mark Carroll

formerly bound by the APO’s directions on how to proceed

The reality is that any failure on the part of these officers to appropriately prosecute a breach of discipline because of association membership would be a very serious matter of corruption –and would likely constitute criminal abuse of public office

The APO also criticized the “positive attitude” of the association toward the PDT. He suggests we are a “partisan player”.

How wrong the acting police ombudsman got it

Idon’t often feel compelled to write to the police minister, the police commissioner, the major players on all sides of state politics and the independent commissioner against corruption

But that’s exactly what I did in October to challenge some of the content in the Acting Police Ombudsman’s 2016-2017 annual report.

The portrayal of the Police Association in the report, handed down to parliament in September, was nothing short of disgraceful

Rarely have I seen such stunningly inaccurate and unfair assertions about the role of the Police Association in police disciplinary matters

It was the APO’s final report and, even though the role has been abolished, I still wanted to convey the depth of feeling among our members about the APO’s comments.

One of the most astonishing observations in the report was the assertion that police officers who prosecute in Police Disciplinary Tribunal

proceedings might be biased because they are prosecuting fellow police “unionists”

This is laughable The APO must surely be aware that more than 99 per cent of SAPOL ‘s sworn police force are association members – including the commissioner, deputy commissioner and every assistant commissioner.

He would then necessarily have to be asserting that they are also compromised in some of their SAPOL duties.

It’s a ridiculous assertion

And it shows the ombudsman’s office had a thorough misunderstanding of the role of the association

That particular observation also comprehensively fails to reflect the true nature of what occurs in the PDT

It’s an outrageous slur on the professional integrity of police prosecutors There is absolutely zero evidence to suggest these members are biased.

In fact, the association has often witnessed the dogged pursuit of its members And those officers were also

That’s a very serious and offensive allegation. It implies the association has an interest in assisting police officers who have breached the Code of Conduct to avoid detection and sanction.

That’s a very serious and offensive allegation It implies the association has an interest in assisting police officers who have breached the Code of Conduct to avoid detection and sanction

The reality is the association has no interest in assisting members to escape the proper consequences of breaching the code

That is why our funding rules require that there be merit in challenging a matter and an additional requirement that a member’s conduct be reasonable.

We have every interest in protecting the integrity of SAPOL and, most significantly, ensuring that the public continues to hold SA police officers in high esteem

The APO also suggested that the association is “not well placed to assess whether the structure of a police disciplinary framework is in the public interest and does the job of protecting the public and the police force itself”.

That view is apparently not shared by the government and the parliament, given we were invited to consult with the attorney-general and the ICAC on the recent rewrite of the complaints and disciplinary system

We supported most of those amendments We can only assume we hold “influence” because the advice we give, informed by our experience working in this legal space, is beneficial to the legislature

It is also necessary to disabuse the government and parliament of any notion that police discipline is not an industrial issue – another false assertion in the APO’s report

If charges were more appropriately drafted, members would, in many cases, admit breaches and bypass the PDT all together. It is overwhelmingly in members’ interests to have their matters finalized as quickly as possible, but this cannot be done at the expense of proper process.

Police discipline is a core industrial issue It is no different conceptually from the discipline framework regulating the medical profession and the public service – all of which exist to protect the public

In fact, the powers held by senior police to enquire into members’ private lives and the potential for their misuse aptly illustrates why the association’s role in supporting members through the process is crucial to our work .

And this assistance also serves the public interest

In the association’s long and extensive experience, most of the matters that come before the PDT can be resolved

In fact, the overwhelming majority of matters in the PDT are resolved by members admitting the breaches

This can be done prior to the matter coming before the tribunal Unfortunately, in some cases, the charges laid do not reflect the true substance of the complaint.

Members frequently admit error but simply cannot admit to breaches that do not reflect what they have done wrong

In those cases, resolution can often only come about after the members engage lawyers who – together with the member – review the evidence, cut through assumptions and innuendo built into them, and suggest the commissioner proceed with a different charge which properly reflects the evidence and what has occurred.

If charges were more appropriately drafted, members would, in many cases, admit breaches and bypass the PDT all together It is overwhelmingly in members’ interests to have their matters finalized as quickly as possible, but this cannot be done at the expense of proper process

What’s abundantly clear is that the APO’s report, as in previous years, elegantly demonstrates the necessity of the association’s continued provision of assistance to our members in the discipline process.

Anything to be OPERATIONAL

An accident robbed Brevet Sergeant Ian Alderson of his operational status as a cop. He knew that, to get it back, he would have to sacrifice his leg.

By Brett Williams

THE FIRST MENTION OF THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSING HIS LEFT LEG CAME WITH AN UNDERSTANDABLY CRUSHING IMPACT.

Brevet Sergeant Ian Alderson remembers it as a “passing comment” from a consulting orthopaedic surgeon, who asked: “You do realize that you might lose it?”

Until then, all the medical emphasis had seemed to be entirely on reconstructing the painful limb Alderson had shattered so extensively in an off-duty accident

But a reconstruction was never going to restore full function to his leg, and no one had raised with him the question of a below-the-knee amputation.

“It was a passing comment as consulting surgeons were walking through on their hospital rounds,” he recalls

“The proposition was pretty shocking and really quite upsetting as well. But, in retrospect, I know that the surgeon was just being realistic and trying to be honest with me ”

And that surgeon would be equally honest in a later conversation with Alderson and his wife, Julie, in his consulting rooms at Burnside Hospital

His advice was that, in the same circumstances Alderson was facing, he would undergo elective amputation, get a prosthetic leg, and move on with his life

Alderson, a practical man and an active husband and father of two teenaged boys, took that frank assessment hard. And, afterward, as he and Julie drove home in their separate cars, emotion overwhelmed him

“I think I just probably cried most of the way home,” he says. “I was so upset because, deep down inside my heart, I knew that (the amputation) was what needed to be done

“But I really didn’t want it Obviously, I wanted my leg back in working order, but that was never going to happen

“So, it was like a grieving process You start crying and you’re just thinking: ‘I don’t want to lose my leg It’s unfair ’

“Then the rational side of you kicks in and you think: ‘Yeah, but, what am I trying to achieve? Which is the best option to achieve my goals?

“I knew what my goals were, and I kind of knew that the reconstructed leg wasn’t going to permit me to do what I wanted to do ”

It was impossible for Alderson not to know just how much his damaged leg would limit his mobility for life. The evidence was inescapable for him throughout the two years after his accident

At times, like the day he stopped on the Great Ocean Road with his family, the reality of his dilemma hit hard

“They walked down to the beach to see the rocks, or whatever they were looking at, and I couldn’t,” he remembers “I just stayed in the car because I knew I couldn’t physically do that. It was too painful. ”

So, ultimately, Alderson chose not to persevere with the reconstruction of his leg and, instead, opted for the amputation

“I could’ve kept it,” he says, “but I would’ve been walking with a stick and spent the rest of my life that way I wouldn’t have been able to be operational again ”

The amputation took place at the Burnside Hospital in 2015 By then, two years had passed since his accident and he had already undergone several other operations.

“By the time the amputation occurred I was petrified,” he recalls, “but I was kind of ready for it I think I had reached that acceptance stage ”

Not disposed toward self-pity, Alderson rarely if ever looks back on the night of his accident and thinks: “If only I hadn’t…”

He and the South Coast cops he worked with on patrols had gone on a Night Attack True Grit event on the Adelaide Showground oval in October 2013. A military-style obstacle course – which some use for team building – True Grit features a wall around three metres high

Alderson, then 38 and a good climber, was the last of his team to charge his way up the obstacle and reached the top of it unaided Then, when he had just begun to thrust himself over to the other side, one of his mates suddenly bobbed up to help him

But Alderson was in flight and, as he saw it, at risk of kicking his would-be helper in the face and knocking him backward off the wall.

“I ended up leapfrogging over him,” he says “So, rather than hanging and

“And rather than landing on two feet, I basically landed on my left leg.

So, my whole bodyweight went through my left leg and it just went crunch.”

dropping, I was falling from the full height of the wall

“And rather than landing on two feet, I basically landed on my left leg So, my whole bodyweight went through my left leg and it just went crunch

“The ground was grass but it was so hard it was like landing on concrete. ”

Alderson had landed right next to his then patrol sergeant, Jason Phillips. Both men were UK recruits but had not known one another before joining SAPOL

Says Phillips: “The moment he landed, his ankle just buckled You could see instantly the compound fracture, so we knew it was serious straight away ”

But, despite breaking his lower leg bones (tibia and fibula), Alderson had felt no immediate pain.

“He just stood there and was fine,” Phillips says. “He didn’t instantly notice, and I went: ‘Ian, your ankle!’ He looked down and that’s when he realized he’d really hurt himself

Above: in hospital after surgery in December 2013 wearing a bum bag which contained a balloon (inside a canister) for administering antibiotics; facing page, clockwise from top left: in the old RAH with a gauze dressing over the skin graft in November 2013; the wound in May 2015 after the internal metal work had failed; the wound after gracilis free flap surgery in November 2013; facing page below: Alderson’s left thigh from which surgeons took the skin graft.

And, then, he just collapsed on the ground ”

When Alderson took that downward look at his ankle, he saw that it was “all mangled” and that “bones were sticking out”

“I was wearing shorts at the time, so I could see it clearly,” he recalls. “And then I just thought: ‘Oh, this doesn’t look good!’ ”

First aid trainer and teammate Senior Constable Krystal Thorpe rushed to help Alderson while Phillips yelled out for any other trained people to help as well

Members of another team undertaking the True Grit course, right behind the police team, heard the call And, in an extraordinary stroke of luck, one of them was an orthopaedic surgeon who responded immediately.

He went about realigning the protruding bone and that caused Alderson some of the most excruciating pain he had ever felt

Other pain he had suffered – from a broken wrist as a nine-year-old, an appendicitis, a hernia – paled by comparison

Alderson never looked at the surgeon working on him His concerned mates rightly distracted him

“One of my colleagues was kind of holding my head,” he says, “and I just held my sergeant’s hand, which was really comforting. ”

Paramedics soon arrived and whisked Alderson away to the Royal Adelaide Hospital Until then, of course, Julie had no idea of what had happened to her husband

Her bond with him was unbreakable She and Alderson had known each other since they were 14, and the couple had married at age 21

It was not long before she got a call from Jason Phillips, who had rung to tell her about the accident. He did not want to panic her and so played down the seriousness of the injury Alderson had suffered

“He thought it’d be a good idea if I made my way there. So, obviously, at that point, I didn’t realize how serious it was.”

“He said that Ian had had an accident, that he had rolled over on his ankle and needed to go to the hospital,” Julie remembers “He thought it’d be a good idea if I made my way there So, obviously, at that point, I didn’t realize how serious it was ”

Julie took the advice and went to the hospital with her youngest son But three hours passed before she got to see her husband, whom hospital staff were then wheeling by her on a bed.

“His leg was all bandaged and I can remember seeing blood through the bandage,” she says “I thought: ‘Oh, shit! It’s obviously like an open fracture if he’s got blood there This is worse than a rolled ankle ’

“One of the doctors had taken a photograph of the X-ray on their phone and showed it to us You could see that it was a very bad fracture ”

Alderson wound up admitted to the hospital that night and, the next day, underwent surgery. Surgeons fixed a metal frame (external fixator) to his leg to realign his broken bones before later surgery to deal with the breaks internally

After he had undergone that second operation, Alderson went home to recover but his wound became badly infected It was a crushing setback and, regrettably, one disappointment after another would follow over the next two years

He would undergo plastic surgery, the removal of a 5cm length of bone which had died, a bone graft, and a bone marrow transplant.

From his thigh, surgeons removed a muscle and transplanted it into his leg and later inserted a titanium rod into his tibia and through to his foot

“So, with the combination of everything I’d done to the leg, I was just thinking: ‘Right, it needs to go. I need to get this prosthetic.’ ”

“At the end of it all,” he says, “when I had the titanium rod fitted, my ankle was fused, and I was walking with a walking stick But I was in a lot of pain, and the leg looked like a dog had chewed on it

“So, with the combination of everything I’d done to the leg, I was just thinking: ‘Right, it needs to go I need to get this prosthetic ’

“In fact, I kind of knew that the amputation was going to be the way to go prior to the titanium rod surgery ”

After the removal of the 5cms of bone, and more than two months off work, Alderson wound up assigned to South Coast Intel Section in February 2014

His arrival there, as an injured worker with no background in intel, gave the section manager, Senior Sergeant Steve Whetton, a measure of concern

But, in his first conversation with Alderson, whom he had never met, he came to perceive him as “an extremely genuine person”.

“He was working extremely hard in planning (at the time),” Whetton says. “And, after that brief conversation with him, I went over to management and said: ‘More than happy to have him ’

“He was in massive pain He’d come to work each day and his wound kept

getting infected. He’d had multiple operations, skin grafts and bone replacements.

“But he just continually came to work He never pulled sickies; he never did anything like that I would say to him: ‘Mate, don’t come back for another week,’ and he’d go: ‘No, I’m coming to work ’ ”

But Alderson had to be away from work for many periods of annual and sick leave for operations and recovery at home. He recognized, and regretted, that his incapacity left Julie with much of the burden of running the household.

“There was a period where I was doing everything around the house,” she says “I was caring for him, I was trying to cope with the garden, I was working all those family tasks And our relationship was definitely more of a (case in which) I was his carer ”

Whetton paid Alderson a few visits at home, where he saw him “severely struggling” with frustration because of his limitations.

“He couldn’t do (simple things like) his garden,” Whetton says, “and his boys were young, and he couldn’t do things with them

“You could see it was really getting him down, and all he wanted to do was get his leg cut off ”

And that was exactly what happened on October 8, 2015, when surgeons amputated his left lower leg below the knee When Alderson took his first look down at his shortened limb he saw not his bare upper leg but rather a heavily bandaged stump.

He never recoiled or reacted to what he saw with shock, partly because he had researched the amputation process on the Internet Footage he had watched showed surgeons sawing off patients’ limbs

“So I knew exactly what was going to happen,” he says “I needed to know I don’t see the point of sticking your head in the sand I thought: ‘It’s going to happen, so just face up to it ’ I was always a believer in getting on with things ”

And Alderson did try to get on with things but, a month after the amputation, he ended up back in hospital. He had felt excruciating pain in his stump because his wound

“And I was thinking: ‘I don’t know how I’m going to get him through this because he’s so low.’

But it was like:

‘Well, this is what we’re dealing with, so this is what we will deal with.’ ”

had become badly infected and needed surgery.

This, for Alderson, was the “lowest moment” in his desperate quest to regain mobility. Says Julie: “I was really concerned at that point I could see from his body language (that he was thinking): ‘I cannot catch a break ’

“And I was thinking: ‘I don’t know how I’m going to get him through this because he’s so low ’ But it was like: ‘Well, this is what we’re dealing with, so this is what we will deal with ’ ”

The only way to deal with the infection was for Alderson to face up to another operation. And he did, but surgeons had to remove another centimetre of bone from his lower leg.

“I didn’t want to lose any extra length in the stump, but something

had to happen,” he says “It was upsetting but it was right that it happened. I’d faced many hurdles, so it was just another thing to get over.

“You always hear stories of somebody else worse off than you and that just puts things into perspective ”

As limited as his work prospects might have seemed, Alderson aimed to get back to at least limited operational status He had served on the front line with Northumbria Police in England and with South Coast patrols here in SA And that was the work he wanted to continue.

But he would have to prove himself capable of operational police work . That meant learning how to function with a prosthetic limb and, ultimately, passing a functional capacity test

Above: Alderson and wife Julie; facing page, top: X-rays which showed the internal reconstruction work in October 2013; below: in hospital the day after his amputation in October 2015.

“I knew he was a good lad and a strong character but, until he did this injury, you didn’t realize just how strong he truly was. He’s a very rare human being.”

Facing page, images far left: at a rainforest retreat in Queensland where Alderson and Julie went for their 20th wedding anniversary and took 10km walks last April; left: delivering a speech at the Self Insurers of SA awards.

He got his prosthetic fitted at the Repat Hospital and, then, went about absorbing every grain of input his rehab consultant could provide.

“Everything I was doing was tailored to be operational again,” he recalls. “I chopped my leg off to be operational again, and I knew what that functional capacity test (required)

“I went along to the amputee clinic and said: ‘I’m going to need a leg that’s going to permit me to do these things, as well as the other operational stuff ’

“So the leg and foot that I have were all tailored for SAPOL operational requirements and the functional capacity test ”

Alderson took the test in March this year and Steve Whetton went along with him.

“It was a long process,” Whetton says, “walking up and down hills and embankments and performing on machinery inside the complex .

“He was desperate and trying so hard, to the point that he was actually causing himself further damage to his stump ”

But Alderson triumphed He emerged with a clearance to undertake restricted operational duties as a field intelligence officer That approval also allowed him to wear his uniform and a firearm, participate in IMOST, and drive police vehicles

Alderson, however, still aspired to full, rather than restricted, operational status. He persevered and, last August, fronted up to an appointment with the police medical officer.

And, again, he triumphed. The PMO declared him fit to resume full operational duties without restriction

“He was satisfied that I’d be able to do what I needed to do,” Alderson says “It’d been a long road after what was kind of a semi-knockback with the limited clearance

“But, then, to get the full operational clearance was a relief and definitely a sense of achievement ”

The cops close to Alderson, particularly his old patrol team members, have marvelled at his courage and persistence. His former sergeant, Jason Phillips, describes him as “an absolute inspiration”.

“He’s just amazed everybody,” Phillips says “And probably 99 per cent of people around him

wouldn’t know what he’s been through because he’s just taken it in his stride

“I knew he was a good lad and a strong character but, until he did this injury, you didn’t realize just how strong he truly was. He’s a very rare human being. ”

Alderson won formal recognition for his efforts last month when he received the Self Insurers of SA award for Outstanding Personal Achievement in Return to Work

He appears to be the first-ever amputee police officer in Australia with full operational status And yet he might not now return to patrol work

Alderson is studying for a degree in cybersecurity, policing, intelligence and counterterrorism, and looks set to remain at South Coast Intel. After winning his position there as an FIO, he found that he “actually enjoyed it”.

But, to make his journey back to mobility, Alderson had more than just his work as motivation

“My wife was awesome, my kids were great, and there were things I wanted to do,” he explains “I had too much to live for

“And as much as there are difficulties in life being an amputee, I look at it as a pair of glasses If I have bad eyesight, I put the glasses on and it’s corrected

“So, I’m missing my leg, but I put the prosthetic on and it’s corrected, and I can do pretty much what everybody else can. ” PJ

Shoot-to-kill laws, counter-terrorism and radicalization were hot-button issues at the Police Association annual conference where key figures offered their viewpoints. The progress of Recruit 313 came in for comment, too, while Redgum front man John Schumann followed up from last year on mental health. Nicholas Damiani reports.

Police Association Annual

Strong immunity provisions critical in shoot-to-kill legislation

Police Association president Mark Carroll (above) insisted that police officers should not have to second-guess themselves if parliament is to enact “shoot-to-kill” legislation

The proposed anti-terror measures could allow police to pre-emptively take out a terrorist – or any other individual – who threatens immediate harm to innocent people

In his opening address at the Police Association annual conference this month, Mr Carroll said that some parts of the justice system – such as the Coroners Court – have not always served police officers well.

“How many times have we seen them scrutinize forensically the decisions or actions of police and openly criticize and shame individual officers,” he said

“The Coroners Court is vital to our

democracy … but it is an institution that necessarily requires the confidence of people who use it, which means the tone in which inquiries are conducted really matters ”

Mr Carroll said other examples, such as the failed prosecution of Senior Constable Norman Hoy, highlighted the need for legislative protection and immunity for police in the construction of anti-terror laws

“It will be front-line general-duties officers who will be first on the scene if a (terror) incident arrives on our doorstep,” he said

“And PASA cannot allow substandard immunity provisions for police so that others can second- or third-guess decisions.

The president also said any officers involved in the killing of terrorists should have their identities protected

“Police need to be unfettered in responding to a direct threat. And they need to know they’ll be backed up.”

Annual Conference

Premier pledges to work with police on shoot-to-kill laws

Premier Jay Weatherill (above) said he would consult with both the Police Association and the police commissioner in respect of the proposed “shoot-to-kill” legislation.

Speaking to association delegates, the premier said the legislation deserved the most “complex and detailed consideration”

“Police need to be unfettered in responding to a direct threat,” he said “And they need to know they’ll be backed up ”

The premier also advised delegates that Recruit 313 was not just a one-off

“If we have another term in office, we will commit to funding the new peak level of officers,” he said

The premier also commended the Police Association on its commitment to ensuring the sound mental health of police officers.

He told delegates there would never be any “surprises” from his government.

“You put yourself at risk to keep this community safe,” he said. “We understand what you do, and we support you in that role ”

Libs to review front-line policing

State Opposition leader Steven Marshall (above) promised a review of front-line policing if the Liberal party is elected in March

Mr Marshall told Police Association delegates his party would look at “legislative impediments” to police work

These would include streamlining the arrest process, reducing the amount of waiting time police spend in court, and reviewing technology to reduce administrative burdens

Mr Marshall said the Opposition was also committed to anti-terrorism measures.

“We have already announced a comprehensive policy to ensure we are as prepared as possible,” he said.

He told delegates the plan includes additional front-line training, a counter-terrorism communication plan, increased use of community constables, additional training for security guards and programmes to prevent “radicalization in prisons”

He also said his party would, if elected, trial lightarmoured vests to protect front-line police officers from knife attacks

Mr Marshall commended the association, especially in respect of its stance on mental health.

“I want to acknowledge the ground-breaking work PASA has done here,” he said.

“A Liberal government will work with this association to ensure the (mental) health of police officers receives the attention it deserves ”

Academy brimming with Recruit 313ers

SAPOL is on track to deliver on Recruit 313 by the target date of June 30, 2018

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens (right) told Police Association delegates the academy was currently brimming with a huge number of recruits – and that SAPOL had consequently revamped its training programmes.

“There has been an opportunity to instigate change in the way we train police officers,” he explained

“It would never have occurred if we weren’t under this pressure (Recruit 313) That’s a real benefit that has come out of this ”

He said the extra officers would be allocated to a range of areas including the Special Crimes Investigation sections, the Multi-Agency Protection Service, the Offender Management Section, Family Violence, Prosecution, Victim Contact and cyber-crime.

Commissioner Stevens said SAPOL was also developing a mental-health plan which would properly cater for the needs of police officers

He said the Police Association and SAPOL are “in lockstep” on this issue

“The collaboration has been outstanding,” he said “(This) will ensure we are able to properly look after our officers when they suffer a mental-health episode ”

He said the association’s Headnotes booklet – a social and emotional wellbeing guide produced with the support of SAPOL and the government – and the new Equipt app, were both great initiatives.

“We are also rolling out mental-health first-aid training for sergeants and senior sergeants so that our supervisors in the front line are more equipped to help their staff,” he said

Commissioner Stevens also told delegates the organizational reviews and new district policing model plans were the biggest changes SAPOL had undertaken in almost 20 years.

“We knew (when undertaking this review) that each one of the six LSAs did things differently,” he said.

“I’m a firm believer in best practice, and I can’t be convinced that there are six ways

“It would never have occurred if we weren’t under this pressure (Recruit 313).”

of doing that in SA metropolitan policing. This is about a borderless deployment methodology. ”

Commissioner Stevens said he anticipates SAPOL will move to the district model on July 1, 2018

He said members could expect to see IT amendments and other capital works beginning in stations soon

He also told delegates his commitment to gender parity in police recruiting had so far been achieved

“We achieved that not by rejecting men, but by opening up our recruiting and marketing campaign to attract women into policing,” he said. “We’ve seen an overwhelming response to our specified marketing campaigns ”

The commissioner also announced that SAPOL had commenced a review of country policing

“There are obvious challenges in terms of country policing, and in terms of where our (country) police stations are,” he said

“This is the first time we’ve done a dedicated review of regional policing. I will examine all considerations put up to me by the review team ”

Australia still behind the

The former front man of iconic Australian band Redgum told Police Association delegates that Australia is still stuck in a bygone era when it comes to confronting mental-health issues

John Schumann – who brought post-traumatic stress disorder into the national conversation when he wrote the act’s famous 1983 song I Was Only 19 – said the country still has ground to cover in reducing the stigma of mentalhealth issues

“A mental-health issue does not mean that you’re soft,” he said “(That) stigma actually stops people from doing the very thing they need to do to recover. ”

Mr Schumann (above) also said that many Australians – including employers – still see depression as a sign of weakness

“Some people think (people with mental-health issues) are just being difficult,” he said “Or that they’re mentally incompetent, they can’t make a decision or be logical It’s plain ignorant nonsense

“We have to offer the same support to someone in the workplace with a mental illness as we would if they’d done an ankle. ”

Mr Schumann told delegates that police officers were at greater risk, owing to the nature of their work

“(That) stigma actually stops people from doing the very thing they need to do to recover.”

times on mental health Member’s efforts a win for safety

“If you guys have a physical accident doing what you do, that could be a lifechanging, or a life-ending, event,” he said.

Mr Schumann talked about what he called “cop-specific” mental-health risks

“These include repeated exposure to trauma, hypervigilance, a lack of input into decision-making at work, cynicism and pessimism, always thinking the worst of everything and everybody,” he said

Mr Schumann said members should access association programmes like the Police Support Group and the Headnotes booklet (which association members will receive in the next month).

He also expressed the importance of police officers talking among themselves.

“That conservation, that sharing of stuff, is an important step,” he said “ ‘Suck it up princess’ doesn’t work

“Being a cop can be all consuming and, when you’re focussed on protecting the community, sometimes you can forget about protecting your mate or your partner

“That’s what the Police Support Group is about ” Members can visit PASAweb to find out more about the Police Support Group

Police Association member Senior Constable 1C Nigel Hearnden won the 2017 Step-Up safety award for highlighting a lack of wet-weather apparel for Dog Operations members

SC1C Hearnden had previously submitted a report through the Hazard Incident Reporting System (HIRS) about Dog Ops members exposed to prolonged periods of cold and inclement weather

Members’ ability to move freely and respond quickly during an incident was significantly hampered in these conditions, putting the personal safety of members at risk .

This issue had previously been raised with SAPOL through various forums After nearly five years of submissions, reports, proposals and briefing papers, there remained no fit-for-purpose wet-weather apparel available for dog handlers

SC1C Hearnden ultimately contacted the Police Association and Safework SA for guidance and assistance

He had an abundance of proof that exhaustive efforts had been made to resolve the matter. Safework SA ultimately appointed a workplace health and safety inspector to resolve the matter

SC1C Hearnden eventually issued a Provisional Improvement Notice to SAPOL under section 90 of the Workplace Health and Safety Act.

A week later, SAPOL approved a fit-for-purpose wet-weather jacket for Dog Ops members

Association assistant secretary Bernadette Zimmerannn, announcing the award at the 2017 annual conference, said SC1C Hearnden had doggedly pursued the issue in the interests of his workmates

“This was an outstanding achievement secured by his enduring efforts,” she said.

“He secured this outcome on behalf of his colleagues through his personal tenacity and determination in the face of significant resistance

“His resilience and his knowledge of the act and its application in the workplace assisted him in bringing about the only sensible conclusion to a long-running safety issue ”

Dog Ops member SC1C Bryan Whitehorn accepted the award on behalf of the absent SC1C Hearnden, to whom he paid tribute.

Continued page 23

SCIC Nigel Hearnden with police dog Argus

Police Association president to continue leading nationally

By Brett Williams

Police Association of South Australia president Mark Carroll has kicked off his fourth consecutive 12-month term as holder of the nation’s highest police union office.

His peers were unanimous in re-electing him to the role of Police Federation of Australia president for the third time.

The Australian Electoral Commission announced the election result at the annual federal council meeting of the PFA in Canberra last month

Mr Carroll, 50, is just the fourth president to head up the PFA since it won the right to federal registration in the High Court of Australia in 1995

His three years in office, since November 2014, add to the impressive record of service South Australians have contributed to the role

Former Police Association of SA president Peter Alexander led the PFA for 10 years to 2007

Under the Carroll leadership, the organization has pressured the federal government on issues such as counter-terrorism initiatives, police professionalization and mental health.

In response, the government has announced

“My fellow board members and I intend to keep the PFA strong and influential and focussed on specific goals.”

$1 million in funding to assist the PFA in a campaign to raise awareness of mental-health issues in the police profession

As part of his advocacy for the professional registration of police, Mr Carroll addressed the annual National Policing Summit in Sydney last year.

And, last August, he campaigned with WA Police Union members battling for a pay increase on which their government had reneged.

Mr Carroll has also directed the publication of a five-year strategic plan (2016-2021) for the PFA and overseen submissions to a range of federal government committees

“The strategic plan has an especially important purpose, which is to guide the PFA’s future,” he said

“My fellow board members and I intend to keep the PFA strong and influential and focussed on specific goals That’s essential

“And the strategic plan will help us do all that and, by extension, deliver the best possible outcomes for Australian police. ”

While Mr Carroll oversees the operations of the Canberra-based PFA, he remains in Adelaide and continues to serve as president of the Police Association of SA

He has occupied that role since 2008, when he won a contested election after the retirement of Peter Alexander

Mr Carroll had served the union for 16 years in the roles of delegate, committee member, organizer and assistant secretary

His police career began when he joined SAPOL as an 18-year-old in 1985. After graduating with Course 12, he served in both metropolitan and country posts.

In the city, he worked Hindley St, the Adelaide Crime Enquiry Unit, the Vice and Gaming Task Force and Adelaide CIB

Mr Carroll had followed a family tradition of police

service which began with his great-grandfather, and carried on through his uncle and now late father His sister also joined SAPOL ahead of him

“You’d certainly say that I come from a family with policing in its blood,” he told the Police Journal after winning the PFA presidency in 2014. “I also have a very strong belief in the need to protect the rights, interests and conditions of police as employees.

“I know very well how hard and how dangerous the job can be; and I’ve been around long enough to have seen those times when police suffered plenty of industrial injustice I’m passionate about fighting that any time it arises ”

The PFA began operating as a federally registered trade union in 1998 It had won the right to registration in the High Court after defeating challenges by three state governments and several police commissioners

Sworn Australian police officers belong to the PFA by virtue of their state, territory and federal police union memberships.

“It’s critical for police to have strong representation in the federal arena,” Mr Carroll said. “Only in that way can we address issues such as taxation, superannuation, and federal industrial legislation

“And, from its beginnings, the PFA has been highly effective Its record of successes goes right back to issues such as the fringe benefits tax and the exemptions secured for police

“It’s also critical for the PFA to be on the ground, in Canberra, establishing and maintaining good relations with key political figures We continue to build on those important relationships ”

Police Association of NSW president Scott Weber and Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers were both re-elected as PFA vice-presidents. Police Association Victoria president John Laird was re-elected treasurer PJ

Police Association Annual Conference

From page 21

Ninety-three years’ service from nine delegates

Long-serving Police Association delegate Andrew “Macca” McClean notched up a high honour at the 2017 conference: a 25-year service award

Macca, who was unable to attend proceedings, will receive his award and badge at the 2018 conference dinner. Association president Mark Carroll and secretary Tom Scheffler presented other service awards to:

• Richard Schild (six-year service award).

• Matthew Kluzek (six-year service award)

• Nigel Savage (six-year service award)

• John Gardner (10-year service award and badge, to be presented)

• Andrew Heffernan (10-year service award and badge)

• Peter Hore (10-year service award and badge)

• David Kuchenmeister (10-year service award and badge)

• David Savage (10-year service award and badge) PJ

See page 49 for more photos from the Police Association Annual Conference.

Left to right: Police Association service award winners Peter Hore, David Savage, Andrew Heffernan, Richard Schild, Nigel Savage, David Kuchenmeister and Matthew Kluzek with Police Association president Mark Carroll and secretary Tom Scheffler.

Taking police mental health seriously

IT COULD BE A HIGH-SPEED CHASE THAT ENDS IN A FATALITY, AN OFFENDER WHO PULLS A GUN, A SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILD, A SIDS DEATH. Any one of these situations, and a host of others, could spark the beginnings of a mental illness in a police officer

And evidence of the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in some police, after highly distressing incidents, is today overwhelming

Few, if any, now refute the contention that police are more vulnerable than most in the context of mental health

Police Association president Mark Carroll

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

has continued to observe the psychological effects of police work on officers for more than two decades.

“This vulnerability is part of the uniqueness of the police occupation,” he said. “That’s a reality we can’t escape; and our members accept that, in policing, their mental health can be at extreme risk

“The key for us, as a union, is to create maximum awareness as to how mental-health problems come about and how they can be treated

“One way in which we’ve done that was to bring US behavioural scientist Dr Kevin Gilmartin to Adelaide on three occasions to address police on the subject

Honoured to attend retiring members dinner

Having recently returned from extended holidays I pass on my sincere thanks to the Police Association of South Australia for not only its commitment to currently serving members but also to retired members

As a now retired member, I was honoured to attend the 2017 annual retiring members dinner with fellow retired colleagues and I say thank you to the association delegates present.

I found the experience somewhat humbling after a long career, a career I enjoyed and one that I encourage, and have always encouraged, aspirants to pursue

It can be at times a thankless task but, overall, the satisfaction that you take with you when you leave is most rewarding, knowing that you have made a difference in helping a fellow human being Again, thank you to all delegates of the association and for organizing a most rewarding night, memories I take with me.

Sincerely

Brian Swan Detective Sergeant (ret)

“As our own knowledge in this area has increased, so too have our efforts to communicate strong, supportive messages to our members To that end, we have, among other measures, kicked off a powerful mentalhealth campaign ”

Mr Carroll said the Police Association had commissioned mental-health campaigner and former Redgum front man John Schumann to conceive and manage the campaign strategy

Mr Schumann has presented critically important mental-health information to the last two Police Association conferences.

And, at the 2017 conference, Commissioner Grant Stevens said he considered SAPOL and the Police Association to be in “lockstep” on the issue of police mental health.

One part of the new campaign is a booklet titled Headnotes, which members are due to receive at their postings

SAPOL and the state government supported the production of the booklet, described as a social and emotional well-being initiative for South Australian police officers

It provides police with a brief introduction to mental health and well-being as well as help in navigating their way along pathways to support and assistance.

The association hopes to see the booklet:

• Increase member awareness and understanding of common mental-health issues.

• Make the connection between members’ mental health and their personal safety

• Give members a few simple strategies to help preserve their mental health and that of their families and friends

• Direct members (plus their friends and families) to some pathways to help

Equipping

Another part of the awareness campaign is a series of posters which features Police Association members from a range of fields, including Major Crime, Major Crash, Mounted Ops and patrols

Accompanying the images of the members are hard-hitting phrases such as “10 foot tall and bullet-proof… well, maybe not always…”

The association will soon be sending the posters – to which SAPOL and the government have given their backing and support – out to workplaces for display in high-traffic areas.

“We believe that, in their way, the posters can reassure members that support is available to them,” Mr Carroll said.

“We also think that the messages these posters carry can help reduce the stigma which wrongly attaches to sufferers of mental ill health ”

The Police Association has also recently established a police support group in which its members can benefit from in-person engagement

Mr Schumann, along with other facilitators, convenes meetings of the group once a month at the Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide.

The meetings are open for members to discuss their work with one another and how it impacts on them both physically and mentally

“The structure we applied to the support group is such that it plays out in a safe, supportive environment,” Mr Carroll said

“There’s nothing like sharing a problem with those who understand it, and

police to counter terrorist attacks

Beating crime should mean just that – being one step ahead of it all the time And, in order to achieve this, we must make sure our police force is equipped with the latest technologies and legal powers to keep the community safe

South Australia’s police force has a proud history of serving the public and keeping the public safe. If elected premier in March next year, I can guarantee that my team will work together with SAPOL to ensure our officers are properly equipped to stop lawbreakers in their tracks

I’ve recently announced a raft of measures as part of our Counter Terrorism Action Plan, which forms a significant part of our law and order platform which we will take to the next election

Frightening images of terror attacks unfolding around the world are becoming more and more common. As a result, we must regularly review the way in which we respond to such heinous acts of violence.

I will lead a government that gives police greater certainty about the use of

members are free to talk about anything: their family lives, their relationships, their health…

“The support group is not a professional counselling service, but it is respectful and free of stigma and comes with the attendance and input of psychologist Fiona Stevens And scope exists for members to come up with ideas about how to help each other ”

Technology also plays an important part in the awareness campaign through a joint initiative of the Police Association and SAPOL

The Equipt smartphone app, described as a well-being app, is designed for current and former police officers.

It features rapid response tools to manage stress, lifestyle tools to help members stay healthy, and emergency assistance contact details.

Equipt is available for download in the app store

Also set to launch a strong mental-health awareness campaign is the Police Federation of Australia, of which Mr Carroll is president

The organization received $1 million in federal government funding for the initiative earlier this year

“Print, television and social media will be some of the tools of this campaign,” Mr Carroll said. “There will also be apps, workshops and the production of a documentary-style DVD.

“It’s all about creating the broadest possible understanding of the risks our members face to their mental health every day ” PJ

More information on the Police Support Group is available on the Police Association website (pasa.asn.au).

force – including lethal force – when facing a terrorist incident and ensures police have the authority to move decisively protect the public

I will ensure front-line officers receive double the firearms training that is currently provided, and that private security personnel are adequately trained to help deal with any terrorist incidents without encroaching on the responsibilities of the police.

Bernadette Zimmermann Assistant Secretary, Police Association

Saga of wet-weather gear finally over, thanks to member

It was a serious workplace safety issue

which Dog Ops member Nigel Hearnden was never going to let rest. Dog handlers, negotiators and members of the Explosive Coordination section had faced long periods of exposure to the elements without fit-for-purpose wet-weather apparel

This posed an obvious risk to their health and, when soaking wet in the field, hindered their freedom of movement and capacity to respond to incidents swiftly

To get SAPOL to act on the issue, Senior Constable First Class Hearnden submitted a HIRS (Hazard Incident Reporting System) report.

But, even before then, the issue had been raised with the uniform

committee, the executive uniform committee (EUC), various WH&S committees, and SAPOL managers at the highest levels. Inexplicably, none of this lobbying had brought any resolution to the problem In fact, after nearly five years of submissions, reports, proposals, briefing papers and approvals, fitfor-purpose wet-weather apparel remained unavailable

Former commissioner Gary Burns signed off on a fit-for-purpose wetweather jacket for dog handlers in 2014 But, owing to delays and drawn-out SAPOL decision-making, the jacket ended up superseded by the manufacturer and the process began all over again.

Inexplicably, none of this lobbying had brought any resolution to the problem. In fact, after nearly five years of submissions, reports, proposals, briefing papers and approvals, fit-for-purpose wet-weather apparel remained unavailable.

SC1C Hearnden, a health and safety representative, found this situation endlessly frustrating In September 2016, he contacted the Police Association and SafeWork SA for advice and support.

Under section 82 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 , he referred the matter to the regulator for a resolution by a WH&S-appointed inspector

Section 82 can be invoked when an issue has not been resolved in a workplace after reasonable efforts have been made to achieve an effective resolution A party to the issue may then ask the regulator to appoint an inspector to attend the workplace to assist in resolving the issue

SC1C Hearnden had an abundance of proof that reasonable – and in this case exhaustive – efforts had been made to resolve the matter. Consequently, SafeWork SA appointed a WH&S inspector to resolve the matter

Then came several issue-resolution meetings of the parties in accordance with the WH&S Act This was a way for SAPOL and members to work toward resolving the issue of providing a fit-forpurpose wet-weather jacket

SAPOL continued to hold its executive uniform committee meetings during the period of SafeWork SA oversight.

At a November meeting of the EUC in 2016, the issue of wet-weather jackets was not even raised. Yet it had been

Letters

From page 25

If we are to stay ahead of those plotting attacks on our soil, there must be full and effective collaboration between state and federal agencies including police, intelligence and defence, and we must invest in the latest skills and techniques in combating terror attacks. My government will work with SAPOL in auditing all major public spaces in Adelaide, spaces where thousands of South Australians converge for entertainment, sorting and other big events

Sadly, no city is immune from the threat of terrorism But what we can do is put measures in place to ensure the public can continue enjoying popular venues as they always have

Let’s not wait to have this conversation until after there has been a tragedy. Let’s act now to prevent it from happening.

Steven Marshall State Liberal Leader

earmarked in previous minutes for further EUC consideration And the failure to raise the issue occurred in the full knowledge of the assignment of a SafeWork SA inspector to the matter.

SC1C Hearnden, a party to the matter, received no advice of the outcome of the November 4 meeting until a week later SAPOL managers eventually broadcast a message by e-mail, which included such statements as:

• “The EUC meeting was held on the afternoon of 4/11 as planned … however the WWJ issue while minuted from the previous meeting (as requiring further consideration) was not discussed. ”

• “The importance of this issue to staff is clearly understood and their continued trust and support is appreciated and paramount in the continued negotiations with the CoP ”

When the e-mail arrived, SC1C Hearnden was on annual leave But, before his return, he made known his intention to issue SAPOL with a provisional improvement notice under the WHS& Act

He also sent members an e-mail with a request that they inform their respective HSRs of the process involved in submitting a PIN. SAPOL management attempted to dissuade SC1C Hearnden from issuing

the PIN for a further three weeks while consultation continued

And, in good faith, SC1C Hearnden did delay issuing the PIN to give the commissioner more time to consider the matter.

But, by November 30, 2016, nothing had progressed and the EUC had provided members no further information

So, on December 2, 2016, SC1C Hearnden issued SAPOL management with a PIN under section 90 of the WH&S Act

Notwithstanding the PIN, Dog Ops members were still able to wear their own privately purchased jackets with, if possible, some form of police identification.

On December 9, 2016, came advice that the commissioner and deputy commissioner had approved a fit-forpurpose wet-weather jacket for Dog Ops members

It had to be obvious to any observer, partial or impartial, that SC1C Hearnden was directly responsible for this outcome But that was not the message in an e-mail sent out by the officer-in-charge of the area It read:

“While this has been quite a long and sometimes difficult process, it is a great outcome that has been achieved through a cooperative and coordinated effort and

Fundraiser golf day

The Emergency Services Golf Day (NSW), now in its third year, raises money for worthwhile causes

Last year, we raised over $7,000 for the children’s ward at the South East Regional Hospital We hope to double that effort and raise much-needed money for Nardy House, a respite and permanent accommodation facility for children and adults with profound disabilities.

We look to raise over $20,000 this year. More than 140 emergency service personnel will come together on the day

It is vitally important to recognize those who contribute their time and energy to the cause of workplace safety for the benefit of their workmates.

for that I thank everyone involved for your input and support, especially (two managers named) who have been instrumental in bringing this issue to a successful conclusion. ”

No acknowledgement of SC1C Hearnden appeared anywhere in the e-mail

It is vitally important to recognize those who contribute their time and energy to the cause of workplace safety for the benefit of their workmates One of the ways in which the Police Association delivers that recognition is through its Step Up safety award

This year, SC1C Hearnden was the thoroughly worthy recipient of that award. He won it for his determination, resilience and knowledge of workplace safety legislation.

These were qualities which enabled him to bring the whole saga of the fit-for-purpose wet-weather apparel to the only sensible conclusion

to compete for the Challenge Cup at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club on November 17

We have secured former AFL player Mark “Jacko” Jackson as our celebrity guest speaker

We invite all current and retired South Australian police officers to be a part of the day The Police Association of NSW is one of our major sponsors again this year and already has a team in.

Regards

Darren Jones

Cliff Scarlett NSW Police, 0434 291 173 NSW Police, 0425 369 774

Policing is all about looking out for other people, so it’s important to have someone looking out for you. At Police Health, not only do we stand by the force, we stand with it as well. For more than 80 years, we’ve been run by police for police and their families, so we understand everything you need in a health fund - including great customer service. It’s why over 50,000 members of the policing community Australia-wide trust their health insurance needs to us. At Police Health, we’ve got your back.

Dr Rod Pearce

The e-cigarette controversy

Half of all cigarette smokers will die from complications associated with their clearly high-risk habit That’s why something like e-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) seems a logical alternative

Around the world there are different opinions about the safety of these devices E-cigarettes work by delivering nicotine and/or other chemicals via an aerosol vapor. They are designed to simulate the act of smoking tobacco cigarettes but do not involve the burning of tobacco.

Known variously as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), e-shisha, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookas, hookah pens, vape pipes and e-cigs, they are not available in Australia because we do not allow those with nicotine

The nicotine in conventional cigarettes is not the dangerous product but rather the addictive part Arguments in favour of nicotine without dangerous carcinogens from burning cigarettes support nicotine delivery through chewing (gum), patches and even snuff. When it comes to helping people stop smoking, the biggest problem still appears to be the remaining nicotine addiction Non-nicotine products are also available with e-cigarettes and many brands (both nicotine and nonnicotine) come in fruit, confectionery and other flavours

Then the argument is that young people start off with a habit of e-cigarettes (just a nice flavour) but end up using conventional cigarettes with all the associated risks . And this, according to conspiracy theories, is keeping tobacco companies happy

There is

limited

independent research into whether e-cigarettes are

as effective as quitting aids.

And e-cigarettes

vary in terms of ingredients and design, so findings which support one type of e-cigarette as a means to reduce smoking cannot apply to other types or brands.

A large UK study, and material released by the UK government, disputes this theory In 2015, the government said it believed there was no evidence that e-cigarettes were acting as a path to smoking for children or non-smokers

Australia has a public health policy against the use of e-cigarettes . The Therapeutic Goods Administration has not approved any electronic cigarette product as an aid in the battle to quit smoking.

UK reports and population health experts believe there might be a place for nicotine to be available through e-cigarettes But smoking remains England’s number one killer; and the best thing a smoker can do is to quit completely and forever

The claim is that, when compared to a conventional cigarette, a straight e-cigarette is 95 per cent less harmful.

Insofar as people who are trying to stop smoking, many studies show a higher use of e-cigarettes. This could be interpreted as a good thing because people are trying to stop smoking through the use of the e-cigarette

While it is said that nearly half the population (44 per cent) does not know the e-cigarette is less harmful, the change to e-cigarettes shows that the habit of smoking persists

A different interpretation from another finding is that the users of e-cigarettes have higher nicotine consumption than does the average smoker.

Those arguing against e-cigarettes say that, sooner or later, the attempts to

quit will falter and conventional smoking will be taken up again

There is limited independent research into whether e-cigarettes are as effective as quitting aids . And e-cigarettes vary in terms of ingredients and design, so findings which support one type of e-cigarette as a means to reduce smoking cannot apply to other types or brands

Claims might exist of e-cigarettes being used as an aid in the battle to quit smoking, but there are also reports of users increasing their nicotine addiction and dual use (e-cigarettes and tobacco)

The unproven effectiveness of the device, in terms of quitting, and the apparent higher nicotine dependence in users means that it has not found its place in Australia.

But e-cigarettes are used widely in the US In 2009, US taxes on cigarettes went up more than 150 per cent Usually this is associated with a drop in the rates of smoking, but people also move to alternatives

Younger people smoke less in response to a price signal, but other smokers look for alternatives

The claim is that, by 2011, the drop in smoking rates associated with the US tax increase had not been sustained. Perhaps smokers went to e-cigarettes for a year and then back to conventional smoking

Those in favour of e-cigarettes assert that any alternative to conventional cigarette smoking is better Indeed, the side effects of e-cigarettes appear to be limited to irritation of the mouth and tongue

And there is no passive smoking risk associated with e-cigarettes as there is with regular cigarettes

If e-cigarette use occurred in isolation it could be called safe. But the addiction to nicotine and likelihood of associated conventional cigarette smoking makes it controversial

Motoring

Jim Barnett

Model Subaru Impreza Sedan and Hatch

Price $22,400 – $28,990 (add $200 for Hatch variants)

Engine 2 0-litre Boxer petrol 115kW/196Nm

Transmission Paddle-shifter Lineartronic CVT with AWD Seats Five.

Safety 5-Star ANCAP, seven airbags .

Fuel economy 6 .6 – 7. 2 litres/100km.

Cargo Sedan 460 litres, Hatch 345 – 795 litres .

Spare wheel Emergency type

Model Toyota C-HR and C-HR Koba

Price $26,990 – $35,290 (plus on-roads)

Engine 1 2-litre (85kW) turbo petrol four

Transmission Six-speed manual or (seven-step) CVT auto (FWD or AWD)

Economy 6 3 – 6 5 litres/100km (combined)

Cargo 377 litres

Safety Seven airbags, autonomous braking and collision avoidance systems

Servicing $195 annually, first five years or 75,000km

Toyota C-HR and C-HR Koba

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

If you owned a new Toyota C-HR and misplaced it in a busy carpark, you’d have no trouble spotting it among the plethora of ordinary-looking new cars

That would certainly be true had you opted for the two-tone paint job ($450 option) on top-spec Koba

DESIGN AND FUNCTION

C-HR (Coupe High Rider) is not sure if it’s a coupe, a hatch or an SUV. It sports aspects of all three and, although some might not like it, C-HR is likely the shape of things to come

Subaru Impreza

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better small car for build quality, comfort, safety and driveability than the new Subaru Impreza

The well-equipped entry 2 0i is sharply priced from $22,400 (plus on roads) But at just $2,090 more, 2 0i-L –with its extra equipment and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance package –is a bargain.

DESIGN AND FUNCTION

Impreza was the first model (now followed by XV) based on a new global platform which will underpin all new Subarus over the next decade

For Impreza, the new platform provides increased body rigidity, more interior space, better ride and handling and a quieter interior

Hatch and slightly longer sedan body styles are available in four trim levels: 2 .0i, 2 .0i-L, 2 .0i Premium and

No better small car?

2 .0i-S . All feature a more powerful 2 .0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine driving all four wheels through CVT (only) automatic transmissions

Every model has fuel-saving auto engine Stop/Start, paddle shifters for the CVT, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, shark-fin antenna, electronic park brake and reach/rake adjustable steering

Designers have introduced a classy look and feel to the interior Soft materials with contrasting stitching feature along with new infotainment touchscreens with voice control, Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Safety across the board includes Subaru’s AWD system, reversing camera with gridlines, seven airbags, ISOFIX anchor points and tyre pressure monitoring

On all but entry 2 0i, Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist package provides adaptive cruise control, pedestrian avoidance and pre-collision braking and steering assistance.

These models also feature larger touchscreens and an MID (Multi-

Information Display) unit, which provides drivers with a wealth of information and is controlled by buttons on the steering wheel

DRIVING

Impreza is a rewarding, smooth and easy car to drive It feels much bigger inside than its external measurements suggest

Visibility is excellent, as is its driving position

All seats are comfortable and the whole interior is well laid out.

The engine offers good acceleration and is smooth and generally very quiet. The seven-step CVT transmission is one of the best to be found in a four-cylinder car

Impreza delivers firm ride characteristics but it’s never uncomfortable Its renowned AWD system and the new platform provide excellent flat, safe and predictable cornering

The car you’ll never lose

Built on a new global platform, C-HR is slightly bigger than a Corolla Hatch. It offers comfortable seating for four adults although rear passengers suffer restricted visibility owing to small side windows.

C-HR is available in 2WD manual from $26,990 (plus on-roads), but add $2,000 for a CVT transmission and a further $2,000 for AWD Top-spec Koba (CVT only) adds $4,300 to those prices

This might seem pricy compared with some of the opposition but this futuristic-looking Toyota is very well equipped

Entry C-HR has sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, auto wipers, heated mirrors and electronic park brake.

It also features a full suite of the latest safety features, including pre-collision

safety, autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure with steering assistance. There’s also rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and LED daytime running lights

DRIVING

Toyota has joined a growing band of car makers to utilize smaller turbo petrol engines in lieu of larger naturally aspirated engines C-HR is fitted with a 1 2-litre turbo four with direct injection

While it’s no race car, C-HR is really a good drive. With maximum torque (185Nm) available from just 1,500rpm, the engine pulls better than expected. It’s nippy in the hills and has long

legs on the highway It’s smooth and very quiet with the CVT well matched to the engine. Handling is definitely biased toward a sporty feel with good ride characteristics.

Ergonomically, C-HR feels good up front with drivers scoring reach/rake adjustable steering, seat-height adjuster, 4 2-inch display with trip computer and digital speed readout

The 6 1-inch infotainment touchscreen is conveniently located and features Bluetooth, voice control and Pandora

The modern wrap-around dash has lots of shiny black plastic complemented by soft materials. However, the dark brown soft dash pad doesn’t exactly fit with the rest of the colour scheme.

The answer is Astra

The Holden Astra Hatch

Designed, engineered and built in Europe for class-leading luxury, superior style and innovative technology in one world-class package.

The Astra Hatch is packed with safety features such as:

Lane Departure Warning, which lets you know when you inadvertently drift out of your lane, while Lane Keep Assist helps you steer back on course.

Automatic Emergency Braking, which detects when a collision is imminent and applies the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.

(Available on the Astra R+)

For more information simply call the GM Fleet Customer Service Centre on:

Banking

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

Ultimate travel destinations to tick off the bucket list

Travel can be good for the mind, soul and spirit . Exploring unknown places, seeing new and exciting things, embracing exotic landscapes…

There are so many reasons to jump on a plane and see the world It’s true that, once you have the travel bug, it’s hard to shake Some of our Police Credit Union staff have caught it themselves

They have visited some of the most awe-inspiring destinations but, more than that, we have had some amazing travel experiences And what is travel without the great memories?

According to our staff, some places should appear on everyone’s bucket list.

Stroll the streets of San Sebastian, taking in the sights, sounds and smells. See if you can resist the urge to enter every bar to indulge in the amazing array of tapas and sangria

Hitch a ride on a camel’s back into the middle of the Sahara Desert in Morocco and camp under the shooting stars

Get wild on a safari in Namibia See some of the most amazing animals up close and personal, walk a cheetah, wander among the world’s highest sand dunes and fall asleep to the sounds of the elephants trumpeting and the lions roaring.

Skip the big cities and see a different side of China in Lijiang Explore the

countryside and make sure you jump in a cable car, head to the peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take in the stunning views.

Watch life go by and the sun set over the beautiful clear seas of Waikiki while sipping on an assortment of cocktails

Indulge in Paris Pick some of your favourite sweet treats from the window of a patisserie Rent a bike for the day and cycle to the stunning Luxembourg Gardens to enjoy a strawberry tart or two

Feel like a kid again at Disneyland, the happiest place on earth Spend the day riding rollercoasters, eating churros and wearing Mickey Mouse ears.

For something a little more local, dive deep into the beauty of the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia . Swim alongside a whale shark, the gentle giant of the sea Be blown away by the abundance of tropical fish and the splendour of the majestic turtles

Marvel at one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Grand Canyon

Nothing can really prepare you for its sheer size, and the best way to take it all in is from the comfort of a helicopter

Immerse yourself in the big city life and live in New York for a week . Tick off the obvious but make sure that you venture further. Wander through the outdoor galleries and see some of the most amazing street art in Bushwick

Head to the Meatpacking District to have a drink in a hidden bar Try a bagel tour and hit an open-mic night at a trendy café

Travel really is good for the soul but, as much as it leaves you rich in happy memories, knowledge and so much more, it can also leave your wallet feeling a lot lighter

If you think travel is a worthy investment, perhaps you’ll want to explore the options that are available to fund your trip of a lifetime.

Continued page 48

Above top to bottom: Sahara Desert in Morocco, San Sebastian in Spain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in China.

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

INJURY COMPENSATION

• Motor accident injury compensation

• Workers compensation

FAMILY

& DIVORCE

• Public liability

• Superannuation claims (TPD)

Matrimonial, De Facto & Same Sex Relationships

• Children’s Issues

• Child Support matters

• Property Settlements

• “Pre Nuptial” style Agreements

BUSINESS & PROPERTY

• General business advice

• Real estate & property advice

• Business transactions

• Commercial disputes & dispute resolution

WILLS & ESTATES

• Wills & Testamentary Trusts

• Enduring Powers of Attorney

• Advance Care Directive

• Advice to executors of deceased estates

• Obtaining Grants of Probate

• Estate disputes

Rosemary Caruso Michael Arras

Adelaide • Reynella • Salisbury • Mt Barker • Murray Bridge Gawler

Pt Lincoln • Whyalla • Perth (WA) • Darwin (NT)

Gary Allison Amber Sprague

Wendy Barry Dina Paspaliaris

John Caruso Giles Kahl

L Legal Adam Osborn, Lawyer, Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

New relationships register impacts on your will

Imagine your partner had died unexpectedly and there was no legal recognition of your relationship All decisions are out of your hands and you can’t even be named on his or her death certificate. This was the scenario de facto couples faced until recently.

It was a heartbreaking situation which led to legislative change in South Australia and the passing of the Relationships Register Act 2016 The changes, which came into effect in August 2017, give more legal recognition than ever before to de facto relationships

Why would I want to register?

The Relationships Register provides legal recognition for all adults in a relationship as a couple (other than marriage), irrespective of their sex or gender identity. Importantly, this includes both heterosexual and same-sex couples, and so it recognizes same-sex marriages which have taken place overseas

Adults in a registered relationship will now have their date and place of registration recorded on their children’s birth certificates When you die, your partner’s name will appear on your South Australian death certificate if your relationship was registered. Registering your relationship also adds another layer of complexity to estate planning, the process of preparing a will, and disputes over deceased estates

Registering your relationship will have the same effect on your will as it does on getting married – it revokes it entirely. This applies to existing wills as well as those made after the new law came into effect.

Registering your relationship

To register their relationship, both adults need to complete the form and statutory declaration (available on the SA Births Deaths and Marriages website) and pay the fee.

If you were previously married, you can’t register a new relationship until divorcing from your former spouse

Just like a marriage, if the relationship with your partner ends, you should ensure the registration is revoked One or both partners can apply for revocation

There will be a cooling-off period for registering the relationship (28 days) and for revoking the registration (90 days) The fee to either register or revoke the relationship is $108.

How

does this impact my will?

For many years, getting married or divorced has impacted on your will

Registering your relationship will have the same effect on your will as it does on getting married – it revokes it entirely This applies to existing wills as well as those made after the new law came into effect

However, wills made after the new law came in can be prepared to include words that overcome this automatic revocation. This covers people expecting to register their relationship in the same

way as those expecting to get married after signing their wills Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers can prepare your will to include words that overcome this automatic revocation.

If you have the registration revoked, this will have the same effect on your will as a divorce – it will affect those parts of your will appointing your partner as executor and naming him or her as beneficiary, but no effect on the rest of your will

As with an impending divorce, if you expect to be revoking a registered relationship after you sign your will, it is important to consider the effect and have your will prepared accordingly

How does this impact on my estate planning, superannuation and disputes over deceased estates?

If you have superannuation with Police Super or SuperSA, where the benefit is generally paid to a spouse, registering your relationship will make it easier for your partner to access your super when you die

For other funds, to claim your partner’s super you might be asked to provide a statutory declaration and other evidence of your life together. It will be easier to prove that relationship if it was registered.

Continued page 48

Out of the Woods: A Journey Through Depression & Anxiety

Brent Williams Educational Resources, RRP $37.95

“This is as clear, accurate and sympathetic a description of major depression and how to emerge from it as I have ever seen ” – Dr Tim Cantopher

Out of the Woods is a completely unique, yet simple way of helping people understand and overcome these debilitating illnesses.

It is an incredibly powerful visual journey of depression and recovery, interwoven with the latest research and self-help strategies

It is as much a book for sufferers as it is for the families of those who are on this painful journey, and who can inadvertently make things worse if they are not well informed of what the sufferer is going through.

Dancing with Demons

Tim Watson-Munro Pan Macmillan Australia, RRP $34 99

September 1999 On a Sunday afternoon, Tim WatsonMunro walks into a room occupied by the glitterati of Melbourne’s legal establishment. He is in high spirits.

But once news breaks of the arrest of lawyer Andrew Fraser (Watson-Munro’s cocaine supplier), life as Watson-Munro knew it ends

As Australia’s most distinguished criminal psychologist, “Doc” Tim Watson-Munro assessed over 30,000 “persons of interest” in some of the nation’s most notorious court cases.

They included corporate fraudster Alan Bond, Hoddle St gunman Julian Knight, Melbourne gangster Alphonse Gangitano and, in recent years, Australia’s first terrorist convicts

Watson-Munro’s proximity to evil led him to a devastating personal crossroads – first wife gravely ill, second wife pregnant, best mate betraying him to the cops, $2,000-a-week drug habit spiralling out of control, illustrious career and reputation in crisis

He hit rock bottom and handed himself in to the cops

Did You See Melody?

Sophie Hannah Hachette Australia, RRP $29 99

Pushed to breaking point, Cara Burrows abandons her home and family and escapes to a five-star resort she can’t afford Late at night, she lets herself into her hotel room and is shocked to find it already occupied – by a man and a teenage girl.

A simple mistake on the part of the hotel receptionist – but Cara’s fear intensifies when she works out that the girl she saw alive and well in the hotel room is someone she can’t possibly have seen: the most famous murder victim in the country, Melody Chapa, whose parents are serving life sentences for her murder.

Cara doesn’t know what to trust: everything she’s read and heard about the case, or the evidence of her own eyes And is she prepared to ask herself that question and answer it honestly if it means risking her own life?

Dancing with Deception

Catherine McCullagh Big Sky Publishing, RRP $24 .95

In 1938, Marisa Carnarvon turns her back on her family’s comfortable life in Sydney to become a nurse in a London hospital As the threat of war moves closer, Marisa heads to Paris in 1939

In June 1940, the Germans invade Paris and the leader of the local resistance cell soon pressures the young nurse to work for the fledgling movement. Her life is further enmeshed by the arrival of a new Gestapo chief who sets out to seduce her

Marisa’s position becomes increasingly precarious as the resistance hunts for a traitor in the organization Suspicion falls on one of the hospital’s doctors and he is murdered, throwing Marisa into the resistance firing line.

As the war approaches its climax, Marisa’s Gestapo lover flees and the young nurse follows, discovering the truth behind the man whose life was a masterpiece of deception

Win a book or in-season movie pass!

For your chance to win one of the books or an in-season pass to one of the films (courtesy of Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas) featured in this issue, send your name, location, phone number and despatch code, along with the book and/or film of your choice to giveaways@pj.asn.au

The Secrets She Keeps

Michael Robotham Hachette Australia, RRP $32 99

Everyone has an idea of what his or her perfect life is . For Agatha, it’s Meghan O’Shaughnessy’s. At least, that’s how Agatha sees it.

There is one thing they have in common: both have buried dangerous secrets they will go to terrible lengths to keep

And soon, both will realize just how far from perfect their lives can be, and all it takes is one haunting lie that cannot be undone.

Offline

Anne Holt Corvus, RRP $29

99

It has been 11 years since Hanne Wilhelmsen’s life was forever changed by an assault that left her wheelchair bound Now, Hanne’s self-imposed exile is nearing its end.

When Oslo comes under attack from Islamic extremists in a series of explosions, the city is left reeling

A militant group claims responsibility, but the Norwegian police force doubts the authenticity of the declaration, and the group’s very existence.

The unfolding drama is brought to Hanne’s door by her former partner Billy T, who is convinced that his son, Linus, is involved in the recent events

He begs Hanne for help. But Hanne soon learns that she cannot protect Linus, Billy T or the people of Oslo.

Those bent on destruction are one step ahead, and many lives will be lost before the truth is revealed

Suburbicon

Season commences November 2

Suburbicon is a peaceful, idyllic, suburban community with affordable homes and manicured lawns -- the perfect place to raise a family And, in the summer of 1959, the Lodge family is doing just that

But the tranquil surface masks a disturbing reality, as husband and father Gardner Lodge must navigate the town’s dark underbelly of betrayal, deceit and violence.

Justice League Season commences November 16

Fuelled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy

Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat.

But, despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes – Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash – it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions

Justice League stars Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Amy Adams, Ben Affleck, Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill, Dianne Lane, Jeremy Irons, JK Simmons and Jesse Eisenberg

Thor: Ragnarok

Season commences October 26

Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela

Thor: Ragnarok stars Jaimie Alexander, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, Chris Hemsworth, Idris Elba, Karl Urban, Anthony Hopkins and Jeff Goldblum

Murder on the Orient Express

Season commences November 9

A lavish train ride unfolds into a stylish, suspenseful mystery

From the novel by Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient Express tells of 13 stranded strangers and one man’s race to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again.

2017 Blackbilly Sauvignon Blanc

$24 per bottle

Nick Haselgrove Wines

Tatachilla, South Australia

This wine is sourced from premium vineyards in the cooler parts of the Adelaide zone, specifically the Adelaide Hills, on the ranges overlooking McLaren Vale.

Distinctive in varietal aromatics and flavours this is truly an exciting wine style typical of the variety

Simple, minimalist winemaking techniques are used with emphasis given to preservation of fruit and varietal character.

Bottled under a screw cap seal to maximise freshness, it is intended to be drunk as a young wine, served chilled with seafood and white meats or as an aperitif

• Colour: bright and fresh with green colour and light straw tint.

• Nose: an aromatic style with tropical fruit, herbal asparagus with a green apple edge

• Palate: medium plate weight with bright green and tropical fruits with a citric, lime juice nuance Subtle texture on the palate adds a deliciousness and a fresh clean finish.

• Potential: ideally drink now but short-term cellaring will add further complexity and varietal definition

• Foods: crustacean, fish or freshly shucked oysters

• Vintage: 2017 was characterized by a lovely, warm ripening season which has produced flavoursome, expressive wines that show excellent fruit and length of flavour

2015 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

$24 per bottle

With blends of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre (aka Mataro or Monastrell) this is McLaren Vale’s signature blended wine Old vineyards, a Mediterranean climate and classical winemaking, which includes the use of oak, ensures a wine of substance and style.

This is the sixth vintage of this regional blend using the varieties Grenache (61 per cent), Shiraz (31 per cent) and Mourvedre (8 per cent)

These varieties have underpinned the region’s wines and many of the grapes come from prized old vines

After open fermentation, the individual wines are matured in a mixture of old larger-format oak with a smaller portion of newer French oak for complexity

Complex and with life, this wine will suit many elegant to full-flavoured foods, particularly Mediterranean cuisine.

• Colour: deep red magenta with a brick red, purple hue

• Nose: cedar and nutty oak note with a hint of ethereal vanilla with blue fruits that are reminiscent of mulberry. A touch of liquorice, cedar and crisp acidity and alcohol lift adds complexity.

• Palate: ripe and fleshy upfront black fruits combine well with a solid mid palate highlighting oak tannin and flavour Crisp acidity keeps the freshness and appeal of this full-bodied style

• Potential: this vintage has produced fruity wines which has medium-term cellaring potential.

• Foods: steak, lamb roasts and hearty stews

• Vintage: 2015 was a reasonably cool but fast vintage

2014 James Haselgrove McLaren Vale Futures Shiraz $44 per bottle

This wine was first made in 1984 as a rich, full-bodied Shiraz from a single vineyard planted in 1910

This 25th vintage is released after maturation in French and American oak for 30 months

Medium- to long-term potential augments savoury fruit characters DIAM cork used for quality cellaring allows the wine to slowly develop complexity

• Colour: dark purple and magenta with an opaque hue

• Nose: showing blueberry and mulberry fruit with cedary oak and hints of liquorice, and black pepper.

• Palate: full-bodied dark fruit with stony minerality and warm peppery finish with crisp acidity and even tannin persistence

• Potential: this vintage has medium- to long-term potential for ageing (eight-15 years). Ideally decant on opening and allow to breathe for an hour or two.

• Foods: King Henry (very thick rib eye) steak

• Vintage: despite a heatwave during the early part of harvest, this wine after some hang time developed strong and distinctive “terroir”.

special offer for Police Association members…

For 20 per cent off 2017 Blackbilly Sauvignon Blanc and 2015 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, go to www.nhwines.com.au and use the voucher code “police” at the checkout (minimum buy six bottles).

And, for a saving of $132 , go to www.nhwines.com.au/ policejournal and buy nine bottles of 2014 James Haselgrove McLaren Vale Futures Shiraz for $396 and receive free three bonus bottles Free freight Australia

The Last Shift

Brian Bennie

Annie Burden

Gary Cleggett

Kym Cocks

Nick Downey

Geoff Gibson

Marty Gornall

John Hood

Kerrie Man

John Mathews

Fleur Neal

Jeff Page

Ross Perkins

Mergene “Merge” Presser

Michael Quinton

Karen Robinson

Peter Schapel

Kevin Taylor

Rudi Tromp

Brevet Sergeant Rudi Tromp

Sturt CIB

40 years’ service Last Day: 06 07 17

Comments…

“I thank the Police Association for pursuing the improvement of working conditions, wage parity and welfare for its members.

“Thank you to those I have worked alongside over the past 40 years. I have appreciated your support and friendship.

“I have the greatest of respect for those who continue in the challenging role of policing ”

Brevet Sergeant

Annie Burden

Victim Management Section

28 years’ service Last Day: 20 07 17

Comments…

“Many thanks to the Police Association for all its hard work in taking care of the interests of members.

“I have been fortunate to work with great people over the years and wish them well until they too hang up the hats ”

Senior Constable 1C

Brian Bennie

Holden Hill Police Station

36 years’ service Last Day: 21 07 17

Comments…

“It has been a great journey. Through my 36 years in SAPOL I have met and worked with some wonderful people who have contributed to my development in SAPOL

“I am currently working in the Holden Hill front station and some of the personnel working here are ones I started working with at Tea Tree Gully 20-odd years ago and some recently retired and others have retirement creeping up on them How the wheel turns

“ASOs were a great benefit to station staff They helped boost service delivery to the public

“I thank all the people I have worked with over the years and I wish them all the best for the future and good luck with Shield

“To the Police Association, you have done a great job in securing the members’ excellent working conditions and wages.

“I had a need for legal assistance once in my career and the association came through at a very stressful time So you personnel who are not members of the association, I urge you to join as you reap the benefits ”

Senior Sergeant 1C

Peter Schapel

Police Security Services Branch

42 years’ service Last Day: 22 07 17

Comments…

“I consider it a privilege to have previously served the association as a delegate and have always appreciated the work of all staff and workplace representatives in creating the many successes the Police Association has achieved for its members.

“Your efforts have made, and I am confident will continue to make, a safer and well rewarded work environment for SAPOL employees Keep up the good work

“I thank the many sworn and nonsworn staff I have worked with over the last 42 years, the good times well and truly outweighing the grey days.

“I was fortunate to work the latter part of my career at PSSB with a group of dedicated personnel

“Policing is clearly a much more complicated and difficult profession now than it was when I started back in 1975 Would I do it all again? Absolutely ”

Senior Constable 1C

Mergene “Merge” Presser

Frontline Technology & Traffic Training Unit

45 years’ service Last Day: 23 07 17

Comments…

“During my career, I have had great mentors and worked with truly professional and caring people.

“I have been privileged to work with and train Communications Centre/Call Centre/PSSB Control Room personnel as well as front-line first-responders, recruits and non-sworn personnel throughout the state

“All of them do an amazing job, sometimes under very difficult and trying conditions

“I am proud to have served the police community as an executive committee member and secretary of the Police Club of SA, of which I am a life member and a board member of SA Police Legacy.

“I thank the Police Association for the work it has done to improve the working conditions, excellent pay and the welfare of association members ”

Senior Constable 1C Kevin Taylor

State Community Engagement Section

32 years’ service Last Day: 02 08 17

Comments…

“I thank the Police Association for its assistance whenever required during my 32 years.

“I leave having worked with some excellent colleagues and experienced some good and not-so-good times, but don’t we all.

“My best and most important opportunity came in the first year after graduating, when I got to work with Leanne Machin at Operational Response Group

“Lucky for me, Leanne thought I was clever enough to keep working with, and we have been married for 28 years

“I wish all SAPOL members and staff the best for the future in what is becoming an increasingly challenging career. ”

Senior Sergeant 1C

Kerrie Man

Crime Faculty

36 years’ service Last Day: 07 08 17

Comments…

“I have met some really great people and made a couple of lifelong wonderful friends

Brevet Sergeant Marty Gornall

Port Lincoln Crime Scene

42 years’ service Last Day: 19 07 17

Comments…

“It’s been an amazing 42 years. I've certainly enjoyed most of it and I've been fortunate to work with some truly amazing and dedicated people throughout the journey

“I've been privileged to see and do some amazing things with SAPOL and for that l am eternally grateful

“To the long-suffering and hard-working troops of Port Lincoln, Ceduna and their outstations who have had to put up with me for the past 16 years, I say a very big thank you It’s truly been a blast

“Last but not least, thank you to the Police Association. You’ve done an amazing job in securing better conditions and wages for us all. ”

“There is so much more to a person than what he or she does for a job. If you have not done so, find out who you really are, be true to it, and tell those who really matter that your love for them is bigger than the sky ” Continued …

Top: Marty on a scene during the Black Tuesday bushfires in 2005; above left: after the bushfires with colleague Kelly Lavington; above right: in his Port Lincoln office.

The Last Shift

Sergeant Jeff Page

Coober Pedy

44 years’ service Last Day: 13 09 17

Comments…

“Sometime into my 45th year, the penny dropped and I questioned what the hell I was still working for.

“I expect every job has ups and downs, particularly across such a time span and it would be easy to dwell on the downs –and there’s been a few – that have an impact on oneself

“SAPOL has given me a lasting job with fond memories

“The Police Association has allowed me the opportunity to be part of the team in the workplace and fought hard for the pay rates that will give me a comfortable pension to retire on.

“I thank the association team, including the support staff at the office. In particular, my thanks to Mark Carroll and Bernadette Zimmermann for their support across a range of issues ”

Constable Fleur Neal (née Richards)

Sturt Police Station

21 years’ service Last Day: 25 08 17

Comments…

“I thank the Police Association for all its efforts and hard work over the years and for being there when I needed it.

“I have met some lifetime friends and had many fun times I have many fond memories of my time in Adelaide LSA in my early years and then later at Sturt ”

Senior Constable John Mathews

Elizabeth Police Station

35 years’ service Last Day: 27.09.17

Comments…

“To all the members I have served with, particularly at Elizabeth, Salisbury and Gawler areas, I wish you good luck in the future ”

Sergeant Kym Cocks

Tailem Bend Police Station

43 years’ service Last Day: 26 08 17

Comments…

“It was an amazing journey with many ups and downs, some good times, and some times I just simply wish to forget

“I have met some brilliant people in and out of SAPOL, all of whom have made that journey both memorable and, on some occasions, not so memorable.

“I leave with many friends and acquaintances and memories that date back to January 10, 1974, when a fresh, naive country boy fled to the city to begin his somehow chosen career

“I can say, with some pride, that I did 38 of those years in country stations

Senior Sergeant 1C Karen Robinson

Holden Hill Crime Prevention Section 35 years’ service Last Day: 31 .07.17

Comments…

“Thirty-five years ago, career breaks, paid parental leave, equal opportunity, part-time and so much more were unheard of within SAPOL

“The Police Association was and remains at the forefront of pursuing all such improved pay, entitlements and service conditions for all members

“I am proud of my involvement within the association where I might have sometimes been an outspoken advocate for such improvements

“Some of my postings and secondments I’ve loved, some I was pleased to see the last of but, irrespective, I have learnt something valuable from everyone I have worked with

“As the old song goes: ‘Regrets, I’ve had a few…’ I will, however, state the obvious, that I will miss the camaraderie that only being a police officer can provide ”

Top: Karen (front row, second from left) with her course (231) which began in July 1982; centre: on a school visit with John Byrne in 1986; left: on her appointment as State Blue Light co-ordinator in 1987.

and all of it as a front-line uniform member

“I thank the Police Association for all its time and efforts in achieving what I leave with and what it gave to me

“My years as a country delegate go back to the mid ’90s. I had a blast at some of those early conferences and remember fondly some of the characters. ”

Senior Constable 1C

Gary Cleggett

Western Adelaide LSA

42 years’ service Last Day: 25 09 17

Comments…

“I remember when I joined as a cadet chasing a long-time childhood dream. The phone call I received was one of the best I can recall.

“Overall, I have been a Port Adelaide copper through and through

“I have worked with some of the most amazing people in this organization and don’t regret any of it

“I cannot praise the association enough We have come a long way during my career, from poorly-paid coppers to wellpaid professionals This is directly due to the magnificent work of our dedicated association

“It has walked the tight rope between government and the rank and file and has truly done the membership proud.

“Thank you for your support of the members and I know that the association is in safe hands ”

Sergeant Geoff Gibson

Berri Police Station

32 years’ service Last Day: 19 09 17

Comments…

“The Police Association is to be commended for its support of all its members and its great efforts over the years in improving working conditions, pay and the welfare of personnel ”

Sergeant John Hood

State Protective Security Branch

42 years’ service Last Day: 16 08 17

Comments…

“I thank the Police Association for the professional work carried out throughout my career, particularly the EB achievements in the last two decades regarding wages and working conditions

“The job has been a rewarding journey, particularly my last 13 years in a counter-terrorism role for the government.

“On reflection, I would not have started my working life in any other way The friends you make, the fun you have, particularly in the early years, and the not-so-good life experiences (operationally) along the way do shape you as a person for life

“For those I haven’t caught up with before going I say farewell and thanks for your friendship and camaraderie over the years. ”

Brevet Sergeant Nick Downey

Elizabeth CIB

40 years’ service Last Day: 27 09 17

Comments…

“It’s been a privilege to have worked alongside some fine people over the years and most recently at the Elizabeth and Barossa LSAs

“Having been fortunate to have had a long career, one reflects on those officers who were denied that opportunity by being cut down in the line of duty.

“The memory of friend and colleague Lync Williams who was tragically killed in 1985 never fades ”

Detective Brevet Sergeant Ross Perkins

Serious and Organised Crime Branch

12 years’ service Last Day: 06 08 17

Comments…

“I have accepted a position with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

“I thank the Police Association committee past and present for its strong representation of its members and for the pay and conditions that have been achieved over the recent years

“Thanks to all those I have worked with over the years You know what you’ve achieved and I have no doubt that I will continue to see many of you from time to time in my new role. ”

Sergeant Michael Quinton

Sturt Crime Prevention

43 years’ service Last Day: 30 09 17

Comments…

“The nearly 43 years in the job have been a greatly rewarding experience and I have achieved everything I could have hoped for with no regrets, just a swag of great memories

“My thanks to all the numerous SAPOL members I have had the pleasure of working with and to you, the committee and association employees for their loyal support and guidance ”

From page 35

If you die without a will, someone needs to administer the estate Previously, if your partner wanted to be appointed, he or she would need first to prove the relationship to the court. Now, however, if your relationship was registered there is no need to do so

If you intend to register your relationship, you need to consider how the recent changes might affect you

An up-to-date will is the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out in the event of your death

From page 33

Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers provides free initial advice through a legal advisory service to Police Association members and their families, and retired members. To make an appointment, members should contact the association (8212 3055).

Tindall Gask Bentley is home to SA’s largest Wills & Estates team.

At Police Credit Union, we offer personal loans that could enable you to take the next flight to London or Delhi or Vietnam. Plus, with the added benefit of being able to apply before 10am and receive your money by 5pm*, you could be booking those flights sooner than you think

With the funds for your trip sorted, you might also be on the hunt for a way to easily and safely access your money while overseas That’s where the Mastercard Cash Passport^ comes in handy It will make the hardest part of your trip deciding whether to eat a gelato in Venice or a crêpe in Paris.

To find out more, call us on 1 300 131 844, visit us in-branch or go online (policecu.com.au).

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. Conditional approval and funding valid during business hours only, Monday to Friday and if applications are submitted prior to 10am with required identification and information documents. Please refer to the Personal Loan Required Documents List. Offer subject to change. ^Police Credit Union acts as an authorised representative. Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Multicurrency Cash Passport™ (“Cash Passport”) in conjunction with the issuer, Heritage Bank Limited (ABN 32 087 652 024, AFSL 240 984). You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant Cash Passport available at www.cashpassport.com.au before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard® and the Mastercard brand mark are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Got something to say? Got a comment about a story you’ve read? Do you have strong views on a police issue? Is there someone you want to acknowledge? Know of an upcoming social or sports event? Whatever the subject, put it in a letter to the editor

Police Association

1. Nathan Long and Shane Bloomfield

2. Sonia Giacomelli, Rebecca Phillis and Jessica Doughty-Casey

3. Glenn Batty, Gavin Mildrum, Peter Hore and Alex Grimaldi

4. Melaina Sponheimer and Kerry Rouse

5. Michael Lamb, Mitch Manning and Ken Ashworth

6. Jason Tank and Phillip Jeffery

7. Melanie Whittemore, Mardi Ludgate, Nathan Paskett and Taryn Trevelion

8. Grant Baker and Brett Carpenter

9. Stuart Smith and Paul Agnew

10. Brenton Kirk, Kim Williams and Ric Schild

Graduates’ Dinner: Course 15/2016

Fenwick Function Centre, August 25

1. Chantelle Ryder and Georgina Vivian

2. Jon Taylor and Libby Clark

3. Guests entertained by a speech

4. Tom Pinyon and Amanda Coles

5. Aaron Spiniello addresses the guests

6. All members of the course

7. Adellaide Jongwe and Aaron Spiniello

8. Lara Tollard and Chris Ryan

9. Ben Skewes and Brianna Dent

10. Donna Tuohy, Leeah Walker and Bec Claughton

11. Emma Steele and Brad Winn

12. Jessica Bajger and Patrick Kossowski

Graduation: Course 15/2016

Police Academy, August 30

1. Graduates give the thumbs-up before the parade

2. Donna Tuohy

3. Graduates march into position on the parade ground

4. Emma Ramsay

5. Graduates line up on the parade ground

6. Commissioner Grant Stevens inspects the course

7. Peter Baker

8. Paul Crosby delivers a speech on behalf of the course

9. Graduates toss their caps up after dismissal

10. Academic Award winner Amanda Coles with Police Association vice-president Allan Cannon

11. Benjamin Skewes congratulates a coursemate

12. Claire Pusser, Leeah Walker, Bec Claughton and Donna Tuohy

Graduates’ Dinner: Course

Fenwick Function Centre, September 22

1. All members of the course

2. Aaron Lloyd, Keely Etherington, Kahla Anderson and Mark Padovan

3. Hannah Barnes and Sophie Yialas

4. Matt and Emma Wilson

5. Talia McInerney, Daniel and Beverley Scherer

6. Karina Whiteford, Mark Cranwell and Jade Whiting

7. Ashlee Hermsen and Ellouise Wilson

8. Eyllinee Beckwith-Jurado and Garion White

9. Guests entertained by a speech

10. Brendon Wilkins and Lisa Denny

11. Taylor Horsnell and Troy Nicholson

12. Keely Etherington and Luke Loftes address the guests

1. Graduates give the thumbs-up before the parade

2. Daniel Scherer

3. Ashlee Hermsen

4. Graduates swearing the oath

5. Kahla Anderson delivers a speech on behalf of the course

6. Graduates toss their caps up after dismissal

7. Sophie Yialas

8. Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams inspects the course

9. Lisa Denny and Jake Denny

10. Graduates march off the parade ground

11. Keely Etherington

12. Graduates line up on the parade ground

Cops' Creatures

She expects to become “a crazy greyhound lady” with a house full of dogs after she retires, all because Brock made her a fan of his breed.

I adopted Brock through the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP). He never got a start at the track due to his quiet, timid character He’s loyal, loving, very soft and affectionate He's also quite goofy and scared of many things, like thunder and other dogs He’s happiest when he’s surrounded by his family When the kids aren't home, he’s quite mopey and sad without them

He had some issues with his dental health before I adopted him and was eventually diagnosed with a chronic gum condition. It caused his immune system to overreact to the plaque on his teeth He ended up having all his teeth out in a major operation But he manages perfectly well with no teeth, although he does have a permanently lolling tongue now

Brock is absolutely an inside dog. He has three beds scattered around the house and only goes outside if he has to. His coat is so fine and short that there’s no doggy smell, and any hair that he sheds is not noticeable He wears a fleecy coat in winter As with all greyhounds, his skin is very thin and he has no fat on him so he feels the cold

Although Brock sleeps for a lot of the day, he’s always around when there’s cheese for the taking. He goes to the beach with us in summer and likes his walks Two or three times a day he goes out in the back yard for five minutes, runs around it at top speed, then goes back to bed

He’s run a track around the lawn and we now call the backyard Race 5 at Dapto

Brock loves most people and isn’t a guard dog at all. Most people are really interested in him and, when I take him for a walk, some stop to talk about greyhounds I was standing outside a shop with him one day when an old man who had been a greyhound trainer came up, patted him and started to cry He’d loved his greyhounds so much

I think Brock gets his confidence from me. I’m really the only person he’s happy to walk with: if anyone else walks him, he’s always trying to turn around to get home. But I do push him outside of his comfort zone every now and then For me, he’s a quiet and solid presence around the house He just radiates love and affection

Two or three times a day he goes out in the back yard for five minutes, runs around it at top speed, then goes back to bed. He’s run a track around the lawn and we now call the backyard Race 5 at Dapto.

Brevet Sergeant Carolyn Dale (Police Corrections Section) and Greyhound Brock

Up to 50% off the RRP of wines from Vine 2 You and free delivery to the Police Club 15% discount on dry cleaning at Karl Chehade

5% discount at Romeos Foodland and Romeos IGA stores in SA

Up to 28% off the retail price of RM Williams men’s and women’s boots

Discounts on movie tickets at Wallis Cinemas