Blueprint magazine Issue 1 2020

Blueprint SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE MAGAZINE

Protective Security Officers: Taking a uniform approach

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS | GAMING ROOM ROBBERIES

LIMESTONE COAST POLICING | TASKFORCE MURRAY

2020, ISSUE 1

Blueprint SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE MAGAZINE

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Our people:

Crime Scene Investigators

Crime prevention:

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Gaming room robberies

Outlaw motorcycle gangs

> Our people:

Limestone Coast policing

> Case study:

Taskforce Murray

> Team profile:

Major Indictable Brief Unit

© Copyright South Australia Police 2020

2020, ISSUE 1

From the Editor

Content

> Crime trend:

Blueprint is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License .

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mass school shooting that shocked the state – this could have been the gruesome outcome of a pact between two teenagers in Renmark if not for the timely intervention of investigators from Berri Criminal Investigation Branch and Major Crime Investigation Branch. Their exhaustive investigative work foiled an incident that would have wreaked horror on the local community. The disturbing story of ‘what might have been’ makes for a thought-provoking case study in this issue.

Exceptional investigative skill is also the hallmark of the Serious Crime Task Force which has worked closely with various SAPOL areas in their quest to quell the spate of gaming room robberies at licensed premises across the metropolitan area. Using both overt and covert methods, they have arrested more than 20 offenders and reduced the incidence of violent robberies that have terrorised hotel staff and

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• MATHEW RODDA

ISSN 1448-1855 Editor and writer: Mathew Rodda Editorial team: Superintendent

Christine Baulderstone, Chief Inspector Colin Cunningham, Karina Loxton and Mathew Rodda.

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patrons over the past year.

Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) have played an integral role in uncovering the key evidence required to apprehend the robbery offenders, as they do with a wide range of incidents every day including burglaries, fires, assaults, sudden deaths, suicides and sex offences. Far from the glamourous roles portrayed on TV shows, our CSIs focus on recording the scene and collecting evidence, while also often comforting, counselling and building rapport with people as the first police at the crime scene.

Also in this issue we meet Constable Dayna Cox. When she’s not tackling criminals, she’s tackling opposition forwards as a tenacious defender for the Adelaide Crows – the reigning AFLW premiers. We head to Eyre Peninsula where Operation Eyre Safe has resulted in a renewed focus on regional road safety, and then travel around 1100 km east to the idyllic Limestone Coast.

Here, more than 110 police officers enjoy the winning combination of excellent career opportunities and a fantastic lifestyle in one of our state’s most spectacular tourist destinations.

Designed and printed by: Graphic Print Group

Photos: Photographic Section; Major Crime

COVER Protective Security Officers Sandeep Deol and Danielle Tuffin wearing the new dark blue uniform. Photo: Andrew Challen, SAPOL Photographic Section.

Investigation Branch; Crime Gangs Task Force; Media and Public Engagement Section; Sergeant Mike Smith; Adelaide Football Club; Shutterstock; South Australian Police Historical Society.

Blueprint is produced by SAPOL’s Awards, Marketing and Events Branch, Police Headquarters, GPO Box 1539, Adelaide 5001.

Internal Postcode: 120 Tel: 08 732 23294 – Fax: 08 732 23289 Email: dlpolicegazette@police.sa.gov.au

Views and opinions expressed by contributors within this publication are not necessarily those of South Australia Police, the Commissioner of Police or the Government of South Australia. Articles, photographs and other contributions are welcome from every SAPOL employee.

SAPOL treats indigenous cultures and beliefs with respect. To many communities it is disrespectful and offensive to depict persons who have died. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are warned this publication may contain such images and references.

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED ON PAPER FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTS AND PRINTED USING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY VEGETABLE BASED INKS BY GRAPHIC PRINT GROUP.

We all know the work our firefighter colleagues do on the fireground but for our part, SAPOL has also mobilised a large contingent, both in a policing capacity and in a supporting role.

Commissioner's foreword We have all been shocked by the ferocity and magnitude of the bushfires that have devastated our country already this summer.

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ur state has not been immune. We have endured unprecedented fire conditions and menacing fires in Kangaroo Island, the Adelaide Hills, the Limestone Coast, Yorketown and Angle Vale, and sadly the danger has not yet passed.

We all know the work our firefighter colleagues do on the fireground but for our part, SAPOL has also mobilised a large contingent, both in a policing capacity and in a supporting role.

Time and again our police have put themselves in harm’s way, under the burning embers amidst choking smoke and poor visibility, providing lifesaving information and safe passage

to those in need, at times at the expense of their own properties and families for the greater good.

With our community policing presence we are often one of the first responders, as it was for the Cudlee Creek fire. On 20 December 2019 we received a report the Country Fire Service (CFS) was responding to a fire and one of our Operation Nomad patrols, already in the area, and a Traffic supervisor, were initially tasked. Within 10 minutes an Emergency Warning was issued.

Whilst the CFS deployed multiple assets, the Local Service Area (LSA) diverted all available resources for traffic management and road closures. A Police Forward Command was established by a member whose own property was under threat.

Later that afternoon, the CFS issued an Emergency Warning for Kangaroo Island - the second major incident for the Hills Fleurieu LSA. The Limestone Coast LSA was also dealing with the Keilira fire, commanding almost a

third of sworn staff from that LSA in varying roles.

From taking emergency calls from the public, traffic control and crime scene investigation, to assisting with asset loss assessment, identifying hotspots with our aerial FLIR imaging, liaising with incident management teams, and participating in community meetings and initial relief efforts, our front-line has served with distinction.

Beyond these roles, police take on others in a critical statewide coordinating capacity. Our people take a leadership role in the Police Operations Centre and State Emergency Centre (SEC) responsible for coordinating Public Information, GRN, the smooth running of the SEC and our policing operations, amongst other functions, ensuring all stakeholders in the fire response work together to support the CFS. For the first time, significant Australian Defence Force (ADF) resources have been deployed to assist in fire affected communities. The

ADF has worked closely with police and other emergency management services to complete important tasks to assist in the response and recovery process.

It’s a challenging time not only for those deployed to the fire response, but for those who provide coverage to continue our businessas-usual policing duties. It’s remarkable how our staff band together to get the job done.

Just as inspiring is the way staff have rallied around our own people who have suffered loss. I am aware some have lost homes and property and their colleagues have reached out with fundraising and other forms of essential assistance.

The tragic loss of life and growing tally of property, stock and wildlife losses will leave scars, both physically and mentally, that will take time to heal. The significant recovery effort requires a team effort, and SAPOL will continue to serve our local communities and help them rebuild.

• GRANT STEVENS, COMMISSIONER BL UEPR IN T IS S U E 1 ~ 2 0 2 0

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> OUR PEOPLE

The majority of CSIs work on their own and usually complete up to four jobs per shift, which can include fires, assaults, sudden deaths, suicides and sex offences.

THE REAL

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Brevet Sergeant Jane Favaloro prepares to attend a crime scene.

Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

MAIN PHOTO: Brevet Sergeant Shane Castle investigates a stolen vehicle.

Half an hour into their shift, Crime Scene Investigators Brevet Sergeants Jane Favaloro and Shane Castle have just finished going through the list of overnight jobs, prioritising them to ensure the most serious tasks are completed first.

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ith their paper work such as photo orders and court reports completed, the methodical duo from the North team are ready to head out to their first job – a stolen vehicle that has been sent to SAPOL’s car storage yard at Ottoway.

With nearly nine years’ experience as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Brevet Sergeant Favaloro has dusted countless cars for prints.

“Vehicle offences and burglaries are our most common tasks,” she said.

“The majority of CSIs work on their own and usually complete up to four jobs per

shift, which can include fires, assaults, sudden deaths, suicides and sex offences.”

Spending a day with CSIs as a Cadet and then again when a Probationary Constable was enough to convince Brevet Sergeant Favaloro that it is the perfect role for her.

“I’ve always been more interested in the crime scene work than dealing with offenders,” she said.

“While working on patrols I undertook the eight-week Crime Scene Investigation Course and have never looked back.”

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> O UR PEOPLE: CR I M E SCEN E I N V ESTI G ATO R S

Brevet Sergeants Favaloro and Castle check details of their next job.

Brevet Sergeant Castle photographs a vehicle at Ottoway.

For Brevet Sergeant Castle, the opportunity to piece together the crime scene and work out what happened is what drew him to the role six years ago.

“I spent 15 years in general duties and various tactical teams, as well as performing the roles of general duties supervisor and part-time bomb technician.

I then decided crime scene investigation would be the best job for how my mind

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works,” he said.

“It is a more process-driven role. I enjoy putting some of the puzzles together to interpret what has occurred.”

Neither officer took inspiration for their career choice from TV crime programs such as CSI. “Our role is not how it is depicted on those shows. In real life we focus on our own area of expertise in recording the scene and collecting evidence, and then letting the

investigators and Fingerprint Bureau perform their roles,” Brevet Sergeant Castle said.

“On the TV shows, the same people seem to follow the investigation the whole way through, from collecting evidence, analysing it and conducting the entire investigation.”

CSIs are rostered on day and afternoon shifts, with a team member on-call overnight.

“It is much easier to examine crime scenes during daylight hours than at night, particularly for jobs such as bushfires, searching for ammunition cartridges, and examining stolen vehicles,” Brevet Sergeant Castle said.

“At night there is the risk of missing key evidence and fingerprints, even with the use of torchlight.”

It’s not just the lighting that presents challenges.

Environmental factors also play a significant role.

“Weather conditions such as wind, heat and rain can cause difficulties. We have to ensure that evidence is protected from the conditions,” Brevet Sergeant Castle said.

“The weather also impacts on our job volume, with more tasks during the warmer weather due to factors like fire and increased alcohol consumption. In wet weather we attend more crime scenes that are contaminated with mud and water.”

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL After completing their analysis of the stolen car, the CSIs head north to a break-in at an Andrews Farm residence. A slashed screen on a bedroom window indicates the point of entry, with several electronic devices stolen. Brevet Sergeant Favaloro conducts the crime scene investigation while Brevet Sergeant Castle speaks with the house’s two occupants.

“Crime scenes at break-ins can take anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours to process depending on how complex the job is and how much evidence we find,” Brevet Sergeant Favaloro said.

“On many occasions we’re the first responding patrol to a break-in so we have to perform the initial investigation, carry out doorknocks of nearby properties, find out exactly what’s happened from the victim and then do the crime scene.”

CSIs are often the first physical police officers a victim will come into contact with after reporting a crime.

“People’s reactions vary. A rape victim could be a lot less emotional than you’d expect but then you attend a house break-in and it could be the worst thing that person has ever experienced and they’re

Brevet Sergeant Favaloro examines a car door for evidence.

distraught and you need to reassure them,” Brevet Sergeant Favaloro said.

“We can refer people to victim contact officers but quite often face-to-face we are it. We are not there to just get evidence, we often need to comfort and counsel people.

“It’s important to explain the process to victims and build rapport with them. In many cases we are the only interaction they have ever had with police.”

Being detailed, organised and able to tell the story of what happened are the key attributes for a successful CSI. However, there are times when emotions can be frayed.

“At suicides it can be

challenging to just focus on the scene and not become emotionally invested, especially when dealing with grieving family members,” Brevet Sergeant Castle said.

“I attended the confronting scene of a nine-year-old child’s sudden death. As a parent of young children, I found it very upsetting, both at the scene and when reviewing the photos later on.

“Thankfully we have a strong sense of camaraderie in our team and always support each other when one of us has attended a stressful or challenging job.

“We also have access to psychological support through the Employee Assistance

Section, which is invaluable as you never know what you’ll come across in this role.”

While adapting to different situations is important, it’s the ability to approach each crime scene with a fresh mindset that sees CSIs play a vital role in identifying offenders and solving crimes.

“We don’t just accept what patrols and victims think has happened at a crime scene. To a certain extent, we sometimes have to shut that out and reconstruct the scene in our minds,” Brevet Sergeant Favaloro said.

“This can help find that one piece of evidence that identifies a suspect.

“I recently attended a

break-in job where patrols said they didn’t have much information for me but asked me to photograph the point of entry. The glass had already been repaired but when I looked for jemmy or tool marks I found a tiny bit of blood there; if I had missed that then no suspect would have been identified. I love being that difference.” 

ABOVE AND BELOW: Going behind the scenes of a house break-in at Andrews Farm with Brevet Sergeant Favaloro. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

Crime scenes at break-ins can take anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours to process depending on how complex the job is.

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> STAFF PR OFILE

TWO CAREERS

FLY AS ONE Stepping out onto the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval for the 2019 AFLW grand final, Constable Dayna Cox was struck by the sheer enormity of the crowd. More than 53 000 fans had packed the stadium – a record crowd for a women’s football match – leaving her both speechless and full of pride.

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early two hours later, the fiercely competitive and aggressive defender was a dual AFLW premiership player as the Adelaide Crows enjoyed an emphatic 45-point victory against Carlton.

“Having that many people show up made me and many of my team mates feel genuinely supported and valued,” Constable Cox said.

“As AFLW players we have copped our fair share of criticism along the way but that day it all changed.

It made us feel like we and the AFLW competition are appreciated and have earnt our place.”

A product of Morphettville Park Football Club in the South Australian Women’s Football League, Constable Cox overcame injury setbacks early in her football career to become one of the state’s

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best players, representing South Australia in 2016. She missed selection in the 2016 AFLW draft, but received a lifeline when the Adelaide Crows signed her as a free agent to become the final member of their inaugural squad for the 2017 season.

“I played footy for about five years as a child but after turning 12 there were no pathways for girls, so I turned to cricket and didn’t pursue my passion for footy again until I was 19,” she said.

“I joined Morphettville Park and was made a defender, a position which I have loved playing ever since.

“Finding out I had become a Crow was very exciting. I jumped around on the couch like a little kid when I got off the phone to the coach.”

Since making her AFLW debut in round 1 of the 2017 season, Constable Cox has played 25 games, including the 2017 and 2019 premierships. While developing a reputation as an uncompromising and damaging defender, she embarked on new career, commencing SAPOL’s Cadet Course 26 in 2017.

“I wanted to be a police officer since seeing a dog handler at a careers expo when I was a kid. I completed a Bachelor of Health Science degree and worked in various jobs, but being a police officer has always been the only job I could see myself

The two sides of Constable Dayna Cox: evading a GWS Giants opponent as an uncompromising Crows defender; and tackling crime as a police officer. Photos: Adelaide Football Club and SAPOL Photographic Section.

doing for the rest of my life,” she said.

Now living her dual dreams as a police officer and elite footballer, Constable Cox sees some parallels between her two roles.

“The main similarity is working as part of a team in often challenging environments,” she said.

“Being in the public eye and the certain level of expectation placed upon you within each role enables the development of personal skills which are transferable throughout both jobs.

“I love the team environment in policing and coming in each day to work with my mates. I also enjoy the variety of the role and not really knowing what each day will bring.”

Now living her dual dreams as a police officer and elite footballer, Constable Cox sees some parallels between her two roles. The main similarity is working as part of a team in often challenging environments.

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> STAFF PROFILE : DAY N A CO X

As a shift worker Constable Cox needs to juggle work and football, with training and gym sessions, travelling for games, getting enough sleep, and eating right all requiring commitment, planning and an understanding employer.

“Sergeant Shaun Pope and the team at Henley Beach Police Station have been incredibly supportive and flexible with my roster when my SAPOL and AFLW worlds have collided,” she said.

“Accessing flexible working arrangements when needed definitely gives me the opportunity and peace of mind going forward that both careers can be successfully combined.

“I am very grateful and lucky to be in a position to pursue two careers that I love.”

Constable Cox spent the summer training hard in readiness for the Crows’ first game of the AFLW season in Brisbane on 8 February – a rematch of the 2017 AFLW grand final where the Crows prevailed by six points.

“I remember being a nervous wreck on the morning of the grand final.

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It was quite surreal at the time. I don’t think I’ll fully appreciate it until I’ve finished playing,” she said.

Constable Cox was thankful to take to the field after receiving a reprimand for striking Collingwood player Alicia Eva in the Crows’ previous game.

“I often get white line fever on the field but I’m working on that aspect of my game,” she said.

“I love the physicality and the contest. With AFLW still developing, the high number of stoppages and ground balls create more opportunities for me to tackle and apply physical pressure.”

As an AFLW pioneer, Constable Cox has experienced the rapid improvement in the AFLW over the first three seasons.

“Having access to a dedicated high level training program, coaches, strength and conditioning, nutritionists and medical staff, as well as the forging of elite pathways for young girls coming through, has exponentially improved the skills, professionalism and competition,” she said.

“The skill acquisition and game knowledge within my own development far exceeds where I began in my first season, however I still have much more to learn and improve upon.”

Despite women’s football gaining in prominence and popularity, Constable Cox doesn’t see herself as a role model.

“I tend to leave that to my big name team mates like Erin Phillips, Chelsea Randall and Ebony Marinoff,” she said.

“Kids now look up to AFLW players and aspire to achieve what we have been able to so if I can encourage more defenders to take up the

game then I’ll be happy with that.

“I am very fortunate to manage both careers and if that encourages others to consider policing then I think that’s also a win.”  ABOVE: Constable Cox (right) and Jenna McCormick hold the 2019 AFLW premiership cup aloft.

Photo: Adelaide Football Club.

BELOW: Constable Cox and Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows with a Crows’ 2019 AFLW premiership guernsey now on public display at Henley Beach Police Station. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

> CR IME PR EVENT ION

Police have made 21 arrests for aggravated robbery.

PUTTING OFFENDERS OFF THEIR GAME Hotel patrons having a flutter on the pokies are used to the occasional interruption as a jackpot goes off for a lucky punter. But for many in the past year, their relaxing night out has been disrupted by violent thieves brandishing weapons as they terrorise staff and patrons in gaming rooms at licensed venues across the metropolitan area.

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n 2019 there were 36 armed robberies of gaming rooms and licensed premises, with the majority occurring from June to November. Police have made 21 arrests for aggravated robbery, with four offenders arrested for their involvement in more than one robbery. A combination of arrests and proactive tactics has started paying dividends

with a slowing of the crime trend.

As Officer in Charge of the Serious Crime Task Force, Detective Chief Inspector Denise Gray leads a team of more than 40 investigators tackling this crime series. “These investigators are following numerous avenues of enquiries using both overt and covert methods to arrest offenders and prevent further robberies,� she said.

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> CRIME PREV EN T I O N : G AM I N G R O O M R O B B ER IE S

Detective Chief Inspector Denise Gray (seated) with Serious Crime Task Force members (left to right) Detective Sergeant Adrian Daly, Detective Brevet Sergeant (D/B/Sgt) Nicholas Millard, Brevet Sergeant Mary MacFarlane, D/B/Sgt Karl Olsen, D/B/Sgt Ryan Mitchell, D/B/Sgt Sandra Chilman and D/B/Sgt Benjamin Shepherdson. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

“The Task Force has been working closely with a range of areas within SAPOL including Investigation Support Branch, Forensic Services Branch, Licensing Enforcement Branch, Operation Mandrake, State Tactical Response Group and the four metropolitan Districts.

“We are proactively targeting people of interest, searching properties, checking bail compliance, parole and home detention conditions.”

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Each armed robbery has been extremely distressful for gaming room staff and hotel patrons. There have been occasions where hotel staff, security or patrons have been assaulted while trying to either prevent robberies or chase the offenders. This includes a male who was stabbed in the back while attempting to foil a robbery at the Mawson Lakes Hotel on 11 October 2019.

“The armed offenders have used various weapons including firearms, machetes,

hatchets, sledgehammers, knives and hammers,” Detective Chief Inspector Gray said.

“The robberies have been very violent and threatening.

Our members never lose sight of the impact these offences have on the victims, witnesses and community in general.

“The people committing these robberies are risking a sentence of life imprisonment. We won’t stop until all of them are brought to justice.”

Detective Chief Inspector

Gray said her team continue to investigate links between the hotel gaming room robberies.

“There are links between some offenders and offences but there is not a specific organised group that is committing the robberies,” she said.

“Serious and Organised Crime Branch works 24 hours a day trying to catch these people. We’ve made a number of significant arrests and have several people in custody.

“Our proactive policing

The AHA is indebted to SAPOL for their response to the alarming rise in hotel gaming room robberies.

and directed patrolling have also prevented a number of planned robberies.”

GETTING AHEAD OF THE GAME Methamphetamine appears to be driving a substantial percentage of the crime wave, with many of those arrested being heavy users of the drug.

“Methamphetamine and other drug addiction not only generates a need for significant funding to support the habit but can make the

offending unpredictable and potentially more violent,” Detective Chief Inspector Gray said.

“Police from all areas of SAPOL collectively work together to impact on methamphetamine users who commit volume crime.

“In our investigations we have worked with District operational and tactical teams, Licensing Enforcement Branch (second-hand dealers and tattoo parlours), Operation Mandrake and Traffic Support

Branch to conduct proactive activities that have resulted in numerous seizures of firearms, stolen property and evidence of robbery offences.

“SAPOL’s targeted activities against drug importation and drug dealing are also playing a key role. We have had many successes over the past two years, locating several ‘super labs’ and apprehending those who contribute to the funding, manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.”

SAPOL has also been liaising with the Australian

Hotels Association (AHA) and Community Clubs Association to provide valuable crime prevention strategies and support to their members.

“We have worked closely with the AHA to targetharden premises and provide crime prevention advice in how they handle their cash and their overall security arrangements,” Detective Chief Inspector Gray said.

“There have been regular meetings with the AHA and licensees where we share information which is critical to identifying potential target premises and apprehending offenders.

“We are also working with gaming rooms to limit the amount of cash, which has seen some occasions where offenders haven’t obtained any cash from a robbery.”

AHA General Manager Ian Horne believes this collaborative working relationship with SAPOL is crucial.

“The AHA is indebted to SAPOL for their response to the alarming rise in hotel gaming room robberies,” he said.

“Hotels are vulnerable to these attacks due to late night trading but rather than curtail operating hours, which can result in job losses and restrict access for the community, hotels have increased their attention on security including cash handling, CCTV, staff training and innovative security products like ‘DNA spray’.

“In many cases this has been done in cooperation and consultation with SAPOL. Relationships with SAPOL remain integral to maintaining safe and secure hospitality facilities.” 

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> O PERATION S

ROAD SAFETY OPERATION SET IN TRAIN Education and enforcement are at the centre of an ongoing traffic policing initiative aimed at improving road safety in the Eyre Western Local Service Area (LSA).

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aunched in May 2019, Operation Eyre Safe seeks to allay community concerns about increased heavy vehicle movements on Eyre Peninsula roads following local grain handler Viterra’s transition from rail to road transport on 1 June 2019. Over the past five years, an average of 750 000 tonnes – around one-third of

the region’s crop – has been carried by the rail network annually, with the balance carried by trucks.

Officer in Charge of Eyre Western LSA, Superintendent Paul Bahr said the operation targets all road users.

“This is about the interaction between heavy vehicles and road users who encounter them during their journeys in the region,” he said.

“Some estimates say there will be another 30 000 trucks on Eyre Peninsula roads each year, while Viterra has predicted an additional 48 loaded trucks onto the roads each weekday.”

Community engagement and education have been a key focus throughout the operation.

Operation Eyre Safe seeks to allay community concerns about increased heavy vehicle movements on Eyre Peninsula roads following local grain handler Viterra’s transition from rail to road transport.

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“In late May, SAPOL conducted two well-attended PACE forums in Port Lincoln and Cummins, which provided stakeholders and community members with a valuable opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions,” Superintendent Bahr said.

“We then held PACE forums in Port Lincoln and Cleve in October, concentrating on owner/operator compliance.

“We have also distributed flyers to caravan parks, retiree associations and motoring organisations to educate visitors about the large number of heavy vehicles they’ll likely encounter and the limited opportunities for safe overtaking.”

Education has been supported by specific

enforcement operations.

Whyalla Operations member Sergeant Mike Smith, who has played a major role in implementing Operation Eyre Safe, said vehicle inspections and compliance have been key elements of the enforcement effort.

“We have conducted several targeted enforcement operations. This has created strong awareness of road safety issues among locals and heavy vehicle operators,” he said.

“Road safety operations were increased during the harvest season across Eyre Peninsula. Some utilised local resources to monitor all driver behaviour and compliance, while others incorporated specialist heavy vehicle compliance officers

from our Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Section (HVES), the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.”

HARVESTING A NEW APPROACH A major traffic operation was held at Lincoln Gap on 28 November 2019 where more than 1200 vehicles were stopped and assessed with a focus on drug and drink driving, heavy vehicle compliance, road safety compliance and roadworthiness.

Zero drink driving offences were detected from 1140 breath tests, however eight drivers tested positive to drugs. Defect notices were issued for 93 vehicles, including a B-double truck with no effective brakes on either trailer.

“It’s disappointing to find heavy vehicles with significant defects after the amount of community information that has been circulated by SAPOL

throughout the operation,” Sergeant Smith said.

“Just one vehicle with faulty brakes or suspension could cause immeasurable suffering within our community.

“The level of drug driving also remains a concern.”

Overall, Operation Eyre Safe has seen more than 250 defects and over 400 expiations issued, with speed and heavy vehicle regulatory offences being the most prevalent infringements.

“We will continue to draw upon our resources, including members from HVES and Traffic Support Branch, to proactively support high visibility operational activities within the LSA.” Throughout the operation, SAPOL has liaised extensively with key stakeholders, including Quinn Transport, the largest transport operator on the Eyre Peninsula. Owner Rodney Quinn is supportive of SAPOL’s education and enforcement efforts.

“We have been working closely with local police and Senior Sergeant Ian Norris from HVES to proactively deal with this issue,” he said.

“Quinn Transport members have attended several PACE forums and other informative meetings held by SAPOL. We have encouraged open communication with Eyre Western LSA management, particularly regarding any transport issues we can quickly resolve.”

While an operational focus is important, Mr Quinn believes that improvement in both road infrastructure and driver behaviour is also integral to ensuring road safety in the region.

“We are working hard with police and local authorities to make the roads safer but the travelling public need to play their role. Impatient drivers, 36-metre-long trucks and very limited passing on the Flinders and Todd Highways are a dangerous combination so it’s in everyone’s interest to play it safe,” he said. 

MAIN PHOTO: Police train their sights on road safety during a traffic operation at ‘The Tanks’ rest area at Lincoln Gap. INSET: A truck travels through Port Lincoln. Photos: Sergeant Mike Smith.

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> O UR PEOPLE

CALLED INTO ACTION From answering calls for non-urgent police assistance to taking Triple Zero emergency calls and assisting in Crime Stoppers campaigns, SAPOL’s Call Centre is the conduit between the public and police, playing an integral role in keeping the South Australian community safe.

“T

he Call Centre’s main role is to answer 131 444 police assistance line calls and organise resources to attend those requests for help,” said acting Call Centre manager, Inspector Caroline Jacobs.

“Call Centre staff take Triple Zero overflow calls from SAPOL’s Communications Branch during periods of high demand and also receive Crime Stoppers calls and action them to investigators.”

In 2018-19 the Call Centre received 547 852 calls to the 131 444 police assistance line. This was a 14.5 per cent increase – or an additional 69 405 calls – compared to 2016-17.

In the same two-year period Triple Zero calls increased by 12 009 – or 7.8 per cent – to 166 772. SAPOL Call Centre operators answered more than 15 000 of these Triple Zero calls. They also received more than 22 000 Crime Stoppers calls in 2018-19, or around 420 per week.

This creates an increasingly demanding environment for a team comprising around 16 police officers and 110

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non-sworn staff.

“We have a mixture of casual and ongoing nonsworn team members working on a demand-based rostering system which provides flexibility in setting shifts according to their preferences and our business needs,” Inspector Jacobs said.

“This is particularly important during summer, when we can receive up to 11 200 calls per week.”

The Call Centre has a close working relationship with front-line police.

“The role of call-takers is very important. They are providing a service to the public and to our front-line patrols,” Inspector Jacobs said.

“When taking calls they need to strike the right balance to get the salient points as quickly as possible, while making sure nothing is missed, with the safety of the caller and the front-line police being paramount.”

The proliferation of mobile phones in the community and the younger generation’s tendency to communicate with police via phone have been put forward as major reasons for the greater influx of calls in recent years.

However, people mistakenly ringing the Call Centre regarding non-police matters also have a considerable impact, adding to the call numbers and diverting resources away from the Call Centre’s main focus.

“The most common mistaken calls are about legal advice, animal welfare concerns, total fire ban days, vehicle and boat licensing, abandoned vehicles, and registration queries,” Inspector Jacobs said.

“These calls should be directed to the relevant council, state government

department or nongovernment agency in the first instance.”

While educating the public is crucial in reducing unnecessary contact with the Call Centre, SAPOL also has several projects underway to reduce call demand.

SAPOL has been trialling an email initiative to assist police stations in managing call demand at their locations, improve customer service by reducing the need for someone to call back, or to ring the Call Centre, and therefore reduce the impact of calls across SAPOL. “In early 2019 the Call Centre collected data about calls that did not require a patrol attendance but could otherwise have been handled through other means,” Inspector Jacobs said.

“In April 2019, Christies Beach and Holden Hill police stations had amended recorded voice announcements installed on their phones which provided callers with a dedicated email address to send non-urgent requests to for response, if they did not need a police patrol.

“Analysis of the trial results indicated that for Eastern District (Holden Hill) and Southern District (Christies Beach) there was a 63 per cent reduction in calls to the Call Centre for enquiries not requiring a police response.

“Due to this success, we intend to expand this trial in police stations across the metropolitan area. We will also continue to encourage the use of technology with online reporting and investigate future strategies to reduce call volumes.” 

Call Centre operator Heather McAllister assists a caller. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

The correct first port of call

The Call Centre’s main role is to answer 131 444 police assistance line calls and organise resources to attend those requests for help.

D

o not call 131 444 if you have any of the following non-police related enquiries. Please use the contact details provided.

☎ Registration and licence

☎ Legal advice – Legal

☎ Report animal cruelty –

Services Commission, phone 1300 366 424 or visit lsc.sa.gov.au

☎ Total fire ban days –

Country Fire Service, phone 8115 3300, bushfire information hotline 1800 362 361 or visit cfs.sa.gov.au

queries – Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (dpti. sa.gov.au) or Service SA (service.sa.gov.au).

RSPCA, phone 1300 477 722 or visit rspca.org.au

☎ Abandoned vehicles –

contact your local council.



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> O UR PEOPLE: CAL L CEN T R E

A connected family

I

nspector Jacobs believes flexibility and diversity are attributes that set the Call Centre apart.

“I think we have one of the most diverse workforces in SAPOL in terms of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age and experience,” she said.

“The team has members who have been call centre operators for nearly 20 years working alongside school leavers and recent migrants.

“This also provides great leadership opportunities for

Sarah Dhillon and Hans Reimer going above and beyond the call of duty in the Call Centre. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

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sworn officers as there are very few places in SAPOL where a Senior Constable would be managing up to 25 team members from such a diverse range of backgrounds.”

With a 40-year career in commercial and community radio, Hans Reimer is well-versed in the art of communication. The former production manager, creative director, copywriter, radio station manager and on-air presenter has been enjoying a different kind

of ‘talkback’ for the past year as a Call Centre team member.

“After such a long career in radio, I woke up one day and thought “that’s enough”, so I took 12 months off and drove for Uber to take a break,” he said.

“My daughter Sarah works in the Call Centre and my son Chris is a police officer, so when I saw an ad for Call Centre positions I thought it would be a logical move for me.”

Mr Reimer is relishing the opportunity to embark on a new career path.

“It’s a great team environment while being challenging and exciting.

I also enjoy the flexible work hours which gives me a better work-life balance than in previous jobs,” he said.

Mr Reimer’s daughter Sarah Dhillon has worked in the Call Centre for the past four years after coming from a hospitality background and owning her own business for six years.

“I was looking to change industries and the Call Centre seemed like a

stable position and really interesting,” she said.

Ms Dhillon answers around 40 to 60 calls to the 131 444 police assistance line each shift.

“This involves attentively listening to the caller and providing the appropriate response, whether that is advice or a police action,” she said.

“I need to consider issues such as the safety of the caller and attending patrols, the urgency of the matter, and whether SA Ambulance Service should attend.

“Every call is a problem in itself that needs to be solved, which I find stimulating and rewarding.”

Being a call-taker means receiving the occasional difficult call.

“Some callers can be belligerent and aggressive – I’ve been called every name imaginable,” Ms Dhillon said.

“We have a good support system in place and supervisors are always happy for team members to take some time out if they need it after a stressful call or shift.” 

> CRIME TREN D

PUTTING THE BRAKES ON OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE GANGS Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) are amongst the highest profile manifestations of organised crime in Australia, with a presence in all states and territories and overseas. In recent years SAPOL’s Crime Gangs Task Force (CGTF) has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent, disrupt and reduce gang related crime and harm to the community.

Police ensure OMCG members don’t get an easy ride. Photo: SAPOL Crime Gangs Task Force.

Crime Gangs Task Force has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent, disrupt and reduce gang related crime.

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> C R IME TR END: OUT LA W M OT ORC YC LE GA NGS

In the past year Morpheus has resulted in more than 2450 arrests, over 5700 charges, and the seizure of more than $5.3 million cash and around 161 kilograms of drugs.

An arrested OMCG member, and opposite page, members of the Rock Machine. Photos: SAPOL Crime Gangs Task Force.

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E

stablished in 2008, the 39-member CGTF has placed unrelenting pressure on OMCGs, which combined with an unprecedented legislative arsenal has had a major impact on the state’s bikie population. There are now 204 gang members in South Australia, down from 305 in August 2015 when the Statutes Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Act 2015 was implemented in conjunction with Operation Vanguard – a high profile and active policing campaign to ensure compliance with the legislation.

These measures have made South Australia a hostile and unforgiving environment for OMCG members. The local chapters of the Bandidos and Nomads have been eradicated, leaving seven gangs still operating in South Australia with the Hells Angels being the largest with 62 members across three chapters. The oncefeared Mongols, one of the state’s largest gangs with 56 members following the patchover from the Finks in 2013, now has just five recognised members.

“The remaining gangs have been weakened with many losing key members who have either left due to police pressure or relocated overseas but continue their involvement,” said the Officer in Charge of CGTF, Chief Inspector Mick Fisher.

“CGTF is continually investigating emerging gangs and combating them by disabling and disrupting them before they become established.

“We virtually shut down the whole Rock Machine group after heavily policing them for 18 months for offences such as shootings, drug dealing and standover tactics.

The legislative tools under Operation Vanguard were vital in making them a declared organisation.”

The current anti-bikies legislation is still the harshest in Australia with clubrooms dismantled, anti-association orders that prevent gatherings, and a ban

on OMCG members wearing their colours.

“The collective package of measures in the legislation, along with strong enforcement of common offences such as drug trafficking and highlevel violence, has delivered positive results,” Chief Inspector Fisher said.

“The lifestyle that once attracted OMCG members has disappeared and their public displays of bravado and overt violence are gone which has considerably improved public safety.

“OMCGs now resemble organised crime groups more than bikie gangs. They only exist in a covert form to facilitate crime.’’

As legislation and police tactics to combat OMCGs has evolved, they have adapted to survive in this challenging new environment.

In pursuit of wealth and power, OMCGs have become more entrepreneurial in their expansion and recruitment, sacrificing club values to enhance their serious and organised crime activities.

“They are increasingly recruiting younger members as well as individuals with specific skills to remain competitive in the criminal environment,” Chief Inspector Fisher said.

“Long-standing recruiting processes have been abandoned, resulting in reduced discipline and loyalty that once existed amongst older members.

“The majority of new OMCG members are young men who are gangster wannabes and cannot ride motorcycles. They are more focused on crime.”

Despite the changed landscape for OMCGs, they remain resilient, opportunistic and involved in a wide range of serious crime. They are adopting the latest in top-line message app encryption

and establishing ‘franchises’ for methamphetamine distribution in regional areas. This has necessitated a national response, with SAPOL a key member of Operation Morpheus which has seen multiple federal agencies and state policing jurisdictions working together to target OMCG activities since 2014.

“In the past year Morpheus has resulted in more than 2450 arrests, over 5700 charges, and the seizure of more than $5.3 million cash and around 161 kilograms of drugs,” Chief Inspector Fisher said.

“SAPOL also has two members in the National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) which works closely with CGTF to enhance and support investigations, and to provide access to the information, intelligence and capabilities of federal agencies.

“It’s vital that we remain committed to policing OMCGs at both a local and national level so we can continue making significant inroads into disrupting their criminal activities.”

OPERATION BRAVO Outlaw motorcycle gangs’ propensity for violence and their disregard for community safety resurfaced in August 2019 with a spate of firebombing and shooting incidents across the metropolitan area.

Investigations revealed former Mongols members and elements of the Comancheros and Hells Angels were involved in these serious crimes after their feuds over a substantial unpaid drug debt and associated power struggle among several members spilled into the public arena.

In keeping with SAPOL’s strong resolve to disrupt and

deter OMCG activities, the police response was swift and effective. On 16 August 2019 hundreds of police raided 28 properties across the suburban area as part of Operation Bravo, uncovering firearms, ammunition and drugs.

“Each of these properties were occupied by current or former gang members or other individuals who were subject to Firearms Prohibition Orders, with the majority also members of declared criminal organisations,” Chief Inspector Fisher said.

“Some involved in the incidents are well known to police for their involvement in organised crime and methamphetamine trafficking syndicates in South Australia.

“Our proactive response sent a clear message that police will not tolerate OMCG members who spark fear in the community.”

Operation Bravo was coordinated by CGTF and supported by all four metropolitan Districts. In total 102 premises and 89 vehicles linked to OMCG members were searched, resulting in eight arrests, 20 reports and the seizure of 10 cannabis plants and small amounts of methamphetamine, fantasy, suspected heroin and MDMA. “Operation Bravo caused a de-escalation in both the crime series and tensions between gangs,” Chief Inspector Fisher said.

“We will continue to detect and prevent these serious offences by safely, efficiently and effectively apprehending those responsible.

“We make no apology for targeting OMCG members and anyone that associates with them.” 

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> NEW IN ITIATIV ES

PSOs TAKE A

UNIFORM APPROACH You may have seen them in their distinctive white shirts patrolling schools or keeping an eye on government buildings and infrastructure, but over the next year SAPOL’s Protective Security Officers (PSOs) will be getting a new look.

T

he white shirts synonymous with the PSO uniform will be replaced with a dark blue shirt, similar to that worn by our police officers. The basic design is the same as the police general duties shirts however the new PSO shirts will clearly identify the wearer by the gold embroidery “PROTECTIVE SECURITY” front and rear and the PSO distinctive arm patches, gold badges and insignia.

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Officer in Charge of Police Security Services Branch (PSSB), Superintendent Carolyn Schild said the uniform change brings South Australian PSOs into line with interstate counterparts and local emergency services.

“The dark blue uniform is already worn in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales. This consistency is further reflected across our state’s emergency services with the Metropolitan Fire Service, Country Fire Service and State Emergency Service having transitioned, or about to transition, to the dark blue uniform,” she said.

“This decision is based on extensive consultation conducted with the PSSB workforce, PSSB clients and the relevant unions.”

The rollout of the new uniforms will be a staged process.

“PSOs on mobile patrols transitioned to the new uniform in December. Those deployed in static sites and in the Security Control Centre will start to wear their new uniforms in early 2020-21,” Superintendent Schild said.

An integral part of PSSB, PSOs play a key role in contributing to the state’s counter-terrorism strategies and are a crucial part of police operations, creating a safer and more secure environment for government employees and members of the community accessing government facilities. Teams of PSOs work around-theclock shifts to carry out static and mobile security duties along with 24-hour alarm monitoring and CCTV surveillance.

Sandeep Deol is one of more than 90 PSOs deployed throughout the South Australian metropolitan area. Currently based at a major government building in Adelaide’s Central Business District, he is looking forward to wearing the new uniform when the second phase of the transition occurs in July 2020.

“I think the new uniform is a vast improvement on the current one. The dark blue shirt provides a more professional and modern look for PSOs,” he said.

“It will distinguish PSOs from private security companies and bring our look into line with our interstate counterparts. It will also make us look like part of a larger team in SAPOL with our police officer colleagues.

“The new uniform has been well received by PSOs and I’m sure the community will also appreciate the change.”

PSO Deol is typical of the new breed of PSO. Working as a bus driver for Adelaide Metro, he yearned to achieve more in his career and make a difference in the community.

He graduated from the nine-week PSO Qualification Program at the Police Academy in 2017 and now couldn’t be happier about his career change.

“Working as a PSO is my dream job – I couldn’t ask for more in terms of job satisfaction,” he said.

“I enjoy the feeling of doing something meaningful for the safety and security of the community. I also like the public interaction working at a static site.

“Being a PSO is much more than just an ordinary security job.”

Having found his calling, PSO Deol intends to have a long-term career in the navy blue shirt.

“I am fully focused on my rewarding role and exploring further opportunities for skill development and career progression by working at different static sites and on mobile patrols,” he said.

“I’m also enjoying the camaraderie of a tightknit team of hard-working individuals and working with state-of-the-art security equipment and technology.”

If you want to see yourself in the new dark blue uniform, find out more about PSOs and how to become one at www.police.sa.gov.au/join-us/ achievemore/protectivesecurity-officer-careers 

MAIN PHOTO: PSOs Danielle Tuffin and Sandeep Deol create a strong, visible presence on patrol in the city.

LEFT: A closer look at the new PSO uniform. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

I think the new uniform is a vast improvement on the current one. The dark blue shirt provides a more professional and modern look for PSOs.

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> OUR PEOPLE

It’s a great time to consider a move to a growing region that offers the ultimate work-life balance.

Inspector Campbell Hill at the idyllic Blue Lake in Mount Gambier. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

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WORKING WONDERS ON THE LIMESTONE COAST Long stretches of stunning coastline, turquoise waters, internationally renowned wine regions, and world famous wagyu beef. Add to this a mysterious azure lake, diving hotspots in crystal clear waters, and prehistoric caves, all representing some of South Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders. The Limestone Coast may appear to be the preeminent tourist destination but for 112 police officers it is home.

S

panning around 21 000 square kilometres and servicing a population of nearly 65 000, Limestone Coast Local Service Area (LSA) offers a combination of metropolitan and regional policing tasks. This ranges from the complexities and demands of town issues, to a strong focus on regional road safety and rural crime issues, along with a real handson role with emergency management for forward command roles.

Limestone Coast LSA Operations Inspector Campbell Hill believes it’s a great time to consider a move to a growing region that offers the ultimate work-life balance.

“Career opportunities regularly become available across the LSA, in roles from general duties up to Sergeant,” he said.

“Many of the roles offer fantastic opportunities to develop leadership and problem-solving skills and gain extra experience and ownership of investigations, which you often don’t get in metropolitan roles.

“We also have flexible working arrangements across the LSA.” Inspector Hill made the move to Mount Gambier in January 2019, bringing with him a diverse and extensive

policing background.

This includes roles as a detective with Major Crime Investigation Branch, Detective Sergeant at Sturt Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), Officer in Charge of Major Crash Investigation Section, State Shift Manager and most recently Staff Officer to the Deputy Commissioner.

“This is my first country posting, although country policing had always been on the radar for me in terms of general duties and CIB roles,” he said.

“It has been a hectic first year. Superintendent Phil Hoff (Officer in Charge of Limestone Coast LSA) and I have been busy meeting with community members, councils, local media and emergency service managers to ascertain the perceptions of police and where we can do better.”

Inspector Hill believes Limestone Coast policing enables officers to engage more deeply with the community to drill down on issues, while also encouraging new and creative ways of doing things.

“Recently we have been working with community groups, businesses and local media to integrate crime prevention measures in response to a rise in serious criminal trespass offending

in Mount Gambier and rural areas,” he said.

“We have used a hybrid team approach at times to tackle volume crime issues including a hybrid traffic Tac team model which we dedicated to road safety activities both in townships and on rural roads.

“Officers also regularly work with Victoria Police as we are all Special Constables with powers to act over the border.”

The broad range of experiences and challenges also attracted Brevet Sergeant Nick Wood to the region. After two years in Ceduna, he moved more than 1100 kilometres across the state in July 2019 to become the Officer in Charge at Beachport Police Station where he has been warmly welcomed by the 650-strong local community.

“I work solo most of the time but like having the backup and team camaraderie in nearby Millicent and Robe,” Brevet Sergeant Wood said.

“Beachport offers a great lifestyle. I’m looking forward to exploring off-roading, camping and fishing and enjoying all that summer offers in this coastal town.

My wife and I also like travelling to Melbourne, so that’s much closer for us now.”

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> OUR PEOPLE: LI M EST O N E CO AST P O LI CI N G

Despite a population of just under 6000 people, Naracoorte does have its share of policing challenges.

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME Situated midway between Adelaide and Melbourne lies the Naracoorte Lucindale district, home to South Australia’s only World Heritage site, Naracoorte Caves National Park, which preserves Australia’s most complete fossil record for the past 500 000 years.

Narcoorte is also home to Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Grant ‘Bushy’ Baker who has been a resident for a much shorter period than the historical relics, commencing his general duties role in October 2010 after nearly two years policing in the Riverland and before that, three and a half years in Mount Gambier.

“I grew up in Mount Gambier and began my policing career there, however I spent a lot of time in Naracoorte in my previous employment as a glazier installing windows at the high school, and really liked the town,” he said.

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SC1C Baker appreciates the development opportunities available in country policing.

“I am fortunate enough to be exposed to extensive stints relieving on higher duties and overseeing a range of operational issues, while also doing this at neighbouring stations,” he said.

“I also get requested to assist with auditing, rostering and planning of external events which greatly assists in my personal development and overall skill set.

“Policing in Naracoorte is rewarding as we all get to see our investigations from the early stages, through to taking positive action and achieving successful outcomes.

“I also enjoy having to make decisions on the go, sometimes highly stressful and important ones, as we don’t have large amounts of back-up readily available. I think we are all very good lateral thinkers who think outside the box.”

As a married father of three children aged 17, 15 and 11,

Senior Sergeant First Class Ryan Meakin and SC1C Grant Baker outside Naracoorte Police Station.

SC1C Baker sees Naracoorte as a great place to raise a family.

“My kids absolutely love the freedom of a town this size, as it allows them to safely move around without having mum and dad always watching over them,” he said.

“My entire family is very active in sports, so when we first arrived we chose a footy and netball club in the outlying small town of Kybybolite and got ourselves involved in the local community.

“My children still play football and netball there, and my wife was the A-grade netball coach a few years ago.

I played footy there and found it a great way to get involved with ‘non-coppers’.”

Despite a population of just under 6000 people, Naracoorte does have its share of policing challenges.

“Unfortunately like most country towns, drugs, alcohol and domestic violence are the main issues,” SC1C Baker said.

“Naracoorte also has the Riddoch Highway running through it, which has seen several fatal crashes in recent years. Therefore we play an active role in trying to reduce road trauma through high visibility policing.”

In September 2019, SC1C Baker was involved in the policing effort for Triple J’s One Night Stand concert at Lucindale which saw the town’s population temporarily swell from 500 to more than 15 000.

“The event required significant work in coordinating resources, boosting police presence in adjacent towns, and dealing with the increased traffic on regional roads,” he said.

“It was a really enjoyable event to work at. It was amazing to see so many people in such a small town, with the entire area a buzz for days in the lead-up,” he said. 

A new lease on life

H

iking scenic trails and going on weekend adventures with her family are just two of the many aspects of Limestone Coast life that appeal to Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Jade Hill. She is loving her new life in Mount Gambier after arriving in January 2019 with her husband, Inspector Campbell Hill, and their three young children.

SC1C Hill believes she has found her niche as a Community Engagement Officer in Crime Prevention Section.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my role. I spend a lot of time doing school talks and interacting with seniors, guardianship children and various agencies to support the community,” she said.

“I deal with Youth Justice and am heavily involved with Noorla Yo Long Blue Light Camp. I am also deputy president of the Blue Light Committee and participate in their events.

“I am currently working towards building a support group for teenagers and organising some Blue Light events for them.”

Having previously worked in metropolitan roles including patrols, Police Communications Branch, Sturt Intelligence and Surveillance Section, SC1C Hill is embracing her first taste of country policing.

“Country policing is quite different. There aren’t as many police resources in close reach so you have to problem solve and challenge

yourself to get results,” she said.

“I think this makes local police quickly develop their skill set and knowledge really well. The patrols are often busy so they gain exposure to a wide range of taskings.

“There is also a real sense of community involvement amongst the team. Everyone has been very welcoming and are really willing to help each other out.”

SC1C Hill relishes the unique work-life balance.

“I am the happiest I have felt in a long time with work and feeling less stressed,” she said.

“I love the lifestyle. There are stunning beaches, a beautiful wine region and a whole range of fun activities to do as a family. We have been on day trips to various caves and snorkelled Ewens Ponds.

“I spend a lot of time hiking and walking, and entered the Blue Lake Fun Run to support the local Rotary clubs.”

As the state’s second largest town, Mount Gambier boasts quality public and private schools, various healthcare providers, extensive shopping facilities, a rich sporting community and a vast array of entertainment activities.

“This is the best choice we ever made for us as a family. Our kids are experiencing so much and

getting the very best out of life here,” SC1C Hill said.

“They love going to the library and local playgrounds and swimming at the Little Blue Lake. They have also become involved in gymnastics, basketball and soccer.

“I have also appreciated the opportunity to become more involved in their school activities such as excursions and school concerts.”

Inspector Hill shares his wife’s passion for the Limestone Coast and their new-found work-life balance.

“Having reduced my home – work travel time by nearly an hour each way compared to when we were based in Adelaide, I can now complete a full day’s work while also being present for the hectic family times at breakfast and dinner plus helping with homework,” he said.

“Even with my long work hours, including on-call commitments, we enjoy a lot of time as a family.

“It has been a relatively easy move which I highly recommend to anyone who is seeking unique experiences and opportunities beyond what city-based policing can offer.”  Brevet Sergeant Nick Wood on the Beachport jetty, and above, SC1C Jade Hill. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

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> CAS E S TUDY

INVESTIGATORS’ HOMEWORK PREVENTS SCHOOL TRAGEDY School shootings are a phenomenon traditionally associated with the United States, with many incidents involving the senseless murder and terrorising of innocent students and teachers in recent decades.

Unfortunately it’s also caused devastation across the world, and if not for the rapid response of SAPOL, could have wreaked its horror in our own backyard.

On 3 November 2017, police received information from a local high school student who was concerned about two students planning a school shooting attack.

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T

he peaceful Riverland town of Renmark, situated around three hours northeast of Adelaide, is not where you expect to uncover a plan for extreme violence, that if enacted, would have rivalled some of the horrendous acts of violence seen in schools overseas.

On 3 November 2017, police received information from a local high school student who was concerned about two students planning a school shooting attack.

Local detectives in Berri Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), including Detective Brevet Sergeants Darren Bussenschutt and Brad Yeomans, immediately commenced an investigation named Operation Blink.

“We ascertained that an 18-year-old male and a 16-year-old male had told others they were planning a school shooting,” Detective Brevet Sergeant Bussenschutt said.

“Information received indicated that these plans had been communicated to a number of associates over time.”

The 18-year-old male had a history of house breaks, thefts, property damage and stalking, with previous suicide attempts and a diagnosed personality disorder. The younger male’s criminal record included house breaks, assaults and rape, and alarmingly he was known for his proficiency in local shooting competitions.

On 7 November 2017, police conducted a search on the 16-year-old’s home and found him in possession of prohibited weapons, homemade body armour and remnants of home-made napalm and Molotov cocktails, which could be used to make bombs or incendiary devices.

“There were more than a dozen knives – each one handcrafted from tools and other ordinary metal implements – on the walls when we entered the shed,”

Detective Brevet Sergeant Bussenschutt said.

“We also found a discarded shopping trolley that had been cut up, with twothirds of its metal ‘netting’ separated from its frame and refashioned to fit around a human torso as crude body armour, secured by elasticised straps. A piece of thick steel had been welded over the top of the netting, protecting the centre of the wearer’s mass.

“The 16-year-old was arrested and refused bail.

The 18-year-old was arrested on the same day.

“A search of the 18-yearold’s house located electronic storage devices and a handwritten journal containing evidence of planning and intent regarding the proposed school shooting.”

The items seized during the searches, coupled with witness statements, led investigators to believe they had thwarted a plot to commit an attack that could have resulted in significant loss of life and casualties.

“We believed the duo had been planning since June 2017 to attack the high school they attended before the end of the final school term,” Detective Brevet Sergeant Yeomans said.

“It was alleged the pair intended to block the school’s exits with napalm and homemade bombs, then use firearms and other weapons to murder students and staff.

“We took swift action to intercept what could have been a devastating situation for the Riverland region and engaged with an anxious local community to reassure people and allay their fears.”

TASKFORCE MURRAY After the arrests, police continued undertaking the wider investigation into the school shooting allegations.

Major Crime Investigation Branch (MCIB) then became involved in the investigation, which was labelled Taskforce Murray.

“The operation involved substantial resources during the initial investigation phase, with 20 detectives from MCIB and 10 members from State Tactical Group, along with Berri CIB and Serious and Organised Crime Branch,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McEachern from MCIB. “More than 300 people were interviewed and 158 statements were taken.

“During the investigation we worked closely with the Department for Education and school authorities to keep the school community informed.

Local police conducted a community forum attended by more than 100 families where community safety questions were answered by senior SAPOL members. This helped to combat the mass fear that had enveloped the school.”

After completing a fiveday mental health order, the 18-year-old male was charged with four aggravated counts of threatening to kill.

Already in custody on related weapon possession charges, the younger boy was charged with solicit to murder.

During an interview with detectives, the 18-year-old spoke of his fascination with mass shootings.

“He was able to recall names, places, the death toll and the weapons used in several cases. He then blamed the 16-year-old for

his current predicament, saying it was all his idea and that he was just going along with him,” Detective Senior Sergeant McEachern said.

The interview and a subsequent covert operation significantly increased concerns that the charged pair did intend to conduct an attack upon Renmark High School.

Taskforce investigators analysed significant mobile phone communications between the co-accused which showed that discussion had occurred in which a plan had been agreed upon. They also found messages between the 16-year-old, who was experienced in firearms, and a man who he believed could supply him with firearms.

A FRIGHTENING OBSESSION Investigators then discovered the pair’s obsessive interest in high school shootings, particularly the Columbine High School massacre in April 1999 which saw students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold kill 13 people and wound 21 before turning their guns on themselves. The 18-year-old accused was also inspired

by Tate Langdon, a character from the TV show American Horror Story.

“He changed his appearance to look and dress like him,” said Detective Brevet Sergeant Blake Horder from MCIB. “E-crime analysis identified that he had watched an episode depicting a school shooting dozens of times.

He told detectives that his co-accused had become obsessed with shooting up a school after watching American Horror Story.”

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> CAS E S TUDY : TA SK F O R CE M U R R AY

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Journal entries indicated the 18-year-old wanted to “outdo” the Columbine kill count.

Journal entries indicated the 18-year-old wanted to “outdo” the Columbine kill count and that he thought he was a descendant of Eric Harris.

“He had photos of the Columbine killers on his mobile phone, along with several videos of CCTV from the Columbine shooting, and admitted researching the mass shooting,” Detective Brevet Sergeant Horder said.

“He spoke fondly of the killers in an interview, saying that he understood why they did it. He was also obsessed with the library, where Klebold and Harris died, and wanted the same guns as those used at Columbine.”

The two teenagers dressed up as ‘Columbine school shooters’ in long trench coats for Halloween and, while drunk, made threats to others about “shooting up” the school. They also produced videos showing them making and throwing Molotov cocktails and making improvised explosive devices.

Detectives faced challenges in how to make Columbine admissible in the investigation. They contacted Kate Battan from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Jefferson Country, Colorado, USA, who was the lead investigator in the Columbine High investigation.

“We provided case materials to Kate and consulted with her over several months,” Detective Brevet Sergeant Horder said.

“She identified dozens of similarities between the Columbine killers and our case. These included the use

of the same weapons and clothing, themes of revenge, an obsession with knives and weapons, and a desire to leave a legacy.”

The case materials were also sent to the FBI Behavioural Analysis Unit (BAU) in Quantico, Virginia that deals with targeted attacks and threats.

“The FBI BAU quickly established that our evidence supported that the pair were well and truly on the ‘pathway to violence’ and their behaviours showed a transition along that pathway, but they fortunately had been apprehended before the ‘attack’ phase,” Detective Brevet Sergeant Horder said.

“BAU member Supervisory Special Agent Karie Gibson co-authored a report called ‘Making Prevention a Reality: Identifying, Assessing, and Managing the Threat of Targeted Attacks’ which was critical to providing expert interpretation of our evidence. In particular, it countered the defence argument that the planned attack was fantasy based on the pair telling others of their intentions.

“The FBI report indicated that in a study of dozens of school shootings in the US, in 81 per cent of attacks the offender(s) told at least one

person, and in 59 per cent of attacks told two or more of their intentions before the attack.”

COMING TO TERMS WITH THE OUTCOME In early 2019 the then 18-year-old and 20-yearold were due to stand trial accused of conspiring to murder but in March pleaded guilty to the downgraded charge of aggravated threatening of life after their lawyers successfully struck a plea bargain deal with prosecutors.

The pair’s lawyers told the court there was never any intention to carry out the plans and that their threats were just a fantasy. They also described the arsenal of weapons discovered at the younger teenager’s home as just a harmless hobby, while also stressing the “entrenched regime of bullying” one of the accused was subjected to at school.

In the Adelaide Supreme Court on 23 May 2019, Justice Kevin Nicholson imposed six-month jail sentences on each of the two males but suspended the terms, placing them on three-year good behaviour bonds. Justice Nicholson said he had taken into account their age and other factors, including the 18 months they had spent in custody since being arrested.

In his sentencing remarks he highlighted the pair’s “long standing pattern of antisocial behaviour” and their intention to “create a fear that the threats were likely to be carried out” but said “It is accepted that you had no intention to kill anyone”.

Both men walked free from the court accompanied by their relieved families.

For Taskforce Murray members, it was the culmination of an intensive and challenging investigation.

“We had excellent working partnerships and collaborations across several SAPOL branches and external agencies, particularly the FBI” Detective Brevet Sergeant Horder said.

“The statements from FBI Supervisory Special Agent Gibson and Kate Battan played a significant role in a plea being offered by both accused.”

The exceptional investigative work was recognised by the FBI, with Detective Brevet Sergeant Horder invited to the American Association of Threat Assessment Professionals Conference in Florida in January 2020 to copresent the Taskforce Murray case with the FBI. “They saw this case as a great example of the cooperation of agencies in preventing a targeted attack,” he said.

“Despite locating evidence which we believed showed the offenders’ intent to carry out their threat, the accepted outcome highlights how difficult it can be to prove that intention beyond reasonable doubt.”  ABOVE AND LEFT: The plotting teenagers.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Disturbing journal entries, messages, and evidence seized by investigators.

Photos: SAPOL Major Crime Investigation Branch.

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> T EAM PROFILE

RAISING

THE BAR

The unit is an integral component of the major indictable reform process, which is focused on easing the pressure on the courts system.

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MIBU members Kimberley Ballans, SS1C Peta Rayson and Amelia Digance at Adelaide Magistrates Court. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

Established in March 2018, the Major Indictable Brief Unit (MIBU) is at the forefront of efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of South Australia’s criminal justice system.

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ased within SAPOL’s Prosecution Services Branch, the unit is an integral component of the major indictable reform process, which is focused on easing

the pressure on the courts system by reducing the time taken for matters to reach trial and encouraging the early resolution of major indictable charges.

MIBU replaced the State Committal and Disclosure Unit, boosting the number of team members from six to 23. This total comprises 12 sworn members, who are at the minimum rank of Brevet Sergeant and have at least two years’ prosecution experience, and 11 nonsworn members who all have previous criminal law experience.

“The team’s roles include collating and reviewing all committal documents, recommending

discontinuances on matters where there is no reasonable prospect of conviction, negotiating with solicitors, liaising with victims of serious matters, appearing at bail applications, and court work,” said the unit’s manager, Senior Sergeant First Class (SS1C) Peta Rayson.

SS1C Rayson joined the team in August 2019 after a long-term prosecution career dating back to 1995, which has included roles in Adelaide Prosecution, Licensing Enforcement Branch and Prosecution Training.

“After seven enjoyable years in Prosecution Training I wanted a change and definitely found that in MIBU,” she said.

“I get to deal with interesting, complex files that require me to research and analyse law and evidence.

It’s also great to work with colleagues who are motivated and passionate about their roles.”

SS1C Rayson’s role involves reviewing and managing high profile and serious files, allocating all statewide files to team members and recommending discontinuance of files to the Chief Inspector of Strategy and Support.

“I also liaise with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to professionally manage the significant requests for further disclosure and

I get to deal with interesting, complex files that require me to research and analyse law and evidence.

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> TEAM PR OFILE: M A J OR IND IC T A B LE B RIEF UN I T

Most major indictable matters are complex, so time frames are a constant test. relevant material to ensure the provision of a quality assurance service,” she said.

“This has greatly improved the relationship between SAPOL and the DPP, particularly with respect to the effectiveness of the major indictable reform system.”

The nature of the role can be demanding at times.

“It is often challenging dealing with serious matters involving victims who are seriously hurt or sexually abused. Fortunately MIBU have recently obtained an experienced Victim Contact Officer which will greatly assist with our service delivery,” SS1C Rayson said.

“This is compounded by the high workload and large volume of files we process each week.

“It can be difficult when Magistrates are reluctant to grant us the time we request to compile a preliminary brief for disclosure to the court, DPP and defence. Most major indictable matters are complex, so time frames are a constant test.

“Despite the many challenges, I find it rewarding when we achieve our goal and the files are sent to the DPP with charge determination being made which in turn hopefully sees offenders prosecuted.”

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A COMPELLING CASE After more than six years as a defence solicitor, Kimberley Ballans sought a change to prosecution in order to advance her advocacy skills, joining SAPOL in April 2017 as a prosecuting solicitor.

Since November 2018 she has been a member of MIBU where her role focuses on coordinating the prosecution of major indictable offences up until the commencement of the committal process when a charge determination has been made.

“This involves liaising with investigating officers, the DPP and defence counsel to ensure that a brief of evidence is capable of proving the offence charged or an alternative offence beyond reasonable doubt,” she said.

“I have worked on various cases including manslaughters, sexual assaults, large drug trafficking rings and money laundering. Some of the significant files I have dealt with have been voluminous and required weeks to read, analyse and consider.

“Working on a diverse range of files with complex legal issues provides great learning opportunities.”

Amelia Digance, SS1C Peta Rayson and Kimberley Ballans discuss the appeal of their roles.

Ms Ballans sees managing deadlines as the most important aspect of working in a fast-paced environment.

“We sometimes experience delays in having the preliminary brief ready by the charge determination date set by the Court, usually due to factors out of our control such as backlogs in analysing evidence and difficulties in locating or obtaining witness statements,” she said.

“These delays are challenging and adjournments are not guaranteed by the Court. The consequences of a delay may be as extreme as charges being dismissed by the Court.

“It is difficult to explain to complainants, witnesses and even police why a matter is dismissed in Court.

Dismissals can be even more complicated when an offender is released from custody.”

Despite the high-pressure work environment, MIBU prosecutors enjoy a strong camaraderie.

“MIBU is a demanding area as you have so many interested parties to each prosecution and as prosecutor you are the case’s central contact person. The seriousness of the offence inevitably makes the matter more complex and more time

consuming,” Ms Ballans said.

“However, working with such a friendly team breaks up the daily stressors. The unit’s prosecutors work extremely hard to get files over the line. They also know how to have a laugh and assist each other to achieve the team’s goals.”

Ms Ballans believes that major indictable reform has been a positive move.

“Despite initial teething issues, MIBU has come a long way, developing into a well-functioning unit that has reduced backlogs in matters reaching trial,” she said.

“I have spoken with several defence solicitors who agree that trials are now being reached in the District Court on their allocated trial date and matters are not being discontinued close to the trial date which often occurred in the past.

“We have also resolved many matters prior to them reaching the committal process and significantly reduced the amount of major indictable files being sent to the DPP.” 

The courage of her convictions J

ust weeks after graduating with a double degree in Law and International Relations in 2014, Amelia Digance found herself on a legal internship with the United Nations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia as a member of the prosecution team in the Khmer Rouge trials.

“It was a highly valuable experience being able to work within a team of international criminal prosecutors,” she said.

“Hearing the harrowing statements of war crime victims and helping to seek justice for this dark part of history is an experience that will remain with me forever. It helped shape my career as a prosecutor.”

Returning home to Australia six months later, Ms Digance worked with the NPY Women’s Council in Alice Springs, focusing on domestic violence matters, before becoming a prosecutor with the DPP in Darwin. Next stop was Melbourne with a prosecutor role in the Office of Public Prosecution before a homecoming to Adelaide in April 2018 to join SAPOL, firstly as a prosecuting solicitor in a specialist domestic violence unit before moving to the Major Indictable Brief Unit (MIBU) seven months later. It’s a role she values and thoroughly enjoys.

“My varied work locations and experience as a prosecutor have allowed me to significantly broaden my knowledge of criminal law and to critically analyse and manage the risks associated with each legal matter I deal with,” Ms Digance said.

“Joining the unit is a further step in enhancing my own legal knowledge, becoming a valuable and reliable prosecutor, and playing my part in assuring that we all live in a safe and respectful community.”

During her time with MIBU, Ms Digance has dealt with a broad range of serious matters in the areas of domestic violence, sexual offending and major crash,

along with robbery, drug and firearm offending.

“I find the work extremely interesting, and there is no such thing as a dull day in the unit,” she said.

“I relish the team environment and the opportunity to work with unit colleagues and members across SAPOL.” After combining a busy prosecutor career with successfully completing a Bachelor of International Relations, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and most recently in 2019 a Master’s Degree in Public and International Law, it’s hard to believe Ms Digance finds time to pursue other interests.

She is a lawyer on the Human Research Ethics Committees of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs.

Ms Digance also participates in an online mentoring program for disadvantaged youth through the Smith Family and regularly volunteers with the Starlight Foundation, spending Saturdays at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital assisting unwell children and their siblings.

“I find these roles very satisfying and rewarding,” Ms Digance said.

Ms Digance is also a committed ambassador of Craniofacial Australia. From the age of seven up until her mid-20s she endured the agonising pain of more than 15 surgeries to treat a genetic disorder affecting her craniofacial bone development. This not only affected her confidence growing up, but also resulted in months of hard work catching up at school and university.

“There were times when I felt that life had been tough on me, particularly when recuperating from surgery, but that fuelled an inner resolve to make the most of my time once I recovered,” she said.

“I was determined to not let my situation hold me back from pursuing my dreams of working in law and human rights.

“My experience has taught me the importance of resilience and focusing on personal growth, selfempowerment and giving back.”

Amelia Digance continues to set the bar high. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.



My experience has taught me the importance of resilience and focusing on personal growth, self-empowerment and giving back.

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Chief Inspector Matt Nairn with his prestigious award, and opposite page, with representatives from the organisations who nominated him. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

I’m passionate about policing in the city and see this honour as a reward for the positive responses we have developed for issues such as homelessness, rough sleeping and vulnerable people.

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> COMMUN ITY EN G AG EM EN T

THE CITY’S FINEST Integrity, commitment, professional, collaborative – these are all words used by several local government and community groups who successfully nominated Chief Inspector Matt Nairn for the 2019 Police Officer of the Year.

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he Operations Inspector from Eastern District was a popular recipient at the presentation held at the Royal Adelaide Show in September. Nominated by the City of Adelaide, Don Dunstan Foundation, Encounter Youth and the Hutt Street Centre, Chief Inspector Nairn was recognised for his tireless work with homeless and young people in the city.

The hard-working officer was humbled by the award, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Unley and recognises the outstanding commitment of a police officer serving the community based on nominations from the general public.

“I’m passionate about policing in the city and see this honour as a reward for the positive responses we have developed for issues such as homelessness, rough sleeping and vulnerable people,” Chief Inspector Nairn said.

“With great support from current Eastern District management, including Superintendent Craig Wall, I have identified the need for meaningful engagement at all levels within the community, to better understand the

24-hour cycle of life in the Adelaide Central Business District (CBD) and its occupants, traders and residents, including the homeless.”

Chief Inspector Nairn’s policing career has come full circle. Graduating in 1984, he spent his early years as a patrol officer in the CBD and beats in Hindley Street.

He has served in a range of roles including regional and command response groups, Norwood Operations, Traffic Support Branch, and on the project to introduce electronic control devices. However, his career highlight was a stint with Dog Operations Unit from 1997 to 2004.

“I spent seven enjoyable years as a dog handler with the best policing partner I ever worked with – Police Dog Tyson,” Chief Inspector Nairn said.

“The lure of city policing then saw me return to a role in Adelaide and Norwood, where I was promoted to Operations Senior Sergeant with Norwood Operations.”

Throughout Chief Inspector Nairn’s career he has regularly been drawn back to working in the city. In 2016, after a stint with South Coast Local Service Area he requested a return to city policing with an Operations Inspector role in Eastern District.

“I had unfinished business and still had a love of the

CBD,” he said.

“I started working on homeless and rough sleeping issues and developing engagement avenues with outside support organisations.

“This has now progressed to the current situation where collaborating and working with these organisations has been paramount to creating the inner city responses to homelessness, rough sleeping and vulnerable persons’ issues.”

Chief Inspector Nairn has played a pivotal role in the success of Operation Paragon. Implemented in 2018, the operation involves dedicated police officers actively engaging with residents, traders, community groups and support agencies within the Adelaide CBD to address local issues and foster communication to achieve positive outcomes.

“I regularly go for walks in the city to interact with local homeless people and listen to their concerns,” he said.

“It’s great to talk to them and find out about their background.”

Such positive engagement

by Paragon members is making significant inroads into homelessness in the CBD. “We have assisted many people on their pathway from homelessness to finding suitable accommodation, including one gentleman who had been homeless for

around 16 years.

“Officers remained in contact and encouraged him to start a new life. He is now in housing and no longer engaging in drugs, begging and antisocial behaviour.”

Chief Inspector Nairn’s strong commitment to building and maintaining community safety is further underlined by his work with Adelaide Oval management and other organisers of major and special events in the city.

“I love this type of work, developing meaningful engagement with event organisers, venue managers and security to provide the safest, most efficient policing responses in support of a vibrant Adelaide CBD,” he said.

Outside of policing, Chief Inspector Nairn has a passion for motorcycles and particularly enjoys participating in the annual Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance.

“We all need to switch off in this job. I do it by getting on a motorbike and going for a ride,” he said.

“Nine years ago I was one of the 42 SAPOL riders who first entered the Wall to Wall Ride. This increased to 116 riders at the 2019 event, with the ride providing the ideal opportunity to enjoy the great camaraderie and share our love of motorcycling.” 

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> C OMMUNITY ENG A GEM ENT

SAPOL

PUTS ON A SHOW BELOW: Senior Constable Derek Croser (left) on Police Mare Xyla and Senior Constable Richard Miles on Police Horse Vulcan.

Photo: SAPOL Media and Public Engagement Section.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Showgoers receive information about the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights; a child enjoys a ride on the popular police motorcycle.

Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

The SAPOL stand in Jubilee Pavilion was once again a magnet for showgoers, with around 3000 people visiting the stand each day.

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The wafting smell of hot donuts, screams from those braving the gravity defying rides, and people burdened with numerous show bags as they traverse the Adelaide Showground. These have all been synonymous with the Royal Adelaide Show for many years; as has the enduring popularity of SAPOL’s corporate stand.

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regular Show award winner over the past decade, the SAPOL stand in Jubilee Pavilion was once again a magnet for showgoers, with around 3000 people visiting the stand each day throughout September’s 10-day event.

Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Cathy Busbridge and Constable Tania Dunlevey from the Events Project Team worked at the stand throughout the Show, along with various members from Road Safety Section, State Community Engagement Section, and the Band of the South Australia Police.

“The SAPOL stand was very popular with families, with many lured by the opportunity to sit in the police car and have their photo taken on the police motorcycle,” SC1C Busbridge said.

“More than 10 000 police hats were given away and 7550 photos were taken on the police motorcycle this year, many of which were children who have had their photo taken on the motorcycle annually since they were born.”

With the stand’s theme being road safety, Jeff the Road Safety Dog made

regular appearances to engage with showgoers.

“Jeff was extremely popular with kids and families and helped to promote the serious road safety message in an engaging and friendly style,” said the Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Bob Gray.

“We also had Road Safety Section members on-hand to answer questions about road rules, the ‘Fatal Five’ and bike safety, and to promote our road safety education programs.

“The interactive mirror photo booth was a drawcard with more than 3320 sessions and 5731 photos printed. The booth allowed participants to make a road safety pledge, such as always wearing a seatbelt or not being distracted by a phone while driving, with a free take-home photographic reminder of their personal promise to stay safe on our roads.”

Many visitors to the SAPOL stand also took the opportunity to speak to staff from the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, who were available to provide information on how victims can be supported.

The Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, Bronwyn Killmier believes the collaboration with SAPOL, as one of the first agencies to support victims, was a valuable opportunity to showcase her team’s work and give people a chance to ask questions.

“There is a lack of awareness amongst the

community about what support is available for victims of crime and where to go for assistance,” she said.

“Having a presence in SAPOL’s stand enabled us to educate people about their rights as a victim within the often complex and confusing criminal justice system.”

The collaboration was a resounding success.

“There have been numerous enquiries arising from conversations with visitors to the Show stand, which have led to the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights liaising with agencies such as the Crown Solicitors Office and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of victims,” Commissioner Killmier said.

“We are grateful for SAPOL allowing us to partner with them and increase awareness of victims’ rights. We plan to build on this success with display stands at future community events and an expanded social media presence, particularly via Twitter @VictimofCrimeSA.”

The stand’s broad community acclaim capped off yet another successful Royal Show for SAPOL, with the iconic Band of the South Australia Police performing daily to appreciative crowds, and community safety kept in check with a highly visible operational presence in and around the Showground.

“There was a strong focus on theft prevention and road safety, with strict enforcement of the 25 km/h traffic zones outside the event,” said Inspector Matt Nairn, who received the prestigious 2019 Police Officer of the Year Award at a ceremony held during the Show.

“Foot and bicycle patrols, along with officers from Traffic Services Branch, Public Transport Safety Branch, Mounted Operations and Dog Operations were just some of the SAPOL resources that worked diligently to safeguard the family-friendly atmosphere.” 

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Moments in Time

HONOURING THEIR SACRIFICE Thousands of South Australian police officers head out each day to keep the community safe, but over the years not all of them have returned home. For the 61 dedicated SAPOL members who have lost their lives in the line of duty, their story is one of ultimate sacrifice that is honoured each year on National Police Remembrance Day. BELOW: Officers form a guard of honour at the funeral of Senior Constable Bogdan Sobczak (inset) in 2002.

The funeral of Senior Constable Gordon Loft (inset) in 1991.

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BELOW: Officers mourn the passing of Motor Traffic Constable John Raggatt in 1956.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The 2017 National Police Remembrance ceremony at the Police Academy’s Wall of Remembrance.

All photos: South Australian Police Historical Society and SAPOL Photographic Section.

ommemorated annually on 29 September, the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police, National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dangers of the policing profession, reflect upon the sacrifices made by officers and focus on the challenges that lie ahead. In 2019, SAPOL observed the 40th anniversary of this solemn event with memorial services held at the Police Academy and across the state.

SAPOL’s first recorded deaths on duty were Mounted Constable John Dunning Carter, aged 22, and Lance Corporal William Murray Wickham, aged 24, who both drowned at Wigley Reach on the River Murray on 7 May 1847. They were en route from Moorundee to Overland Corner to deal with reported disturbances. After staying overnight at the riverfront station of J. H. Wigley, they bravely attempted a risky river crossing in their bark canoe but tumbled into the water.

One of them was able to swim but the other could not and therefore clung to his comrade for support. Sadly, they both perished clasped in each other’s arms. Local Aborigines later

recovered the two bodies, which they laid to rest on the riverbank.

At a later date, the bodies were exhumed and reburied at West Terrace Cemetery.

The most recent loss was 52-year-old Senior Constable Bogdan Sobczak who died on 26 May 2002 after his police motorcycle collided head-on with a motor vehicle on a highway near Tungkillo in the Adelaide Hills. The popular 29-year veteran of traffic policing was honoured with a police funeral at St David’s Catholic Church, Tea Tree Gully. Emotions were high after the service as a formation of motorcycle officers led the married father-offour’s hearse through a police guard of honour lining both sides of the street. The cortege then passed

by Holden Hill Police Station where officers lined the footpath and stood to attention to salute their former colleague.