Blueprint magazine Issue 1 2022

SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE MAGAZINE

Operation Ironside ROAD SAFETY | NEW POLICING ASSETS POLICE DOGS | GENTLE BEARS

2022, ISSUE 1

Blueprint SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE MAGAZINE

2 Staff profile: SC1C Ashwin Menon

24 Our people: Police dogs

Operation Ironside

> New initiatives: New policing assets

> Community engagement: Gentle Bears

> Community engagement:

Road safety campaigns

© Copyright South Australia Police 2022

2022, ISSUE 1

From the Editor

Content

> Operations:

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

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erious and organised crime is responsible for unleashing pain and misery on communities across the state, with drugs, violence and criminal offending ruining countless lives. Removing the perpetrators of such insidious activities from society has been the hallmark of Operation Ironside – a cross-jurisdictional policing operation in which SAPOL has played a pivotal role. The diligence, sacrifice and tenacity of hundreds of SAPOL employees involved in this unprecedented operation has been integral to its success, with the community safeguarded by the seizure of vast quantities of drugs and the prevention of brazen violence.

Ensuring community safety extends to our state’s roads.

SAPOL’s Media Road Safety Unit has released several hardhitting and thought-provoking road safety campaigns over the past year to positively change road user behaviour and reduce the unnecessary carnage on

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our roads. The campaigns have been well-received, with their confronting nature aimed at starting conversations and getting people thinking about their own actions.

Saving lives is also the aim of suicide postvention, with SAPOL playing an integral role in connecting those bereaved by suicide with crucial specialised support services. In the past four years, SAPOL has made more than 400 referrals to the postvention providers involved in the state-wide initiative, providing valuable support to families experiencing debilitating grief during a tumultuous time.

Also in this issue we meet Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Ashwin Menon who, after years climbing the corporate ladder and successfully performing high-level roles across the world with companies such as Nike and Mattel, decided to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. Inspirational people seems to be a recurring theme, with stories about SC1C Chloe Thompson’s arduous bike ride across the Flinders Ranges to support at-risk youth, and the immensely popular late Senior Community Constable Bradley Amos whose life was honoured with a charity football match in his home town of Port Augusta.

• MATHEW RODDA

ISSN 1448-1855 Editor: Mathew Rodda Editorial Team: Chief Inspector Colin Cunningham, Inspector Michelle Alexander, Karina Loxton and Mathew Rodda.

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Designed & Printed by: Graphic Print Group Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section,

COVER Task Force Ironside’s Detective Chief Inspector Darren Fielke with Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Taylor. Photo: Adam Romanowski, SAPOL Photographic Section.

Marketing and Communications Unit, Media Unit, Media Road Safety Unit, Dog Operations Unit, Major Crime Investigation Branch, Inspector Tim King, Road Safety Section, Serious and Organised Crime Branch, South Australian Police Historical Society, Water Operations Unit, Australian Federal Police, Country Fire Service, New Zealand Police, Operation Flinders Foundation, Shutterstock, South Australia State Emergency Service, The Transcontinental Port Augusta.

Blueprint is produced by SAPOL’s Communication and Engagement 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.

Our Border Operations have been integral to protecting the South Australian community throughout the pandemic.

Commissioner's foreword

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ike most South Australians, I am hopeful that 2022 will see the impact of the global pandemic diminish and we can get back to some form of normality in our policing duties and our everyday lives. The impact of our role in responding to COVID-19 has been significant and we should all be proud of the role we have played in supporting the community.

This was highlighted in February this year when SAPOL’s COVID-19 Border Operations program was recognised with a Premier’s Excellence Award.

Our Border Operations have been integral to protecting the South Australian community throughout the pandemic and it has been an enormous 24/7 logistical exercise over an extensive period. It has involved the daily resourcing of border checkpoints across the state, Adelaide Airport operations, medi hotels and the Police Operations Centre, along with a range of areas supporting frontline operations. There has been an average of 351 SAPOL staff

deployed per day, peaking at 616.

Having acknowledged the impact of COVID on SAPOL, it is important to recognise the impact the restrictions have had on the whole community.

There are so many businesses and families that have been affected, some more than others, but the sacrifices we have all made and the compliance with sometimes harsh restrictions have been critically important to dealing with COVID. While I am optimistic that we are edging closer to lifting the longest ever Major Emergency declaration after two years, we need to accept that COVID will still be in the community and we will all need to take personal responsibility for our health as well as ensuring we take steps to protect the wellbeing of those vulnerable members of our community.

Running simultaneously with the pandemic have been two other extraordinary operations – Operation Ironside and Task Force Southern. Ironside was the

largest multi-jurisdictional joint operation of its type ever conducted in Australia and we played an integral part in the unprecedented global operation targeting organised crime, crippling large networks of bikies, money-launderers and drug traffickers.

The day of action in June 2021 saw more than 400 SAPOL members deployed on simultaneous raids and we continue to have a dedicated team of over 60 members reviewing millions of pieces of data; working on evidence briefs; and investigating other possible offending.

Task Force Southern is another example of our ability to respond to serious crime in our community – in this case, investigating a number of unsolved violent murders in the southern area of Adelaide.

Some arrests have been made and I am confident that all of those responsible will be apprehended.

Whilst these are examples of great teamwork, three individuals were recognised

for their career achievements, receiving the Australian Police Medal in the Australia Day Honours. Senior Sergeant First Class Craig Wolfe was acknowledged for his longstanding work in prosecution.

Chief Superintendent John De Candia was pivotal in SAPOL’s most significant organisational restructure in almost 20 years – the District Policing Model. Detective Chief Inspector Denise Gray has overseen complex criminal investigations during her time in Major Crime, and Serious and Organised Crime Branch.

Congratulations to each of you.

I have said it before and it is worth repeating, South Australians can rightly be proud of SAPOL. This is because of the professionalism, dedication and commitment of all, regardless of whether it be in responding to traditional policing duties or unique and exceptional tasks like COVID-19. Thank you.

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

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> STAFF PROFILE

MAKING A WORLD

OF DIFFERENCE

Senior Constable First Class Ashwin Menon. Photo: Marketing and Communications Unit.

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I worked with Mattel for five years in key management roles in various international locations and then spent six years with Nike as Regional Sales Director.

Travelling the world while building an impressive and lucrative corporate career, Ashwin Menon appeared to be the epitome of success. However, despite the high salary and enviable lifestyle, a feeling was growing inside of him, a yearning to find that often elusive sense of satisfaction we all crave from our daily lives.

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t the age of 42 he finally found the answer to this personal quest when he joined SAPOL as a cadet.

Now a Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) within Eastern District Child and Family Investigation Section, his work life is vastly different to the corporate career that started in the United States

in the mid-1990s with Sanyo Technologies after completing a Physics degree and Masters in Business Management.

“I worked with Mattel for five years in key management roles in various international locations and then spent six years with Nike as Regional Sales Director,” SC1C Menon said.

“I then moved into the media industry working with large organisations such as HT, Denver Post, Las Vegas Review-Journal and Philadelphia Inquirer performing roles including Group General Manager, Vice President and Business Head.”

SC1C Menon’s rapid rise up the corporate ladder saw him travel the world – from the United States to Hong Kong, Japan, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and many other countries.

“Interacting with people from various cultural backgrounds and learning how to successfully deal with diversity was one of the perks of the corporate world that I loved,” he said.

“It improved my

adaptability, flexibility, and communication skills. There were times when I was forced to accept different viewpoints that helped improve my reasoning, objectiveness and fairness.”

In the early 2010s SC1C Menon embarked on another journey, this time to Sydney with his wife when she commenced a Masters degree at the University of Technology. Enamoured with life in Australia, she stayed on for work after completing her studies, which prompted SC1C Menon to question his imbalanced corporate life.

“I felt like I was wasting my life building wealth for abstract organisations.

I wanted to create a life of passion and purpose and make a valued contribution,” he said.

“I then quit my corporate career and permanently joined my wife and children in Australia in 2013.”

After farewelling one successful career while at the top, SC1C Menon embarked on a new journey from the ground up in 2015 when he began the cadet training course at the Police Academy.

“When it came to choosing the next step in my career, I could not think about anything else but joining the police,” he said.

“Some members of my extended family had rewarding careers in law enforcement and intelligence services. I had grown up listening to their stories and being inspired by them.”

In his 40s and re-booting his work life, SC1C Menon relished the new learning environment.

“Starting over again was the best thing to happen as I was keen to learn and reinvent myself,” he said.

“I adopted a famous Nike maxim – ‘be a sponge’ – and took every opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills.”

After graduating, SC1C Menon worked as a patrol officer before stints in

Operation Paragon and the Holden Hill District Policing Team. In 2020 he moved to his current role as a domestic violence (DV) investigator in Eastern District Child and Family Investigation Section.

“My role involves reviewing DV occurrences, investigating the offences, managing victims, working on mitigating the risk of harm, providing advice to patrols who attend DV incidents, and taking carriage of high risk DV occurrences after the initial 48-hour period,” SC1C Menon said.

“I feel very proud of what I do. I love seeing how my hard work makes a positive difference in someone’s life.

“I enjoy building trust and relationships with the community and helping people live better lives.

I go home satisfied each day, realising I have helped someone feel safe and secure or make better life choices.”

Joining SAPOL to ‘make a difference’ sounds like a clichéd line, but in SC1C Menon’s case it’s the absolute truth.

“I wanted to contribute positively to people and the community, but I realised that I had skill sets from my corporate career which I could use effectively as a police officer,” he said.

“I’ve been able to draw upon my strong people management, conflict resolution and problem solving skills along with my experience working in stressful conditions, mentoring people and thinking on my feet.

“Despite my past accomplishments, I see policing as my dream career.

If I can inspire just one person with the things I’ve done and the difference I’ve made, I’d say I’ve achieved quite a lot.”

South Australia Police is currently recruiting – visit achievemore.com.au 

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> OUR PEOPLE

Brevet Sergeant Craig Charles and PD Ruger competing in the Australasian Police Dog Championships. Photo: New Zealand Police.

OPPOSITE PAGE: PD Ruger and PD Stoic with Brevet Sergeant Charles; PD Ruger recovers from an operation. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section and Dog Operations Unit.

‘PAWS’

FOR REFLECTION

During his seven years in Dog Operations Unit PD Ruger was deployed 1025 times. He apprehended 158 offenders, recovered 103 items of property worth in excess of $55 600 and cleared 379 police reports.

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Suffering a major lung infection and rapidly declining in health, the prognosis for Police Dog (PD) Ruger was grim.

On the third day of Ruger’s stay at the veterinary surgery, his handler Brevet Sergeant Craig Charles received the dreaded phone call with a sombre message – rush to the vet and say your goodbyes to your beloved friend and work colleague.

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hat was in October 2016.

Now more than five years later 10-year-old German Shepherd Ruger is enjoying life in retirement after a decorated policing career.

Brevet Sergeant Charles still remembers the day vividly.

“My family had an emotional car trip to the vet knowing that this would be the last time we would see Ruger,” he said.

“When we arrived the vet said he had tried an old fashioned antibiotic that morning as a last resort and that about 30 minutes before we turned up Ruger had shown a spark of improvement.

“When I saw Ruger he wagged his tail which was more than he had done in

the past 24 hours. The rest is history.”

The fluctuating emotions experienced by Brevet Sergeant Charles, from sadness and expected grief to relief and elation, emphasise the unbreakable bond that police dogs form with their handlers. For this duo, the working relationship originated in 2012 when ninemonth-old Ruger began his training.

“I looked at a few puppies before I found Ruger at a breeder. I wasn’t working operationally with another police dog at the time so I dedicated my time to training Ruger and ensuring he passed his course and graduated,” Brevet Sergeant Charles said.

Despite his near-death experience in 2016, PD Ruger proved that every dog has its day by winning the individual patrol dog championship at the Australasian Police Dog Championships held in Wellington, New Zealand just two years later.

“Ruger missed the 2016 Championships due to his serious lung infection so it was great to see him showcase his skills in areas including obedience, distance

control, formal retrieval and agility,” Brevet Sergeant Charles said.

“This victory along with Ruger’s many successful trackings of offenders was a validation of our extensive training. I always get great satisfaction out of seeing my dog work and apply its craft.”

PD Ruger’s illustrious career ended in 2019 when Brevet Sergeant Charles embarked on a six-month caravan trip across Australia.

During his seven years in Dog Operations Unit PD Ruger was deployed 1025 times. He apprehended 158 offenders, recovered 103 items of property worth in excess of $55 600 and cleared 379 police reports.

“Ruger still wants to go to work each day as he has such a high drive. Every time I leave for work he thinks today is the day I’ll get into the car and return to work,” Brevet Sergeant Charles said.

“He sits in his play area all day and watches the road, waiting for me to come home from work. When I’m at home he follows me everywhere – it’s like I have a stalker.”

Replacing PD Ruger for the daily work commute is PD Stoic who first joined

forces with Brevet Sergeant Charles as an eight-weekold puppy in September 2018. He undertook nine months of training before his experienced handler left on his holiday.

“Stoic ended up graduating with another handler, but in a twist of fate, that handler had left Dog Operations when I returned from six months’ leave and I was then re-united with Stoic,” Brevet Sergeant Charles said.

Now working with his third police dog, Brevet Sergeant Charles says you cannot simply pick a favourite.

“I’ve learnt to never compare your dogs as they each have their strengths and weaknesses and different levels of drive,” he said.

“As a handler you must recognise what makes the dog tick, what makes it want to work and tailor the training to suit each dog’s needs. It also depends on a handler’s experience – with my first dog we were both on a steep learning curve but now on my third I’m more focused on particular skill sets.”

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> O UR PEOPLE: PO L I CE DO G S

BIG BEN

CALLS TIME ON HIS CAREER

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ergeant Simon Rosenhahn manages the unit’s dog acquisitions.

Scheduling retirements and bringing through the next generation of police dogs involves detailed planning.

“We aim to retire police dogs at around eight years of age. Though they would prefer to keep working, the dogs are retired

while fit and healthy to live out their days as pets with their handlers,” he said.

“New dogs come through our Puppy Development Program, usually starting at eight weeks old.

“The 12-month program is designed to assess and ensure the puppies will be suitable for the rigours of

Sergeant Simon Rosenhahn with PD Ben. Photo: Dog Operations Unit.

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operational policing.”

The Puppy Development Program used to involve puppies staying with community volunteers but is now run in-house by Dog Operations Unit.

“This works better as experienced handlers get to dedicate more time to training the puppies in vital skill areas such as tracking and obedience. It also helps build a crucial bond between handler and puppy from day one,” Sergeant Rosenhahn said.

“It takes 9-15 months before puppies go on the 12-week General Purpose Police Dog course and then become operational.

“Puppies are allocated to handlers whose current dogs are due to retire.

This can be quite time consuming for the handler as they must train and develop their puppy while ensuring their operational dog is up to standard.”

Sergeant Rosenhahn recently experienced this challenge when he was training PD Bomber while also working with sevenyear-old PD Ben, who was forced to retire in June 2021 due to a back injury.

“I got Bomber as an eight-week-old through the Puppy Development Program and he graduated in August 2021,” he said.

“Bomber is a beautiful natured dog and has a

different temperament to Ben who was quite full-on at work due to his very high drive.”

Known for his glamourous coat, PD Ben enjoyed six highly productive years, being deployed 1034 times and apprehending 182 offenders. He also cleared 454 police reports and recovered 103 items of property worth more than $26 000.

Probably his biggest claim to fame was refraining from devouring the contents of a butcher shop in the Adelaide Central Market when he caught an offender hiding under the counter.

“We responded to an alarm activation and searched all over the market but Ben kept dragging me back to the butcher shop. Patrols checked the shop multiple times but couldn’t find anyone,” Sergeant Rosenhahn said.

“We kept searching the markets but Ben was persistent about the butcher, so we went back a final time. I lifted Ben over the counter and he found the hidden offender within 10 seconds.”

PD Ben is now enjoying the occasional butcher’s treat at home as he relaxes in retirement.

“Ben was born to be a police dog. He was awesome to work with,” Sergeant Rosenhahn said.

> OPER ATIONS

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Taylor and Detective Chief Inspector Darren Fielke. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

STRIKING

WHILE THE IRON IS HOT

The clock had just ticked over 3.00 am on Monday, 7 June 2021 when a group of 45 search team leaders gathered for a briefing at the Police Operations Centre, unsure why they had been summoned at such an early hour on a cold winter’s morning. They soon discovered they were to become an integral part of Operation Ironside – an unprecedented global policing operation targeting organised crime.

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t exactly 5.30 am more than 400 police officers simultaneously charged through the front doors of around 50 properties across metropolitan Adelaide. What had been SAPOL’s most significant involvement in a covert investigation into organised crime had suddenly become overt.

Similar scenes were being played out across the country with more than 4000 police officers making surprise visits to the homes of alleged bikies, money-launderers and drug traffickers, seizing millions of dollars’ worth of luxury items that police claim were funded by the proceeds of crime.

Known as ‘resolution day’ the raids were the culmination of more than three months of meticulous and intense planning amid a wider two-year covert operation orchestrated

by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Australian Federal Police (AFP). In South Australia, the primary targets were members and associates of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) and an array of organised criminals heavily involved in the cannabis and methamphetamine trade.

A veteran of organised crime investigation, Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS) Steve Taylor, Officer in Charge, Serious Crime Coordination Branch, was one of 30 of the state’s most experienced police officers who, along with other senior SAPOL and AFP officers, directed proceedings from South Australia’s Police Operations Centre.

“The stakes were very high with no margin for error but all high-risk targets were arrested without incident,”

DCS Taylor said.

The raids continued throughout the day, with 80 addresses searched and 55 people arrested for a range of serious criminal offences.

A further 33 arrests had previously been made in the lead-up to resolution day.

“The success of the raids was testament to the fastidious planning and the determination, ingenuity and teamwork of our people,” DCS Taylor said.

“While this day of action was significant because of its size and scope, many similar operations on a smaller scale were conducted as part of SAPOL’s fight against organised crime.”

SAPOL has been unrelenting in its pursuit of organised criminals, with Operation Ironside activities resulting in 105 alleged offenders arrested, more than 200 charges laid, over

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> O PERATION S : OP ER ATI O N I R O N SI DE

Operation Ironside is a watershed moment in Australian law enforcement history.

600 kilograms of illicit drugs intercepted, 49 firearms seized, and a number of murder plots disrupted.

Three clandestine drug labs have been dismantled, including one ‘super lab’ that was capable of producing 50 kilograms of methamphetamine per week.

The operation has also crippled the local Comanchero OMCG with 15

MAIN PHOTO: SAPOL personnel at work in the Police Operations Centre as ‘resolution day’ unfolds.

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full members and associates now awaiting trial on serious charges ranging from conspiracy to murder to production and trafficking large commercial quantities of methamphetamines, money laundering and serious firearms offences. Those in custody include several of the gang’s highest ranking officeholders, along with their key ‘foot soldiers’, effectively

disabling, if not destroying, the gang’s business model.

DCS Taylor believes Operation Ironside is a watershed moment in Australian law enforcement history.

“This complex, longstanding investigation has struck a heavy blow to the foundations of organised crime in South Australia,” he said.

“We’ve been able to apprehend some of the state’s most notable crime figures who police have been chasing for many years – people who control large sections of the illicit drug market and wield significant influence.

“This would not have been achieved without the leadership of the AFP and the strong and effective

working relationship SAPOL has developed with them throughout the operation.

We continue to collaborate on several fronts to ensure Ironside generates the best investigational outcomes.”

CRIMINALS ‘APPREHENDED’ Central to the success of Operation Ironside is the AN0M app – an encrypted communications platform that was integrated into particular types of mobile phones that could only be used for running the app. The AN0M platform was being covertly controlled by the FBI and the AFP after the mobile devices were planted into the criminal underworld. While organised crime figures thought it was a secure encrypted app out of reach of police, the FBI and the AFP were gaining real-time access to every message, photograph or voice-message sent between the users of the AN0M platform.

The FBI and AFP spent almost three years secretly operating AN0M after the AFP developed world-first capability to unscramble encrypted communications.

More than 11 000 people, including 1650 in Australia, used AN0M devices, unaware the AFP was eavesdropping on discussions about planned executions, mass drug importations, industrial-scale drug manufacture, large scale money laundering and gun running. Millions of messages were sent between the 11 000 devices across the globe, with around 28 million messages relating to activities in Australia. It is conservatively estimated that more than four million messages were exchanged in South Australia alone.

The first SAPOL member to be informed of this audacious initiative was DCS Taylor who was briefed by the FBI and AFP in January 2020. For around 12 months only DCS Taylor and former AC Crime,

Peter Harvey, followed by Commissioner Grant Stevens and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams were aware of the AN0M app and the constant flow of invaluable intelligence and insights.

“During that time I’d often receive reliable information from the FBI and AFP that an OMCG member was going to commit a violent crime so I would disseminate this to

Crime Gangs Task Force to ensure nobody was harmed,” DCS Taylor said.

“It was vital I kept the information source confidential. We work in an environment where dealing with highly classified protected information is the norm so people didn’t query the source and just got on with the job.”

ABOVE: Former Assistant Commissioner (AC) Peter Harvey, AFP Detective Superintendent Gail McClure and Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS) Steve Taylor monitor the progress of Ironside raids.

OPPOSITE PAGE (TOP): Detective Chief Inspector Darren Fielke outlines a plan of action to former AC Harvey and DCS Taylor. Photos: Media Unit and Australian Federal Police.

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> OPER ATIONS: OP ERA T ION IRONS IDE

We acted to prevent violent incidents and made drug seizures but we had to balance taking action and getting results without compromising the AN0M platform while it was still active.

About three months before the global resolution day a select group of SAPOL staff were briefed about the ongoing operation. This included Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Darren Fielke who was selected to spearhead the ongoing investigational commitment to Operation Ironside. He immediately formed a small team comprising a dozen investigators and intelligence analysts to drive the investigation forward and plan for resolution day.

“I embedded the team with the AFP in the special operations centre which allowed us to get closer to

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real-time information,” he said.

“We acted to prevent violent incidents and made drug seizures but we had to balance taking action and getting results without compromising the AN0M platform while it was still active.

“It was a real juggling act in terms of who you took out and when. There was extensive planning in really short spaces of time to make sure that we maintained the integrity of the platform while taking our opportunities.

“We knew what criminal syndicates were thinking and saying to each other

whenever we took action. It was a game of cat and mouse involving a lot of clever police work for at least three months leading up to the resolution date.”

SEIZING THE INITIATIVE All this careful planning and intricate investigative work almost unravelled on the eve of resolution day, when 60 Minutes ran a story about an overseas based Comanchero OMCG member, Hakan Ayik. The story centred on encrypted communications and how Australian law enforcement agencies were

targeting international crime groups. That same night, just 12 hours before the planned raids, the AFP blasted through the doors of the NSW Comanchero Sergeant in Arms, generating warnings on AN0M about police undertaking raids the next morning. This triggered a sudden change of thinking for SAPOL. “We initially planned to brief our contingent on Sunday at 3.00 pm but due to AN0M information we moved this to 3.00 am on Monday – just two and a half hours before the raids,” DCI Fielke said.

Police arrest a man for offences under Operation Ironside. Photo: Australian Federal Police.

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> O PERATION S : OP ER ATI O N I R O N SI DE

Drugs, cash and weapons seized during Operation Ironside raids. Photos: Serious and Organised Crime Branch (SOCB).

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“Despite the short notice, everyone did their job exceptionally well with no complaints.”

The events of 7 June 2021 gained widespread media attention and highlighted the stunning success of a collaborative, multi-agency approach to the scourge of organised crime. However, this was just the start of a new phase for Operation Ironside, with the industry and tenacity of SAPOL staff now delivering tangible outcomes well away from the glare of the media spotlight.

“We have Task Force Ironside comprising more than 50 members, mainly drawn from Serious and Organised Crime Branch, who are diligently working on getting over 50 briefs of evidence ready for trial,” the Task Force’s Officer in Charge, DCI Fielke said.

“They are doing the real grunt work by going through millions of pieces of data – reading, assessing and cataloguing it – in order to prepare briefs of evidence that will be understandable and digestible for a judge, jury, defence and prosecution.

“It’s a challenging, onerous, ongoing task due to the sheer volume of material but they’re doing an exceptional job.

“We are also receiving really valuable assistance from Digital Evidence Section and some of the work they are doing will be integral to Ironside’s success. The assistance provided by several other areas of SAPOL, including Confiscations Section has also been fantastic. It is a real team effort.”

A key evidentiary challenge facing Task Force Ironside investigators is proving that the person using the AN0M device had the device in their possession at the time the incriminating encrypted messages were sent. The work being done to attribute devices is both resourceintensive and time consuming.

“We have team members solely working on phone

attribution,” DCI Fielke said.

“One simple statement for one offender for one phone used for three months is in excess of 100 pages long.

Some of these offenders had five or more phones over a two-year period so that gives you an idea of the magnitude of the work involved in attributing a phone to a particular person.”

A SERIOUS AND ORGANISED APPROACH The extensive work being undertaken by Task Force Ironside investigators has seen SAPOL solidify its strong working relationship with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“They have done an outstanding job dealing with large volumes of material and ensuring smooth passage through the court system,” DCI Fielke said.

After leading the way nationally in Operation Ironside arrests and seizures, SAPOL is now working with the Office of the DPP to set a legal precedent. DPP, Martin Hinton QC has fasttracked the case of three men charged with drug trafficking and possessing military-grade firearms to the Supreme Court. This will become an Australia-first test case for the admissibility of evidence gathered on the encrypted AN0M platform.

“No other state is doing this so everyone is focusing on South Australia to see what happens,” DCI Fielke said.

“This will test several issues around how the devices’ information was collected, the warrants that sat behind it, how they were distributed and the lawfulness of the whole investigation.

“It’s nerve-wracking as we could get a raft of guilty pleas if successful but if we lose on a legal technicality it could have a domino effect across Australia.”

At stake is not only removing some of the state’s most wanted criminals from society but also their

vast wealth funded by their nefarious activities.

SAPOL’s Confiscations Section undertook 33 separate investigations into Ironside accused, resulting in 47 restraining order applications and 177 coercive powers being used. Additionally, full asset assessments were conducted for another 19 accused offenders. To date, assets with a total estimated value of $32.7 million have been restrained, including 104 vehicles worth $3.6 million, 48 properties valued at around $21.5 million and $6.3 million in cash.

Many of these assets were the subject of applications lodged with the Supreme Court prior to resolution day to secretly freeze and restrain them before they could be disposed of by criminals.

Further assets are likely to be seized as arrests continue.

Although the AN0M app was shut down in June 2021, Task Force Ironside investigators are continuing to analyse large volumes of messaging sent over the encrypted platform.

“This work has uncovered further evidence of additional offending including large commercial drug trafficking and manufacture as well as

Police uncover illicit drugs during a raid. Photo: SOCB.

money laundering, serious assaults and property damage by arson and is resulting in a significant number of arrests,” DCI Fielke said.

“Those individuals who have used AN0M to engage in criminal behaviour should expect police to knock on their door.”

Despite the inroads made

by Operation Ironside, DCS Taylor emphasises that this is just one pillar of organised crime in South Australia.

“Ironside caused many criminals to go to ground for a while as they look for new ways of doing business,” he said.

“We may appear focused on Ironside investigations but we’re still keeping a close eye on all organised crime activity across the state.”

The legacy of Operation Ironside is likely to be felt for years.

“In my 42 years as a police officer I have never seen anything of this magnitude and complexity,” DCS Taylor said.

“For those involved in Operation Ironside this is a once in a career opportunity to be involved in a job where you apply your skills as a detective to build a significant brief of evidence and put

serious organised criminals away.

“It doesn’t get any better than this. It is the pinnacle of being an organised crime investigator.

“I commend the dedication and efforts of our SAPOL people who have invested extensive hours in making Ironside investigations such an unprecedented and outstanding success.

“Their unrelenting commitment to eradicating the scourge of organised crime should have many criminals very worried.” 

Motor vehicles confiscated during Operation Ironside. Photos: SOCB and SAPOL Photographic Section.

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> C ASE STUDY

Victim Robert Sabeckis, and above, his car abandoned after the crime.

Only two men can say for certain what transpired in the Gull Rock carpark at Maslin Beach early on the morning of 13 January 2000.

One, 42-year-old Robert Sabeckis, was shot twice with a sawn-off shotgun, and would not live to tell his story. The other fled the scene in his victim’s silver Ford Falcon, leaving the victim to die in the carpark from the horrific wounds inflicted.

A

keen-eyed witness tailed the gunman’s vehicle in darkness, along

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nearby Bowering Hill Road and onto Tuitt Road. Within mere moments, the shooter collided with bushes and a fence, bolting from the crashed Falcon. Shortly after 1.15 am, the gunman vanished, abandoning his jacket and the modified firearm, along with invaluable DNA evidence that would come to betray his identity.

An insufficiently-weighted gun bag containing ammunition, clothing, and the sawn-off butt of the shotgun was plucked from the waves at Aldinga Beach on the day of the shooting. Investigations revealed the offender’s weapon had been lifted during a residential break-in at Dover Street, Aldinga Beach on New Year’s Eve. That house was subsequently set alight, destroying forensic evidence.

Within months, SAPOL investigators had assembled a DNA profile of the unnamed man, who had all but disappeared in a paddock

outside Port Willunga.

Months, then years, ticked by. He never appeared on a database, either within Australia or overseas.

The bereaved family of Robert Sabeckis would endure an agonising wait for answers until, on 25 March 2018, Major Crime Investigation Branch (MCIB) detectives swooped on the rugged seaside village of Piha, west of Auckland.

In July of the previous year, New Zealand (NZ) national Paul Beveridge Maroroa had provided a DNA sample to NZ Police. Upon conducting a routine check for SAPOL just four months later, a DNA match was found, linking Maroroa to the Sabeckis case.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL Brevet Sergeant Paul Tucker worked on the case from day one. Seconded to Christies Beach CIB at the time of the fatal incident, he was due to return to uniform duties the following day but the events of 13 January 2000 would set him on a different path.

“When I arrived at the crime scene it was a dark, lonely, desolate place,” he said.

“Mr Sabeckis had been shot twice, suffering significant gunshot wounds to his arm, armpit and chest.

“He had also been struck on the head with the butt of a firearm and had his underpants pulled down around his ankles, leaving his genitalia exposed.”

Investigators found bloody footprints and a piece of shotgun near the victim’s body.

“My initial thoughts were that Mr Sabeckis was approached near his car where the first shot occurred, as there was blood on the side of the car,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

“I believe Mr Sabeckis then ran towards the cliff where he crouched down for a while before running back to his car, which is when the second gunshot hit him.”

Shortly after, Mr Sabeckis’ stolen Ford Falcon was located nearby.

“It had crashed and, from its airbag, a DNA sample was taken that would years later match Maroroa’s genetic signature,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

“Later that day the stock of the gun was found in the water by a snorkeller, inside a gun bag that had been weighed down with rocks.

“That bag also contained a towel and a pair of bloodstained jeans that had been bound up with red tape – all items eventually tested positive for Maroroa’s DNA.”

Five days after the shooting, nearby residents found a sawn-off shotgun discarded on their property, wrapped up in a bloodstained jacket.

“A DNA sample taken from the jacket was also later linked to Maroroa, while the weapon was ‘parts-matched’ to both the stock found in the water and the gun piece found next to Mr Sabeckis’ body in the car park,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

“The gun’s serial number tied it to an Aldinga Beach property that had been broken into and set alight 13 days before the shooting.

“We later discovered that Maroroa was friends with the son of the property owners but there was no crime scene evidence linking him to the arson.”

Within eight days of the shooting police had gathered much of the evidence in the case.

“The diligence of the crime scene investigators had constructed the killer’s DNA profile but we had no particular offenders in mind or solid leads,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

“We had a jacket with a squid stain on the back so we checked boat shows and talked to fishermen to see if they recognised it.

“We interviewed people who hung around the area and also received information

He seemed indifferent and showed no reaction at all when charged with murder. via Crime Stoppers.

“Over the years we persevered with the investigation, with a $200,000 reward offered in 2009 and the case being a focus of Operation Persist. Information about Mr Sabeckis’ death was also featured in a set of cold case playing cards given to prison inmates across the state.”

Unbeknown to Major Crime investigators, the perpetrator had fled to New Zealand on 29 April 2000.

“On 28 January 2000 Maroroa visited Christies Beach Police Station and reported his bag, containing his passport, had been “stolen in Alice Springs” but we believe this was a lie designed to create a false alibi around his possessions,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

MEETING HIS MATCH After having no suspects in the case for nearly two

decades, Major Crime investigators made a huge breakthrough in 2017 when a DNA sample matched Maroroa’s genetic profile on the NZ DNA database.

“Major Crime had performed a familial DNA test which came up with a particular surname so we asked if the DNA profile could be sent to NZ to see if it matched with anyone else of that name,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

“It came back with a hit for Maroroa, which was the first time he had been linked to the crime.

“There was no DNA agreement with NZ until legislation was changed about six months before our enquiry.”

In March 2018 Maroroa’s freedom was suddenly curtailed when NZ Police arrested him. Single and living alone at a boarding house in Auckand’s western outskirts, the then 43-yearold appeared blindsided by his arrest.

Paul Maroroa who was jailed for manslaughter.

“He seemed indifferent and showed no reaction at all when charged with murder,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

SEEKING JUSTICE In November 2019, Maroroa finally faced his day of reckoning in court, nearly 20 years after the tragic incident at Maslin Beach. He pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Sabeckis. He admitted shooting the victim but said he did not mean to kill him as he was engaged in a life and death struggle over the sawnoff shotgun.

“Maroroa claimed he fired the shotgun in selfdefence because Mr Sabeckis intended to rape and then murder him but this version of events was strenuously rejected by the prosecution,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

“Maroroa also claimed he delivered the gun to Mr Sabeckis to pay off a $150 drug debt.

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> CAS E S TUDY : RO B ER T SAB ECK I S M AN SLAU G H T E R

JUDGEMENT DAY

Maroroa’s bloodstained jacket, and above, the sawnoff shotgun used during the crime. Photos: Major Crime Investigation Branch.

“Prosecutors and Major Crime believed that Maroroa hunted and gunned down Mr Sabeckis and further humiliated him by pulling down his underpants and stealing his car.”

During the trial Maroroa did not deny shooting Mr Sabeckis, nor did he dispute the strong forensic evidence, which his counsel said proved only that he died a bloody death, not that he was murdered. They also argued

the shooting was self-defence and due to possible defects in the shotgun.

“Both Major Crime and Maroroa’s legal team went by the same forensic evidence but they had a vastly different interpretation. Although we did not believe what Maroroa was saying we could not disprove what they said in court,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said.

On 21 February 2020, after a 13-day trial, the 12-person Supreme Court jury took five hours to find Maroroa not guilty of murdering Mr Sabeckis. They instead found him guilty of the lesser, alternate charge of manslaughter.

Justice Sam Doyle sentenced Maroroa to nine years’ jail but imposed a lower-than-usual non-parole period of six years, backdated to his 2018 arrest.

In sentencing, Justice Doyle rejected Maroroa’s claims his victim tried to rape and kidnap him. However, he also ruled that “whatever” Mr Sabeckis did to prompt Maroroa to shoot him three times “substantially mitigated” the crime.

Justice Doyle said that, together with Maroroa’s good character, lack of offending during his 20 years as a fugitive and “very good prospects for rehabilitation” warranted the “relatively short” prison term.

Justice Doyle did not accept parts of Maroroa’s evidence given at trial, saying some of it was “implausible”.

“It was false and tailored to minimise your culpability,” he said.

The judge said that meant he was “left with little but the crime scene” on which to base his sentence and could not know “why you went there or what you intended with Mr Sabeckis”.

Brevet Sergeant Tucker was disappointed with the outcome.

“I was not satisfied with the sentence given to Maroroa.

We spoke to the DPP who appealed the sentence but the Appeals Court did not increase it,” he said.

“I think Maroroa came up with a story to fit the crime scene evidence as there were no eyewitnesses to dispute his account. What he said could have happened but I doubt it.”

Despite the less than satisfactory outcome, Major Crime continues to leave no stone unturned in their quest to solve cold cases.

“Each cold case is active and solvable; all it takes is for one person to contact us with the right information,” Brevet Sergeant Tucker said. 

A family’s heartache R

obert Sabeckis was a quiet, gentle man who was a naturally gifted singer. As a loyal member of the Lithuanian Community Club, he dedicated himself to its choir, theatre and folk dancing groups.

Mr Sabeckis’ niece, Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Vilija Sabeckis, remembers him as a kind and loving uncle.

“I have many fond memories of spending time with Robert while I was growing up,” she said.

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“I was only 15 when he died. I remember seeing a news update on TV showing Robert’s car and then a few seconds later my mum received a phone call with the horrible news.

“Robert’s death caused great pain throughout my family and the close-knit Lithuanian community.”

Years went by with Major Crime keeping SC1C Sabeckis updated with the investigation’s progress until they finally made the crucial breakthrough.

“I couldn’t believe it when

Brevet Sergeant Tucker called to say they had a DNA hit,” she said.

SC1C Sabeckis attended the trial. Although relieved that justice had been done after so long, she felt let down by the manslaughter charge and relatively short sentence.

“Maroroa never provided an adequate explanation for what happened on that fateful night. He claimed to be a victim and painted my uncle as some kind of monster,” she said.

“I think he put forward

a version of events that protected himself from the full extent of what he had done.

“Despite this, it was important that someone was held accountable for my uncle’s death.

“As a family we are extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of Major Crime. Their persistence and determination ensured this case was solved and provided us with muchneeded closure.” 

> OUR PEOPLE

Senior Constable First Class Chloe Thompson undertakes the gruelling Epic Impact Bike Challenge in the Flinders Ranges.

HELPING YOUTH

BREAK THE CYCLE

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> O UR PEOPLE: CHL O E THO M P SO N

The concept of pedalling 709 kilometres across the Flinders Ranges over five days in gruelling conditions would struggle to entice even the most avid cyclist.

However, for Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Chloe Thompson, this was her reality when she participated in the Epic Impact Bike Challenge last September to raise valuable funds for the Operation Flinders Foundation.

T

he keen cyclist was part of a nine-person group that rode from Adelaide to Yankaninna Station in the northern Flinders Ranges, the home of the core Operation

MAIN PHOTO: The vast and desolate Flinders Ranges at dusk. Photo: Shutterstock.

ABOVE: SC1C Thompson with fellow Challenge riders, and opposite page, participating in an abseiling exercise. Photos: Operation Flinders Foundation.

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Flinders program, stopping off at iconic South Australian locations and passing through some of the state’s most magnificent scenery.

SC1C Thompson’s fundraising effort generated more than $10 000 to support the Foundation’s work with ‘at-risk’ youths aged 13-18, many of whom have experienced hardship such as childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, bullying, drug use within the family home, and exposure to domestic

violence.

“Operation Flinders provides at-risk youth with an opportunity to find ambition and direction when they may have otherwise felt lost or helpless,” SC1C Thompson said.

“It’s about them learning they are more than their struggles and can achieve a lot more than may seem possible in their current circumstances in life.

“They do amazing work in helping youth develop

resilience, confidence and self-worth.”

Following the physically and mentally demanding cycling journey, SC1C Thompson spent two days at Yankaninna Station where she witnessed first-hand the benefits of her fundraising, with a group of youths undertaking an eight-day exercise. The participants went on a 100-kilometre trek and experienced abseiling, indigenous culture and bushcraft, while building self-confidence through challenging themselves.

The exercise is used as a circuit breaker to assist in developing ambition while building self-confidence and resilience, along with skills in teamwork and leadership.

The overall aim is to deter the youths from risk-taking behaviours such as substance abuse, self-harming and/or suicide and general troubled behaviours.

“The two days at Yankaninna Station were eye-opening and definitely brought home the reason why we all signed on for this challenge,” SC1C Thompson said.

“Listening to the participants’ experiences, struggles and achievements was powerful and moving.

“Some of them were only a few days into their exercise and it was fantastic to hear them already changing their attitude, learning how to navigate challenges and anxieties and reflecting on how this can positively impact their life when returning home.

“We participated in the abseiling challenge and it was a moment of understanding for me, that for some of these young people it may have been the first time in their lives where they were able to put their complete trust in an adult. That is a massive step.”

Having previously worked with young people who have suffered traumatic experiences in their lives, SC1C Thompson understands the importance and value of the work Operation Flinders does in creating better futures for youth.

“In my policing work I have met children who have been subjected to or witnessed extreme acts of domestic violence or been sexually

assaulted, neglected and forced to live in conditions that the average person can’t fathom,” she said.

“I have also encountered children who have been bullied to the point of attempting suicide, and children who don’t have a single person in their life they can trust, depend on or give them the love and guidance that every child needs for healthy development.

“Being involved in the Epic Impact Bike Challenge has definitely increased my passion to become more involved in helping young people find support and direction in what seems to be an increasingly complicated world.”

Despite an intensive training schedule involving daily core workouts and three structured cycling workouts per week, SC1C Thompson is willing to do it all again this year to support a worthy cause. She will also be undertaking training with Operation Flinders to be an assistant team leader for the eight-day exercise.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to this valuable

program. Many of those who complete it say it’s a turning point in their lives,” she said.

SC1C Thompson is also keen to continue being engaged with the community outside of her policing role. She has previously volunteered for the RSPCA, participated in several charity bike rides, and raised significant funds for Movember in memory of her brother who was lost to suicide.

“As a police officer there can be a certain level of

cynicism and negativity when often dealing with people at their worst, so it’s important to embrace opportunities to positively connect with the community and make a real difference,” she said.

Visit operationflinders.org. au to find out more about the wonderful work Operation Flinders Foundation does to assist young people. 

Operation Flinders provides atrisk youth with an opportunity to find ambition and direction when they may have otherwise felt lost or helpless.

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> NEW IN ITIATIV ES

The new state-ofthe-art Polair 53 helicopter. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

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Whether it’s a police helicopter high in the sky, Water Operations Unit members on jet skis in the River Murray or police riding e-scooters in Rundle Mall, chances are you’ve seen an example of SAPOL’s recent acquisitions in action.

C

overing land, water and air, SAPOL is investing in the latest transport assets to ensure safer communities across the state.

Aerial policing has been enhanced with the new Polair 53 (or B412) helicopter, replacing the previous Polair 53 which served SAPOL from 2005. Former aircrew member and now Officer in Charge of STAR Group, Superintendent Craig Wall says the new Polair 53 is equipped with the latest technology.

“The new helicopter features twin engines, high definition and thermal

imaging cameras, a ‘night sun’ spotlight, and red and blue strobe lights,” he said.

“It is larger and faster than its predecessor and is used for a range of tasks including search and rescue, aerial observations, high speed pursuits, offender searches, missing persons searches, and proactive patrols.

“Emblazoned with SAPOL’s ‘Safer communities’ branding, the new Polair 53 provides an extremely visible and high profile aerial police presence to overtly prevent crime and rapidly respond to incidents across the state.”

BUOYED BY NEW WATER FEATURES Policing our state’s waters has been bolstered by the arrival of Police Launch 2, which superseded the 14-year-old Police Launch 3, more commonly known as ‘Ron Jeffrey’. Featuring advanced technology, the locally built Police Launch 2 is extremely well-equipped to undertake search and rescue, marine compliance, general patrols and dive operations.

“Since being officially commissioned in August 2021, Police Launch 2 has accrued more than 200

service hours with the main focus being marine safety compliance and drug and alcohol testing,” said Sergeant Brenton Allen from Water Operations Unit.

“It features a state-ofthe-art navigation system, diesel inboard engine, long range radar, forward-looking infra-red for improved search capability and can hold up to eight crew members.

“It is our fastest response vessel with a range and capability to reach Kangaroo Island and the entire Gulf St Vincent and can be deployed anywhere within South Australia as needed.”

Police Launch 2 makes a splash, and above, Brevet Sergeant Robert Brownridge aboard a jet ski. Photos: Water Operations Unit.

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> NEW INITIATIVES : NEW POLIC ING A S S ET S

The ATVs have assisted in locating missing people and warning swimmers about shark sightings.

Water safety has also been enhanced with two jet skis that have just completed their second operational summer.

“The jet skis are deployed in rivers, inland waterways and near coastal areas for marine compliance checking and search and rescue activities,” said Brevet Sergeant John Anderson from Water Operations Unit.

“They are fast and manoeuvrable so they can be used at the beach in wave conditions to perform surf rescues. They also operate very well in shallow water which helps with missing persons searches.”

Jet skis can be used all year round by highly trained Water Operations members, either operating together or working in conjunction with another vessel.

“Despite the SAPOL branding on the jet skis, they are not obvious from a distance so this allows us to get closer to jet ski operators who may be offending,” Brevet Sergeant Anderson said.

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“They have been very useful along the metropolitan coast in checking jet skis and also in river patrols where they have recorded several positive drug tests.”

SHORING UP COMMUNITY SAFETY Another regular feature on our metropolitan beaches is the Yamaha Wolverine X2 AllTerrain Vehicle (ATV).

“The two ATVs are an innovative approach to policing volume crime along the metropolitan coast as well as providing an exciting community engagement platform,” said Inspector Tim King from Western District.

Since their introduction in the 2020-21 summer, the ATVs have been deployed more than 60 times across Western and Southern Districts for proactive patrols and operations including Safe Shores and Jericho.

“The ATVs have assisted in locating missing people and warning swimmers about shark sightings. They’ve also

enhanced community safety during major events held at Glenelg, Henley Beach, Semaphore and Aldinga,” Inspector King said.

“ATVs are used in response to offences along the coastline and the Linear Park trail and to regularly patrol coastal caravan parks, providing a deterrent for offenders who are known to target these venues for theft.

“An ATV was also recently used during a high risk A-League soccer match between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium to patrol the exterior and safely escort Melbourne fans from the stadium to the city on the Linear Park trail.”

More than 60 members have been trained to operate the ATVs, with the vehicles being positively received by the community.

“They always attract a lot of attention from the public and have proven to be a valuable engagement tool,” Inspector King said.

Brevet Sergeant John Norman and Constable Jason Moore of Henley Beach Police on patrol at West Beach. Photo: Inspector Tim King.

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> NEW INITIATIVES : NEW POLIC ING A S S ET S

Constables Alicia Black and Jordan Smith patrol Rundle Mall on their e-scooters. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

The e-scooters are easy to use and great for high visibility areas.

They allow us to cover distance quickly and go into areas where police vehicles cannot.

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ACCESS ALL AREAS Eastern District members are enjoying the ride of their lives, with a trial of e-scooters currently underway in the Adelaide City Council area.

Sergeant Andrew Leigh from the Hindley Response Team is one of the 45 officers trained to use the e-scooters, which have travelled more than 130 kilometres during the trial.

“The e-scooters are easy to use and great for high visibility areas. They allow us to cover distance quickly and go into areas where police vehicles cannot,” he said.

“They have been positively received by officers and the community.”

The e-scooters have proven to be a valuable asset for operational policing.

“We had serious concerns for a young woman with disabilities who was near the River Torrens, with patrols on foot trying to locate her.

I deployed the scooter and found her after covering a considerable distance in a short time,” Sergeant Leigh said.

“Using e-scooters around the Adelaide CBD allows us to adapt the way we do business and think outside the square. It highlights how we’re evolving and looking for new ways to deliver frontline policing.”

DOING A POWER OF GOOD In late 2020, SAPOL was the first state government agency to introduce fully electric vehicles as part of its fleet with the purchase of two Hyundai Konas and three Hyundai Ioniqs.

Karen Kochergen, Head of Physical Assets, believes the new vehicles’ benefits have been embraced by the workforce.

“Take-up by SAPOL staff has been excellent with the electric vehicles used for non-operational purposes including site visits, meetings and transport between SAPOL facilities,” she said.

“The Konas have travelled more than 22 500 km with the longest trip being 325 km while the Ionqis have travelled over 17 500 km with a

maximum journey of 205 km.

“SAPOL also currently has in excess of 110 hybrid Toyota Camry and RAV4 models, further highlighting SAPOL’s commitment to environmentally conscious initiatives.”

Having driven both the Kona and Ioniq, Sergeant Gary Pusey is impressed by the electric vehicles’ performance and ease of use.

“Other than the absence of any engine noise to indicate that the car is actually started or running, the vehicles drive and handle as well as any standard petrol vehicle,” he said.

“The electric vehicles are easy and comfortable to drive and are surprisingly powerful and responsive. Having them in the fleet is definitely a positive move for SAPOL.” 

A Hyundai electric vehicle charges up for its next zero emissions trip. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

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> COMMUN ITY EN G AG EM EN T

SUPPORT

DURING AN UNBEARABLE TIME

Constable Debbie Gibson with a comforting and huggable Gentle Bear. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.

The Gentle Bears provide enormous emotional comfort for children during traumatic situations.

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Sergeant Elinor Arblaster Murders, road utilising their benefits. fatalities and serious “I recently interviewed domestic violence a 16-year-old girl who has significant intellectual incidents are often disabilities and cerebral palsy. traumatic for police She was understandably officers, so you upset after discussing her situation so I gave her a can only imagine Gentle Bear,” she said. the impact they “Her whole expression have on innocent changed – she jumped out of her chair in excitement and children who have broke into the biggest smile the misfortune to be and gave me a massive hug. involved. Sometimes “I also gave a bear to a woman with a traumatic past the simple gift of a who had just lost her father. cuddly teddy bear What she missed most was can provide a vital not being able to hug him so the bear now has special source of comfort meaning to her.” for an emotional and confused child.

FIRST POINT OF CONTACT

S

ince 2007, SAPOL has been using a ‘Gentle Bear’ to provide children with a recognisable, reassuring and safe object to latch onto and distract them from the immediate, distressing situation. What started as a collaboration between SAPOL and the bear’s manufacturer Gallagher Bassett has grown rapidly to become a calming force and symbol of care and compassion for emergency services all over the world.

“The Gentle Bears are widely used by our Victim Contact Officers, Family Violence Officers and patrol and station members,” said Victims of Crime Coordinator, Sergeant Victoria Lewis.

“They are also used by SAPOL when visiting longterm sick children at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and in recent times for the ‘Backpacks 4 SA Kids’ programs.

“The Gentle Bears provide enormous emotional comfort for children during traumatic situations, with the strong bond between bear and child assisting police in breaking down barriers when offering care and support.”

Gentle Bears are in demand at Special Crime Investigation Section, with investigators such as Brevet

Constable Debbie Gibson commenced her current role as a Victim Contact Officer in Major Crime Investigation Branch in the same year as the first Gentle Bears arrived at SAPOL. She has lost count of how many bears she has handed out over the past 15 years but has no doubts about the positive impact they continue to have.

“I have seen so many faces light up when I give them a Gentle Bear. It’s a real icebreaker and a talking point, particularly when you arrive at a house full of grieving people that you have never met and you are holding a bear,” she said.

Constable Gibson has regularly witnessed the bear’s soothing effect on children.

“The bear enables children to open up and talk about something else other than the trauma they’ve experienced.

Upon giving them a bear, they hug it straight away and then name it,” she said.

“Once I was supporting a child whose family member had been murdered. The child was very distressed and couldn’t stop vomiting.

“I brought them a Gentle Bear and soon after the child was cuddling the bear, had stopped vomiting and we talked for hours.”

Whether it’s a child or adult, dealing with the raw emotion and grieving process of those who have just lost a loved one requires an innate ability to listen, support and forge close bonds.

“As a Victim Contact Officer I provide effective support, advice, advocacy and referral to victims of crime,” Constable Gibson said.

“All of my cases relate to declared major crimes, with most being murder or manslaughter.”

First introduced in 1992, Victim Contact Officers are now located in each of SAPOL’s Districts and Local Service Areas and in several specialist areas. While their roles across each area may slightly differ, the one common theme applies – a strong focus on ensuring

victims receive the support they need.

For Constable Gibson, this support extends from the time of the crime right through the investigation process and beyond, which can sometimes not have an end date due to unsolved cold cases.

“This usually involves liaising between victims and detectives, explaining criminal injury compensation, referring victims to the witness assistance officer and relevant agencies, and offering support with anything else that they may need,” she said.

“Victims need help, reassurance, answers and most importantly someone who cares and is there for them.

“Just having someone that keeps them updated and is honest and transparent can prevent them from suffering even more.”

Although it can be challenging at times, Constable Gibson finds her role extremely rewarding.

“I believe victims give more to me than I give to them but I feel that my role makes a real difference,” she said.

“It’s gratifying as you’re helping people and being appreciated. I have had so many victims say they couldn’t have survived without the assistance I have provided to them and their families.” 

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> OUR PEOPLE

Bradley’s 2018 NAIDOC Person of the Year award summed up the impact he had on the public.

The late Senior Community Constable Bradley Amos proudly displays his NAIDOC award, alongside (left to right) Senior Community Constables Shirreen Jackson and Alex Janiak and Sergeant Rachael Bowles.

Photo: The Transcontinental Port Augusta.

REMEMBERED LONG AFTER THE FINAL SIREN Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the following article contains images of people who have passed.

The Port Augusta community was left shocked and saddened in May 2021 when an immensely popular and highly respected leader suddenly passed away.

Senior Community Constable Bradley Amos was just 43 years old – the married father of three adult sons made a huge impression and left a void that is still felt to this day.

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I

n November his life was remembered and celebrated at a charity football event held in front of a large crowd at Port Augusta Central Oval. Raising money for the Heart Foundation and Breast Cancer Awareness, the event featured an Auskick clinic for children and a game between junior players and parents. This was followed by the main event as the South Augusta All Stars took on the Emergency Services team for the coveted Bradley Amos Shield.

Despite being on night shift, Brevet Sergeant Glen Robbins didn’t let tiredness stop him from taking to the field to honour a colleague he proudly worked alongside for six years.

“I was passionate about organising a football match in Bradley’s memory and raising funds for charities that were close to him and his family,” he said.

“Police travelled from as far as Adelaide and Clare to

play in the game, highlighting the positive impact Bradley had on us all.”

The Emergency Services team featured 14 police officers, along with several young Aboriginal footballers from Port Augusta High School. They put up a spirited fight throughout the game but in the end couldn’t quite keep up with the All Stars who ran out 20-point winners, with the final scores being 9.14 (68) to 7.6 (48).

“Sadly we didn’t come away with a win on the day but it was certainly a fun game to play in. We also raised around $2500 for charity,” Brevet Sergeant Robbins said.

“This year’s game will be quite special as we hope to wear new guernseys featuring a design created by local community constables including input from Bradley before his passing.

“It will be a great way to honour someone who embodied what it means to be a Community Constable.”

The late Bradley Amos was a fixture at most sporting events. He was actively involved with South Augusta Football Club and regularly umpired basketball in summer. He was just as busy outside of the sporting environment, often going out hunting to collect meat or gathering firewood for those in need.

“Bradley spent much of his personal time outside of work helping to plan and run community events and developing a strong rapport with local people,” Senior Community Constable Shirreen Jackson said.

She believes Bradley’s 2018 NAIDOC Person of the Year award summed up the impact he had on the public.

“It speaks volumes about the kind of person he was, and the dedication he had towards helping society and in being a positive role model for others,” she said.

“Bradley took his Senior Community Constable role

very seriously and always endeavoured to bridge the gaps between SAPOL and the community.”

The late Senior Community Constable Amos was held in high esteem by people from all walks of life, including the former member for Stuart, the Hon Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP who counted him as a friend.

“Bradley was an extraordinary leader. He was one of those people who could light up a room and his presence seemed to make everything better,” he said.

“He was very proud of his Aboriginal culture and was highly respected in his policing role. This was highlighted by the large attendance at his funeral and the enormous amount of love and respect shown and shared for him and his family.

“Bradley was a fierce competitor on the football field, he was a loving man to his friends, he was a leader in our region and he is very

sorely missed.”

Bradley’s sudden passing devastated the community, with many struggling to comprehend the news. His relative and close working colleague of 13 years, Senior Community Constable Alex Janiak, witnessed the outpouring of emotion.

“He touched many people’s lives through his policing role and involvement in sports and social activities,” he said.

“We will all take a long time to heal from his loss. Bradley will be remembered as an Aboriginal man who lived and worked in the community that he loved and was proud to be a part of.

“The football event was a great way for all those who loved and respected him to honour his legacy. Bradley was such a great fun-loving, cheeky, larger than life character who was taken too soon but will be never forgotten and forever loved.” 

Weary players after their battle for the inaugural Bradley Amos Shield. Photo: Port Augusta Police.

TOP RIGHT: The late Senior Community Constable Bradley Amos.

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> COMMUN ITY EN G AG EM EN T

Irresponsible behaviour on the state’s roads often has tragic consequences with lives lost, causing irreversible heartache for family, friends and colleagues of victims.

For those ‘lucky’ enough to survive road trauma, the physical pain and mental agony can be ever-lasting.

O

ver the past five years, 486 people lost their lives on South Australian roads.

More than 3600 sustained serious injuries. This, simply, is unacceptable. Over the past 12 months, SAPOL has been focused on reducing this unnecessary carnage with several hard-hitting road safety campaigns.

In March 2021 SAPOL’s Media Road Safety Unit (MRSU) launched an aggressive and powerful advertising campaign to deter drink driving. The ‘Drink driver. Selfish prick.’ campaign appeared on TV, radio, print, outdoor and digital platforms, warning motorists of the dangers of driving while under the influence. It specifically targeted males aged 20-40 years – the demographic most represented in drink driving statistics.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Ian Parrott said the campaign was deliberately

designed to be confronting to impact those who, after decades are still not “hearing the warnings” surrounding drink driving.

“We make no apologies for the aggressive and blunt nature of this campaign. It was specifically designed to start conversations and get people thinking, particularly the target audience, about their behaviours,” he said.

“It is absolutely frustrating that more than 25 500 people were caught drink-driving in the five years before the campaign launched.

“In that same period, 14 per cent of all lives lost on our roads and 8 per cent of serious injury crashes involved at least one driver or rider with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit.”

The phrase “drink drivers are selfish pricks” was extensively tested on representatives of the target audience and deemed to be influential, impactful

MEETING THE ROAD SAFETY CHALLENGE

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and likely to prompt selfreflection and behaviour change.

“Research also showed that convenience is the main reason drink drivers gamble on getting behind the wheel rather than use alternative and safer transport options,” said the manager of MRSU, Richard Blackwell.

“The use of ‘prick’ caused some debate but research suggested stronger language could be used.”

Not surprisingly, the ‘Drink driver. Selfish prick.’ campaign achieved very high awareness at 82 per cent, well above the usual 65-75 per cent for new campaigns.

The strong awareness also saw it become the seventh most complained about ad nationally to the Advertising Standards Board in 2021.

“Post-campaign reporting showed an increase in compliance with avoiding drink driving to 90 per cent,” Mr Blackwell said.

Filming emotive scenes for a road safety campaign targeting regional motorists. Photos: Media Road Safety Unit.

“The advertising burst in April 2021 coincided with the lowest drink driving detection rate in 10 years – 0.54 per cent.

“This campaign approached drink driving from a different perspective and delivered it with a punch.”

A CONFRONTING MESSAGE Fresh from the success of ‘Selfish prick’, MRSU created another thought-provoking campaign offering raw insight into the enduring effects of road trauma.

In June 2009, 18-yearold Nicholas Holbrook died when he was a passenger in a car travelling at high speed, driven by his best mate Phillip, which slammed into a tree on West Lakes Boulevard. The advertising featured neverbefore-seen interviews with Phillip, exposing the psychological and emotional

Drink Driver.

Selfish Prick.

We make no apologies for the aggressive and blunt nature of this campaign. It was specifically designed to start conversations and get people thinking.

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> COMMUN ITY EN G AG EM EN T : R O AD SAF ET Y CAM PA IG N S

areas, an alarming 70 per cent of deaths happen on regional roads.

“Nearly half of the people who died on regional roads in 2021 resided 20 kilometres or less from where the collision occurred.”

After the one-month burst across October-November last year, the campaign has tracked strongly.

“Seventy per cent of the sample audience we surveyed nominated that they now drive more safely on country roads and 54 per cent said they now believe that country people die on country roads,” Mr Blackwell said.

“The campaign returned in April this year.”

A confronting image from the campaign targeting country drivers. Photo: Media Road Safety Unit.

scars caused by Nick’s death. The campaign told the story of the same crash from various perspectives, featuring interviews with Nick’s parents, Glynis and Michael Holbrook, and first responders who attended the scene, including Sergeant Gino Spiniello.

Described by The Advertiser as “the most confronting campaign ever put to air in South Australia” the ‘What damage will your driving do?’ ads first appeared on TV on 1 August 2021. The main theme also appeared on billboards, while other key advertising was strategically placed in shopping centres, online and on social media to target those most represented in road trauma offences.

“The campaign was designed to depict the mental prison that these people now live in and demand accountability for irresponsible driving behaviour,” Mr Blackwell said.

“The use of real people, including our own members, created a much-talked about campaign that resonated with the audience.

“Tracking showed that the message was clear with 89 per cent of the core audience taking away the intended message.”

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MAKING INROADS The success of visually powerful advertising with strong cut-through messaging created the template for MRSU’s next foray into road safety promotion – a highly emotive road safety campaign aimed at dispelling a myth among regional motorists that only metropolitan drivers die on country roads.

Filmed in Callington in consultation with Major Crash Investigation Unit, the ‘2 in 3 deaths on country roads are country people’ campaign featured seven emotionally charged TV commercials enacting the horrors of the ‘fatal five’ and how they play

A scene from the senior drivers’ campaign. Photo: Media Road Safety Unit.

out on the state’s regional roads. The campaign was launched on 17 October 2021 and aired across regional, metropolitan and on-demand TV stations and also appeared in regional newspapers, on social media and digital platforms, on roadside billboards and in pubs, clubs and roadhouses across the state.

“This campaign was carefully crafted after extensive research into the attitudes and behaviours of drivers on regional roads, particularly those who live and work in regional areas,” AC Parrott said.

“While only 30 per cent of South Australia’s population lives in regional or rural

A FIRST FOR SENIOR DRIVERS This follows the launch of a new senior drivers’ campaign in March. The first of its kind in South Australia, the advertising targets older drivers and addresses the over-representation of seniors in road trauma.

People aged 70 and over make up only 13 per cent of the South Australian population yet account for 23 per cent of lives lost and 13 per cent of serious injuries on our roads. Between 2015 2019, an average of 23 elderly lives were lost and 94 senior road users suffered serious injuries each year.

Mr Blackwell stressed the campaign has been carefully developed to be sensitive and respectful of older road users.

“This campaign is not about blaming or disempowering older South Australians,” he said.

“The concepts address the true experience of older drivers and aim to empower them to recognise the signs of increasing vulnerability.

“This campaign is designed to start a conversation between older drivers, their family members and medical

carers. It’s about being prepared with options and supports to draw on if driving is becoming more stressful, more scary and therefore less safe.”

The TV commercials are notable for featuring real seniors instead of actors.

“We worked closely with COTA to ensure the campaign presented seniors sensitively,” Mr Blackwell said.

“Focus testing of the concepts showed that the campaign was relevant and highly relatable to

seniors who could see themselves in the ads.

“The campaign rolledout across TV, outdoor advertising, radio and GP clinics throughout March.”

The full suite of SAPOL’s road safety campaign materials can be viewed at www.police. sa.gov.au/your-safety/ road-safety/road-safetycampaigns

Too many of us die out here.

2 in 3 deaths on country roads are country people.

 SAPOL0025_Country Roads A3 Poster_420x297mm_FA.indd 1

6/10/21 2:01 pm

Driving home the message I

n 2017, then 22-year-old Holly Scott miraculously survived a horror crash in the Adelaide Hills which left her car wrapped around a tree. She sustained a brain injury and also suffered a shattered pelvis, fractured vertebrae and broke her hip, tailbone and both legs.

Holly spent 15 days in a coma before moving to Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre for the arduous process of learning to walk and talk again.

Somehow defying the odds, Holly is now using her harrowing ordeal to educate others as SAPOL’s inaugural Road Safety Ambassador. She is working closely with Road Safety Section, with a particular focus on Year 11 students.

Manager of Road Safety Section, Senior Sergeant Sue O’Connor believes sharing Holly’s experience will have a significant impact on the 75 000 participants the program reaches each year.

“Seeing the extent of Holly’s broken body in x-rays, gut-wrenching photos and videos you get the full picture of what a momentary lapse on the road can do to a life, a

family and the community.

You also get the true sense of Holly’s remarkable fighting spirit,” she said.

“These very personal visuals and messages will resonate with young drivers and hopefully change their mindset about driving so that they’re more vigilant.”

Holly and her father Richard will feature in a new road safety session aimed at young people about to obtain their driver’s licence and their parents/guardians who will be supervising their driving.

“Holly will also be speaking to Year 11 students as part of the Road Safety Centre’s youth driver education session,” Senior Sergeant O’Connor said.

“Having a young person like Holly share her story heightens student engagement and enables them to better comprehend the devastating and life-long effects of road trauma.” 

Holly Scott who survived a horrendous crash that caused the wreckage shown above.

Photos: Road Safety Section.

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> C OMMUNITY ENG A GEM ENT

SUPPORTING THOSE LEFT BEHIND

The importance of a planned postvention response following a death by suicide cannot be underestimated.

Each year, more than 3000 Australians take their own lives.

Every one of these deaths has an immediate and traumatic effect on family, friends, workplaces and the broader community.

T

his sobering statistic is just the tip of the iceberg.

Annually, more than 65 000 Australians attempt suicide, with one in eight Australians having considered attempting suicide at some time in their life.

Research has firmly established that family members of individuals who die by suicide are at increased risk of suicide.

Often referred to as ‘suicide contagion’, it is where a person’s knowledge of

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(or exposure to) a suicide increases the likelihood of them viewing suicide as an option. During such a tumultuous time it’s vital that those impacted can access support and resources. This is where SAPOL is playing a significant role as part of a state-wide ‘suicide postvention’ initiative connecting the bereaved in the community with crucial specialised support services.

SAPOL works closely with two postvention providers – StandBy Support after Suicide (Anglicare SA), and the National Indigenous Suicide Postvention Service, led by Thirrili – in a formalised referral mechanism where it notifies these providers of deaths by suicide anywhere in the state within 24 to 48 hours.

As the Officer in Charge of Coronial Investigation Section, Detective Senior Sergeant First Class (SS1C) Trevor Rea has been integral to the establishment and

success of the community postvention program.

“It provides vital support to those affected by suicide, as people bereaved through suicide are up to eight times more likely to take their life than the general population,” he said.

“The postvention providers have been around for a while but up until SAPOL became involved in 2018 there was no mechanism to link them to families in need.”

Detective SS1C Rea phones the next of kin after a suicide to explain the coronial investigation process and inform them of the available support services. It is often a difficult and intensely personal call.

“The phone calls can be incredibly draining, especially to those who have lost children to suicide or when a child has found their parent deceased,” he said.

“There is so much emotion involved. I often have to console people and provide

reassurance and clarity to them.

“I also make sure I’m aware of the background to the situation, as there may be domestic violence, custody or family issues.”

More than 400 referrals have been made to the postvention providers, with around 90 per cent taking up the offer of counselling.

“Losing someone to suicide can be an isolating, painful and life-altering experience,” Detective SS1C Rea said.

“Many families struggle to cope with the traumatic, anguished and debilitating grief.

“When talking to families and loved ones I explain the benefit of at least having a chat.”

The importance of a planned postvention response following a death by suicide cannot be underestimated.

“We need to ensure we have done everything possible to prevent further suicides and ensure that

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please contact:

Detective SS1C Trevor Rea. Photo: Marketing and Communications Unit.

at-risk and vulnerable people who have been affected receive a coordinated and timely response, including education, assessment, treatment, follow-up and caring support,” Detective SS1C Rea said.

“My referrals open this door for people to step into.”

Research suggests approximately 135 people are exposed to each suicide death.

“No community is immune to suicide. The ripple effect of suicide means that many others are impacted by each death, including first responders, work colleagues, team mates and family,” Detective SS1C Rea said.

“For a number of people I have spoken to, this was not the first suicide in their families.

“It is vital that postvention considers the broad continuum of people who have a relationship or identify with someone who dies by suicide. This is particularly

important for high-risk and marginalised communities.”

After previously working extensively in child protection and sexual crime investigations, Detective SS1C Rea believes he has seen the worst of humanity.

This experience has made him victim-focused, with the resilience and personal drive to improve outcomes.

“I created the state’s first suicide register and I use the data to better understand the issue and consult with other agencies,” he said.

“I also sit on the Issues Group for Suicide Prevention and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Committee.

“I am very passionate about helping people as we have more than 200 suicides a year in South Australia which is around twice the amount of lives lost on our roads.

“I have people known to me who have taken their lives and I want to play my part to

Lifeline

13 11 14 lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue

1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au

MensLine Australia

1300 78 99 78 mensline.org.au

Kids Helpline (ages 5-25)

1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au

Suicide Call Back Service

1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au

support people and prevent other issues arising.”

Despite a uniquely deathfocused role and dealing with families at the lowest point of their lives, Detective SS1C Rea remains steadfast in his commitment to making inroads into what he describes as one of the world’s most serious and preventable health issues.

“The ultimate goal is to prevent further suicides and to support affected individuals and communities in their healing,” he said.

“A community commitment which includes SAPOL immediately identifying, and intervening with survivors can turn postvention reaction into prevention strategies.

“I feel so privileged to play my part assisting bereaved families and connecting them with the postvention support they need.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic having wreaked havoc on people’s lives, compounded by the impact

of other major issues both at home and abroad, Detective SS1C Rea believes now, more than ever, the community needs to know there is help out there during times of personal crisis.

“I would encourage anyone experiencing emotional crisis to contact their GP or mental health practitioner; call one of the crisis support services; or just start the conversation with someone you trust and feel comfortable with,” he said.

“Alternatively, if you are concerned that someone is in immediate danger, call triple zero and do not leave the person alone unless you are concerned for your own safety. If the person agrees, take them to the local hospital’s emergency department for an assessment.

“It’s important for everyone to remember they are not alone and that they can get through their most difficult time.” 

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> C R IME PR EVENTION

A CRUSHING BLOW FOR RECKLESS ROAD USERS

This initiative provides a strong financial deterrent for those people who wish to undertake dangerous driving practices.

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When used inappropriately a vehicle can become a dangerous weapon capable of wreaking havoc on our roads.

All too often the poor decisions of a few can have far-reaching consequences for many, with the needless devastation of lives lost and serious injuries having a harrowing effect on individuals, families and communities, each carrying its unique personal cost physically, emotionally and financially.

hard for selfish drivers to get them back.

“This initiative provides a strong financial deterrent for those people who wish to undertake dangerous driving practices that place the lives of all road users in jeopardy,” he said.

“Irresponsible driving and blatant disregard for road rules and the safety of others will not be tolerated by police.”

The impound costs are having a financial impact on those caught driving at excessive speed, hoon driving, drink/drug driving and driving without a licence or registration. In fact, vehicles can be impounded if a person has been charged, arrested or reported for up to 23 prescribed offences.

In the first four months of the new initiative, 1473 vehicles were impounded, with 11 vehicles signed over to SAPOL for disposal.

Drink driving and driving while disqualified were the most common offences.

Several drivers were caught ‘street racing’ – one more than 45 km/h over the limit and another in a manner dangerous to the public.

Worryingly, there were 43 offenders who have previously had their vehicle impounded.

“The vast majority of vehicles impounded are for offences that we know kill or seriously injure people on our roads,” AC Parrott said.

“In the past some people may have thought they could avoid the consequences of their actions but this new legislation will ensure that more irresponsible drivers will be held to account with harsher financial penalties.”

Recidivist offenders who continue to risk lives on the state’s roads remain a focus for police.

“People should learn their lesson the first time their vehicle is impounded. They should be thankful they’ve gotten away with a fine and had their vehicle taken away for a while rather than suffering a lifelong injury

requiring care or killing a loved one or innocent person,” AC Parrott said.

Over the past five years, there has been an average of 95 lives lost and 688 serious injuries on the state’s roads each year.

“Unfortunately a small cohort of road users continue to do the wrong thing. The severe financial penalties are intended to hit these people in the hip pocket and make them think about the potentially tragic and irreversible consequences of their actions,” AC Parrott said.

“The tougher impounding process is just one of several tactics adopted by SAPOL to improve road safety. Lives lost and serious injuries can be prevented but we must all play our part.”

If you witness dangerous behaviour on our roads you can report it via the Traffic Watch app or by phoning 131 444. 

S

outh Australia Police (SAPOL) is strongly committed to road safety and ensuring reckless road users are brought to justice.

This has been emphasised by its role in implementing new laws to combat hoon driving and other serious road offences.

Under the Criminal Law (Clamping, Impounding and Forfeiture of Vehicles) Act 2007 legislation, those who have their cars impounded will now have 28 days to pay $1135.50 upfront to have their car released by SAPOL. If not paid by then, the fee could jump as high as $1421.50, before SAPOL, from day 39, can dispose of the vehicle which can result in it being sold by auction or crushed for scrap metal. Payment plans are not permitted.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Ian Parrott from State Operations Service makes no apologies for removing cars off the road and making it

Irresponsible drivers’ cars reduced to scrap metal. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

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> COMMUN ITY EN G AG EM EN T

A ‘KLOSE’ CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNITY Ask anyone who knows Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Mick Klose to describe him and you will only hear effusive praise punctuated by words such as passionate, dedicated, selfless, hard-working and inspirational. It is this high level of admiration and respect that led to him being named the 2021 South Australia Police Officer of the Year.

T

he annual award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Unley, honours the outstanding commitment of a police officer serving the community, with nominations only accepted from the general public. SC1C Klose was a popular and worthy winner, with his passion for community involvement and desire to make a positive difference to the lives of so many resonating with the numerous individuals and organisations that nominated him. These included the South Australian Police Motorcycle Club, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics South Australia and several former SAPOL members.

The affable officer was humbled by the award, which comes only two years after being awarded the prestigious Australian Police Medal.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to be recognised as Police Officer of the Year,” SC1C Klose said.

“I have been very fortunate to live my dream of being a police officer. Being involved in the community and

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having the ability to make a difference is a wonderful reward in itself.

“Police officers often see the worst of what occurs in the community, but it is important to remember and focus on the good in the community.”

SC1C Klose began his policing career in 1986 and nine years later began what was to become a pivotal role in bicycle patrols. He developed a passion for the then new mode of police transport and over the years played an instrumental role in developing and deploying bicycles as a highly visible policing presence at events and as part of general policing duties. SC1C Klose’s dedication and diligence ensured that bicycle patrols became a regular feature at community events including the Christmas Pageant, Adelaide 500 and the Royal Adelaide Show.

SC1C Klose has also provided a long-term commitment to cycling events within South Australia, in particular the Tour Down Under and SAPOL’s Ride Like Crazy charity event. He has played an important role in providing expert advice to organisers and planners through his local knowledge, excellent understanding

of traffic management and logistical aid to deploying bicycle patrols.

Outside of work SC1C Klose has been selflessly dedicated to helping others through his significant involvement in a range of charities and community groups. He has a particular affinity with Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics South Australia where he has worked tirelessly to promote awareness of and inclusion of people with an intellectual disability.

“It’s quite humbling being involved in the LETR. I get to work with amazing sports people with an unbelievable drive,” he said.

“I help organise the torch runs where police officers run with Special Olympics athletes carrying the Flame of Hope. It’s an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”

SC1C Klose fondly recounts one of the most memorable and moving stories of his long involvement with the LETR. “I was in Los Angeles for the LETR and meeting families who shared my enthusiasm for assisting with the Special Olympics. I met a young athlete who was nonverbal – he grabbed my hand and we sat in silence for 10 minutes,” he said.

“His parents said it was the only time their son had ever connected with anyone apart from his family. To have that impact was quite special and still brings a tear to my eye.”

The popular officer’s empathy and compassion is just as evident in his roles as coordinator, secretary and treasurer for the annual Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance which commemorates fallen police colleagues. It is a particularly poignant event for SC1C Klose after the tragic loss of his early career mentor, Senior Constable David Barr, who died in the line of duty on 26 July 1990.

“David was the senior constable in my team; he was pivotal in my career. I had only been an officer for about three years so it was a hard-hitting reminder of the dangers of policing,” SC1C Klose said.

“The Wall to Wall Ride from Adelaide to Canberra is a great way to remember our mates while enjoying great camaraderie and sharing our love of motorcycling.”

After a distinguished career spanning 35 years, SC1C Klose’s appetite for policing and community involvement shows no signs of abating.

“Throughout my career I have received awesome support and been given wonderful advice and direction by peers and supervisors alike and I hope I can do the same for others as they pursue their careers,” he said.

“To those in the early stages of their policing career, my advice is to take your opportunities to get involved in the community.

You get so much joy out of giving – the more you give, the better you feel.” 

I have been very fortunate to live my dream of being a police officer.

SC1C Mick Klose with his welldeserved honour, and opposite page, addressing guests at the award ceremony. Photos: SAPOL Photographic Section.

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> OPER ATIONS

WORKING TOGETHER

TO ACHIEVE SAFER COMMUNITIES

SASES members and police officers working together.

Photo: SASES.

The collaborative working relationship between SAPOL and SASES has been absolutely critical to the successful frontline response to the pandemic.

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Since early 2020 SAPOL has been at the forefront of the largest and most prolonged statewide emergency response ever undertaken with the advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the unprecedented challenges, SAPOL has been a leading light in the crisis, working collaboratively with a range of government and non-government agencies to maintain safer communities across the state.

A

key driver behind SAPOL’s successful pandemic response has been a joint initiative with the South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES). Better known for dealing with extreme weather events, road crashes and rescues, the volunteer-based service has provided enhanced COVID-19 operational support to SAPOL since October 2020 when 42 SASES volunteers came on board. They were initially given five-month employment contracts but the program’s overwhelming success saw it extended until the end of March 2022.

SASES Commander for the SAPOL Support Program, Dave O’Shannessy believes the professionalism and adaptability of the SASES contingent has been integral to the productive working relationship with SAPOL. “They have provided invaluable support across a range of COVID-19 operational duties including processing domestic arrivals

at Adelaide Airport, with more than half a million people processed since the support program started,” he said.

“In the first year of the program SASES staff spent 23 397 hours supporting state border checkpoints with the processing of arriving travellers, as well as logistics throughout the south-east, Riverland and mid-north of the state.

“They have also provided logistics assistance to Adelaide medi-hotels, and performed low-risk supervised quarantine escorts for people moving between Adelaide Airport and medihotels or their own personal residences.”

SASES staff have conducted compliance and welfare checks on residents undertaking homequarantine, contributing to more than 15 000 checks being undertaken on behalf of the State Government.

Their role has gone beyond COVID-19 operations, with members undertaking Operation NOMAD duties during the annual fire danger season.

“Our members have conducted highly visible patrols to proactively detect risky or deliberate behaviour on total fire ban days in the Mount Lofty Ranges. This included providing road closures during the Cherry Gardens bushfire in January 2021,” Mr O’Shannessy said.

“Overall, 74 SASES

members have participated in the SAPOL Support Program. This has positively influenced the reputation of SASES within SAPOL, other government agencies, and the community as a whole.”

COVID Operations Manager, Inspector Peter Clifton echoed these sentiments.

“Their support has been outstanding in every aspect,” he said.

“The duties undertaken by the SASES contingent have enabled our police officers to be returned wherever possible to core business. The support program has allowed us to be agile in our pandemic response and pivot quickly when required.

“Their valuable support with COVID-19 operations has strengthened SAPOL’s efforts in dealing with the ongoing emergency and ensuring community safety.”

The roles performed by SASES members have evolved over time, providing much-

needed support to SAPOL in a time where the demand for resources has never been higher.

“Their professionalism, flexibility and ‘can do attitude’ have all been highly impressive, with their presence and support positively received across SAPOL,” Inspector Clifton said.

“I have received glowing feedback from people within SAPOL and the wider community commending the conduct of SASES members while performing COVID-19 operations duties.

“The collaborative working relationship between SAPOL and SASES has been absolutely critical to the successful frontline response to the pandemic, with everyone involved showing a genuine desire to assist the South Australian community.” 

SASES and SAPOL respond to an incident, and above, a SASES member performs COVID duties at Adelaide Airport.

Photos: CFS and SASES.

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Moments in Time THE ‘TAILS’ OF DOG OPERATIONS UNIT

For nearly 50 years SAPOL’s Dog Operations Unit has been taking the lead in collaring criminals.

I

n June 1973 the unit’s first Officer in Charge, Sergeant Lloyd Morley and Constable Fred Posgate (pictured above) travelled to Stafford in England to undergo training as police dog handlers. They returned with two operational police dogs, and were soon joined by another four dogs imported from Stafford, with Inspector George Grayson from the North Yorkshire Police travelling to South Australia to train the remaining four dog teams. The six teams commenced operational duty on 16 April 1974.

Based at Thebarton Barracks for its entire lifetime, the Dog Operations Unit has continued to evolve and expand. The unit currently comprises one Senior Sergeant, two training sergeants and 21 dog handlers.

There are 13 German Shepherd general purpose police dogs used throughout the state for tracking, searching, criminal apprehension plus nine specialist Labradors trained in detecting drugs, explosives and firearms.

The unit’s extensive history is now encapsulated in an informative display at the South Australian Police Historical Society’s museum at Thebarton Barracks.

“The popular display features detailed information, photographs, a dog handler mannequin and a life-like model of a German Shepherd,” said museum curator, retired Deputy Commissioner John White.

“It is dedicated to all the members and their highly skilled

dogs who have served Dog Operations Unit with distinction, in particular the late Senior Constable Keith Walker (pictured right and top right) who enthusiastically devoted so much of his career to the unit.

“The display has drawn high praise from tour groups and become a key highlight of the museum’s comprehensive presentation of SAPOL’s rich and diverse history.”

To make a booking to view the museum please visit southaustralian policehistorical society.com/tours

PHOTOS: Dog Operations Unit members over the years.

Photos: South Australian Police Historical Society and SAPOL Photographic Section.