WAPU Police News - August 2014

August 2014

Magnetised to trouble

Police officer’s extraordinary experiences

Back to full strength WAPU’s new Directors

This is my home Roebourne’s new police housing

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE

WA

POLICE UNION

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POLICE NEWS THE MAGAZINE FOR THE WA POLICE UNION

CONTENTS

10

06 WAPU Directors and staff

35 Motoring

08 President’s Report

37 Financial Planning

Magnetised to trouble

22 WAPU Opinion

38 Events

Chris Turner’s extraordinary experiences on the frontline.

25 Opinion

16

26 Industrial Report

39 New Members Retirements, Resignations and Vale

28 Field Report

40 Entertainment

31 Health

42 Member Benefits

33 Legal

43 Where are they now?

Back to full strength Meet WAPU’s five new Directors.

20

Members enjoy new homes in Roebourne Police officers in Roebourne can finally enjoy their homes.

24

Police Social Club returns to WAPU HQ The Police Social Club has found its new home at WAPU HQ. 4 Police News August 2014

WA

POLICE UNION

639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 P (08) 9321 2155 F (08) 9321 2177 E admin@wapu.org.au Office hours Monday-Friday 7am-4pm After Hours Emergency Director 0438 080 930 www.wapu.org.au Follow us on twitter @WAPoliceUnion

DISCLAIMER WAPU (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are the sole discretion of the WA Police Union and the magazine is offered for information purposes only.

The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the Publishers, its Directors or employees.

COPYRIGHT All materials in this publication are subject to copyright and written authorisation from WAPU is required prior to reproduction in any form.

ADVERTISING Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to the advertiser. All advertising is undertaken in good faith and WAPU takes no responsibility for information contained in advertisements.

PUBLISHED BY WA Police Union 639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 (08) 9321 2155 ADVERTISING WA Police Union (08) 9321 2155

Above Chris Turner has seen more than his share of critical incidents. cover Chris Turner with his son Benjamin enjoying kicking the footy in the park.

Cover picture: Jody D’Arcy Photography

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Board of Directors

EMERGENCY 24/7 Director MICk KELLY

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BRANDON SHORTLAND Senior Vice President 0419 802 650

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MICK KELLY Treasurer & 24/7 Emergency 0438 080 930

Ward Adamson Director 0457 603 311

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Staff

PAUL HUNT Secretary

6 Police News August 2014

Chris Vitler Finance Manager

WENDY ROUTHAN Executive Assistant

JESSICA PORTER Media Officer

STEVEN GLOVER Media Officer

Board of Directors & Staff

LINDSAY GARRATT Director 0407 775 050

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HARRY RUSSELL Director 0412 585 429

PENNY BROWN Administration Officer 7

Police News August 2014

George Tilbury President

Reform results Officers working under the new policing model in the South East Metropolitan District are over worked and under resourced, according to results from our Member survey.

We heard a number of anecdotal accounts during the trial from Members and this survey confirmed our suspicions that not everything is as rosy with the new model as WA Police has portrayed.

8

The report highlighted major issues in regards to resources, rostering and fatigue relating directly to the Response Teams. Some of the key results from the survey included: • More than 72 per cent of respondents could not take their entitled meal period; • More than 85 per cent of respondents were interrupted when taking a meal period; • More than 67 per cent of respondents believe the current ESP Roster creates fatigue; • More than 63 per cent of respondents believe their team is understaffed; • More than 75 per cent of respondents believe they do not have sufficient time for administrative duties; and • Almost all respondents believe the single day of Weekly Leave provides no respite.

While the model appears to be sound, immediate changes are needed to ensure that all areas are appropriately resourced and sufficient flexibility exists to create a familyfriendly workplace.

We heard a number of anecdotal accounts during the trial from Members and this survey confirmed our suspicions that not everything is as rosy with the new model as WA Police has portrayed.

The survey highlighted a number of issues which WA Police needs to address before it is rolled out across the metropolitan area, in particular resourcing and rostering.

We are concerned about the under staffing, under resourcing and over working of Members.

I am also appalled that some people believe officers not being able to take their meal break is acceptable, as it is just part of policing. A paid meal break is a long-established industrial entitlement. I understand policing is unpredictable and meal breaks are often missed or interrupted, but when this occurs, a claim should always be submitted. Not claiming or failing to take a full meal break gives the Agency a distorted view about the real situation of staff shortages and/or rostering inadequacies.

Most concerning to WAPU, and confirmed by the survey, was the adverse impact on police officers working within Response Teams.

Response Teams are grossly under resourced and under enormous pressure to get from job to job and deal with matters quickly, which is not good policing.

My fear is if this overworking continues we are likely to see an increase in fatigue and stress-related illnesses.

These police officers are the first responders and have the most interaction with the community in emergency situations.

They are overworked and more resources are required to ensure high level service is provided to the community.

We want changes to the model to ensure that fatigue issues are kept to a minimum. For this to occur we believe there needs to be minor changes made to the roster and that Response Teams need to be better resourced with more officers, more equipment and more vehicles.

Another issue highlighted by the survey was the lack of flexibility in rostering for officers to attend to family commitments and for those officers that do not work full time.

The model does not cater for Members who work part time and when this is rolled out across the metro area, affected part timers cannot be shipped off to another district.

We have now given a copy of the survey results to the Police Minister and Police Commissioner for their feedback.

We want all stakeholders to work together to do what is in the best interest of the community.

Service delivery standards must not be compromised, with positive changes made today, benefitting all West Australians in the future.

Single officer custodial duties In November 2013, The Community Development and Justice Standing Committee released its report into custodial arrangements in Police lock-ups.

Titled In Safe Custody, the report made a number of recommendations about how detainees should be managed in police lock-ups. The report was scathing about WA Police’s

President's report

President George Tilbury with Inspector Denis Perich, Sergeant Trevor Snashall, Sergeant Gary Flynn, Senior Constable Kerri Graham and Senior Constable David Jones.

use of single officer custodians, noting that “…This carries potential risks for officers and compromises detainee care and has prompted the Committee to recommend that WA Police ensure a minimum of two officers are rostered for custodial care duties at any time…”.

As such, the Committee recommended that “Western Australia Police discontinue single officer custodial care duties, ensuring a minimum of two officers are rostered for custodial care duties at any time”.

On April 9 this year, the Police Minister presented the consolidated State Government response to the In Safe Custody report. In response to this recommendation, the Minister stated that the Government does not support the Committee’s recommendation and by way of explanation provided the following comment; “The appropriate staffing of custodial facilities is a matter for local officers in charge who are best positioned to manage the risks involved in providing custodial care”.

The WAPU Board of Directors has discussed this issue at length and are unanimous in the opinion that use of single officer custodial care, especially in regional WA, is an unsafe system of work and insist that it be discontinued immediately.

I have since written to the Commissioner to express the Board’s disappointment that single officer custodial duties have been allowed to continue.

I have instructed him that if this practice is not immediately stopped, we will instruct Members to submit Form 1 Incident

Reports on the WA Police OSH system each and every time this occurs with a view to issuing Provisional Improvement Notices under Section 51AC of the OSH Act 1984.

If our hand is forced, we will involve WorkSafe in this matter and formally request that they investigate the custodial care policies and procedures of WA Police with a view to intervention and/or prosecution.

I will let you know his response.

Retirement plaque presentation On July 16, we celebrated the careers and service of five dedicated officers who have recently retired.

Held in our newly refurbished function area, the night was held to recognise Members, their family and friends as we recognised their loyalty to the Union and their many years of service as police officers.

We presented retirement plaques to Senior Constable David Jones 7101, who served WA Police for 29 years, Senior Constable Kerrie Graham 6034, who served for 35 years, Sergeant Trevor Snashall 5631, who completed 37 years of service, Sergeant Gary Flynn 5018, who was in WA Police for four decades, and Inspector Denis Perich 4782, who amassed 44 years in the job.

On behalf of the Union I thank you, wish you well for the future and remind you that, along with all retired Members, you can still access some Union services in retirement.

9

Magnet to tro 10 Police News August 2014

A

etised ouble

By Steven Glover

Over the course of 25 years in the job, Detective Sergeant Chris Turner has been involved in more than his fair share of critical, dangerous incidents.

ptly nicknamed “Magnet” during stages in his career because he seemed to attract trouble, Chris has been awarded two Special Commendations from the Commissioner, a Certificate of District Commendation plus a Commissioner’s Certificate of Merit after being involved in a series of critical incidents which have shaped not only his career, but his life.

Back in 1995 while stationed at Fremantle Police Station, Chris received his first Special Commendation from the Commissioner. Chris was a First Class Constable at the time, he was off duty completing his banking in Bull Creek when he heard two firefighters near his car say: “Don’t go over there, you look like a cop, you’ll get shot.”

Once Chris identified himself to the firies, they told him the ANZ Bank, right next to the Bankwest Chris had just exited, had been held up by three armed offenders.

“The firies then pointed out the offenders’ Holden Torana Sunbird driving through the car park,” Chris told Police News.

“I had not long got my first mobile phone so I got in my car and dialled 000. I positioned myself behind the offender’s car which was slowly making its way around the rear of the shopping centre.

I could see there were three offenders in the car. I was one up, in my own vehicle and unarmed.”

“It took VKI 58 seconds to answer my 000 call. The longest 58 seconds of my life.”

Unfortunately, the delay allowed the offenders to see Chris watching them as they were about to dump their stolen car and get into another one they had stashed at the back of the shops.

“The front seat passenger pointed at me and they drove out of the car park with me right behind them,” he said.

“I had VKI on the phone, I was calling it like I would during a police chase on my phone and VKI were relaying my position to responding cars. This went on for a few minutes until I lost sight of them momentarily.”

“We were in the side streets of Bull Creek. I made a right turn, they made a quick left turn as I drew up side-on to the street they turned down I saw the car had stopped. I saw the front seat passenger get out of the car, balaclava on and a rifle up to his shoulder, before I had time to react, he fired.

“I remember the sound clearly and my passenger window shattering. I didn’t know if I had been hit or what the story was.”

Chris accelerated away, driving for his life, only for the passenger to run out and fire another shot.

“I continued until I had trapped myself in a no exit cul-de-sac.

I was frantic and still on the phone to VKI who were doing their best to get me help. I put my car into someone’s car port and started jumping fences.”

“I didn’t know if they were following me or if they were going to finish me off, it was frightening stuff.” ▷

11

Police News August 2014

02

01

“A couple more centimetres to the left and Chris would have died.”

01 Shooter Darryl Jason Richards and his accomplices robbing a bank in Bull Creek. 02 A newspaper clipping from The West Australian showing how close Chris was to being shot, and opposite page 03 Chris, second from left, receiving a Special Commendation from the Commissioner for his efforts to save a woman in Hillarys. 04 The group of police officers that rescued the wounded woman in Hillarys, as shown in The West Australian.

12 Police News August 2014

It was a long 10 minutes until Chris’ first back up arrived.

In the meantime, the bandits returned to the Bull Creek shops to retrieve their other stolen getaway car.

Police soon swarmed the area, forensic attended and during the search of Chris’ car they located part of the projectile from the first shot on the front dash, part of it on the driver’s seat between where Chris’ legs would have been and a third part in his front shirt pocket.

The bullet came in through the passenger door pillar at neck height. A couple more centimetres to the left and Chris would have died. He still does not know where the second shot ended up.

It took a week but the Armed Robbery Squad caught the offenders and recovered the rifle used to shoot Chris. It was a cut down .22 magnum with a scope attached.

The three offenders had committed three bank holdups.

The shooter, Darryl Jason Richards was charged with the attempted murder of Chris and the DPP added another attempted murder for the second shot, plus the armed robberies.

When interviewed about the shooting, Richards told investigators he knew it was a police officer chasing them and when he fired at Chris, he was shooting to kill.

Richards told investigators he “wanted to whack the pig” and when asked what he meant by this he replied “I wanted to kill the fucker.”

Richards was found guilty of the three armed robberies, Attempted Murder on Chris for the first shot and the lesser charge of Assault with Intent to Cause GBH for the second shot. He was sentenced to 10 years for the robberies, only five years for Attempted Murder and five years for Assault with Intent to cause GBH, all to be served cumulatively.

Chris thought it was a joke.

“He was out in eight years and when I was attached to Major Incident Group (MIG) some of the boys chased him in a stolen car where he crashed on Canning Bridge.”

This wasn’t the only time Chris came to the aid of the community when he was off duty.

In 2003, Chris was attached to Central Metro TIG as a Detective Senior Constable. One afternoon he was travelling back to his home in Hillarys when he was stopped at a police road block and was advised a woman had been shot multiple times by her husband, who was still in the house with her.

Chris happened to have a work car with him that weekend with his firearm and full kit as he was waiting for a job over the weekend. The scene was only 100 metres from his house so he went home, got kitted up and attended the scene.

Along with other police officers from MIG and North West Metropolitan TIG and then Senior Constable, Sergeant Wayne Godwin, a local officer, they made their way up to the house.

“We went into the neighbouring house and made our way to the fence along side where the injured woman was laying,” he said.

The woman was laying outside her laundry door on the path on the other side of the fence crying in pain. She had been shot six times in her legs by her husband, one round breaking her femur.

TRG were enroute but there was no time to wait, the woman was dying.

The officers got a gurney from the ambulance officers in attendance and while some of them provided cover Sergeant Gary Whyatt and Detective Senior Constable (now Det. Sgt.) Rex Tunks smashed a hole in the fence.

“We raced through the hole, placed the woman, who

03

was screaming in pain, on the gurney and dragged her back through the hole in the fence.

“We then ran back down the road carrying the victim to an ambulance that was waiting in a safe zone.”

The whole manoeuvre had to be done without cover, the armed husband had a bird’s eye view of officers as they completed the rescue and carried the victim to the ambulance crew, several hundred metres down the road.

When the TRG arrived, they attempted to negotiate with the husband to no avail. They entered the house and located the husband dead in the master bedroom.

The woman survived and Chris would pass her house almost every day when walking his dog or driving out of the estate.

“I stopped and chatted with her one day while she worked out in the front garden. I actually felt good about myself knowing I helped save her life that day,” he said.

Six of the officers involved in the rescue received Special Commendations from the Commissioner, including Chris.

He later earned a Certificate of Commendation from the Superintendent of South East Metropolitan District for an incident in 2004 while a Detective Senior Constable attached to Major Incident Group (MIG).

Chris and Senior Constable (now Sgt.) Adrian Vuleta attended a violent incident in St James.

“We responded as a backup vehicle to a domestic incident in St James and arrived before the primary vehicle,” Chris said.

“As we got out of the car a male came charging out of the bush at us holding a large kitchen knife.

“He was screaming like a mad man and running at us. I was stuck, I had my back to the car and Adrian was on the driver’s side so he had a car between him and the male.

“I had no choice but to draw my firearm and scream at the male to stop and drop the knife.

“He was getting closer and screaming for me to shoot him.

At the point where I was about to shoot him, another officer managed to come in from the side and pepper spray the male who dropped the knife straight away, it was stacks on until he was handcuffed.”

Senior Constable Vuleta and Chris were both issued with Certificates of Commendation for how they acted under pressure.

“I often wonder if I would have received the commendation if I had pulled the trigger,” Chris said.

Throughout his career, Chris had always stopped cars even if he was on his own.

He learnt a lot of his policing skills while conducting traffic patrols one up in Narrogin back in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“In those days it wasn’t unusual to work one up,” he said.

“I don’t remember a traffic stop that went bad on me but amphetamines hadn’t really hit the bush at that stage.

“I think in the hundreds of vehicle stops and searches I conducted I only ever came across amphetamines once and I didn’t know what the hell it was when I found it.” ▷

“I often wonder if I would have received the commendation if I had pulled the trigger.”

04

13 Police News August 2014

05 & 06 The bite marks and facial injuries Chris sustained during after he pulled over a vehicle in Hilton.

05 06

“I could feel his teeth actually biting into my flesh, it hurt like hell but I wasn't letting go of him.”

14 Police News August 2014

However, this practice almost cost Chris his life, in 2012 whilst attached to the Organised Crime Squad (OCS). Chris was a Detective Sergeant at the time when he was driving an unmarked police car in Hilton on his way to court in Rockingham.

He witnessed a driver slow down, blast on the horn of his Holden Statesmen and started verbally abusing a speed camera operator as he drove by.

Chris got VKI to run the car and the owner as he followed it.

“I still stop cars and if someone needs to be told to pull their head in, I will tell them,” Chris said.

He advised VKI to put him on CAD and relayed where he was, that he was alone and he was going to stop the car and talk to the driver. VKI organised a backup car prior to him stopping the vehicle.

“I stopped the car with my blue lights and siren, I was just going to tell the driver to pull his head in,” he said.

“As I approached the driver I saw there was a passenger, another male, who was slouched down in his seat.

“I asked the driver why he had abused the camera operator, his first words to me were “Fuck you, I'm gonna kill you”.

“I realised straight away there was going to be dramas, I reached in and ripped the keys out the ignition and said “not with your car you’re not."

The driver punched Chris twice through the car window, before he retreated to the police car and called for urgent backup.

“He got out of his car ripped his shirt off and came running at me. He just unloaded with a volley of punches some which found their mark, the whole time screaming he was going to kill me,” Chris said.

“His passenger also got out and luckily for me he ran off as he had a bench warrant.

“I was trying to fend off his kicks and punches, I knew one more hit to the head would knock me out so I launched at him and managed to take him to the ground. I got on top of him and was getting the better of him.

“Unfortunately, I was on top of him and was facing him when he began spitting in my face, I had spit in my eyes and on my face.

“I wasn't letting go so that's when he began biting me.

He bit me twice on the side of my rib cage through my shirt and singlet so hard he made me bleed.

“I began to punch him in the head to stop him from biting me. Then he managed to latch onto my right bicep and took a bite out of that.”

During the fight, the driver had managed to wrap Chris’ tie around his hand and was trying to choke him.

“I could feel his teeth actually biting into my flesh, it hurt like hell but I wasn't letting go of him.”

Earlier that week, Chris had been cleared for full duty after major shoulder surgery and he was concerned about whether his shoulder would hold together.

“I knew it was me or him and if my shoulder went I was history. I managed to get a forearm across his throat and I pushed as hard as I could until he went purple and stopped breathing.”

Prior to the backup vehicles arriving the only person who came to Chris’ aid was a 60-year-old grandmother, who also got injured.

It was the offender’s third assault on a police officer and he had just served nine months jail for his second assault.

Chris was dumbfounded when the judiciary sentenced him to 18 months for the latest assault.

Due to being spat on and bitten, Chris had to undergo a regime of blood testing to clear him of any communicable disease. Luckily, after six months the blood tests came back clear.

“I have never fought so hard in 25 years in this job,” he said.

“I had no accoutrements. No able bodied members of the public came to assist but plenty sat back in their cars and watched.”

Police believe the offender had been on a drug-induced bender all night and had driven from Midland to Hilton just for a drive.

07

The toll of the incident was also felt by Chris’ family.

His son, Benjamin, who was three and a half at the time was often left confused why his father was standoffish during the six months of blood testing. He adores his Dad and he could not understand why Chris was pushing him away. “This was heart breaking for me,” Chris said.

“I’m still getting physiotherapy for a stuffed back, I had three teeth killed in the assault, one’s been taken out and replaced, one’s had a root canal and the other is on its way out.”

“I had steroid injections in my back as well as a black eye, bleeding, bite marks, cuts and bruises.”

Chris said the physical elements would heal but it was the mental ones that may not.

While he was able to function at work, he was feeling depressed and went and saw Psychiatrist Dr James Fellows-Smith, who treats police officers and soldiers who have returned from the frontline.

Chris was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for the second time in his career. The first was after the bank robbery incident in 1995.

He is hardly surprised by the diagnosis given the incidents he has been involved in throughout his career in particular the Hilton assault where he was literally fighting for his life.

“I was shocked at comments made by junior officers about me deserving what I got for stopping a vehicle on my own,” Chris said.

“Those that know me, know if I think someone needs to be told about their behaviour, I will tell them regardless.

I believe there are far too many ‘scared’ coppers in this job now. That’s a worry for those of us who don’t mind getting stuck in and having a go.”

Back in 1995 following the robbery incident, Chris only took a week off work which he believes was his first mistake.

“I went back to full duty and was jumpy as hell. I didn’t want to look like a sook, I had senior officers telling me not

to stay off for too long or I’ll get labelled a sook,” he said.

“I certainly wasn’t a sook so I got back on the horse and paid the price when I claimed criminal injuries for physiological damage.”

When he applied for Criminal Injuries following the bank robbery, Chris was awarded $6,700.

WAPU appealed it as it was grossly inadequate.

“When the appeal went up before Judge Fenbury in August 1999, he basically said the incident can’t have affected me that much if I’ve gone back to work and because I am a police officer I should be used to being around guns,” Chris said.

He said the Judge also threatened to take back the $6,700 and award him nothing.

Chris said he is not the only person in the job who is suffering from depression and PTSD and knows of several other officers of his vintage in the same boat.

“I had many sessions with Dr Fellows-Smith, I was holding myself together at work ok but my home life was spiralling out of control. I had been diagnosed with PTSD but I kept on going. I had a mortgage to pay and bills like anyone else. I couldn’t just lay down and die.

“I’ve seen more of my mates go in the ground due to stress-related disease, suicide and accidents than I’ve had years in this job. What is the job doing about this? Not a lot I think. I would be lucky to have had two phone calls from anyone at Health and Welfare about the assault since it happened to see how I’m coping.

“Pretty sad when you think about it. I have recently started seeing Health and Welfare again.”

Chris has since transferred to the Major Crime Squad following the incident in Hilton.

“I absolutely love the work there and the crew I work with,” he said.

“I am a little bit more careful as to who I stop and where I stop them, in saying that, I’m still a copper and I don’t care where I work. If I think someone needs to be told, I’ll tell them.

I’ve being doing this for far too long now to change.”

08

07 Chris with his son Benjamin as he leaves for work. 08 Benjamin and Chris playing in their frontyard.

15 Police News August 2014

Back to full strength The WAPU Board of Directors is finally back to full strength with five new Members joining the ranks.

Police News wanted to get to know our new Directors a bit better, so we have asked them a few questions…

Michael Paterson

Eastern (Goldfields-Esperance) Region Director 1. Why did you want to become a Union Director?

I became more involved in Union activity after taking on the Secretary role in our local South East Eyre Branch last year. This involvement inspired me to nominate for a position as a Union Director, as I wanted to be part of the new WAPU team, which is strong, influential and continues to ensure that our Members are looked after.

2. What are some goals you hope to achieve before the end of your term?

During my term as a Union Director of the Eastern Region, I hope to be supportive of fellow Members within the GoldfieldsEsperance District and into the future achieve better conditions, including increased financial incentives for district allowances and improvements in GROH, not only for Members in the Goldfields-Esperance District, but for all regional Members.

3. My most memorable achievement within the WA Police Union is…

During the short time I have been involved with WAPU my most memorable achievement was being appointed Director of the Eastern Region!

4. The best advice I have ever been given was…

The best advice I have ever been given was from Justin Langer’s book The Power of Passion; ‘The pain of discipline is nothing like the pain of disappointment’.

5. Something people don’t know about me is…

Something people don’t know about me is, I’m the captain of the WA Police Cricket Team.

We’re known as the Numbats.

16 Police News August 2014

Mark Johnson

Metropolitan Region Director 1. Why did you want to become a Union Director?

3. My most memorable achievement within the WA Police Union is…

I wanted to be more involved in the Police Union. I have been a Member since joining as a young bloke many, many years ago but never considered getting involved in the political side of policing.

I just took it for granted that the Police Union would look after me and all I had to do was pay my dues.

Over the past four years, I have had close contact with the Union through police incidents that went through court. This is when it dawned on me that I had something to offer those Members that had been slaving on the frontline and made a mistake.

The support I received from all I dealt with at the Union was special and I want to make sure the next person in my position gets the same treatment.

I was slightly disappointed that technical support in responding to a Section 8 Notice was not available at my time and I will make sure that my experience is available to anyone found in a similar position.

My most memorable achievement within the Police Union was playing an integral part in my appeal win and working closely with Union Staff in obtaining this.

Winning a seat on the Board of Directors was almost up there as well.

I have not played an integral part in Union matters through my career but have always been willing to put my hand up to help and put my head on the chopping block for my workmates.

I am really looking forward to my term in this position, learning new skills, meeting new people and making myself available to help.

2. What are some goals you hope to achieve before the end of your term?

I have a major problem with our current Management Intervention Model and the manner internal investigations are conducted within WAPOL. It appears that currently the issue of Management Action Plans and Managerial Notices is the first resort for any actions that could be ‘imagined’ as incorrect. Immediate supervisors must be given the power to address these so-called matters without the issue of PCRs for minor issues. More autonomy for OICs and supervisors is how I see it moving forward.

Redirection for a minor mistake or error in judgement is easily learned if it’s immediate.

You don’t teach an old or young dog new tricks by belting them two years later.

An increase in female representation within the Union or on the Board is another goal.

4. The best advice I have ever been given was…

The best advice I’ve ever been given would have to be from George Tilbury, Brandon Shortland, my wife and Powy, that I should never give up, keep fighting because justice will be seen to be done in the long run. I am very thankful for this advice because I was close to making the rather large mistake to quit, if not for them.

Cruise Gaskell (RIP) continually had advice for me but not much of this could not be published.

His support and backing was invaluable.

Advice received from the Commissioner to keep my face out of trouble for a few years has also been well received.

5. Something people don’t know about me is…

Most people I have met, know exactly what to expect. There is not much that people don’t know about me. I am a Hawthorn supporter with one eye, nah everybody knows that! I love my job, nah everybody knows that! I have the best family in the world, nah everybody knows that! Blue family included.

I am really stretched to come up with something that people don’t know. Until this article, I had a secret desire to be a police negotiator, like you see in the movies, but might be getting a bit old and unfit to ever reach that goal. ▷ 17 Police News August 2014

Peter McGee

Metropolitan Region Director 1. Why did you want to become a Union Director?

I became a Union Director to provide a voice for the rank and file which is often lost to the corporate machine.

This noble profession has drawn people from diverse backgrounds who joined to improve this great community of WA but amongst the corporate rhetoric a dangerous trend has been growing for quite some time now. The corporate mantra of “toeing the party line” and the highly inconsistent and subjective promotions has seen the rise of work being completed not for the community but for the individual’s next promotion.

I strongly feel that shifting some power back towards the silent majority will steer us back to a path where serving the community is the primary goal. I strongly feel that the vast majority of Members in WAPU still hold the ideals of serving the community first at heart and I can do more good through them.

2. What are some goals you hope to achieve before the end of your term?

Being the new kid on the block and only having less than half a normal term, I’m realistic that the big projects will be difficult to tackle. I certainly aim to see a higher level of activity in Branches by bringing the Board back into contact with as many as possible.

I also want to be in a position to start the long road to reforming the ridiculous promotion system we have. I see that as our main hurdle to staff retention coupled with the promotion of untrained and under prepared supervisors/managers as a major risk to the Members concerned.

3. My most memorable achievement within the WA Police Union is…

There are a lot of anecdotes and I could be a sop by saying being elected as a Director. However, Union achievements are rarely as cut and dry as a single event or moment. It is the continuing struggle, often uphill, where real achievements 18 Police News August 2014

come and these are filled with tiny moments marking the slow progress of advancement.

On deeper reflection the memories that come forward are: the proud march on Parliament to voice our disgust at the lack of respect from the Government. This ranks high amongst the numerous times colleagues sought my help for an internal interview or the small wins going into bat over arguments with an awkward manager. Aside from the cut and thrust of a good argument nothing beats a bunch of mates venting their frustrations over a cleansing beverage after work and the country Union meetings were fond memories of those robust discussions followed by merry nights.

My greatest achievement is looking proudly at a career as an active Member, something every Member could aspire to.

4. The best advice I have ever been given was…

One of the few things from school that stuck with me was an old economics teacher once told me what the common misnomer of maturity was.

Most people see maturity as doing what you think is expected of you from the people around you. But the real sign of maturity is doing what is right regardless of what people think. I took that as real maturity is having the courage to do what is right rather than what is expected and I’ve lived it ever since.

Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be mature when you’re faced with a less mature supervisor but then I’d rather be self-aware and mature than promoted and immature.

5. Something people don’t know about me is…

I bear the burden of being born in England and raised by a football mad father (that’s a round football that you kick, not carry). But like most things in life I’ve made the best of a tough deal by becoming a qualified junior coach through Football West and have had some great success coaching numerous lads into the Perth Glory FC Juniors, my young son amongst them.

So sometimes you just have to keep rubbing that nugget to make it shine.

Ward Adamson

Metropolitan Region Director

Graeme Macey

Metropolitan Region Director

1. Why did you want to become a Union Director?

1. Why did you want to become a Union Director?

To implement change for the good, you have to be active and involved. I see some great chances to press for positive changes for Members of the Union in the near future. I would seek to obtain more support for Members and retired Members who have been subject to health concerns arising from their periods of police service.

I decided to become a Union Director because at the time of the elections, I was of the opinion that Members were being poorly informed as to what the Union was doing on their behalf.

This appears to have been addressed by the Union’s new webpage, where Directors can post to the forum and engage with Members.

However, I still believe that we can do more in regards to connecting with the Membership.

I think there are a lot of issues happening at the moment (SDRM in particular) which is causing a lot of angst among Members. In the long term, I want to represent our Members to ensure that they are looked after both industrially and physically.

2. What are some goals you hope to achieve before the end of your term?

I would certainly like to see Members become more involved with their local Union Branches and an improved participation in the election of Branch Officials and Directors.

Most importantly, strive to ensure that the entitlements of all Members are not eroded by the State Government (of either persuasion) hungry for a financial ‘quick fix’.

3. My most memorable achievement within the WA Police Union is…

My most memorable achievement within the WA Police Union is revitalising the Armadale Branch. When given the privilege of being voted the President of this Branch, we were at the point of being dissolved due to lack of Branch activity. They were a busy few months but it was very rewarding to see the local Members become increasingly active in the Branch which represented their interests.

4. The best advice I have ever been given was…

The best advice I have ever been given was not so much advice, as a lesson learnt whilst working at the Major Crash Investigation Section.

No matter who you are, no matter the plans you’ve made, no matter your station in life; there is no guaranteeing you will be here tomorrow.

Live your life to the fullest.

5. Something people don’t know about me is…

Something people don’t know about me is that I’m a bit of a history buff.

My house is full of history books.

2. What are some goals you hope to achieve before the end of your term?

My main objectives are to see the transfer and promotion system become fairer and more transparent. I believe that we need to push for a system where submitted EOIs or promotion applications do not require the applicant to use their name and number as a means of identification and replace it with a confidential number system or something similar.

3. My most memorable achievement within the WA Police Union is…

As a newly elected Board Member, I believe that my most memorable moment is yet to come.

However, I am hoping that it is the enhancement of the workplace for all WA police officers.

4. The best advice I have ever been given was…

The best advice I have ever been given is to treat everyone as you would like to be treated.

5. Something people don’t know about me is…

I am trying to teach myself how to play the guitar. Unfortunately, this is going about as well as I play golf. However, I shall persevere and hopefully one day I will be able to play at least one complete song.

19 Police News August 2014

01

02 03

Members enjoy new homes in Roebourne

By Steven Glover

Members in Roebourne are loving life in their new homes after the Roebourne Police Housing Complex was completed recently.

04 05

20 Police News August 2014

01 Living room. 02 Backyard. 03 Aerial view of the new complex from Mount Welcome. 04 President George Tilbury and Field Officer Dave Lampard with the crew from Roebourne Police Station at the new housing complex. 05 One of the old GRO houses the Members had to live in.

T

he seven dwelling complex contains four 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes; two 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes and one keyed-alike unit which can be used as two 2-bedroom units or one 4-bedroom unit to suit a family.

Since being made aware of the horrible conditions Members were being subjected to in Roebourne, WAPU has been fighting hard to ensure the project was completed on time and the Members were housed in alternative accommodation.

WAPU President George Tilbury, Senior Vice President Brandon Shortland and Vice President Jon Groves visited Roebourne back in 2012 to witness firsthand the living conditions in the old GROH. Mr Tilbury said he was horrified by the antisocial and alcohol-fuelled violence that Members were exposed to.

“Their neighbours, including one who had been charged with assaulting a police officer more than 20 times, also included violent criminals, those subject to curfew checks and registered sex offenders,” Mr Tilbury said.

“This was a huge concern for us and it was backed up by a damning report from a police psychologist.

“The report found because of the living and working conditions of officers in Roebourne, they had chronic levels of stress which could manifest itself into serious medical conditions and or serious psychological conditions if nothing was done to address the contributing factors.

“I demanded that the Members affected by these horrendous conditions were immediately moved out of the town until construction was finalised on the Roebourne police housing complex.

“I shared this view with Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan as well as Police Minister Liza Harvey.”

The Members worst affected by these living conditions were moved to the nearby town of Point Samson until the police housing complex in Roebourne was completed.

One of the Members subjected to terrible living conditions was Constable Brendon Spivey.

Const. Spivey lived in the notorious Lockyer Way, often referred to as the Bronx. He spent 22 months living in a house which was condemned by an engineer’s report.

“There was a crack in the slab and a massive crack across the ceiling and quite often during cyclones you would be concerned that your house was going to fall down. During heavy rains water would come through all the windows and flood the front rooms,” Const. Spivey told Police News.

“On the street where I was, there were three police houses.

The one next to me used to belong to a copper but he ended

up getting an engineer’s report done separately and his house was condemned as well. Those houses were built on a clay pan and they were just sinking, the trees were growing and eroding away the soil underneath.”

In addition to the structural issues, the Members on Lockyer Way were also subjected to antisocial and alcoholfuelled violence.

Const. Spivey said a number of incidents made living in Roebourne tough.

“It was just lots of little things, the knocks on the door, people always walking past your house,” he said.

“You could not leave anything unlocked even if you were in the back of the house you could not leave your door unlocked, people would come in.

“I wouldn’t even get my shopping out of the car and bring it into the house. I would get it out of the car, bring it to the front door, lock the car and then bring it into the house from the front door because you just couldn’t trust that people weren’t going to run in and take stuff out of your shopping.”

Const. Spivey said the living conditions did have some effect on his work life.

“I suppose in a roundabout way it did affect work in that you weren’t really happy in your home and that’s important when you are out here in a place like this. You need that separation, you need to be happy in your home to be able to relax, unwind and get away from the stuff you’ve got to deal with at work. Which was a little bit difficult where we were,” he said.

“The main thing it effected was your personal home life and not being able to get the quality of life that you really wanted to give you that break from work.”

A few months into living in his new house Const. Spivey said it has encouraged him to stay longer in Roebourne.

“There is no foot traffic, there are no knocks on the door, there’s no noise from neighbours’ music, we are on the other side of Mount Welcome. You can’t hear anything, the only people we are bothering are ourselves,” he said.

“People are still curious about the complex and we are getting a few drive-bys but that will eventually die down but for now, quality of life is significantly better.

“We’ve become a fairly social group, not that we weren’t before, but now it’s close, it’s easy and we’ve had a few barbecues out here which have been very good in the time we have been here.”

Mr Tilbury and the officers attended the official opening of the complex on July 16 which was officiated by Assistant Commissioner Gary Dreibergs.

21 Police News August 2014

KEVIN McDONALD

Metropolitan Region Director

Missed meals create increased productivity for WAPOL Whether the catchphrase is Frontline First, Frontline 2020 or SDRM, the underlying message from WA Police is always to do more with less, and more recently, reduce demand.

Titled: MealTitled: Period Meal – AllPeriod Staff – All Staff Pie chart Pie chart Always – 5.2% Always – 5.2% Most of theMost timeof– the 33.2% time – 33.2% Some of the Some timeof– the 54%time – 54% Never – 7.6% Never – 7.6%

A prominent theme is to improve response times, so invar iably, downward pressure is applied and this essentially means an increased burden and workload on police officers.

It is every working person’s right to have a meal break during a rostered shift and it is a right that needs to be encouraged and exercised.

A meal break is a basic workplace entitlement and, like many of our entitlements, ought not to be confused as some kind of favour extended by a benevolent employer. It should not be overlooked that there are adverse health implications associated withOnly Title: Meal Title: Period Meal – Response Period –Teams Response OnlyTeams chart Pie chart regularlyPie skipping meals and working Always – 0% Always – 0% of theMost time of– the 21.3% time – 21.3% non-stopMost through inherently demanding Some of the Some timeof– the 72.3% time – 72.3% – 6.4% Never 6.4% day. rosteredNever shifts, day –after

ALWAYS ALWAYS

0%

0%

ALWAYS ALWAYS

5.2% 5.2%

NEVER NEVER

NEVER NEVER

7.6% 7.6% MOST OFMOST OF THE TIMETHE TIME

MOST OFMOST OF 6.4% 6.4% THE TIMETHE TIME 21.3%21.3%

33.2%33.2% SOME OFSOME OF THE TIMETHE TIME

SOME OFSOME OF THE TIMETHE TIME

54% 54%

72.3%72.3%

All Staff

Response Teams Only Meal Breaks

22 Police News August 2014

The reality is however that on the frontline, with ever diminishing resources, in spite of the rhetoric, and increasing demand for policing services, the ability to take a meal break is more difficult than ever.

Anecdotal feedback from some of our hardworking Members in the South East Metropolitan District, under the new “successful” district resource model, is that they rarely get the opportunity to take their full entitled meal break. Our survey of Members in that area showed that just 5.2 per cent always sat down and enjoyed their down time during a long shift. However, when you look specifically at the Response Teams, zero per cent always took their meal period.

Another concerning statistics from our survey was that when our Members do get to take their entitled break, 85 per cent are interrupted.

Some Members are willing to forego their breaks however, many believe the current paltry meal allowance isn’t worth claiming. Worse still, there are reports that Members are being actively discouraged from doing so. That is a typical Agency manner of dealing with a problem by treating the symptoms in reverse and creating disharmony amongst the rank and file.

Members should know WAPU has made numerous attempts over the years to negotiate with WA Police Management a more equitable compensation for Members who have to forego their meal break, so far without success.

One option is for the current meal rate to be significantly increased commensurate with the equivalent hourly rate of pay for the 40 minutes not taken, or not fully taken. Another option is for Members to be paid their wage at overtime rates until the meal break is taken, or until the end of the shift, whichever comes first.

The irony of the current situation is that WA Police is benefitting significantly, both financially and through increased produc tivit y hours, at the expense of Members who continue to absorb the increased workload, associated stress, fatigue and financial loss.

Members should also be aware that adjusting allowances can happen, independent of Industrial Agreement negotiations, however this is not a guarantee. In other words, an upward adjustment of the allowance can be achieved without interfering with negotiated pay increases.

If you have first-hand experience of constantly missed or shortened meal breaks, please share your experiences on the WAPU Forum, available in the Members Section of the WAPU website, www.wapu.org.au.

The Union can attempt to ease this burden with strong evidence of practices contrary to the provisions of the Industrial Agreement.

WAPU Opinion

Brandon Shortland Senior Vice President

Split-second decisions: Use of force At a recent WAPU Branch Meeting, there was some discussion regarding the use of restraints when taking people into custody, in particular, using leg restraints.

Applying any type of force to any person without their consent, including restraining them is considered an assault.

It occurred to me that I had heard this type of discussion before. These types of discussions have continually been raised with repeated requests for use of different forms of restraints to enhance Member safety with minimal action to address Member concerns by WA Police.

While it is encouraging that now there is a trial of fast straps within the Perth Watch House, we will wait to see how long this trial will take to complete and roll out to frontline officers.

During these meetings, of most concern to me, was there appeared to be a strongly held opinion from Members present that police officers were permitted to handcuff any person to be taken into custody – no matter what their demeanour.

Applying any type of force to any person without their consent, including restraining them is considered an assault. In order to escape being criminally charged for assault, there must be either an authorised, justifiable or excusable reason why a criminal charge should not be laid. Further to that, our Members are always at risk of disciplinary action if policy is not followed without good reason.

Worse still, the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) feel that instead of pursuing serious crime and misconduct, reviewing your use of force and dragging our Members into compulsory examinations is a good use of taxpayers’ money.

You can contact the Use of Force Unit via email UseOfForce.Coordinator.Unit@police.wa.gov.au.

Having managed a number of WAPU responses to Members requesting legal assistance for criminal and disciplinary internal investigations for these types of matters, I felt it was important to highlight the current legislative and policy requirements relating to use of force in this respect.

WAPU Member, Sergeant Gar y Black wood, who work s in the Operational Safety and Tactics Training, Use of Force Unit said the premise for use of force is based on authority and powers provided by legislation.

“The objective of Members utilising force is to ‘reduce the threat and/or gain control of a subject’ in order to overcome any resistance to exercising a power or preventing injury,” Sgt Blackwood said.

If at any time, a Member uses any force outside their role or function of office they have no other authority or power above what is provided to members of the public.

“The Member’s actions must be reasonably necessar y in the circumstances and the Member must be able to clearly identify and articulate the grounds and situational factors that contributed to their perception of the situation resulting in whatever action they took and level of force utilised,” he said.

As a result of Member feedback and Branch motions, WAPU has successfully argued for WA Police to review and amend its originally onerous and unfair use of force reporting requirements.

WAPU was able to obtain a common sense approach in relation to extensions in timeframes for reporting use of force and the situations in which reporting is required.

In relation to handcuffing in particular, current WA Police policy states: Handcuffs and/or other restraints are supplied to police officers for, but are not restricted to, the following uses: • To prevent bodily injury to any person; • As a tool to effect arrest; • To prevent escape from arrest; and • To prevent damage to property.

This is where a misunderstanding of the current policy may arise.

“Any Use of Force must be reasonably necessar y in the circumstances and Members will be individually accountable for such force. The Member must be able to identify and articulate the ‘grounds’ that formed their perception of the ‘risk’ and contributed to their decision to handcuff the person. If there is no identifiable risk (injury, escape, damage) then it will be argued that the application of handcuffs is not reasonably necessary,” Sgt Blackwood said.

If the application of handcuffs, when judged objectively, is not deemed reasonable then the Member is at risk of having their actions deemed outside of their legislative powers and authority, therefore unlawful.

Continued page 27 23 Police News August 2014

01 02

Police Social Club returns to WAPU HQ

03

01 Committee Photo.

02 Administration Manager Eileen Kimber. 03 Life Member and Committee Member Ken Blackhurst.

WAPU HQ has a new tenant after the WA Police Social Club moved into the building in June.

Social Club President Sergeant Wayne Godwin said the Club was glad to be back at WAPU HQ. “It is very important to have what we consider to be a central location for our Members to have access to,” Sgt Godwin said.

“It gives people who don’t have many dealings with the Union an opportunity to recognise the building with the Union and Social Club in the same space. So I think one helps the other, if you know where the Social Club is, you know where the Union building is and vice versa.”

The Social Club has 2,800 Members with a Committee of 20 plus Administration Manager Eileen Kimber helping to arrange functions and benefits for all Members across the State.

“We have a function 11 months of the year at a licensed premises for our Members and everybody is entitled to attend, including their partners,” Sgt Godwin said.

“For our country Members, when they are in Perth they can also attend the functions plus we also send off a cheque at Christmas time to country Members to compensate for the fact they can’t attend every function.”

The Club also hosts an annual children’s Christmas picnic every December, a race day in November, an annual Ball and a river cruise in autumn when the weather is best to be out on the river.

Sgt Godwin said the functions created an opportunity for police officers to catch up.

“Basically it is about having a central place where police officers can get together and have a bit of a debrief and talk about stuff 24 Police News August 2014

that they probably wouldn’t necessarily talk about in an open environment,” he said.

He said the Club also encouraged new recruit squads to sign up together at the Academy.

“One of the things we do is if all Members of a recruit squad sign up together, the Social Club gives them $500 towards their graduation celebrations. One of the selling points is when they leave the academy and go their separate ways this is a good excuse for them to together and catch up again. So it’s all about socialising.”

In addition to the functions, the Social Club also provides discounted tickets to Perth Zoo, Adventure World and $5 movie passes to Members.

Retired Members do not miss out either with provision for them to remain Members by paying a $50 annual fee.

“It is good for retired Members because again the Social Club is an atmosphere where they can get together every month and catch up with old friends and chat,” Sgt Godwin said.

He also paid tribute to his Committee and Mrs Kimber in the office.

“Eileen in our Social Club office is probably the best person we have ever had at the helm of the Social Club. The Committee make me look good, I do very little, the Committee does it all,” he said.

For more information about the WA Police Social Club please call 9321 3174 or email wapsc@bigpond.net.au.

Liza Harvey MLA

Opinion

Minister for Police

Legislation in Parliament to help police We are now at the halfway mark of 2014, so it is a good opportunity to reflect on what both the State Government and WA Police have achieved so far and are working hard to achieve.

I fully understand the challenges that this model faces, but our job as a State Government is to ensure that it receives the right level of support and resourcing it needs and deserves, to succeed.

I continue to relish the challenges that arise every day for me in the role of Police Minister.

The Frontline 2020 Reform process is now well advanced and starting to achieve positive results that will position WA Police for the provision of effective policing services well into the future.

The South East Metro trial, which is a critical part of these reforms, has seen remarkable results and the model is being rolled out across the metropolitan area. For this, I must congratulate the Commissioner and the countless number of hardworking members of WA Police who have thrown themselves with such distinction into this new policing model.

It is little wonder we are seeing such good outcomes at this early stage.

I have attended a number of police forums in the south region over the course of last month and there is beginning to be a real recognition within the wider community that this is real reform, with real outcomes at a local level. This is policing at its best.

I fully understand the challenges that this model faces, but our job as a State Government is to ensure that it receives the right level of support and resourcing it needs and deserves, to succeed.

We’ve had a busy time since the State election, particularly the last 6 months, with the introduction into Parliament of some important pieces of legislation, which I am confident will be passed soon.

The Liberal–National Government’s home invasion laws were announced on day one of last year’s election campaign and remain top priority. The community and WA Police are sick of seeing people who make the decision to break into our homes, continually front court, only to be allowed back out on the streets within days to once again offend. The bundling of a large number of home burglary offences into one ‘strike’ needs to stop. Three burglary offences must mean three strikes and the offender must go to prison. These new laws are now in Parliament awaiting debate.

I would like to congratulate George Tilbury and the Union Directors on their resolve to ensure that Western Australian police officers get the support and protections they deserve when on the frontline, from people who decide to spit at, bite or scratch those officers.

This behaviour is totally unacceptable and it was time to act. I am pleased the State Government’s Mandatory disease testing legislation is now making its way through the parliamentary process.

Finally, I’d like to touch on one of the most important pieces of legislation that I have introduced since becoming Minister for Police. That is, legislation to repeal of section 139(3) of the Criminal Investigation Act. Perhaps more than anything else, the feedback to me from hardworking officers since becoming Police Minister has been – they are not babysitters! It’s fair to say that this is not the sort of change that receives fanfare media coverage, but it’s a change that fundamentally changes the way police

approach their working day and frees up thousands of hours across the week to do the job that police signed up to do!

The Joondalup Academy continues to produce out standing police officers who are job ready to serve the WA community. At my most recent graduation ceremony, I was privileged to welcome another 58 graduates to WA Police. These officers make up part of the State Government’s ongoing commitment to increase police numbers by 550 by 2017. In fact, just last month we announced that the most recent intake of officers into Joondalup completed our 2008 commitment to increased numbers by 500 in five years.

The most recent negotiations between the State Government and the Police Union over the EBA were held wit h an out s t an ding le ve l of professionalism and I must thank directly all those who recognised that a positive outcome can be reached in such good faith.

WA Police will be required to face many more challenges in the coming years, but I am confident that with a strong and committed police force that these challenges will be met to provide a better and safer community for all Western Australians.

25 Police News August 2014

Andrea Wyllie & PETER KELLY Industrial Officer

Senior Industrial Officer

Industrial Agreement signed The 2014 WA Police Industrial Agreement has been signed after Members voted to accept the Government’s Offer of 2.75 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent, over the next three years with no trade-offs.

On July 24, WAPU President George Tilbury signed the agreement which takes effect from July 1, 2014 and ends on June 30, 2017.

WAPU Directors and Staff attended several meetings throughout the State prior to the ballot being opened to ensure that Members understood the Offer on the table and any questions could be answered.

Industrial Officer Andrea Wyllie said during information sessions conducted by WAPU, Members consistently voiced their concern and anger that the Government’s 2014 Offer at CPI projections left no protection against fluctuations in CPI over the next three years.

“We have made it very clear to Government that when it comes time to negotiate in 2017, we will be looking to achieve appropriate recognition for the responsible approach you have taken,” she said.

The inaugural online voting process undertaken this round has proven to be a resounding success with the highest response rate ever for an Industrial Agreement ballot.

An overwhelming 85 per cent of responses were received in favour of accepting the Offer. This majority response exceeds the 65 per cent minimum required under the WAPU Constitution.

We have made it very clear to Government that when it comes time to negotiate in 2017, we will be looking to achieve appropriate recognition for the responsible approach you have taken.

26 Police News August 2014

The independent online process removes lengthy delays caused by the postal vote system, is more cost effective and has resulted in this being the first Offer accepted before the expiry of a current agreement.

Following the ballot result, the WAPU Industrial Team worked for several weeks with representatives from both WA Police and the Department of Commerce to finalise the Agreement for registration.

The document was lodged in the first week of August and the associated salary increases will be back dated to July 1.

G20 Brisbane will play host to the G20 Leaders Summit in November and several hundred WA police officers will also converge on the city to assist with security as 4,000 delegates and 3,000 media from around the world are expected to take part in the two-day affair.

Recently, WAPU Industrial Officer Andrea Wyllie travelled to Brisbane along with industrial representatives from police unions and associations from around the country to be briefed on the arrangements being made to accommodate officers during their time at the G20.

Spokespeople from the Queensland Police Service addressed the group discussing travelling, working and accommodation plans for those officers attending the summit.

The meeting provided an opportunity for all states to raise any concerns relating to industrial entitlements and issues surrounding ethical standards and the processes involved for the duration of the summit.

All officers who will be attending from WA are advised to contact WAPU to be updated on the process and procedures that will be put in place and if they have any queries or concerns for their time in Brisbane.

Industrial reporT

WAPU Opinion

Tweets Follow us on Twitter @WAPoliceUnion @BelmontPol

Visit @BelmontPol for results and good news stories, go to @KensingtonPol for #dadjokes

Continued from page 23

WAPU President George Tilbury signing the 2014 WA Police Industrial Agreement .

Sgt Blackwood said there would always be incidents that occur due to the unpredictable nature of the job and irrational behaviour of the people police deal with.

“If those risks are evident and we have the opportunity, we should encourage our Members to reduce the risk by handcuffing the subject.

The challenge is ensuring Members understand when they can confidently use force without hesitating and risking injury to themselves or others without stepping outside of legislative authority or have their actions criticised and deemed unreasonable,” he said.

What annoys me is the constant questioning of a Member’s action when they are given a split second under extreme duress to make a decision, then that decision is pored over by teams of people over hours in comfortable, quiet offices with a nice cup of tea and a plate of biscuits at hand.

It will be how you justify your actions after the event that will ultimately determine your fate at the hands of these expert umpires – some of which have never stood across from an angry, unpredictable and drug affected person.

The Use of Force Unit are always willing to assist Members with their use of force reports and offer guidance and support in working through why you did what you did. I encourage anyone with questions, concerns or comments to get in contact with their office at the earliest opportunity.

@WAPoliceUnion

Looking forward to watching @ClarksonPolice and @WA_Police #WaterPolice on @Channel7 's new season of #TheForce 8pm tonight #perthnews

Cecile O'Connor @CecileOConnor

Bevan Stanley Cameron has pleaded guilty over a crash that injured his 3yo daughter.

He ran away as car caught fire @9NewsPerth

Peter Foster @PeterFosterALP

Proud to have supported this motion. WA Labor conference moves to support compensation scheme for WA police. http://www. perthnow.com.au/news/westernaustralia/state-labor-conferencemoves-to-support-compensationscheme-for-wa-police/ story-fnhocxo3-1226978942353?nk =6ebfbc46494a0af7bc60d5c079bc 9b88 … #wapol

WA Police Union @WAPoliceUnion

What do u think of new @WA_ Police policing model in South East Metro District? Here's what our Members think! #wapol http://www.wapu.org.au/wapumedia/media-releases/217fatigue-issues-highlighted-insurvey-results.html Police News August 2014

Dean Giacomini & Dave Lampard Field Officer

Field Officer

Pilbara field trip WAPU representatives visited the Pilbara recently to inspect police stations, attend branch meetings and conduct more Branch Official training sessions.

The Union is here to represent police officers, so hearing issues first hand allows the Board of Directors and Staff to start the process of solving problems, to ensure Members have the best and safest possible working environment.

President George Tilbury, Field Officers Dean Giacomini and Dave Lampard along with Media Officer Steven Glover spent three days in the district visiting Karratha, Roebourne, Port Hedland and South Hedland.

Mr Tilbury said he tried to visit the North West at least once a year to meet with Members face-to-face and gain a better understanding of local issues.

“We have had major issues with housing in Roebourne which have been rectified and it was beneficial to speak with Members to hear about some of the problems they are facing,” he said.

“The Union is here to represent police officers, so hearing issues first hand allows the Board of Directors and Staff to start the process of solving problems, to ensure Members have the best and safest possible working environment.”

Field Officers Giacomini and Lampard conducted two more training sessions with Branch Officials in Karratha and South Hedland as part of the Trade Union Education Fund National Workplace Employment Program.

Frontline 2020 improves safety procedures The South East Metropolitan District Frontline 2020 trial has been completed with WA Police Management lauding its success.

However, the changes in the district caused the structure of the occupational health and safety procedures to be reviewed.

The dysfunctional allotment of Safety and Health Representatives in the Response and Local Policing Teams as well as the District Control Centre from the existing six established police stations in the SEMD created a number of issues.

As a result, WA Police sent a representative from OSH Branch to the district to improve systems in seven critical areas. This also saw an increase in SHR in the district to ensure better reporting of OSH issues.

WAPU Field Officer Dave Lampard said when the WA Police representative began, there was a 64 per cent compliance with Police Manual OSH Policy and by the end

28 Police News August 2014

of the six-month trial period it had improved to 89 per cent.

“All police facilities in the SEMD are relatively modern, hence few hazards presented in regards to the buildings and layout,” Mr Lampard said.

“The next metropolitan area to embark on the project will be the amalgamation of the South Metropolitan and Peel Police Districts, where the majority of police facilities in the northern part of the South Metropolitan Police District would not fit the description of modern.

“In fact, this neglected district has only one modern police facility in Murdoch.”

Mr Lampard said Fremantle Police Station was suitable to provide a CBD policing presence and the proposed Bibra Lake warehouse facility would be critical to the success of the new policing model in the new super district.

“The Bibra Lake warehouse facility will be tested when the Response Teams work from there. However, there needs to be police infrastructure to support this facility,” he said.

“It is imperative that the Cockburn Central Police Station, earmarked for construction, be placed in the Urgent/ High Priority basket on the Police Minister’s desk.

“The current Cockburn Police Station is subject to local community demands to keep the front counter open 24/7.

Although staff and local management do their best, frankly this facility is unfit for modern policing.”

He said other stations in the district were also not fit for purpose with Palmyra positioned in amongst residential homes.

“The comings and goings of police vehicles in the open and shared police-public parking space attracts continual complaints from Members and the community,” Mr Lampard said.

He said suitable facilities throughout the district would be essential to provide appropriate space to conduct interviews and hold suspects while investigations are completed.

“The current lack of suitable infrastructure, in this regard, will place increased pressure on Perth Watch House causing staff to be away from their base for extended periods,” he said.

Field Report

01 02

01 West Pilbara Branch.

02 Great Southern Branch.

Customers with mental health issues

The Health Department has advised that Albany and the Lower Great Southern had three times the national average of mental health patients.

Police officers are often subjected to hidden and unanticipated dangers throughout their day-to-day duties and failures in rostering and communications can increase the risk faced by Members.

A historical issue in Rockingham from the 1990s, where a mental health patient had arrived from New Zealand and ended up shooting an attending officer at a domestic violence incident, and a recent incident in Albany, highlights the risk Members face when they are left to fend for themselves with no planned available back up.

The Albany incident saw a single tasking vehicle on duty on a Monday day shift directed to a job in an area which did not have reliable digital communications.

The third hazard was a hidden one. The man involved was a mental patient from Perth and not known to the local police officers.

Field Officer Dave Lampard said the first hazard was a common issue where a traditional three panel roster is in place.

“Rostering staff on a Monday day shift is always difficult following the previous week’s night shift and all manner of industrial entitlements make this style of rostering obsolete in a modern environment,” Mr Lampard said.

“Management in the Great Southern District need to re-think this rostering practice and shift staffing levels to ensure Members are working in a safe environment.”

Mr Lampard said most of the issues associated with the digital radio network in Albany are subject to ongoing improvements and the area in question was yet to be fixed.

“The improvements to communications in the Great Southern is vital to the safety of Members and work needs to continue on the reliability of communications in known black spots,” he said.

“Control measures need to be in place to ensure that our Members have available back up and reliable communications.”

Mr Lampard said although police in Albany had developed a productive working relationship with mental health agencies in the Great Southern, there was no tracking or warning procedures in place to indicate when mental health patients move unexpectedly around the State.

“The Health Department has advised that Albany and the Lower Great Southern had three times the national average of mental health patients,” he said.

“The Great Southern provides high quality care for mental health patients and many patients move to Albany, from all over Australia, because of the quality of services. This increases the already high average of patients with generational drug abuse problems and other mental health issues.”

Mr Lampard said continued dialogue between local police and the Health Department would assist police officers.

29 Police News August 2014

The front end of history

By Senior Sergeant Alex Ryan

Members of the old 79 Division and MIG were thrilled with the unveiling of the bonnet at WAPU HQ.

A unique piece of contemporary police history in the form of a signed and framed car bonnet was unveiled at a function at WAPU HQ recently.

30 Police News August 2014

G

uests, including WAPU Executive and former members of 79 Division and the Major Incident Group (MIG), celebrated the unveiling of the bonnet, which originally hung in the offices of the Major Incident Group in Northbridge, and has the signatures of former members who worked at the unit over its 30-year history.

The unit was formed in September 1979, hence the original name of 79 Division, and had a charter to provide a rapid response to serious and major crime across the metropolitan area.

The unit at its peak was staffed by some 60 experienced uniform officers and detectives who worked together as permanent partners. In 1999, the unit changed its name to the Major Incident Group (MIG) before being disbanded in February 2010 following a review.

In 2005, former MIG member Evan Damianopoulos was looking for a way to capture the signatures of transferring staff who had traditionally signed an office wall, as he feared

that one day this would be painted over. Originally looking for a car door, he happened to come across a car bonnet and the tradition of signing the bonnet began. This was significantly added to during the unit’s 30th anniversary dinner in 2009.

When the squad closed in 2010, an immediate solution on what to do with the bonnet wasn’t available, I stored it for several years at the Hillarys Police Station before arranging the framing. Although other options were considered, the newly refurbished WAPU HQ was seen as a safe repository to preserve this important and rather unique historical artefact.

The unit was unique and ahead of its time as a policing concept. It was widely considered to be the pinnacle of many police officers’ careers and this was mainly borne of the strong esprit de corps experienced by its staff.

The gap the unit filled particularly after dark still largely exists and I believe MIG was an efficient use of the finite resource of investigators.

Professor Daniel Fatovich

HEALTH

Emergency Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital and University of WA

Diet and the night shift worker Eating habits are especially important for shift workers, especially for night shift.

However, it seems that the only foods available are the heavily promoted fatty fast foods and sugary drinks.

This is often compounded by people bringing unhealthy foods to share at work, like cakes and biscuits.

If you would like Professor Fatovich to write about a particular health topic, please email your suggestions to jessica.porter@wapu.org.au

It doesn’t take long for this type of diet to cause insidious health problems; and it is known that shift workers weigh more than non-shift workers. Also, chronic sleep deprivation is associated with being overweight. However, if you are motivated, you can choose to have personal control over your weight and diet. Useful information is available at: http://www.eatforhealth.gov.au.

Perhaps the best thing you can do is to pack your own healthy food, so that you are not dependent on vending machines and fast food outlets. (It is also possible to have vending machines with healthy snacks). This should include good snacks like an apple, a handful of nuts and low fat yoghurt (but be warned that many low fat yoghurts are full of sugar, so check the label).

This does require some organisation beforehand, but saves time during your break. Planning pays off and helps set you up for success. This can also include cooking and freezing batches of healthy meals. However, trying to do this when you’re tired is a recipe for failure.

A sugar boost from chocolate or a sugary drink might give you a brief burst of energy, but this feeling doesn’t last long and you may feel sluggish later. Enjoying nutritious snacks and drinks helps you stay alert and keeps your energy up.

Eating large meals during the night shift can be associated with heartburn and constipation. Similarly, food such as hamburgers, fried chicken and spicy chilli may cause problems. Look for low GI (glycaemic index) foods, as sugar tolerance is reduced during night eating.

Always stay well hydrated with water to prevent dehydration. Having a water bottle handy to sip from frequently may help you to stay alert.

Other nutritious drinks include low fat milk, tea, herbal tea and low sodium 100 per cent vegetable juices. Beware of 100 per cent fruit juices because the calories add up quickly.

What about after the shift has finished? If you’re hungry, eat a small healthy snack before bedtime, such as whole grain cereal with fruit, beans on whole grain toast or porridge.

I have written previously about avoiding alcohol and coffee before bedtime. When you’re working nights, eat your main meal (a healthy one) before your shift starts. Avoid eating another main meal at work, as you will simply gain weight.

It’s better to eat small meals or snacks throughout the shift (eg boiled eggs, sandwiches made with turkey or chicken). A packet of trail mix containing nuts, seeds and dried fruit is tasty.

Wherever possible, tr y to eat one meal a day with your family.

Families who share mealtimes actually eat healthier and more well balanced meals.

Finally, good nutrition and fitness go together. I can’t emphasise strongly enough the importance of aerobic exercise for coping with shift work – even if it’s just a walk in the sunshine.

Some people like to wear a pedometer – aiming for 10,000 steps a day for heart health; or make it a social activity you share with a friend.

EMERGENCY

24/7 DIRECTOR

0438 080 930

639 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005

PH: (08) 9321 2155

F: (08) 9321 2177

Mick Kelly Emergency Director

www.wapu.org.au

WAPU admin@wapu.org.au

31

Police News August 2014

Free legal service for current and retired WAPU Members and their families.

The WA Police Union is partnering with leading law firm Tindall Gask Bentley to provide Members with access to first class legal services.

Established in 1970, TGB has grown to become South Australia’s largest plaintiff law firm and has now expanded into Western Australia.

The firm offers a full range of legal services.

Receive 30 minutes free preliminary advice on all legal matters.

We also offer a 10% discount on any legal fees for: • Workers Compensation*, • Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation*, • Family and Divorce law, • Estates and Estate Planning, • Business and Property.

To book an appointment with a lawyer or for more information contact WAPU HQ on (08) 9321 2155.

*If you have not made a claim, disregard this publication.

Rod Behenna

LEGAL

Consultant, Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

I have a Will, what else do I need to know?

Having worked in the Wills and Estates field for more than 40 years, I’ve seen common issues that many people forget when planning for their estate.

Making a simple mistake can potentially cause significant problems for you, or loved ones who will have the job of administering your estate.

So after organising your Will, here are eight important points to consider: 1. The original copy of your Will is a most important document and should be treated accordingly.

Most lawyers maintain a deed facility where you are welcome to leave your Will. Putting it in a Bank Safe Custody facility can cause problems if your executors or family cannot access that.

2. You should not write on the original Will or use any fastening devices on it such as pins or glider clips. Doing any of these things will cause difficulty in obtaining a grant of probate.

3. Your executors (and, if appropriate, members of your family) should be informed of the whereabouts of the original Will. It is good practice to note this on your copy.

4. If you have not already done so you should confirm that the executors you have named would be willing to accept the role which commences immediately on your death.

Acting as a guarantor could cause problems in the administration and finalisation of an estate.

5. Your executors and family should be told of your wishes about funeral arrangements even if these are referred to in your Will. They should be told if you have a “pre-paid” funeral plan.

6. Your Will should be kept up to date.

It should be reviewed in the light of any of the following circumstances affecting yourself or members of your family: - Births - Deaths - Marriages (your own marriage automatically revokes your Will) or on-going relationships - Divorces (your own revokes the parts of your Will referring to an ex-spouse) - Bankruptcies - Re -arrangement of af fairs (eg Family Trusts) - Changes in the location or suitability of executors.

7. Acting as a guarantor could cause problems in the administration and finalisation of an estate. The potential liability as guarantor flows through to your estate and is not extinguished until all of the debtors (or, alternatively, guarantors) obligations are discharged.

8. Superannuation arrangements need to be constantly monitored.

Superannuation entitlements do not necessarily form part of your estate to be dealt with according to the terms of your Will.

A direction given to trustees of the superannuation fund is not necessarily binding on them and any nomination must be to a dependant.

You also need to periodically check whether any directions (either “binding” or “non-binding”) given to the trustees of the fund are appropriate for your present circumstances.

“Binding” directions may need to be refreshed every three years.

The above are just some of the important matters that you should bear in mind in the context of your Will.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. You should seek appropriate professional advice and assistance whenever circumstances change.

WAPU and TGB offers an exclusive Wills and Legal service to WAPU Members, former Members and their families. For more information or to make an appointment, contact WAPU HQ on (08) 9321 2155.

The TGB legal service is available to WAPU Members, past Members and their families. To arrange an appointment contact WAPU HQ on (08) 9321 2155.

33 Police News August 2014

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All words that can be used to describe the Ford PX Ranger.

Overall, if you are in the market for a 4-wheel drive, the Ranger has to be one on the list to take for a test drive.

With two power plant options delivering 147kW and 470Nm of torque through a 3.2 litre, 5-cylinder diesel engine, or, 110kW and 375Nm from the 2.2 litre 4-cylinder diesel, the Ranger is available in an option to suit most budgets.

Fuel economy in a dual cab 4x4 configuration is around 8.9 and 9.2 litres per 100km for the manual and auto 3.2-litre, while the 2.2-litre is not much different at 8.1 and 9.4 litres per 100km. All models are fed from an 80-litre capacity tank. The bottom line is with these fuel consumption figures if you are looking for an auto, go for the 3.2-litre engine.

Gone are the days that serious 4-wheel drivers were limited to manual transmission.

Easing the Ranger out of loose gravel or mud is accomplished as effectively with an automatic transmission as any seasoned 4x4 guru could manage with a manual and a learned left foot. Hill descent control works well and is standard across the range.

For serious 4-wheel driving, only the automatic XLS, XLT and Wildtrak models have a locking rear differential fitted as standard.

Essential for extremely boggy conditions or sharp cross-dips, a rear-diff lock will get you out of trouble in most circumstances.

On the road, the Ranger glides effortlessly down highways and is equally happy on other surfaces, despite some road noise coming from the back of the cabin. It has to be remembered that behind the cab is a tray capable of hauling well over a tonne in both pick-up and cab-chassis model variants and behind that, a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

The investment that Ford Australia has put into the suspension of the Ranger to match Australian conditions shines through, setting it aside from the Mazda BT50 which shares DNA with the Ranger.

Inside, the cab is very well finished and the list of standard features, even in the base model, is impressive and includes cruise-control, power windows, USB / iPod integration, two 12v power outlets, integrated Bluetooth and two child seat upper anchorage points. Airconditioning is also standard with the XLT getting dual-zone climate control.

Carpets are standard in the XLS and XLT models departing from the easyto-clean, but industrial-feeling vinyl.

Wildtrak models see the introduction of grain leather into the seats with endurance fabric on the bolsters.

Luxuries like rain-sensing wipers, electrochromatic rear-view mirror and satellite navigation via a 5-inch colour multi-function display and an additional power outlet are reserved for the XLT model.

Headlights seem to have been an afterthought. A test-drive into the night left the driver wishing for a decent set of spotlights to pierce the darkness ahead. Lighting on a base Falcon easily outperforms that coming from the Ranger.

Overall, if you are in the market for a 4-wheel drive, the Ranger has to be one on the list to take for a test drive.

With a five star ANCAP rating and 21 different model specifications, it is certainly a vehicle worth considering.

Fleet Network has been sourcing a better deal for WA police officers for two decades.

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It’s about using your salary wisely.

35 Police News August 2014

Modern banking products Home loans Personal loans Credit cards Transaction accounts Savings accounts Insurance Financial planning Term deposits Police & Nurses Limited ABN 69 087 651 876 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 240701

GESB members, make your future super.

If you are a member of GESB Goldstate or Weststate super schemes it’s a great idea to talk to someone who understands the complexities of your schemes, including untaxed and defined benefits. Likewise, deciding how to deal with your super at retirement is another important decision where advice can be critical.

That’s where P&N Financial Planning can help. Our intimate knowledge and expertise in assisting WA Government employees with their retirement needs makes a difference.

Contact us today to find out how we can help make your future super.

Find out more call 08 9265 7722

attend one of our seminars held bi-monthly at WA Police Union

email fpseminar@pnbank.com.au

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Police & Nurses Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 21 009 245 194 AFSL 237507 is a majority owned subsidiary of Police & Nurses Limited (65%). Bridges Financial Services (BFS) has an ownership of 35% and is a subsidiary of IOOF Holdings Ltd.

Bruce Hancock

Life-Risk Specialist Financial Planner, P&N Financial Planning

Financial Planning

Life insurance for police Finally, a life insurance policy that can cover you in your role as a police officer.

Life insurance is usually one of those things that we know we need to have, but always put to the side in our busy lives. Then, if we do get around to looking at it, we get confused wondering whether a policy will cover dangerous professions such as ours or any pre-existing conditions we might have, how much cover we might need and importantly can we actually afford it.

Most WA police are covered under a group insurance scheme through their superannuation which provides cover for some things but not all.

The job police do is very specialised and has risks which many other occupations are not exposed to.

We have all heard of, and contributed to, fundraisers for colleagues who have been injured at work because unfortunately sometimes, regardless of the best planning and highest safety, the worst happens.

Unlike the insurance currently provided to the police force, Active cover can pay benefits regardless of whether as a result of an injury or illness you are able to work or not.

Until now it has been very difficult for police to obtain appropriate insurance cover that provides benefits regardless of whether you are injured while at work or not and that also covers you in the event of suffering a critical illness such as cancer or a heart attack.

Macquarie Life has launched a new solution to the Australian market called Active which for the first time, provides an insurance solution to police officers with a breadth of cover previously unavailable.

Macquarie Life Active complements the existing insurance most police have through their superannuation and most importantly ensures you and your family are covered when you need it the most.

This comprehensive new type of insurance provides cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Unlike the insurance currently provided to the police force, Active cover can pay benefits regardless of whether as a result of an injury or illness you are able to work or not.

For more information contact Bruce Hancock the Life-Risk Specialist Financial Planner at P&N Financial Planning and see how this new style of insurance provides police officers and their families with the peace of mind they deserve.

How does it work?

Macquarie Life Active is based around the idea that you buy a single lump sum of insurance cover which only decreases as you claim against it.

This common sense insurance provides cover not only for death or terminal illness but also for a whole range of health events from accidents and injuries to long-term illnesses and very serious conditions, regardless of whether they occur at work or not.

Sensibly, payments are made in line with the severity of the health event you suffer and importantly for police officers payments are not aligned to your occupation meaning you are covered while at work.

Talk to Bruce today by calling (08) 9265 7722 or emailing bruce.hancock@pnbank.com.au

37 Police News August 2014

Events

01 02 03 04

WA Police Recruit Squad Graduation Friday June 13, 2014 WA Police Academy, Joondalup

05 06

07

Pro Police torch

01 Christopher Hanson.

02 Sylvester Ambrose.

03 Red Squad. 04 Ali Radfard and Alexander Ball.

05 White Squad walking past the Commissioner of Police.

06 Matthew Wheatley, Luke Smith and Philip Bain.

07 Celebrations.

POLICE TORCHES

• 150 metre throw • 1070 lumens º High, medium low beam and strobe • Only 15cm long - belt size • Rechargeable and supplied with battery • Free holster for Police - just mention when ordering

38

www.wolfeyes.com.au

Police News August 2014

Phone 1300 911 007

new members

Retirements & resignations

WAPU welcomes it's newest members

Retiring members

Recruit Course 7/2013 Red Squad Sylvester Ambrose Alexander Ball Alexander Curtin-Neeling Elliot Curtis Ayden Daniels Matthew Dennison Britney Fair James Gallo Daniel Griffin Christopher Hanson Jake Hendry Chloe Hofman Siani James Alex Jones Wayne Marriott Scott Mason Blair McIntosh Kathryn McLean Ann McMahon Anthony Neale Jacob Parker Carl Pedrotti Josip Perkovic Ali Radfard Benjamin Rooney Emily Self Matthew Silvester Rohan Smith Catriona White

4909 Anthony Ferguson 5103 Bernard Iriks 5188 Brett Gmeiner 5633 Christian Dohlad 5844 Scott Halvorson 5952 Paul Presbury 6012 Mark Jenkins 6133 Malcolm Ward 6510 James Kent 6955 Lindsay McCann 8707 Susan Moran

Recruit Course 8/2013 White Squad John Bain Hayden Barton Philip Blain Jaimee Elphick Joshua Ferraro Anthony Henderson Matthew Hughes Michael Mangano Kenneth Massavelli Amy McAuley Matthew McBride Rebecca McCready Amanda McMinn Nicola Meredith Sarah-Jane Milne Joao Montenegro Moreira Suellyn Muller Darren Norman Michael Oliver Joel Parker Cameron Pummell Dinesh Roopchund Luke Smith Samuel Smith Karol Sokolowski Alister Swift Liam Trimmer Timothy Webb Matthew Wheatley

Resigning members 8095 James August 8287 Mark Vassiliou 9361 Judith Aleckson 10208 Michael Gill 10397 Adrian Frankling 11008 Terri Garrod 11164 Brianna Kubank 12267 Tammy Smith 12543 Patrick Cavagin 12997 Mark Collier 13142 Phillipa Wood 13332 Cara Christensen 14142 Grace Noblett 14337 Benjamin Noye 14367 Malcolm Van De Velde 14475 Robert Morgan 15167 Lisa Wiggins 99693 Todd Wale 99723 Todd Peydo

Vale

Harold William Riseborough 3034 Jeanette and family sincerely thank everyone for the many messages, support and attendance at Harry’s funeral.

Please accept our sincere gratitude.

Jeanette Riseborough

Retired 10964 Senior Constable Andrew Peter Wright Aged 46 3034 Assistant Commissioner Harold William Riseborough Aged 78 3062 Superintendent Harold Stanley Parker Aged 79

39 Police News August 2014

READ

All June edition winners are listed on our website: www.wapu.org.au

Watch

Will to Live: Jamie's Comfort Food Jaime Oliver RRP $55.00

Jamie's new cookbook brings together 100 ultimate comfort food recipes from around the world. It's all about the dishes that are close to your heart, that put a smile on your face and make you feel happy, loved, safe and secure. Inspired by everything from childhood memories to the changing of the seasons, and taking into account the guilty pleasures and sweet indulgences that everyone enjoys, it's brimming with exciting recipes you'll fall in love with.

Jamie's Comfort Food is all about the food you really want to eat, made exactly how you like it.

With this in mind, the book features ultimate versions of all-time favourites, and also introduces cherished dishes from countries around the world, providing a delicious recipe for every occasion.

This isn't everyday cooking – this is about weekends, holidays, celebrations and occasions.

An inspiring story of courage, resilience and love Matthew and Diane Ames with Katie Ames RRP $29.99 For a couple of weeks, Matthew Ames didn't feel well. The busy father of four young children knew things were not quite right but suddenly he was in Emergency, with a severe case of toxic shock syndrome – the common bacteria Strep A had entered his bloodstream and his body had gone into shutdown. He was put into an induced coma and the only way he could be kept alive was to have all his limbs amputated.

Diane Ames knew exactly what her husband would want and that he would cope – he had always been optimistic and practical.

Despite a one per cent chance of survival, she asked the doctors to go ahead with the radical operation.

And so began the inspiring story of an ordinary family's courage and determination to make the most of a terrible situation.

Hanging with Hoges 1 Disc $19.95 SRP

In an 'access all areas' exclusive, Australian comedy legend Paul Hogan opens the door in a warts and all TV special called Hoges: I've Just Gotta Ask! It's 40 years since Paul's comedy first became all the talk in the playgrounds, on building sites and in homes around Australia and then the world!

He made us laugh and we loved him for it.

After years of media attention Paul rarely shows his real nature.

Now aged 73 he feels it's time to tell his life story.

Joining him to pose the questions we all want to ask is friend and comedian Shane Jacobson.

Top Gear: The Burma Special 1 Disc $19.95 SRP

Top Gear specials are known for epic journeys, incredible scenery and the amusement of three idiots having a hard time. What they’re not known for is challenging civil engineering projects. Until now.

In this special Clarkson, Hammond and May don’t just buy three knackered old lorries and drive miles through the beautiful landscapes of Burma. They actually have to use their lorries to do something useful.

They have to build a real, useable bridge over the River Kwai.

On their way to the river they almost bring down Burma’s power supply, encounter the world’s least relaxing truck stop, race around the streets of a deserted capital, saddle up a trio of unhelpful horses and attend a completely deranged party.

The Burma special has everything, including 35 minutes of unseen footage AND exclusive extras.

win

win

We have one copy of Jamie's Comfort Food and Will to Live to give away courtesy of Penguin Books Australia. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, address and title of the book. Winners will be drawn on September 1.

We have five copies of Hanging with Hoges and Top Gear: The Burma Special to give away courtesy of Roadshow Entertainment.

To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, address and title of the movie. Winners will be drawn on September 1.

Police News August 2014

See

LISTEN

Planes: Fire & Rescue 3D

Guardians of the Galaxy

Planes: Fire & Rescue is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite fire fighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire.

When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial fire fighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous team, including spirited super scooper Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor and The Avengers, comes a new team – the Guardians of the Galaxy. This actionpacked, epic space adventure expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe.

To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits – Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and revengedriven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the orb's true power and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his rivals for a last, desperate stand, with the galaxy's fate in the balance.

Season commences September 25

Season Commences August 7

win We have two passes to give away to Planes: Fire & Rescue 3D and Guardians of the Galaxy. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, address and title of the movie. Winners will be drawn on September 1.

Entertain me

MANDATORY FUN

BURNT LETTERS

Multi-Grammy Award winner “Weird Al” Yankovic is set to release his 14th studio album Mandatory Fun through RCA Records and Sony Music Entertainment.

The 12-track album features the tracks Handy, Lame Claim to Fame, Foil, Sports Song, Word Crimes, My Own Eyes, NOW That's What I Call Polka!, Mission Statement, Inactive, First World Problems, Tacky and Jackson Park Express.

“Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history with over 12 million albums sold. Now in his fourth career decade, he has released 13 studio albums, won 3 Grammys (with 14 nominations) as well as countless awards and accolades for his classics such as ‘Eat It’, ‘Like a Surgeon’, ‘Fat’, ‘Smells Like Nirvana’, ‘Amish Paradise’, ‘The Saga Begins’ and many more.

In early March, Taylor Henderson released his latest single ‘When You Were Mine’, a beautiful melodic single – co-penned by the young artist – which became an instant hit, racking up a Top 5 position on the ARIA Single Chart and achieving platinum status.

The success of the single set the tone for Burnt Letters; an impressive collection of handsome songs that weave together pop and folk styles with an apparent ease. This is further enhanced by song writing that is unashamedly intimate and tender, whilst the melodies are simple and uncomplicated. Taylor's earnest delivery is buoyant by way of his easy-going charm, and as a result his grounded honesty comes across as distinctively Australian.

“Weird Al” Yankovic RELEASED July 18

Taylor Henderson RELEASED July 11

win We have five copies of Mandatory Fun and Burnt Letters to give away courtesy of Sony Music Australia. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, address and title of the CD. Winners will be drawn on September 1.

41 Police News August 2014

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Where are they now?

01 Earlier on in his career.

02 Hughie Tollan in Beaconsfield Tasmania.

What are you up to now?

As of December 2013, I joined the ranks of other retired officers after 36 years’ service. Since retirement, I have enjoyed a campervan holiday in Tasmania and have taken up swimming (twice a week and up to 30 – 40 laps per session). I have also refurbished some furniture and some tasks around the house as well as helping in my son’s new house. As the grandfather of seven, it’s not unusual to find myself babysitting. My wife and I are also getting ready for our next holiday visiting Barcelona, then a 14-day cruise to USA to see New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles then onto Dubai.

01 02

What areas did you work in?

Hugh “Hughie” Tollan My regimental number was 5774 from the academy of 1/78.

Quite a few members of the upper hierarchy also members of that school.

During my time with WA Police I mainly worked in the traffic area. Firstly at Perth Traffic in 3 Patrol, then as a member of the new escort section before moving to Beverley Police. I then went to Lake Grace Police before returning to join the Police Road Safety Section before returning to Traffic Enforcement Group prior to retirement.

What did you like most about policing?

I suppose like many before me, I enjoyed the chance to try and make a difference, either during my enforcement role or my time spent in Road Safety.

I had the chance to utilise both options in trying to reduce trauma on our roads and the education of different age groups and also Indigenous communities.

WA Police was the front runner in many road safety initiatives for many years, especially in Indigenous communities both rural and regional. This culminated in winning the inaugural Road Safety Awards in collaboration with the then Office of Aboriginal Health.

This program was also taken to the Northern Territory at its Road Safety Group’s request. Part of the program is still running especially in the metro area by dedicated officers such as Senior APLO Woody Hulme.

What did you dislike about policing?

I could turn round and say the hierarchy, but that would be disrespectful to the many fine commissioned officers we have had, and still have. I feel that the politicians and the judiciary have a lot to answer for and until they start to use a common sense approach to all aspects of policing, sentencing and introducing strong laws to protect the public and also the officers tasked with dealing with these situations. Another sore point that I had was the issue of high speed pursuits.

It would appear that in the event of a crash during one of these events, the officers involved were scrutinised not only by Major Crash but also Internal Affairs to ensure they were following procedures, but what about the “baddie”, the poor person; had a disadvantaged upbringing, was high on meth or a combination of meth and alcohol and was possibly a juvenile.

They get to have the right to not say anything!

What was the highlight of your career?

I suppose the highlights were being nominated for Police Officer of the Year twice and winning the Road Safety Awards. But it was also the chance to work with terrific and dedicated officers within the State and also from out of WA.

In your opinion what have been the biggest changes in policing over the years?

Too much dependence on higher education to gain promotions, common sense seems to have gone out the window and replaced by political correctness.

When all is said and done, the general public still want to see a copper out there doing their bit. Politicians, the judiciary and the legal fraternity have a lot to answer for. Officers do what they can, but seem to be pushing the proverbial uphill at times, just ask some of the TEG officers about their experiences in various courts.

Is there anything you would do to make policing as a proFession safer and more appealing?

Maybe it’s time to reconsider some of the older tried and tested practices and stop bringing in overseas / Eastern States “experts” to tell us how to operate. There are enough experienced officers in the job that should be utilised instead of wasting money on outsiders.

What do you miss the most about the job?

I certainly do not miss early starts or working weekends (only when the Eagles are playing). But I do miss working with some of the best coppers around. I think that most officers when asked that question will answer that they miss the camaraderie – and the money!

Any special comments?

I hope that the future of the job is well supported

by WAPU and vice versa. I would strongly recommend that all officers ensure that they are Members of the Union and take an active part in the Union to maintain its strength for the future.

43 Police News August 2014