Media notes - Meritorious

AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen John TAYLOR
Detective Chief Inspector Taylor joined South Australia Police (SAPOL) in 1979 and upon
graduation performed general duties in the Adelaide CBD and metropolitan area. In 1987 he
joined the CIB at Norwood and has since served a significant majority of his career within the
criminal investigation environment. Detective Chief Inspector Taylor is widely regarded as an
expert in Organised Motorcycle Crime Gang (OMCG), within SAPOL and other State and
Territory Police jurisdictions, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Crime
Commission (ACC). He has been a key figure in SAPOL OMCG enforcement activity for over
15 years and has developed an intimate knowledge of OMCG identities and their criminal
operations. In addition, he is a proven manager with a strong understanding of the complex
issues associated with this field of policing. He has also an ability to negotiate effectively with
OMCG leaders when necessary. His experience in this field has developed over a range of
postings related to the policing of OMCG, more recently with the Crime Gangs Task Force.
Detective Chief Inspector Taylor has been instrumental in the development of innovative
strategies and procedures, and his contribution has had a positive impact on public safety. In
late 2011, he was appointed the Senior Investigating Officer of a national operation in regard
to OMCGs. In addition to State law enforcement, the operation involved the resources of the
AFP, ACC, Australian Taxation Office and Customs. As the Senior Investigating Officer he
developed a range of highly successful strategic initiatives. The success of these initiatives
and the national coordination that Detective Chief Inspector Taylor had structured resulted in
the operation becoming an Australian Crime Commission Board approved Taskforce, with
Detective Chief Inspector Taylor continuing to manage the Taskforce until August 2012.
Senior Constable First Class Peter John THOMPSON
Senior Constable First Class Thompson joined South Australia Police (SAPOL) in 1985, with
his early career being dedicated to country policing. In early2005, he was tasked to research
driver drug testing for SAPOL, a concept only undertaken by two police jurisdictions
worldwide at that time. He established a working party bringing together key stakeholders to
implement an operational drug testing model, assisted with draft legislation, addressed
budgeting issues and aided with the tender process. By November 2005 appropriate driver
drug testing legislation had been passed. In 2006, Senior Constable Thompson developed an
operational drug testing model for SAPOL and worked with the Motor Accident Commission
in designing and writing commercials and provided technical advice in respect to law and
police procedure for television, radio and print media prior the operational commencement of
drug testing. Later that year, the Driver Drug Testing Group was formed and, after an initial
twelve months of implementation, in a move away from centralised testing the concept
expanded to a devolved model, enabling traffic members to conduct drug testing. Senior
Constable Thompson retained ownership of the drug testing project for a further six years,
managing and resolving the day-to-day issues of the program, identifying shortcomings,
developing and improving practices and implementing legislative changes. His vision,
intellect, organisation, leadership and communication skills have been outstanding. He has
contributed significantly to the evolution of the drug testing concept and to road safety both in
South Australia and nationally, influencing the direction of road safety policing with his
performance being exemplary, displaying exceptional analytical skills with an ability to focus
and visualise that has reflected positively on SAPOL. Senior Constable Thompson is widely
considered as one of the most knowledgeable police officers in respect to driver drug testing.
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