General Secretary's - Queensland Police Union

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Central Region • 7
we must certainly end it. Going soft in a street fight is
no option. I have just done a series of ESC-directed
interviews involving several of our members over
allegations of excessive force.
Bill FELDMAN
SLIPPAGE DOESN’T MEAN GOING SOFT.
We here in the Central Region have undergone
a series of lectures and meetings with respect
to perceived “slippage”, i.e. slipping back in
old bad habits, taking shortcuts, slackness in
dress and discipline, excessive use of force, and
disrespect for higher ranks – just to name a few.
It appears slippage is one of a myriad of factors that
might indicate a decline in a standard of professionalism
in the QPS.
One of the factors spoken about was the options taken
by staff within our range of Use of Force options. I was
very pleased with the response to my question by our
current Assistant Commissioner, Mr Alan Davey. He
assured me that even though the use of force options
taken by an officer can be scrutinised by the QPS if a
complaint is made, he was under no circumstances
advocating that as police officers we should place
ourselves at risk by going soft. We all know how
embarrassing going soft can be.
“ We all know that when we go
toe-to-toe and blow-for-blow with
any individual, the only successful
outcome for us is to overcome
the threat ”
After all we are fully trained in POST in a huge range
of closed and open-hand tactics that are designed to
inflict enough pain to an individual to force compliance
to our will for that individual and to ensure that our
communication to him or her is fully and clearly
understood.
We all know that when we go toe-to-toe and blow-forblow
with any individual, the only successful outcome
for us is to overcome the threat. We know only too well
the potential of such an altercation – one punch can kill –
and we want to go home at the end of the night.
As I said, we are taught many tactics including some not
so gentlemanly – not so Marquis of Queensbury – style
of fighting (strikes to the knee, elbow, head and palms
as well as blows to very sensitive muscular and nerve
ending areas of the body). We never start the fight but
I have been extremely pleased with the professional way
in which these officers concerned answered their critics
with their knowledge of the UOF model. They answered
the questions directed pointing out their skills and tactics
training and aligning the UOF option with closed and
open-hand tactics, communication, presence, OC spray,
CEW, and firearms. The officers justified the use of each
option used with the actions portrayed by the aggressive
individual attempting to be subdued. Utilising our training
to overcome adversity is the very nature of that training
we have undertaken.
“ Queensland is the only state left
in Australia not protecting
its police. Let’s rectify that
dubious oversight ”
Now I am not advocating that running away (Tactical
Withdrawal – another UOF option) under certain
circumstances is not a good thing – after all - I am living
proof that those who slink away get to fight another day
(and with better odds). What I am saying is that those
who fight and overcome should receive the highest
protection that this union can offer when their actions are
scrutinised.
At this time I cannot stress enough to know your UOF
options, know the jargon and description when speaking
of your actions. If in doubt, speak with your union
representative. They may just be the “UOF whisperer”
that can clarify your actions and give you the peace of
mind you need to know - that your actions were tactically
sound, justified, and legally defensible.
One issue this current government or any successive
government must address is protection from both
criminal and civil action for police acting in good faith
when responding to incidents. Police do need to know
that when circumstances go wrong technically, legally or
professionally, they do have protection when they show
they acted in good faith. I am talking about redress on
the individual not the organisation. Queensland is the
only state left in Australia not protecting its police. Let’s
rectify that dubious oversight.
Work smart, work safe – make it home.
Bill FELDMAN
Regional Representative
Central Region