Volume 38, Number 7, August 2005 - New Zealand Police Association

Volume 38, Number 7, August 2005THELONGARMOFTHELAWJUSTGOTABITLONGER• Paul Randall recently graduated from the Police College and the former Saints and Hutt Valleybasketballer was quite literally head and shoulders above the rest of his wing standing as he doesat 2.16 metres (7’ 1”). He is pictured here with fellow graduate Bridget Suckling, who stands at arather dimunitive 1.64 metres (5’ 4”) by comparison. Bridget, a former professional yachtswoman,was the top recruit of the wing, winning the physical training award and defensive tactics award.-Photo courtesy of The Dominion Post.

August 2005 Police News The Voice of PoliceCONTENTS140NATIONWIDE AVL?nIndustrial newsAppointment review changes proposed ................................................................142A chance to have your say ....................................................................................142Telephone rental backpay claim – should you be included? ..................................143Home telephone rental policy ...............................................................................143Victorian recruits may be subject to DNA testing ..................................................145nGeneral newsVictorian communications upgrade finally bears fruit ............................................139AVL could eventually be rolled out nationwide ......................................................140Professionalisation a “quantum leap” ....................................................................149Last volume of Police history out shortly ...............................................................150nFeatureFund the frontline – making NZ the safest little country in the world ................ 146/7nnHumourWhen not to call emergency services ....................................................................141The Darwin Awards for 2005 ................................................................................141Special FeatureElection 2005 – police numbers/asset seizure legislation ................................... 147/9146FUND THE FRONTLINEnColumnsFrom the President ...............................................................................................139Health Watch ........................................................................................................144View from the bottom (I Am Keen) .......................................................................145Letters to the Editor .......................................................................................... 153/5nnSport/EntertainmentCopper’s crossword ..............................................................................................144Sports news ...................................................................................................... 151/2Welfare/Notices151ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MENNZ Police AssociationPolice News is thenewsletter of the NewZealand Police Associationand incorporates the NewZealand Police Journalfirst published in 1937.Editor: Steve PlowmanAugust 2005, Vol. 38, No.7ISSN 1175-9445Deadline for next issue Monday, August 15, 2005.Published by the New Zealand Police AssociationP.O. Box 12344, Willbank House,57 Willis Street, Wgtn.Phone: (04) 496 6800, Facsmile: (04) 471 1309Email: editor@policeassn.org.nzWebsite: www.policeassn.org.nzPrinted by City Print Communications, Wgtn.Opinions expressed are not necessarilythose of the Association.COPYRIGHT: NZPA Police News must not bereproduced in part or as a whole without theformal consent of the copyright holder - the NewZealand Police Association.Christmas holiday home ballot .............................................................................143PSS – your decision ...............................................................................................150Useful Information & ContactsAssociation and Police Welfare Fund:Police Network 44446 Website www.policeassn.org.nzFreephone 0800 500 122 Police Home Loans 0800 800 808Police Health Plan/Staffpac Insurance Police Credit Union 0800 429 000Quotes & information 0800 500 122 or (04) 472 9645or Fax (04) 496 6819 Credit Union www.policecu.org.nzStaffpac claims 0800 110 088 GSF information 0800 654 731All enquiries (04) 496 6800 PSS information 0800 777 243Vice PresidentsGeoff Smith (027) 268 9417Richard Middleton (027) 268 9411Field OfficersNorthland and Auckland Districts: Stewart Mills (027) 268 9407Waikato, BOP and Eastern Districts: Eric Newman (027) 268 9408Central and Wellington Districts: JJ Taylor (027) 268 9409Tasman, Canterbury and Southern Districts: Dave McKirdy (027) 268 9410Regional DirectorsRegion One Steve Hawkins Whangaparoa (027) 268 9419Region Two Mark Leys Papatoetoe (027) 268 9413Region Three Mel Ridley Tauranga (027) 268 9414Region Four Chris Cahill Napier (027) 268 9415Region Five Stuart Mills Office of Com (027) 268 9416Region Six Craig Prior Sumner (027) 268 9412Region Seven Dave Steel North Dunedin (027) 268 9418138

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005From the President“The ‘just be positive’ messagerings very hollow around emptymuster rooms and CIB squad offices.”When the ‘just bepositive’messagerings so hollowEver interviewed a good fraud offender,gone into the interview room with yourevidence laid out including securitycamera identifications, handwritingcomparisons, fingerprint hits, evenrecovered property and money andall you require from the ‘fraudy’ is aconfession?Then after you’ve been interviewingthem for half an hour, you need togather up your papers and go outof the room to re-read them andconvince yourself that the denials andexplanations you’ve just heard arerubbish. A good fraud offender can dothat because they honestly believe theyare innocent. It’s that same ability toconvince themselves they are genuinethat enables them to dupe their victims.Sometimes I feel a little the same waywhen people are trying to convince methat there are plenty of frontline police;gangs are under control; and that thepublic are happy with the service theyare getting from their police. I need toleave the room and talk to the CrimeManagers, Area Controllers, stationsergeants and their troops to get the realpicture of what is happening aroundthe country.It’s not to say that there are not alot of good things happening in theNZ Police and we would be doing adisservice to a lot of people if we failedto acknowledge that, in many areas, weare better off than we have been for along time.We’re solving the big crimes, cuttingthe road toll and volume crime, andimproving our infrastructure. However,we as an Association can’t get caughtup in the Amway type hype, whichsees critical problems, mostly involvingfrontline police shortages, placed in thetoo hard basket while focus goes onother ‘sexier ‘ specialist areas.The ‘just be positive’ message rings veryhollow around thinning muster roomsand CIB squad offices.Our “performance objectives” as anAssociation focus on how well themost vulnerable people in the Policeare resourced and led. They are thosewho have most to do with victims andoffenders i.e. the frontline. Those whoare most complained against, assaultedand publicly criticised. Sadly, theyare the most junior, least supervised,and bear a hugely disproportionateburden as a result of the organisation’sshortages.So when I am in danger of beingconverted by wide-eyed ideologiesabout how wonderful things are in thegarden of Molesworth, I re-programmemyself with visits to the districts andareas to understand again that ourbattle to sufficiently resource ourfrontline, so the troops believe they aredelivering the public a good service,won’t be won by the abilityto deliver a convincingperformance butby realisticresources.Victorian communications upgradefinally bearing fruit – one year lateThe Victorian Government’s troubled$170 million upgrade of Police andemergency services communicationssystems is finally bearing fruit - one yearbehind schedule.A recent report in The Melbourne Age saidpilot testing of the Mobile Data Networkproject had commenced in more than 60police and ambulance vehicles.The vehicles have instant access toa range of networked information,including information on wanted peopleand driver and car registration details- information that routinely takes 10 to15 minutes to gain access to via policeradio.However, Government promises thatpolice would be able to view picturesof suspects and maps pinpointingthe location of emergencies, remainunfulfilled.Response times set to beenhanced?Police Minister, Andre Haermeyer, said:“It will (help police) going into a houseto know whether the people in there arepeople who have a criminal history, whatthe nature of the history is and whetherthere are firearms stored in the house,”he said.The computers were due to be installed in700 police cars recently.Metropolitan paramedics also will havetheir vehicles fitted with computers,allowing more efficient dispatches andaccess to critical medical information enroute to emergencies.The network project has been marred bycost blow-outs and delays. Testing of theMotorola system comes about one yearafter the “late 2003” target date set bythe Government in 2001.Cost blowoutIn May, Auditor-General, WayneCameron, reported a cost blowout to$171 million, compared with $100million set out by Labor in 2001.Originally, $78 million was set aside forthe project in 1998.Shadow Police Minister, Kim Wells, toldThe Age that the inability to downloadpictures of wanted people or view mapspinpointing the location of emergenciesshowed the system was out of date.But the Police Minister said VictoriaPolice’s and VicRoads’ respectivedatabases were to blame for the lack ofsuspect pictures and maps.Superintendent Darrell Stephensonsaid police testing the equipmenthad reported significantly improved“effeciency boosts”.139

August 2005 Police News The Voice of PoliceAVL systemcould eventuallybe rolled outnationwideBy Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News• This is a dispatcher’s live eye view of a unit (GIQI) travellingalong Kepa Road, Auckland using AVL and aerial imagery.Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL)technology could be on the waynationwide in the future, following thesuccessful trial of the technology inAuckland City and Counties-ManukauPolice Districts last year.Police News understands that the new AVLunits are to be installed in 120 vehicles inAuckland with a rollout date of December5 this year.The recent review of Comms Centresalso suggested that NZ Police investigatethe possibility of introducing AVL andMDT (mobile data terminal) technologynationwide.The final report on the Auckland-based trialof the AVL technology identified that thegreatest benefits could come from ensuringpolice officer safety (especially if patrollingalone), in enhancing co-ordination andmanagement of police pursuits and possiblyin enhancing responses to Priority One calls.The report also said that AVLs could helpalleviate heavy workloads of Comms Centredispatchers.Public concern over police pursuits,which ended in fatalities, was the initialcatalyst for the AVL trial.Historical difficultiesComms dispatchers have historicallyhad difficulty accessing the LMRN (LandRadio Mobile Network) at peak times,while frontline staff have been havingdifficulty meeting the 10-minute standardfor attending P1 (Priority One) calls.Frontline staff use the LMRN to activelyupdate dispatchers on a unit’s locationand status but staff have identifiedproblems with the system, such as:• Constant radio work for police officers.• Continuous work for dispatchers, whoneed to devote time to each radio calland then manually update the locationinformation in the CARD (ComputerAnd Resource Deployment) system.• Delays in response time. A dispatchercannot guarantee that the locationinformation in CARD is accurate.When assigning a unit to respond to ahigh priority call, the dispatcher needsto use the LMRN to contact units inthe vicinity of the incident to checktheir locations in order to assign theclosest unit to attend the call.• A large amount of radio traffic on theLMRN, especially in an operationalsetting when the dispatcher may needto ascertain the locations of severalunits and then co-ordinate theirmovements. If existing radio trafficis already heavy, this presents thedispatcher with multiple challenges.• Incomplete location data. If a unitdoes not actively keep in touch withthe dispatcher, it is impossible for thedispatcher to know the status andlocation of that particular unit.• Distractions: Police drivers can bedistracted in a pursuit situation whenhaving to do updates on the radiowhilst driving, often at high speeds.• Lack of independent data when a unit isinvolved in an accident. Information hasto be gathered from the recollections ofall those involved, eyewitnesses (if any),and evidence at the scene.Trial expandedThe first phase of the AVL trial ran forthree months in Auckland City District.Forty I-cars were equipped with AVLsystems. The trial was then expanded toan additional 20 vehicles in the Counties-Manukau District for 10 weeks, includingfive rural vehicles.The evaluation said: “Problems withthe AVL server system software andmonitoring levels, and the reliabilityof the Telecom CDMA network wereidentified as areas for improvement.However, improvements in responsetimes to priority events and in theefficiency of both the dispatchers andfrontline staff were significant and verypositive outcomes from the trial. Theability to evaluate compliance with thePolice Vehicle Pursuit Policy was alsogreatly enhanced. The overall perceptionis that AVL technology creates a moreefficient workforce and, therefore, needsto be investigated more fully.”The report found that AVL was“promising”. As an additional benefit,the AVL technology was expected tosignificantly reduce radio traffic on theLMRN.The trial did throw up some teethingproblems with issues regarding reliability,accuracy, technical issues and stafftraining. The report said there were“frequent instances” where the data failedto transmit and the 10-second pollingrate was too slow for pursuits. But,overall, the report was positive in termsof the possible wider roll out of the AVLtechnology if funding could be obtained.System remains runningAlthough the trial is complete, the existingAVL equipment and system remain in placeand will continue running. Police Newsunderstands that originally there was noplan to continue operating the AVL systembeyond the trial. But the extended use isbeing funded by the ISTC maintenancebudget until an alternative or replacementsolution is in place.Deputy Commissioner (Operations),Steve Long, told Police News: “The AVLtrial has been very helpful in allowingus to understand the technology, howit interfaces with the existing Commstechnology and its potential for greatersafety and more efficient dispatch.”Mr Long said that Police had also learnedhow to work with staff to reassurethem about AVL, lessen their fears andencourage them to view the technology asa tool to help policing rather than beingseen as “Big Brother”.Mr Long said there was a belief that thetechnology could be “fully implementedin Auckland on a pilot basis”. He saidthat funding was a key issue and thismay require some reprioritisation ofexisting budgets or new budget bids maybe needed but that this was still beingworked through.140

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005When not to call emergency servicesPolice Communications call takers and dispatchers are used to getting inane calls from people who clearly have no idea when youshould ring 111 (or in the cases below from the USA, 911). It appears from these exchanges that the problems encountered by NZoperators are not unique to these shores: -Hearing aid anyone?Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What is your emergency?Caller: I heard what sounded like gunshots coming from thebrown house on the corner.Dispatcher: Do you have an address?Caller: No, I’m wearing a blouse and slacks, why?Another turkeyDispatcher: 9-1-1. What is your emergency?Caller: Hi, is this the Police?Dispatcher: This is 9-1-1. Do you need police assistance?Caller: Well, I don’t know whom to call. Can you tell me howto cook a turkey? I’ve never cooked one before.911 or nine eleven?Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What is the nature of your emergency?Caller: I’m trying to reach nine eleven but my phone doesn’t havean eleven on it.Dispatcher: This is nine eleven.Caller: I thought you just said it was nine-one-one.Dispatcher: Yes, ma’am nine-one-one and nine-eleven are thesame thing.Caller: Honey, I may be old, but I’m not stupid.Ask a silly question…get a silly answer?Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What’s the nature of your emergency?Caller: My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only twominutes apart.Dispatcher: Is this her first child?Caller: No, you idiot! This is her husband!And the winners of the annualDarwin Awards for 2005 are…The annual Darwin Awards reputedlysalute the improvement of the humangenome by honouring those whoaccidentally kill themselves in reallystupid ways. For the edification ofreaders, here are the awards for 2005.Only the top awardee managed to killhimself but the others certainly qualifiedon the ‘stupidity’ front and in some caseswere very fortunate not to be vying forthe top award…1. When his 38-calibre revolver failedto fire at his intended victim duringa hold-up in Long Beach, California,would-be robber James Elliot didsomething that can only inspirewonder. He peered down the barreland tried the trigger again. This time itworked…And now, the honourablementions:2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland losta finger in a meat-cutting machineand, after a little hopping around,submitted a claim to his insurancecompany. The company, suspectingnegligence, sent out one of its mento have a look. He tried the machineand lost a finger. The chef’s claim wasapproved.3. After stopping for drinks at an illegalbar, a Zimbabwean bus driver foundthat the 20 psychiatric patients hewas supposed to be transporting fromHarare to Bulawayo had escaped. Notwanting to admit his incompetence,the driver went to a nearby bus stopand offered everyone waiting therea free ride. He then delivered thepassengers to the mental hospital,telling the staff that the patients werevery excitable and prone to bizarrefantasies.The deception wasn’t discovered forthree days!4. An American teenager was in thehospital recovering from serious headwounds received from an oncomingtrain. When asked how he receivedthe injuries, the lad told police that hewas simply trying to see how close hecould get his head to a moving trainbefore he was hit.5. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, andasked for change. When the clerkopened the cash drawer, the manpulled a gun and asked for all thecash in the register, which the clerkpromptly provided. The man took thecash from the clerk and fled, leavingthe $20 bill on the counter. The totalamount of cash he got from the drawerwas $15.(If someone points a gun at you andgives you money, is a crime committed?)6. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted somebeer pretty badly. He decided that he’djust throw a cinderblock through aliquor store window, grab some booze,and run. So he lifted the cinderblockand heaved it over his head at thewindow. The cinderblock bouncedback and hit the would-be thief onthe head, knocking him unconscious.The liquor store window was made ofPlexiglas. The whole event was caughton videotape.7. As a female shopper exited a New Yorkconvenience store, a man grabbed herpurse and ran. The clerk called 911immediately, and the woman was ableto give them a detailed descriptionof the snatcher. Within minutes, thepolice apprehended the snatcher. Theyput him in the car and drove back tothe store. The thief was then taken outof the car and told to stand there for apositive ID. To which he replied, “Yes,officer, that’s her. That’s the lady I stolethe purse from.”8. The Ann Arbor News crime columnreported that a man walked into a BurgerKing in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at 5 a.m.,flashed a gun, and demanded cash.The clerk turned him down becausehe said he couldn’t open the cashregister without a food order. Whenthe man ordered onion rings, theclerk said they weren’t available forbreakfast. The man, frustrated, walkedaway.And the five star stupidity awardwinner is…9. When a man attempted to siphongasoline from a motor home parkedon a Seattle street, he got much morethan he bargained for. Police arrivedat the scene to find a very sick mancurled up next to a motor home nearspilled sewage. A police spokesmansaid that the man admitted tryingto steal gasoline. Unfortunately, hehad plugged his siphon hose into themotor home’s sewage tank by mistake.The owner of the vehicle declined topress charges, saying that it was thebest laugh he’d ever had.Source: Darwinawards.com141

August 2005 Police News The Voice of PoliceProposed changes to appointment andthe appointment review processesBy Leeann Peden, Association Industrial OfficerOver the last couple of months theAssociation has been engaged inconsultation with Police over proposedchanges to the appointment andappointment review processes.As part of the consultation process,copies of the proposed changes werecirculated to Association committeechairs, secretaries and a number ofother members who have had extensiveinvolvement in appointments andappointment reviews.Based on the feedback received from thosemembers, the Association submitted ourresponse to Police in late June.Concerns over ‘integrity’ testingWhile the Association is generallysupportive of a number of the proposedchanges, such as compulsory interviewingand the move away from functional CV’s,we have serious concerns about someother matters, particularly the proposed‘integrity’ testing.We intend continuing to engage withPolice over these areas of concern, with aview to resolving them to the satisfactionof both parties prior to the proposedrollout of the new processes in September.The Association has had the opportunityto observe training sessions on theproposed mandatory competencybasedinterviewing techniques. We areheartened by what we observed. It isintended that every selection panel willhave one trained panel member. Ideally,over time, all panel members will betrained.Appointment processKey changes proposed in the appointmentprocess include:• Replacement of functional CV’s withchronological CV’s;• Removal of performance appraisals;• Mandatory competency-basedinterviewing of short-listed applicants;• The replacement of weighting ornumerical scoring with writtencomments to justify the panel’sdecision;• Panel members to complete a conflictof interest declaration;• Feedback to unsuccessful applicantsby the panel chairperson;• Offer to successful applicant isconditional until accepted in writing;and• No notification in Ten-One until anoffer is formally accepted.Appointment review processThe grounds for reviewing an applicant’snon-appointment remain as procedureand merit. Key changes proposed to theappointment review process include:• Information released to the reviewerincludes their own informationand the “Recommendation ofappointment” as it relates to thereviewer and the provisionalappointee;• The provisional appointee’sapplication documentation will notbe released to the reviewer;• Procedural flaws will be referredto an internal reviewer. Wherethere is a clear breach of process,the internal reviewer will make arecommendation. Where it is notclear the matter will be referred toan external review committee (as iscurrently the practice); and• Reviews lodged on the grounds ofmerit will be referred to an externalcommittee (as is current practice).Victorian recruitsmay be subjectto DNA testingFirst it was NSW Police deciding todrug test their new recruits now theinternal watchdog of the Victoria Policewants to have all new recruits DNAtested.Ethical Standards Department (ESD)Assistant Commissioner, Kieran Walshe,recently announced that the forcewas considering eight recruitmentrecommendations made in an internalanti-corruption report by senior ESDofficer, Inspector Kevin Casey, two yearsago, according to Associated Press.Other recommendationsSome of the recruitmentrecommendations the EthicalStandards Department are consideringinclude compulsory DNA testing foridentification purposes, drug testing,the use of private detectives or expoliceto investigate the backgroundof applicants and financial checks anddisclosures.Applicants have always been requiredto provide fingerprints. One of theproposals - to subject recruits to liedetector tests – has been shelved.The Victorian Police Association hasconcerns about certain aspects of thestrategy, however, saying that moredebate and research needs to be donebefore any possible implementation.Editor’s note: The NZ Police Associationhas advised members that they shouldnot supply samples for the DNAElimination Database until the protocolssurrounding its operation and use are inplace.Association survey – achance to have your sayTo ensure that the Association is accuratelyrepresenting the views of its memberson relevant issues, from time to time weengage a market research company toconduct internal member surveys.A researcher from UMR may contactyou over the next few weeks. If you arecontacted please co-operate fully as it isan ideal opportunity to tell us what youthink about a variety of topics.The survey information is entirelyconfidential. Thank you, in anticipation ofyour assistance.Greg O’Connor(President)142

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005Backpay claim for telephone rental– should you be included?By Amanda Craig, Association Industrial OfficerThe Association plans to enforce the old telephone rental policyin districts that jumped the gun pre-July 2004 and started uptheir own policies of supplying cell phones, instead of hometelephone rental reimbursement, or only provided partialreimbursement. Affected members now need to let us know ifthey wish to be included in the claim.We don’t think any members had their reimbursement strippedaway during this time. Our concern relates to new appointees toroles that should have been paid a full or partial reimbursement,e.g. on-call constables in non 24-hour stations or sole chargedetectives. Those districts, times and positions that we are awareof are as follows:• Southern (and perhaps Canterbury) stopped telephone rentalreimbursements for new on-call staff in non 24-hour stationsfrom December 2001.• Tasman stopped reimbursing possibly all newly appointedstaff to on-call, 1-2-3 person stations, and specialist positionsfrom mid-2002.• Central stopped reimbursing new on-call staff in non 24-hourstations and specialist positions from mid-2003.Final list being compiledWe have some names already but need to confirm a final list.If between December 2001 and June 2004 you were newlyappointed to a position (or several positions) that should havequalified for a telephone allowance, and you want to join our claim,please Email us at telephonerentals@policeassn.org.nz andHome telephone rental policyBy Amanda Craig, Association Industrial OfficerThe home telephone rental policychanged in July 2004. The new policyreplaced the old 1989 policy and for thefirst time allows for cell phones, instead ofhome phone rental reimbursement.Under the old policy many members ofPolice who were regularly required to becontacted when off duty, were reimbursedtheir monthly home telephone rental.This policy covered: 1-2-3 person stations;on-call staff in non-24 hour stations; anda range of on-call individual roles such assole detectives, photographers, and doghandlers.The new policy limits home telephonerental reimbursement only to cases wherethe nature or the member’s locationrestricts the use of a cell phone or pager.Use of 0800 Ten NineAssociation representatives maintainthis telephone line (0800 8366 463)on a 24-hour basis.It is to be used ONLY for emergencymatters that cannot be deferred suchas Police shootings, fatal pursuits ordeaths in custody.Important and immediate industrialand legal advice can then be arrangedthrough the Association networks.Please do not phone this line fornon-urgent matters.Under the policy, cell phones are generallyprovided for on-call situations. Theyare also provided in some longer-termarrangements with the onus on DistrictCommanders to ensure such members arenot subjected to unreasonable demandson their personal time and have adequateopportunity for rest and recreation.Genuine reasonsHowever, the District Commander maystill make full or partial home telephonerental reimbursement where there is “agenuine operational or geographicalreason that renders a cell phone or pagerimpractical”.Full reimbursement is appropriate wherethe member regularly (at least five policecalls per week) uses his or her homephone for Police business and does nothave a Police-issue cell phone. The policycites the example of a 1-2-3 personstation member who has a cell phonebut is required to use their home phonebecause of geographic limitations.Partial reimbursement may cover regularstandby situations where the memberdoes not have the use of a cell phone,with the example of specialist staff such asa SOCO or a crash analyst cited.Members who qualified for telephonerental reimbursement under the old policysend us the information below by Friday,August 19, 2005:• Your name and rank and QID;• The qualifying position/s you took up(position, station, district);• The date you commenced (i.e., after December 2001);• Did you apply for rental reimbursement and what was thedistrict response (and have you retained this documentation)?;• Were you still in that role in July 2004, and if not, when did itcease?;• Are you still in that role now, and if not, when did it cease?;• Were others at the station receiving the allowance?;• How you feel about the situation?; and• Current contact details – station you currently work at, workEmail, home phone number, home Email.We will contact members individually and advise on progressonce we have compiled a claim.Note: We know that districts had inconsistent approaches toreimbursement but this claim is specifically focussed on districtswho decided to jump the gun on the national policy. However,talk to your local Field Officer if you think you should have beenentitled to the reimbursement but the district got it wrong.had their entitlement “grand parented”,i.e. continued, while they were still in thatposition.If you think you qualify for reimbursementcontact your local Association representative.Christmas holidayhome ballotA ballot will take place for the PoliceWelfare Fund holiday homes overChristmas-New Year, due to the hugedemand for the homes during thisperiod.Every serving sworn and non-swornmember of the Welfare Fund willbe sent an Email to their PoliceEmail address, or the one they havesupplied and which appears on theirmembership registration as of earlyAugust 2005.The Email will allow you one chanceto enter the Police Welfare FundHoliday Home Christmas ballot.The ballot runs from 26 December2005 for five weekly blocks, endingon 29 January 2006. Entries arelimited to one per member.All entries must be received no laterthat 26 August 2005 and winners of theballot will be notified in the first weekof September 2005. If you require anyfurther information please contact theMember Services Centre on 0800 500 122143

August 2005 Police News The Voice of PolicePolice Health Plan Ltd in conjunctionwith our Medical Advisors, Medilink,publishes articles on medical issuesthat affect our members.Some of thefoibles ofthe heart.In a soft and protected place slightly leftof centre in your chest is your heart. Oftenreferred to as the seat of passion – the phraseis a misnomer as such responses belong tothe brain.Your heart is similar in size to your fist. Itsrole is mechanical, ensuring the flow ofoxygenated blood to all parts of your bodyand the associated return of deoxygenatedblood. Circulation is determined by theeffectiveness of the heartbeat. Perhaps this isthe origin of the saying “we are all heart”.The heart is one of nature’s supreme designs- two pressure pumps that work in tandem.The right side receives blood from the bodyand pumps it to the lungs. The left sidereceives blood from the lungs and pumps itaround the body. The pump’s power supplyis the nervous system. The blood supply tothe heart muscle, coronary arteries, providenutrients and oxygen, which are the greaseand oil that allow the pump to run smoothly.Valves ensure the blood flow is in the correctdirection, and prevent back flow.Care and maintenance essentialHeart development begins in the third weekof pregnancy, and beats its rhythm throughour entire life. Like most pumps, care andmaintenance is essential to maintain effectivefunction.The heart, like any organ, can suffer frommechanical failure. Heart function will diminishif the blood vessels are narrowed by plaquefrom high cholesterol and lipids (fats), orarteriosclerosis. Heart muscle death will occurdue to a lack of vital nutrients and oxygen.Valve failure may occur because of diseaseor infection, which can create mechanicaldisruption.Heart failure is complex with manycontributing factors. Unlike man-made pumps,heart functions can be distorted by additionalfactors such as family history and stress.Heart attackHeart attack or myocardial infarction (MI)occurs when there is an interruption to thesupply of nutrients and oxygen to the heartmuscle. During a coronary incident, if theblood supply is not restored promptly itwill cause death of the muscle cells. MI ischaracterised by severe crushing central chestpains, not unlike a vice round the chest. Thepains may radiate down the arms and up theneck. Medical assistance is required urgently asdelays can be life threatening.Some of the contributing factors thataccelerate heart disease are smoking, excessalcohol, fatty diets, a lack of exercise, highblood pressure and diabetes.Angiogram and angiplasty are moderndiagnostic/treatment tools, which haveallowed medical science to progress rapidlyin the diagnosis and treatment of vesselscongested by fatty plaques.Coronary angiogram is the examination of thecoronary blood vessels using X-ray. A catheteris inserted into a blood vessel, usually a veinin the groin. X-ray dye (contrast) is injectedinto the catheter. The contrast flows throughthe blood vessels making them visible whenX-rayed. The X-rays indicate the bloodmovement through the vessels and diseaseand narrowing can then be identified.Angiogram is requested when abnormalblood flows are suspected. Indicators may beangina/chest pains with shortness of breath.Angioplasty is treatment of a blockedvessel, which has been diagnosed during anangiogram. A balloon catheter is inserted intothe blocked vessel. The balloon is inflatedwhere the vessel has narrowed. A stent (smalltube) may be implanted into the artery tokeep the arterial lumen open.Open-heart surgeryWhen heart disease is severe, angiogram withangioplasty is not always the appropriatemethod of treatment. Open-heart surgerymay be the only option. The surgery is knownas coronary artery bypass graft surgery(CABG, pronounced “cabbage”).A bypass graft is adapted around the cloggedarea of artery using a piece of healthy bloodvessel from another part of the body. Thelong vein in the upper part of the leg is oftenused. More than one graft may be requireddepending on the number of blockages.As we get older the amount of humanmonitoring and maintenance needs toincrease.There is always a personal contribution to bemade with a sensible diet, regular exerciseand general practitioner assessments. Youneed to make a ‘whole-hearted’ approach tothis maintenance.A neglected pump will breakdown andrequire servicing. Spare parts are not alwaysavailable so personal maintenance andpreservation are the best options.If you require assistance and/or additionalinformation please contact by Emailhelenb@medilink.co.nz oroliver@medilink.co.nz© Medilink Limited 2005Copper’s CrosswordAugust cluesAcross:1. Combine a game and an egg andlook after something. (6)4. Structured to our pay package (6)8. Sit alleging together the way ofmaking laws (11)10. Senator accused of crime against thestate (7)11. Sack (3)12. Of the mouth (4)13. Naughty (3)14. Type of betting format (4)17. Paulo. City. (3)18. Cult rip apart and repair for personresponsible (7)19. Overseas vacancies for Policemembers? (11)July answersAcross:1.Shifty4. Acquit8. Interfering10. Reeking11. Orb12. Nark13. Nip14. Once17. Hit18. Plurals19. Recalculate20. Devise21. BluffsBy Constable Cunning20. Rashes redone to make forms ofinvestment (6)21. Fifty codes lead to matter beingdealt with (6)Down:1. State of ill will. Offend withvindictiveness (13)2. Part of A.O.S. team (11)3. Blown; to let off steam perhaps (6)5. Saline solution for foreigners? (6)6. Superseded sir making it lessvolatile (13)7. Directing traffic. Justin almost did it(11)9. Places to watch sport (11)15. Cold dangling piece of ice (6)16. Primitive, or politician in lairmaybe? (6)Down:1. Stick in the mud2. Interpreter3. Target5. Cringe6. Trouble makers7. Religiously9. Ground staff15. Spaces16. Casual1 2 3 4 5 678 910 1112 13 1415 1617 181920 21144

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005This column is written by a frontline police officer. It does notrepresent the views or policies of the Police Association.View From The BottomPredictionBy Constable Iam KeenEating the proverbial hat is just that,a saying, so I gotta say I was a littleshocked when ‘he who should not benamed’ promises to throw the towel inover the armoured vests matter if theyain’t here by next year! How does thatwork when you’re the one in charge ofthe chequebook and the final decisionmaking? It’s right up there with “the teamwith the most points will win” and “mostdrownings are water related”.Maybe ‘Rocking Rod’ was on the button with this old favourite butit’s an easy tune to dance to when you already know the words!The stats gameEnd of the financial year has come and gone and there havebeen so many media splashes this year that the counting ofcrimes and their clearance have not raised their wee heads. Forthe 12 months we’ve had I’d love to go back to the old daysand worry about whether something should be coded 5127 or4342 etc etcOn the positive side of things, I see the ‘Mike Myers’ team gota great result in the cake tin and that certainly made all thateffort worthwhile. Well done, team. Fantastic result.Roll on summerNot far away now boys and girls till we start seeing a bit morelight in the evenings and can count sheep from the porch.The way things are going, Comms will soon have a few morehands on deck to answer phones and we’ll have something tokeep us a bit warmer and safer either over or under our bluesuit. Sort of “red sky at night stuff” really…now if we can justwin the bloomin’ Tri Nationssilverware then there really willbe something worth celebrating.Holidayhomecaretakers’seminarheld in Wgtn• Holiday home caretakers(pictured), who look afterthe Police Welfare Fund’s 50units, gathered in Wellingtonrecently for a seminarto share ideas on how toimprove the holiday homenetwork for members.Professionalisation a “quantum leap” for Victorian PolicePolice recruit and probationary training is set tobecome a university course in a move described asa “quantum leap” that will professionalise VictoriaPolice and help safeguard against corruption,according to a report in The Melbourne Age.Under the scheme, recruits will be taught inpartnership with a university, enrol as universitystudents, and graduate with a higher educationdiploma.In a national first, police officers will need tocontinue studying and complete a Bachelor ofPolicing in order to qualify as a senior constable.Police officers now receive a Diploma of PublicSafety (Policing) from Victoria Police, a registeredvocational training organisation, after completing20 weeks of recruit training and a two-yearprobationary work placement.The plan will be tendered to select a universityearly next year.Following NSW leadNSW is the only other Australian state to have police recruittraining as a higher education programme. NSW Police run apartnership programme with Charles Sturt University.• Paul Mullett…Secretary ofthe Victoria Police Association.– (Photo courtesy of the VictoriaPolice Association).All of Victoria’s universities have expressed interestin the plan, under which recruits would have tomeet the selection criteria of both Victoria Policeand the university provider.The move comes after various investigations intoalleged police corruption in some Australian statesand those supporting the scheme point to it as ameans by which Police will be able to deal with thethreat of corruption.The Fitzgerald Royal Commission in Queensland,the Wood Commission in NSW and the KennedyCommission in West Australia all expressed theopinion that higher education qualifications wouldhelp the Police to reduce corruption.Victoria Police Association secretary Paul Mullettsaid the plan was a “quantum leap” that wouldhelp the Police Force to meet society and industrywidemoves towards professionalisation, accordingto The Melbourne Age report.Editor’s note: The NZ Police Association is continuing to monitorthe situation in Australia but President, Greg O’Connor, said it was“difficult to see how making a degree mandatory would actuallyimprove policing”.145

August 2005 Police News The Voice of PoliceFund the frontline campaign:Making NZ the safest little country in the worldBy Steve Plowman, Editor, Police NewsNew Zealand tourism is booming.Tourist numbers have been increasingsignificantly for several years.Unfortunately, the same can’t be said ofthe people that keep our visitors safe– frontline police.Recent figures from Tourism NZ confirmthat between 1999 and May this year,arrivals of visitors increased by 53.92%(from 1,531,702 to 2,357,608). Duringthe same period, sworn police numbersincreased a mere 5.86%.The GST that tourists pay on theirpurchases each year – at $1.3 billion – isthe equivalent of the Vote Police budgetfor a year.The latest figures confirm thattourism is now generatingmore in export returns thanour cornerstone dairy industry.Last year, tourism’s directcontribution to New Zealand’sgross domestic product (alsocalled direct tourism valueadded) was $6.2 billion, whichwas 4.9 percent of the totalcontribution from all industries.It provided one tenth of thecountry’s jobs.Unfortunately, at the same time,the frontline police presence thatreputedly keeps our tourists safeis woefully inadequate.The reality is that New Zealand’s policingfrontline is so thin that officers are beingseconded from other groups to fill thegaps. Frontline policing is constantlybeing done on the margins.ComparisonsIn the Auckland Metro area, whichservices a population of 1,223,300people there are 2072 police. Bycomparison, Perth Metro, which servicesa population of 1,421,025 has 3010police and Northumbria (England) Police(population 1,500,000) has 4166 police.To put this in perspective, Perth policeservice a population, which is 16.16%bigger than Auckland’s but has 45.27%more police to do it with. Northumbriais significantly better off with 101% morepolice servicing a population, which isonly 22% bigger than Auckland’s.In order to rectify this situation inAuckland alone, another 520 officerswould be required to bring policenumbers into line with Perth and afurther 1326 are needed in order tomatch Northumbria’s.Auckland, the gateway for most tourists,has over 600 major events per yearwhich require a special policing presence.Many events involve 100-plus policestaff, leading to a further depletion ofdeployable frontline staff.And this shortfall on the frontline isbeginning to show.The service delivery in Auckland MetroDistrict is targeted at a 90% attendancefor P1 (Priority One) jobs within a periodof 10 minutes in urban areas. In termsof actual performance, service deliverystandards are down to 60% in Counties-Manukau, 64% in North Shore/Waitakereand 68% in Auckland Central.Increasing resource demandsWhile it has been pleasing to see muchneededextra Comms staff as a resultof the Independent CommunicationsReview, the flow-on effect will be anincreased demand for I-cars to dispatchto jobs as Comms begins to be ableto respond as it should to demand.Intel-led policing is also effective buthas flow-on resource implications inthat it creates a paper war for staff withan average of 14 to 20 forms beingrequired for each domestic lock-up.It’s all part of a bigger picture, whichshould involve taking a broader andexponential view of police resourcing.For instance, if Comms gets extrabums on seats then extra units andfrontline staff to man them need to bepart of that equation, in order to ensureadequate service delivery to the public.At present, Police are falling short ofdelivery standards in several districtsand that comes back to one basicfundamental – getting more staff out onthe frontline and back out in the streets.A visible police presence reassurespeople and makes them feel safe in theircommunities. It could go a long way towinning back some of the public’s trustand confidence that has been eroded byrecent negative media exposure.New Zealand prides itself on its friendly,accommodating, welcoming image toall who come to our shores. Afterall, it’sthe Kiwi way.New Zealand’s brandTourism NZ’s “100% Pure” branding isa big hit overseas and the Governmenthas just pumped over $8.9million from the last Budgetinto this particular marketinginitiative. New Zealand fostersits “clean, green” image aroundthe world and tourists areflocking here in droves.Recent Tourism New Zealandfigures confirm that 2.38million visitors came herelast year. They spent $17.2billion and stayed, on average,17 days. They came becauseNew Zealand is a great placeto visit – for all the obviousreasons – and they camebecause, overseas, NewZealand is perceived as a safe haven inan increasingly troubled world.Tourism Minister Mark Burtonsaid recently that tourism haddeveloped into one of the country’smost important industries. He wascommenting on the latest TourismSatellite Account, which showed thatTourism expenditure was $17.2 billionfor the year ended March 2004. In2003 it was $17.1 billion while in 2002it was $16.2 billion and $15.3 billion in2001, respectively.The report showed that internationaltourism (as opposed to domestictourism) contributed $7.4 billion (or18.5 per cent) of total New Zealandexports in 2004.In May this year there were 136,000international visitor arrivals, up 2.3%(3,000) on top of the large increasein May 2004 (which was up 29.2%on 2003, due to the strong Australianmarket and rebound of the Asianmarkets from SARS).146

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005A big ‘low’ seasonThis is the highest visitation for amonth of May during what tourismoperators call the “low season”.For the year ended May 2005, therewere 2.381 million international visitorarrivals, up 154,000 or 6.9% on theprevious year. There were 2,492 flightarrivalsin May 2005, up 6.2% (or 146)on the previous year.But what the tourists generally don’tknow until they need them is that NewZealand’s frontline police response iswoefully under-resourced and thatthe “safe haven” image is just that – aperceived image. It could be so muchmore. It could be a reality and thatreality could help generate even moretourism revenue for the country.One of the key elements to that end isto increase frontline police numbers tobe able to brand New Zealand as “thesafest little country in the world”. Andmean it.Editor’s note: Tourism expenditureincludes spending in New Zealandby overseas visitors and by domestichousehold, business and governmenttravellers. Spending by internationalstudents studying in New Zealandfor less than one year is included ininternational tourism expenditure.Sources: Tourism NZ; Minister of Tourism,Mark Burton (speeches/press releases);NZ Police; West Australian Police ServiceAnnual Report 2004 and NorthumbriaPolice Annual Report 2004.What the political parties say about police numbersand where they feel asset seizure should be vestedFollowing the publication of the lawand order policies of the respectivepolitical parties in the July issue ofPolice News, the Police Associationapproached the main political partieswith these two questions:1. Will your party increase swornpolice numbers, by how muchand over what period?2. The Criminal Proceeds &Instruments Bill is currentlybefore Parliament. Shouldresponsibility for this be vestedwith the Serious Fraud Office, asdrafted, or Police and why?Here’s how they responded:1. The ACT Party will implement zerotolerance policing. This means givingpolice the resources to tackle crime atall levels, including ‘minor’ crimes, likegraffiti, shoplifting and vandalism.ACT’s research shows police numbersare way under international levels.NZ has 180 police for every 100,000people, while Australia has 220. ACTwould aim to reach Australia’s levelof policing over the first term. Thatmeans 2,500 extra police overthree years. This may sound a lotbut it’s manageable. It would cost anextra $200 million a year when fullyimplemented. This is a small price topay. The level of government spendingdevoted to policing has been cut overrecent years. In 1999, policing madeup 2.21% of government spending.This year’s budget revealed policingwill make up just 1.97% of governmentspending - $950 million out of $48billion in spending. If Labour had keptits share of government spending onPolice at 2.2%, the Police would havehad an extra $115 million in this year’sbudget!ACT is the toughest party on law andorder. This means resourcing the Policeproperly. It’s as simple as that.2. ACT opposes the Government’sincreasing marginalisation of the Police.There are natural advantages to havingresponsibility for proceeds of crimeinvestigations vested with Police. Policeare the ones involved in any relatedcriminal investigations, and will have inmost cases already carried out extensiveinvestigation and evidence gathering. Itwould seem a costly and unnecessaryduplication to require a separate agencyto pursue proceeds of crime. It is notedthat internationally some jurisdictionsopt for a two-tier approach, with Policedealing with all matters below a certainthreshold. This is currently the NewZealand approach with fraud mattersgenerally, with a threshold of $500,000- considerably above the $30,000proceeds trigger in this bill.ACT says this is a timely opportunity toalso consider how appropriate existingthresholds and function separationis between the Police and SFO in awider sense. There may be a case forincreasing thresholds and allowingPolice to deal with a greater amount offraud activity. The SFO may be usefulat dealing with prolonged and complexcases where many millions are involved,but it is difficult to see the justificationfor involvement in lower level orstraightforward cases.1. The Green Party supports a strongand effective Police Force. We wouldincrease staff available for frontlinepolice and communications dutiesin order to deal effectively and in atimely manner with theft and violentcrime. The number of additional staffrequired can be reduced by divertingexisting resources currently devotedto victimless crime into catchingserious criminals. For example,regarding cannabis, if we focussedon pushers (particularly to kids), andnot those adults with a small amountfor personal use, then we could saveapproximately $20 million of policeresources, which could then be used fortackling serious crime.2. The Green Party has serious concernsregarding the Government’s CriminalProceeds and Instruments Bill. Inour view, the bill, as drafted, usescivil procedures to punish people forunproved and unspecified crimes.Further, the bill allows assets to beseized from people, even if they havenever been prosecuted, or even worse,if their convictions have been quashed.It is an assault on the basic principles ofjustice. The retrospective provisions inthe bill are also of serious concern.The bill is yet to be put before a SelectCommittee, but the Greens hope thatsignificant changes will be made atthat stage to remedy this bill’s attackon the principles of justice. The GreenParty has not yet made a decision onthe specific provisions, including therole of the Police and Serious FraudOffice (SFO). We acknowledge theenforcement role of the Police andthe work of the SFO. We consider,however, that the Select Committeeprocess will enable different views tobe put forward and further deliberationcan then occur. We will work for aresolution that is acceptable to thePolice on this issue, and other concernsraised by the bill.1. The Labour-led Government hasincreased police numbers everyyear it has been in office. This is anachievement unmatched by any other147

August 2005 Police News The Voice of Policerecent government. Sworn officernumbers have risen from 7027 inDecember 1999 to 7577 at 31 May2005 – a record number. Non-swornstaff numbers have also increasedsignificantly, freeing sworn police upfrom administrative and support tasks.A further 265 staff have been fundedthrough Budget 2005, with overallpolice staff numbers set to top 10,000this year.Under Labour, police numbersand resources will continue toincrease steadily, as part of a balancedprogramme of government spendingboth within the justice sector (so thatcourts and prison capacity keep pacewith increasing police effectiveness)and also across the range of other vitalgovernment services including health,education, and early intervention – allof which help prevent crime.Labour’s commitment to funding Policedemonstrates a priority, despite theconstraints of finite revenue. Thisstands in stark contrast to the hugeINCIS and Martin Review police cutsplanned by the last National-NewZealand First Government. Electionyear promises are cheap – record inoffice is the real test of commitment.2. The Labour-led Government hasintroduced the Criminal Proceeds andInstruments Bill because the Proceedsof Crime Act 1991 has not proveneffective at stripping the profits fromorganised crime.The bill establishes a new civil forfeitureregime, which means no criminalconviction is necessary to strip theproceeds of crime from gang bosses.This approach has proven highlysuccessful in jurisdictions such as theUnited Kingdom, Ireland and NewSouth Wales.Because this is a civil process, it shouldbe undertaken at arms’ length fromPolice, whose focus must remainon investigation and prosecution ofcrime. This avoids perceptions thatPolice resources are being diverted intocivil confiscation instead of buildingcriminal cases against the gangs. Theroles are also separate in overseasjurisdictions.The recovery body, within the SFO, willwork closely with the Police. The SFOwill bring forensic accounting expertiseto track hidden assets, while policecontribute specialised organised crimeintelligence – which has been boostedsignificantly through more dedicatedsquads, interception and surveillancepowers since 1999. The location willbe reviewed after three years. Policewere closely involved in these policydecisions.Police will continue to administer theconfiscation of property used in thecommission of crime.1. The question asked by the MaoriParty is why do we need more policeif crime is supposed to be falling?We would suggest that increasingpolice numbers signals the failure ofgovernment to engender a feeling ofnational well-being and security. Whencriminal offending is at its lowest, andthe road toll has reduced, surely weshould be looking at the way Policeresources are best used. One criticalarea of need is that of training inrelation to the emergency 111 system.In the methodology for the constructionof genuine progress indices,expenditure on Police resources appearas negatives. We should commitresources to determine those levelsat which more police are clearlyreductions from genuine progressindices. This would be followed bypolicies and practices to ensure that wedon’t go above these levels.Policies and practices to reduce poverty,to encourage more positive activityamong whänau, hapü, iwi and othercollectives, the implementation ofinnovative educational programmes areall means by which we can avoid theneed to increase Police resources. Thekey to reducing crime is in effectivecommunity relationships – in caring forourselves and each other.2. The Maori Party is opposed to thebill as we consider it to constitute abreach of human rights. The concept ofconfiscating the property of people whoare under suspicion of having benefittedfrom criminal activity, is punitive andunjust.The bill establishes an environmentunder which property can beconfiscated if it appears to representthe proceeds of crime, or is assessed tobe the value of a person’s unlawfullyderived income. The test that thereis ‘reasonable cause to believe’ thatproperty has been acquired as a resultof unlawful activity contravenes basicprinciples of justice such as ‘innocentuntil proven guilty’.1. National will boost frontlinesworn police numbers. Expansionof frontline police numbers shouldbe a priority for every term ofgovernment. It has become fashionablefor politicians to imagine that thestrength of their commitment to lawand order can be measured by thenumber of additional police officers,which they promise to deliver. Dr Brashhas made it clear that National will notenter that auction. We have, however,budgeted for a substantial increase infrontline staff in our first term.Our view is that the “fencing off” ofvarious staff increases has ignored thefrontline responsibility. That is evidentin the collapse of public confidencein Police emergency responses, andpriorities. New Zealand is well-behindAustralia in police-to-populationratios, and this should be remediedover time.2. It was National that first revealedthe Government’s plan to put theSFO in charge of proceeds of crimelegislation. We made it clear that policeofficers, not accountants, are the keyto crushing drug-dealing gangs andorganised crime. All the Government’sSFO plan will do is undermine theintelligence and forensic effort neededto make this law work. Informants andintelligence information comes frompolicing contacts. The gangs are outof control because Police do not havethe resources to deal with them. Ourpriorities include additional frontlinestaff, tougher proceeds of crimelegislation, and a co-ordinated effortagainst organised crime.New Zealand First1. New Zealand First has long sincecommitted to doubling the numbersof sworn police over a period of fiveyears. We believe the Police College canachieve that target within the timeframeand furthermore, our costings indicateit is definitely achievable fiscally.There are considerable savings to bemade to society generally, in areas suchas enhanced personal and propertysecurity and for individuals by way ofreduced insurance premiums.2. New Zealand First feels responsibilityfor the Criminal Proceeds andInstruments Bill should be vested withthe Police.It is, afterall, primarily the result ofgood police information, detection,professionalism and subsequentapprehension that proceeds of crimeever become identified. In manycountries, states and territoriesthroughout the western world, thisform of crime discouragement is well148

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005recognised. New Zealand is lagging waybehind.New Zealand First believes that notonly should demands to take proceedsof crimes be much more rigorouslypursued, but that the gains whichflow from this form of disincentive tocriminals, in the form of severe personalfinancial loss, should automaticallycome back to the Police for their usein targeting other organised crimeand their exclusive utilisation in theirendeavours to apprehend criminals.New Zealand First policies and planswill ensure these initiatives are taken upwithout delay following the election.We recognise that there is an internalwar going on in our own countryand the Police are the best agency toconfront it and should accordingly reapthe rewards of their hard work.1. The Progressive Party has a policyof ensuring that police numbers, bothsworn and unsworn, are sufficient tomeet the requirements of the policingrole, and notes that the numberof police overall have increasedsignificantly in the last five years. Insetting an appropriate number it isproper to rely on the independentadvice of the Commissioner, who isbest placed to allocate the resourcesneeded to meet the requirements ofpolicing in general and public safetyin particular.2. The Progressive Party endorsesthe current provision in the CriminalProceeds and Instruments Bill to havethe enhanced powers to seize assetsadministered by the Serious FraudOffice because, we are advised, theSFO has considerable current expertiseand experience in dealing with mattersrelating to white collar crime. However,we take a pragmatic view. If, in theevent it transpires that the Police arebetter suited to the task, or this canbe sustained as a viewpoint before theSelect Committee considering the bill,we have no problem over making anappropriate change.1. United Future NZ has a policyof providing 10,000 sworn policeofficers as soon as is practicable withtraining requirements. This wouldbring the population-to-police ratioto 470:1. This would be reviewed inassociation with the Police, who shouldbe leading the focus on what is requiredregarding police numbers.2. As for asset seizure legislation,United Future NZ favours the WestAustralian model and sees the Policeas being the administrators of thatmodel with use of other agencies as isappropriate.Traffic stopsThese conversations took place duringCalifornia traffic stops and comecourtesy of blueline.ca – an Internet sitewhere police officers trade humourousmoments from their life on duty.Officer: I’ve been waiting for you tocome along all morning pal, where youheading to? (To a driver doing 20 kphover the local speed limit).Driver: Yeah, I know. I got here as fastas I could Sir.Don’t be so ‘picky’Officer: Do you realise that you wereweaving in an out between the lanesmadam?Driver: I’m so sorry officer, I wasdriving with only one hand because Iwas picking my nose……A stand-up guyOfficer: Sir, I clocked you speedingback there and you were also driving inan erratic manner. Any explanation?Driver: Sorry officer but I havehaemorrhoids and was trying to gethome quickly so that I didn’t have to sitany longer.Editor’s note: If you have a funny storyfrom your day’s police work that youthink is worth sharing with Police Newsreaders, drop the Editor a line and we’llconsider it for future publication.HOLIDAY HOME AVAILABILITY– for bookings see: www.policeassn.org.nzAUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBERPAIHIA 4, 5, 7-11, 17-18, 23-25, 28-30 7-9, 12-13, 18-19, 21, 30 8-13, 18-19, 24, 28-30, 31STANMORE BAY 1-4, 7-31 1-30 3-7, 9-27, 30-31AUCKLAND 16, 21, 23, 28, 30-31 1, 4-8, 19 17, 31WHANGAMATA 1-4, 7-12, 14-19, 21-25, 28-31 1, 4-20, 15-23 9-12, 13-18, 24-31MT MAUNGANUI 1-2, 5, 7-10, 10-11, 14-16, 15-18, 21-22, 30 3-8, 11-15, 18-23 9-14, 16, 17-18, 18-19, 24-27, 25-31OHOPE 1-4, 7-11, 14-31 1-4, 26-28 2-5, 3-13, 16-20, 24-27, 30-31ROTORUA 1-5, 7, 9-12, 14-18, 15-19, 22-25, 28-31 1, 4-9, 11-15, 18-23, 25 9-20, 24-31TAUPO 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21, 28-31 4-6, 5-8, 11-15, 20-22 10-13, 11-14, 17, 25-27, 30-31TURANGI 4, 17 11 9-11, 10-13, 16-20, 24-30NAPIER 1-2, 8-11, 14-16, 16-18, 24-25, 28-31 1, 4, 11-15, 18-22, 25 2, 9, 18-20, 24, 26, 30-31PARAPARAUMU 1-4, 8-11, 14-16, 20, 27-31 1-7, 11-15, 19-22, 25-29 4-5, 9-13, 16-20, 27-29, 31GREYTOWN 1-4, 7-11, 14-19, 21-25, 28-31 1-2, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22 12-13, 16-20, 24-26, 31WELLINGTON 1-3, 7, 15-16, 23-24 1, 6-8, 11, 13-14, 14-16, 18, 20-21 5-6, 9, 17, 19-20, 27, 30NELSON 1-4, 7-17, 21-25, 29-31 1, 4-8, 11-14, 18-22, 28 9-13, 17, 25-28HANMER SPRINGS 9 11-12, 15, 20-21 No dates availableCHRISTCHURCH 4, 10-11, 23, 28, 29-31 6 24, 31TEKAPO 3-4, 9-11, 23-25, 30, 31 1, 11, 13-14, 18, 20 5, 9-11, 12-13, 16-20, 24-27, 30-31WANAKA 11, 17 12-15, 19-22, 25 9, 10-13, 18-20, 24-25, 25-27, 31CROMWELL 1-2, 4, 10, 18, 20-22, 29, 31 16, 19-22 12-13, 16-20, 23-26QUEENSTOWN 6, 11 No dates available No dates availableTE ANAU 1-4, 7-14, 10-18, 21-23, 25-26, 27-31 1-14, 14-18, 18-22, 26-27 5-20, 23-31DUNEDIN 1-4, 7-11, 14-15, 15-19, 21-26, 28-31 1-8, 11-22 7-11, 12-13, 16, 17-20, 24-27149

August 2005 Police News The Voice of PoliceLast volume ofPolice historypublished shortlyOver the past 20 years the Police havebeen producing their official historyseries, written by professional historians.The fifth volume, which covers theperiod from 1945 to the intergrationof the Traffic Safety Service in 1992 isabout to be published by the Universityof Otago Press. Written by SusanButterworth, it is called “More ThanLaw and Order”, covering as it does,the many and varied roles the modernPolice service is expected to fulfil. Thebook will be produced in a few weeks,and order forms will be distributed withthe September issue of Police News.The book will retail at $49.95. Thosewishing to obtain copies of the fourearlier volumes will also be able to usethis order form to do so.After World War II, the Police wereseriously understaffed, as the war efforthad taken priority. In 1951 the Policehad to administer the EmergencyRegulations during the Waterfrontdispute, placing a huge strain on theirresources. This was followed shortlyafterwards by the early departure ofCommissioner Compton and the arrivalof a civilian Controller-General, SamBarnett. In 1956 the Police SpecialBranch was disbanded and the SecurityIntelligence Service took its place.Protest eraThe protest era of the sixties andseventies followed, including majorpolicing operations targetingoverstayers and demonstrations atBastion Point, culminating in theSpringbok tour of 1981. The Erebusdisaster of 1979 and the Thomas RoyalCommission preceded this.During the 1980’s the Police weresubjected to a number of furtherupheavals, and many staff marched onParliament in 1990 over the changesto their superannuation provisions. ThePolice Association had marked its 50thanniversary in 1986, the same year thePolice marked its centenary.Finally, in 1992, the former Traffic SafetyService of the Ministry of Transport wasintegrated with the Police, creating amajor watershed in New Zealand’s styleof policing.This book will be of considerableinterest to the thousands of policemenand women and the increasingnumbers of non-sworn staff who livedthrough all or part of this era. It hasbeen the result of a great deal of workby a large number of people, and willshow once again the fine service thathas been given to New Zealanders byits police staff.Police Superannuation Scheme: Yourdecisions today affect you tomorrowIf you are a member of the GovernmentSuperannuation Fund (GSF) PoliceScheme, you will shortly be given theopportunity to transfer into the PoliceSuperannuation Scheme (PSS).This means you can switch from a“defined benefit” pension scheme to a“defined contribution” scheme. In otherwords, instead of receiving a definedannual income in retirement, you willreceive a lump sum payment.The right decision depends onsuch factors as your health status,career plans, investment risktolerance, and your financial andfamily situation. You alsoneed to consider atwhat age you want tostop work, and whatsort of lifestyle youwant in retirement.You need to be aware that once thetransfer option is elected, you will ceaseto be a GSF member and will not beable to rejoin the scheme at a laterdate. So this will certainly be one of themost critical and far reaching financialdecisions you have to make. If you get itwrong, you may be working when youthought you would be enjoying financialindependence, or cutting back on thekind of lifestyle you want.Option 1: Remain amember of GSFYour GSF entitlement is a considerablefinancial asset when taken as aninflation-adjusted pension over alifetime. Note that the Governmentunderwrites any benefit you receive.An added benefit is that as a memberof the GSF (Police) Scheme, yourcontributory service contains anaccelerated service entitlement. Thiseffectively increases the contributoryservice component of your pensionentitlement by a factor of 1.25 thusproviding a boost to your pension, withaccelerated service being capped at 40years, in conjunction with an age cap of55 years.Upon retirement you also have theopportunity to capitalise up to 25%of your GSF pension, meaning that aportion of your pension entitlement canbe taken as a lump sum. This has theeffect of reducing your pension (by theamount you have capitalised), but alsoprovides you with the opportunity toobtain a partial lump sum of your GSFentitlement.Option 2: Transfer to PSSYour retirement benefit comprises yourmember contributions, your employer’s(the Police Commissioner) contributions,plus any investment earnings (or losses).It is important to bear in mind thatthe PSS is not guaranteed by theGovernment. In the PSS, you select howyour money is invested, and the valueof your investment can go down as wellas up.Having a lump sum gives you agreater degree of control – you maydecide to spend a portion,pay off any debt, or reinvestthe money under moreflexible terms. From the dateof transfer, you canrequest access of upto one third of theamount transferred,which may be greater than yourcontributions to GSF, remembering thatthis will leave less for future years whenyou might need it more.A lump sum can also provide you withgreater flexibility and ownership, andin the event of your death, a survivingspouse can be better protected if thefunds are well invested over the longterm. You can also use alternativeownership structures such as a trust toown your ultimate investment fundswhen you cash out.We encourage you to seek advice as youonly get one chance to get it right. ASpicers adviser can help you considerthe wider implications and assist withyour financial planning. Remember,your situation is unique to you, so don’tbe influenced by the decision of others.You have ample information available,ample support, and ample time to makean informed decision.To speak to a Spicers adviser about yoursituation, call the Police FinancialPlanning Enquiry Line on 0800 ONBEAT (0800 66 2328).Have you moved recently?If you have or perhaps you’re about to,please let us know so we can update yourrecords. You can do this by:• writing to us at PO Box 12-344;• calling on freephone 0800 500 122;• faxing us on (04) 496 6819;• or Emailing us at:membership@policeassn.org.nz.You need to let us know yourmembership number, new address andif you’re a serving member - your newstation.150

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005POLICE COUNCIL OF SPORTSPORTS NEWSTo contact the Police Council of Sport, call Alison Murray at the RNZPC. Ph: (04) 238 3139Rugby:President’s XV downsParliamentarians’ XV 34-5By Steve Plowman, Editor, Police NewsThe bi-annual President’s XV versus Parliamentarians’ XV rugby matchwas a willing encounter, as usual, when it was held in Petone, Wellingtonrecently.On a still but crisp night at the Petone Rugby Club’s ground, the President’sXV, captained by Police Association President, Greg O’Connor, downed agame Parliamentarians’ XV by 34-5.The conditions were almost the exact opposite of the last time the teamsmet and fought out a 25-all draw two years ago in atrocious weatherconditions, with the game marred by a 70 kph wind which madehandling and kicking very difficult.This year, the margin flattered the President’s team to some extent, asthere were several occasions on which the parliamentary team lookedcertain to score, only for a pass to go astray or the bounce of the ball togo against them at a crucial stage. Possession favoured the President’smen by about 60% to 40% and they enjoyed a similar territorialadvantage for much of the match.Strong defence from Police teamThe President’s XV were strong on defence and looked particularlydangerous when a slick backline swung into action on attack. Halfback,Ron Scott, provided good service to the backs as always with Nick Isaac,Mark Fyfe and Anaru Pewhairangi all making their presence well and trulyfelt.The President’s XV opened the scoring in the 10th minute with anunconverted try to right winger Cam Taylor after some crisp backlinedelivery following several rolling mauls from a forward pack, whichsustained possession inside the opposition 22 for a lengthy period. Fifteenminutes later the President’s XV were out to a 12-point buffer when firstfiveMark Fyfe cut through nicely to score. The try was converted.Seven minutes later the President’s XV scored again through the effortsof Nick Isaac, who cut through the opposition defence to dot down andgive the police side a 17-0 lead after the try went unconverted.Parliamentarians fired upThe halftime team talk for the Parliamentarians obviously worked theoracle. They came out really fired up in the second half and five minutesafter the break “Freddie the Frenchman” scored wide out after somerousing forward play by the men in black and white. TV3 reporter,Duncan Garner, added spice to the backline with some incisive runningand kicking and NZ First MP, Ron Mark, fed some good ball to the backsduring a renaissance of sorts by the ‘pollies’.The next fifteen minutes was the best of the game for theParliamentarians’ XV as they kept up the forward pressure on the policeside and on several occasions looked unlucky not to score. Stern defenceby the President’s men was all that kept them at bay.However, in the 59th minute, the tide turned again and Mark Fyfewrong-footed the opposition with a dummy-pass and was in for hissecond try to put the police team out to 24-5. Anaru Pewhairangi,at centre, starred in the second half for the President’s XV, scoring anunconverted try in the 66th minute and several minutes later was in fora double close to the posts (try converted) to seal the match at 34-5 forthe police side.Bullocking runPresident’s XV left winger Mel Ridley impressed with a good turn of pace tobring the police team out of trouble from close to their own line late in the• Damien O’Connor (Parliamentarians’ XV captain) and President’sXV captain, Greg O’Connor, shake hands before the game.• Dean Gifford shows the lineout style that helped thePresident’s XV to build a good attacking platford for theirresounding 34-5 win over the Parliamentarians’ XV in theirbi-ennial rugby encounter recently.- Photos courtesy of Karel Dulver (Wgtn Police Photography)and Police newsVisit www.policeassn.org.nz for updated contact details for thePolice Council of Sport management committee, District Sports Officers and the latest schedule of events.151

August 2005 Police News The Voice of Policesecond half after a bullocking 50-metre run from opposition forward BillyWeepu looked certain to give the Parliamentarians’ XV their second try.Weepu did a fair impression of a steam train once he got going and wasjust as hard to stop – taking three defenders with him as he was put intotouch just inches from the line.In this passage of play, Steve “Jasper” Vaughan, as he had throughoutthe match, proved invaluable on defence and his work-rateearned him the Player of the Day award for the President’s XV.Damien O’Connor, playing at No. 7, earned a similar award for theParliamentarians with some sterling work before having to leave thefield injured late in the match.The match was played in memory of Ngahau “Nacho” Taiapa, aformer member of the President’s XV side and keen police rugbyplayer, who died four years ago. Players and supporters observed aperiod of silence after the game in Nacho’s honour.Mike Marsh selected to represent NZ atinternational Tae Kwon Do tournamentsBy Steve Plowman, Editor, Police NewsMike Marsh, a GDB Constable at AucklandCentral, has been selected in the NewZealand Tae Kwon Do team to compete atinternational tournaments in Asia later thisyear after winning the NZ HeavyweightTae Kwon Do black belt champtionshioprecently.The victory and subsequent selectionwas the culmination of four years of hardwork since Mike first took up the sport.But Mike was no novice to martial artswhen he took up Tae Kwon Do, havingpreviously trained for two and a half yearsin Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing).His partner, Diana, who is a second danblack belt and has been actively involvedin the sport for 15 years, sparked Mike’sinterest in Tae Kwon Do.Mike began training at a gym in St Luke’sshortly after going to watch the NorthIsland Championships in 2001. Under theguidance of fifth dan black belts, MasterJeff Razavi and Master Mike Ansari, bothexperienced Iranian coaches; Mike tookto the training like the proverbial duck towater.NZ rep in 2002Just a year after taking up the sport,Mike first represented New Zealand at aKorean Open Tournament in 2002, wherehe fought in the black tip heavyweightdivision (one level below black belt), even• Mike Marsh with his gold medal.though he was ranked as a red tip (a beltlower then black tip) at the time. Afterwinning three fights, Mike claimed thegold medal at that tournament and thefilip he got from the experience of bothwinning and representing his country ina sport he feels so passionate about, hasmotivated him to improve further in theinterim.By late 2003 Mike had gained his blackbelt but could not compete in last year’sNational Tae Kwon Do competitiondue to injury. However, he returned tocompetition this year with a vengeance,winning the gold medal at the WTF TaeKwon Do National Championships.Like most who reach the top in theirchosen sport, Mike has also had toundertake sacrifices and commit to aconsistent and dedicated training regime.This involves a daily training schedulewith the emphasis on integrating strengthroutines into specific Tae Kwon Dotraining, and fitness training.International goalsEarlier this year Mike set his sights oncompeting internationally in Korea andChina but the stepping-stone to that wassuccess via the national competition.Mike has been grateful for the support hehas received, saying: “Much of the timeI have spent training on my own in theAuckland Central Gym but I have receiveda lot of support from my peers andseniors, who all encouraged my progressand helped me to achieve the title. I havealso recieved support from other martialarts exponents within the Police, whohave provided good advice and wisdomin training.”Mike formerly played rugby and currentlycompetes in the Police volleyball team,who were successful at the ANZ PoliceGames in Australia recently.Police Council of Sport awardsThe annual Police Council of Sportawards were announced recently. Theawards take in three categories, theAdministrator of the year; Official of theyear and the Police Sportsperson of theyear, which is sponsored by the PoliceAssociation. The recipients for this yearare:Administrator of the Year - HelenMahon-Stroud (Papanui): Helen hasbeen involved in many levels of netballincluding coaching the CanterburyFlames development team and as aselector for NZ Police netball and theCanterbury Under-19s. Helen hasbeen a role model for the “Books inHomes” programme and is also involvedas a commentator for Newstalk ZB,Christchurch netball and as a generalsports talk commentator. Helen hasalso been involved as a televisioncommentator for NOW TV.Official of the Year - Brent Murray(Wellington): Brent has been involvedwith rugby union for many years andis a member of the National Panel ofNZ Rugby Union Referees’ and hasrefereed at first division level. He was atouch judge for the International SevensTournament in Wellington and thenumber two referee for Wellington andsenior member of WRRA, assisting theAssociation with tutoring, mentoringand coaching of fellow referees.Police Association Sportsperson of theYear - Nicola Lindley (Te Awamutu):Member of the Counties/ManukauTriathlon club. Coach for the specialK triathlon and member of the NZIronman and Triathlon teams.Police tennis revival?John Doyle and Alison Murray areassessing the current interest intennis nationally. The Council ofSport would love tennis to become‘active’ again in Police sportingranks and as with all other sportsis prepared to assist financiallyin helping this happen. If youcurrently play or are a retiredplayer and are interested in beinginvolved in a tournament, in anycapacity, please contact Alison atcouncilofsport@xtra.co.nz152

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005Letters to the Editor Write it here! Letters to the Editor are welcome.Signed letters are preferred, but in all cases the writer’s name and address must be supplied.Names will be published unless there is a good reason for anonymity. The editor reserves theright to edit, abridge or decline letters without explanation. Email to: editor@policeassn.org.nzor write it to the Editor at PO Box 12344, Wellington. Letters under 400 words are preferred.A heartfelt thanksto the Police familyI recently lost my wife after she fought along and spirited battle with cancer. Whenshe was first diagnosed, there was noglimmer of hope that she would beat thisdisease, just the promise from doctors thatthey would endeavour to make the time wehad left as pain free and comfortable as theycould for her.Current and ex-police from all over NewZealand and the world contacted me toexpress their best wishes, words of supportand encouragement. Many colleagues havedropped in with food or other offers ofassistance.In the latter stages of my wife’s illness I hadseveral months off. My colleagues carriedmy share of the workload.This support has come from the loftyheights of the Commissioner’s Office, theCanterbury District administration, CIB,uniform staff and non-sworn. Many peoplein the past have referred to the “Policefamily”. Recently I have come to appreciatewhat that means. Despite all of the negativethings that have been happening aroundpolicing, that sense of extended family andcomradeship is still present and I am greatlyappreciative of it.I would like to express my thanks to all ofthe people who rang, visited, offered help,dropped off food or carried part of the workburden that was created by my absence.Your kindness and support is very muchappreciated.Peter Read(Christchurch)Let’s save some faceOver the past 12 months the Policeorganisation has really been put throughthe ringer and, quite frankly, I am tiredof being stereotyped as a result. It makesme wonder, with all this outside pressure,why anyone would want to work for thePolice or stay in the job? The Email fiascois just another example, but I believe thatmore could have been done to minimise itseffect. I think it was a storm in a teacup andshouldn’t have been blown up, dramatisedand sensationalised, as it was.Firstly, how we promote ourselves is poorfor a billion dollar government department.0800 NEWCOPS does not do us justice. Itmakes us sound cheap and unprofessional.The Air Force and Army have had excellentpromotional adverts on television. Secondly,I hear a lot about EEO (equal employmentopportunities) and how the Police shouldrepresent the community. Where do wedraw the line? Quite frankly, I believe inthe best person for the job. I know of a fewpeople in Hawke’s Bay who have pulled outof the race because they have simply beenwaiting too long, putting their lives on holdfor the Police. These people would havemade excellent police officers, but I suspect,were not drafted quicker because they didnot fall within the guidelines of our currentEEO recruitment plan.Finally, I was listening to the radio the otherday and heard a song that had been madeup by the local radio station. It was aboutthe Police looking at Internet porn insteadof doing the job and I thought to myself thatthis is where the misconception is. Membersof the public have also asked me if I havebeen looking at Internet sites instead ofdoing my job.I have no idea who the spin-doctorsare at the OoC but I believe that thismisrepresentation should have been buriedstraight away, rather than manifest itselfthrough a lack of proper communication.We all know that to access the Internet isvirtually impossible and you have to havea very good reason to do so. The securityis top notch, which prevents sites, likeHotmail, from being accessed. So tell mewhy this was not clarified when the newsbroke?This is just another example ofmiscommunication. I’d have thought thatin today’s environment, with all the heatfrom the press and public, and the all thebrains at the OoC being paid the big bucks,that we would simply get it right at theonset and prevent the gossip from everdeveloping.We still have a lot of work to do in this area.Andrew Knox(Hawke’s Bay)Politics and the PoliceI have to question the real reasons that maylie behind our administration’s passionof late for convening public inquiry afterpublic inquiry into police behaviour.Barely a day goes past without some newinternal investigation being heraldedand paraded before an eager but “Oh-soobjective”media who, with one eye on theirdeadlines, are nevertheless competing forthe most sensational headline.Of course, it is customary for us to trotout that jaded mantra “we need to betransparent” and “this review is needed tomaintain public confidence” but in effectthis public self-flogging merely achieves theexact opposite, as recent polls starkly show.Recent police press conferences have allthe appearance of bygone Stalinist showtrials of the 1950’s. The only thing missingis a sufficiently downcast-looking suspectconfessing his crimes against the state froma prepared statement.The recent Email “Porngate” saga is a classiccase but not the only one. Surely this wasa matter that would have been dealt within-house in any other organisation, publicor private. We would regularly audit, taketo task those at fault and move on, endof story. Instead, we stage a public witchhunt leaving the impression in the mindsof the public their local bobby is too busyto attend their burglary because he’s in themiddle of surfing the net and completing animportant download from xxx.com!Ah, they cry, if we didn’t release it first andthe media found out it would have beenworse! Really? Why? We could have told thetruth; yes we audit our computer systemsjust like any company. Yes we found someproblems, just like and strangely less thanany other company, and we dealt with itas a disciplinary issue, just like anyoneelse. Sounds like a page four story to me.So who has heard much about those otherdepartments or agencies that sent thoseEmails in the first place? Exactly!Who stands to gain from continued mediacoverage of “police culture” rather thanthe lack of government resourcing in anelection year? Who snaps their fingers andthe Porngate media conference is broughtforward even before they can show the allegedsuspects any evidence? Who stands to benefitfrom a docile compliant Police more interestedin fulfilling politically set objectives than onfighting crime? Whose hand is on the leashof our administration to the extent that wewillingly fall on our sword at any and everyopportunity with the slightest tug of the chain?Finally, who wants to take a bet that ournext Commissioner will be a civilian politicalappointment?If you know the answers whatever you doplease don’t reply to my Email address!Brian Louden(Waitakere)Comms and theCommissionerI notice in a recent issue of PoliceNews comment on the review ofPolice Communications Centres by anindependent panel. The Commissioner andother highly paid police officers are paidtheir salaries to put things right.Why was it necessary to pay outsiders,probably at the cost of a couple of policecars, to tell him what was required? I feelthat if he has to be told by outsiders thatthings are not right, then the Commissioneris not doing the job he is being paid to do.The Commissioner should have knownthese things already and taken appropriatesteps to remedy the situation in Comms.153

August 2005 Police News The Voice of PoliceGeoff Benge(Otaki)Assurance from theCommissioner of PoliceI am pleased to assure Jim Burrows ofMotueka (June edition of Police News) thatI was not quoted correctly in regard tocomments reported in The Press and NelsonMail relating to my address to the CashmereRotary Club.Clearly it is my job to lobby theGovernment for additional funding forPolice. What was left out of the reportedversion, which allegedly reported mesaying that it was not my job, was the word“publicly”.Chief Executives of public sectordepartments and of instruments of theCrown, such as Police, have an opportunityto bid for extra resources through theannual budget round. This is a formalprocess designed to arrive at governmentpriorities for new investment.I have obtained extra resources to provideover 1000 additional staff and settle twowage rounds since 2000. I can reassurestaff that I will continue to bid for furtherresources in the 2006-07 budget round thatcommences in the next few weeks.Rob Robinson(Commissioner)Leadership comesfrom the topI served for 10 years in South Aucklandand Dunedin leaving in 2001. I wasdisenchanted with what was occurringin the Police and decided to leave and bepositive. I watch the media coverage withregret at times as the Police get bashed. Itwas with great shock that I watched TheHolmes Show to see Rob Robinson appealingto his staff about the misuse of the computersystem.The Police need to look after each otherinside their own four walls and should bemade to feel appreciated, as the job is hardenough outside those walls. They do notneed a puppet adding fuel to the fire. If MrRobinson has an issue he feels is important,then how about a visit around the mainstations to see his troops to try boostingmorale. Come on Mr Robinson, lead fromthe front and gain some respect back. Itdoes not start at the bottom. You are aleader for a reason.Conrad Stedman(Waiheke Island)Police image beingunfairly sulliedToday, as I logged onto www.stuff.co.nz Iwas faced with a ‘vote’ if I thought policeofficers that are being stood down, shouldbe on full pay – of course, I agreed, andwhen viewing the results polled I wassurprised to see most votes were registeredas a ‘No’.There are two recent articles I feel stronglyabout. The first involved the issue of full paywhile oficers face disciplinary investigationsand the other is about a Waikato womanfound guilty of making false allegationsagainst two police staff (one sworn and onenon-sworn), John* and Tracy* (NZ Herald18 June 2005).If John* and Tracy’s* income had been cutthis would have added another chapterto their nightmare ordeal, along with theintense scrutiny they would have had toovercome to prove their innocence.Does it not feel like the Police of NewZealand are guilty until proven innocent?Why do you all become police officers?Probably, if you’re like John*, in order tomake a difference. I know this ‘gentleman’(John*), and when my partner and I heardfrom him about the accusations, we knewthere was absolutely no truth to them.Luckily for John*, he had a very strongmarriage and, at the time these allegationswhere supposedly taking place, had otherswho were with him who supported him.The case was, fittingly, thrown out.When my partner considered what hadhappened to John* it put a chill up hisspine. What if that was to happen to him,but the circumstances were different, andthere was no one around to back-up the factthat he was at home after night-shift, as Icould be working at that time? Is it going tocome down to noting when, where and whoyou are with everyday, including your daysoff, for reference if you are ever questionedto prove your innocence?All this stress, anxiety and responsibility(not to forget a lifestyle like no other) forwhat – a lousy $45K+ a year?We seem to be losing good police officersleft, right and centre. Why? I hear mostlyit’s due to the lack of support, morale,confidence and resources. So we have had abad couple of eggs (don’t most governmentdepartments or businesses?) but you wouldhave thought, thanks to the politicians,media and top police personnel that it is awidespread problem. It’s election year andthe rats are out, so big or little cheese, youare it. If it can get them a headline they willgrab it. So hang in there.As you go out today to serve, I wish you allwell. To John* and his fabulous wife andfamily, good luck with your future and I amsorry we (as a society) let you down in somany ways.“Charmaine”(Auckland)The real police cultureThis is only the second time I haveattempted to share my thoughts with thegreater populace of the NZ Police. On thefirst occasion, I chose the wrong forumand my musings went unpublished. Thiswas followed closely by ‘counselling’ oversomething considered by the Editor-in-Chief, and subsequently reported to myDistrict Commander as tantamount tosedition. Anyway, I’m sure the Ten-One hasa more liberal stance to members’ opinionsin these more enlightened times – sothat’s why I’m writing to the Association’smagazine, Police News.I work at ‘482’ in Counties-Manukau.For those of you who are wondering, itwas formerly called Harlech House – butwithout the disease these days. I can’tcomment on what it’s like to work outsideCounties-Manukau, but I can offer myperspective on some of the issues that havebeen the subject of so much media attentionrecently.Counties-Manukau has the lowest policeto-populationratio of any district in thecountry. We are also the fastest growing.Taken nationally, we have one of the lowestpolice-to-population ratios in the westerndemocratic world. While driving downGreat South Road recently I saw the Tuibillboard: “We’ve got the police numbersjust right – Yeah right.” It seems clear whatthe public think about the number of policeofficers.If a new police member could save theirentire salary for a year they would still haveto borrow $325,000 from the bank to buythe ‘average’ house in Auckland. In order toafford these homes, many members have tocommute greater distances to get to work.Even travelling small distances provesproblematic. It’s not uncommon for a 20kmjourney to take an hour and a half. Trustme, I know!A couple of years ago, police officers inthe Auckland region displayed surprisingsolidarity and rallied to discuss the ‘issues’.I was there. Nothing has changed and the‘Auckland problem’ remains.Sadly, culture is now seen as a dirty wordlike ‘rapport building’ and ’jpegs’. I’mpersonally proud of the culture within theNZ Police and particularly in Counties-Manukau. It’s one of comradeship andof courage in the face of adversity. It’s oneof struggling to do a decent job for NewZealanders, knowing day in and out thatwe are fighting a losing battle. It’s coming towork despite the fact that whatever we sayor do to promote change for the better won’tbe listened to anyway.The things we all laugh at together willnever be fully understood by the people weserve. Black humour is an important partof coping with some of the things we dealwith. It keeps us sane when we are on thefrontline and know that there aren’t enoughbums on seats. Deputy CommissionerProvost’s: “Working smarter with existingresources” policy is quite funny in a sadkind of way. Our South Auckland ‘sickculture’ questionnaire was funny too.In the immortal words of that great Kiwiband of the 70’s, The Knobz: “Don’t give meculture, I’m not hearin’ you Rob, I can buzzaround like a Beehive boy but I’d like to seeyou do my job”. Almost prophetic don’t youthink?Finally and seriously, Counties-Manukau isdrowning. Where some districts assignedtheir unassigned files to look better in theeyes of our Commissioner and Parliament,Counties-Manukau displayed them for154

New Zealand Police AssociationAugust 2005all to see. Telling it like it is will be theonly way we get change. I am proud tobe a serving member of the NZ Police butgovernment has for too long relied on myprofessionalism and commitment. Keep upthe good work and hold your heads high.We do a great job with the crumbs we arefed, but real change starts at the top.Craig Thomas(Counties-Manukau)A case of the pot callsthe kettle black?I was recently called upon to complete asurvey that canvassed whether there was apoor culture within the Police. The surveywas instigated after an ill-informed judgesaid he believed there was such a culturewithin the Police. I completed the survey,agreeing that there was a culture withinthe Police and that it was one of trulyoutstanding efforts by all but a few. This trueculture exists despite gross understaffing;inadequate resources, a poor workenvironment and, I regret to say, what Ifeel is a lack of integrity and honesty by theupper level of management.The media, which seems to take greatdelight in kicking the Police at everyopportunity, must have inspired the judgeto start the ‘culture’ ball rolling.I recall a few judges being the subject ofvarious allegations over the years – somerelating to allegedly fraudulent claimsagainst their travel fund (one pleadedguilty) and yet I don’t see a survey about he‘culture’ of the judiciary. Such an inquirywould be about as relevant, useful ornecessary as the current one into the Police‘culture’.The majority should not be judged on theill deeds of a few.To all those hard working, underresourced police I say, well done. Youhave a great culture and I admire whatyou achieve given the many handicapsplaced upon you. I am proud of thePolice culture I work in and of those Iwork with.A Lester(Christchurch)Discretion androad policingIn response to Neville Baker’s letterregarding using discretion in road policing(July issue of Police News), well done Nevilleon trying to send road policing enforcementback to the Dark Ages.In case you haven’t learnt yet, stopping amotorist just to tell him or her that you’renot going to do anything about their baddriving actually reinforces bad drivingbehaviour.How does that make the roads safer?Your “But I’m a good driver so don’t bookme” mentality is exactly the sort of attituderoad policing today is targeting.Neville, I challenge you to drive within theroad rules. If you can’t reach these evenbasic safe driving standards then you, arenot the safe driver you purport to be.How many people rob, steal and beat upothers but then bleat on for years about“but I want discretion” and yes, those “gooddrivers” like you Neville, kill more innocentpeople than all the robbers and burglars puttogether.J Hamilton(Christchurch)Personal responsibilityIn 14 years service I’ve never written to thePolice News. However, Dan Rushton’s letter(June 2005) deserves a response.Why Dan seems to think it’s his right notto be ticketed for not wearing his seatbelt,I’ve no idea. No wonder some members ofthe public don’t support us when even ourown members whinge when they get caughtbreaking the law. If all police memberssupported each other in all parts of Policework, I’m sure the public would support usmore.Dan seems to think it’s an excuse because itwas only a short trip and he forgot. Seems tome he is only put out because he got caughtout. How hard is to put your belt on?My congratulations to the constable whoticketed him and stuck to his guns, asI’ve no doubt Dan would have made histhoughts known at the time.Finally Dan, stop blaming everyone else andbe responsible for your own actions. It wasonly through your own actions that yourseatbelt was not on.Mark Brown(Orewa)Protecting childrenThe silly season seems to have startedagain, in Wellington at least. Recently, therewere reports in the local media that policemembers were advising parents and schoolsto teach “stranger danger”.Of course, it’s not the danger to youngstersthat is silly; it is the totally inadequate“stranger danger” response.Think about it. Several years ago, a younggirl fell off her bike outside my house.She was injured and crying. I suppose Ishould not have helped her because I wasa stranger. In a recent issue of the localPorirua newspaper there is a letter to theEditor from a mother, wanting to thank anunknown person (stranger) who helped herchild to safety when lost in a local shoppingmall.I am particularly upset when I read aboutpolice members promoting “strangerdanger”. It is an outmoded and inadequateconcept. Police have spent two decades,developing a much sounder approach toprotecting young people from personalattack. Called “Keeping Ourselves Safe”,this approach is recognised internationallyas one of the best in the world. Its startingpoint is what an adult might do to a youngperson, not who the adult is.The best thing police can do to help protectyoung people from personal attack is tomake sure that all schools teach “KeepingOurselves Safe” regularly and thoroughly.If you do not know about it ask a PoliceEducation Officer or a teacher at your localschool.Owen Sanders, QSM(Manager, Youth Education Service,OoC, Wellington)The definition ofpornographyThe correspondence of DeputyCommissioner Lyn Provost (Police News,July 2005) attempting to explain the reasonsfor the actions taken by the Police Executivein relation to Operation Insight states that“the material we are dealing with waspornography, not dirty jokes”.Well I’m not sure what publicationshe is using to access the definition ofpornography, but the ones that I have founddo not relate at all to the Emails that I amaware of.No, I am not one of the 330-odd who havebeen snared by the operation, but knowinga lot of the members who have been (andthe content of the Emails) I feel that I am ina good position to comment.Pornography is not defined in the Film,Videos and Publications Classification Act1993, however, in the Oxford Dictionary itis listed as “Pornography - (n) - printed orvisual material intended to stimulate sexualexcitement.” Knowing one of the membersvery well, I know that this was never theintention and I would be confident in sayingthat this would probably not have been theintention of most of the staff affected. Thismay place the images in the inappropriatecategory, but certainly not pornography andthe public should be aware of that.The above-mentioned member has alsorecently received a commendation from aDistrict Commander for exceptional workon a rape enquiry. This commendationclearly shows that being involved in theseEmails has not affected the officer’s abilityto deal with victims in a professional andcaring manner.What should the Executive view thismember as? A hard working dedicatedmember who has performed great workto put away the criminals in our society(and who had some silly but inappropriateEmails) or a deviant who viewspornography in work time, as they havebeen portrayed to the public?On a positive note, I fully support GregO’Connor’s views about putting cops backon the beat. You can never underestimatethe positive effect the cop on the beat has onthe public (both in perception and in crimereduction).Glenn Dobson(Canterbury)155

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