Vicious attack highlights dangers of rural policing...........page 44

NEW ZEALANDpoliceassociationVolume 37, Number 3, April 2004• Senior Constable Graham Gough talks about his injuries during a press conference held at the Mangawhai Police Stationshortly after his release from hospital last month. Area Controller for Rodney, Janet Hope, is at left. Constable Gough wasbashed with an iron bar while attending an incident at Mangawhai Heads. - (Photo courtesy of Dean Purcell/The NZ Herald).■ Vicious attack highlights dangers of rural policing........... page 44■ Covert body armour - one step closer .................................. page 46■ Comings and goings in the Solomons .................................. page 52■ PFAWAC meets in Canberra.................................................... page 54■ Commission of Inquiry meets for the first time.................. page 55

April 2004 Police News The Voice of Police44RALLYING ROUND■Industrial newsSenior collective replaces individual agreements ............................... 43Tax laws changed for superannuation benefits.................................. 47Harlech House dispute settled........................................................... 49PFA’s Women’s Advisory Committee meets in Canberra ...............54/55Extra savings for some ...................................................................... 57■General newsVicious attack highlights rural policing dangers............................44/45Department invites Association’s views on body armour ..............46/47Cort Astley Wing reunion.................................................................. 48RAMSI 2003/2004 deployment changeover ................................52/53Commission of Inquiry meets for first time........................................ 55Public’s view sought on review of oaths ............................................ 56■■■EditorialContext, perspective, hindsight and the ghost of Sam Barnett.....50/51ColumnsFrom the President ........................................................................... 43Health Watch.................................................................................... 57Holiday Home availability chart......................................................... 52Keen on wine ................................................................................... 60Letters to the Editor .....................................................................61/63View from the bottom ...................................................................... 49Sport/Entertainment46BUY YOUR OWN?49BREATHE EASIERNZ Police AssociationPolice News is thenewsletter of theNew Zealand PoliceAssociation andincorporates the NewZealand Police Journalfirst published in 1937.Editor: Steve PlowmanApril 2004, Vol. 37, No.3ISSN 1175-9445Deadline for next issue April 19, 2004.Published by the New Zealand PoliceAssociation P.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 - NewZealand Police Association.It’s a Bob’s Life (cartoon)................................................................... 45Copper’s Crossword.......................................................................... 56Sports News ................................................................................58/59■WelfareMemorial Wall .................................................................................. 60Hamilton CIB reunion ....................................................................... 63Useful 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 Logan Alderson 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 941842

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004From the President“The only way we can answer ourcritics is to be the best at our jobswe can be”Last month I was fortunate enough tospend time with the NZ Police contingentin the Solomon Islands. Our police, whentested in as raw a policing environmentas it is possible to imagine, showedthemselves to be the highly-professional,humanitarian and effective people they are.They wear the big Kiwi on their chest witha well-earned pride, which is recognisednot only by the other contingents in theSolomons, but even begrudgingly bythe Australians. I contrast this with thesituation with the NZ Police at home,where Police are under weekly attackfrom every quarter. Unfortunately, mostlyby ex-members.Police officers subjected to this barrage ofaccusations could be forgiven for startingto doubt themselves and the organisationthey proudly represent.ProfessionalismWe are a Police Force, which isprofessional and effective. Like anyorganisation we have our errantindividuals and our institutional foibles.But my 28 years in the NZ Police,working in a variety of locations andjobs, give me confidence that we arenot corrupt or brutal. The opportunitiesI have had to spend time with manyoverseas Police Forces in the last fewyears have convinced me that we are asgood as any and better than most otherPolice Forces in the world.The biggest danger is that we will stopbelieving this and stop believing inourselves. Against all this negativityit is timely to look around all of ourimmediate Police environs and look atthe things we do damn well.We are virtually always outnumbered,often out muscled and inevitably notas well supported as we could be butmost individuals we deal with are leftwith the knowledge that they have hada pretty good deal. This country is stillsafe. There are many fewer of us perhead of population than there are inany comparable western country. Yet,through our efficiency and dedication,we generally manage to hold back theCollective agreement replaces previous individual agreementsBy Police Association CEO, Chris PentecostA new collective agreement has beenratified for Band One and Two Inspectorsand their non-sworn equivalents,replacing the previous individualagreement arrangement.Introducing a collective was a logicalapproach.Under the previous arrangements serviceorganisation representatives wouldhold “discussions” with Police overany remuneration and employmentchanges and, at the conclusion ofthese, members were approachedindividually with amendments to theirindividual agreement. The changeswere implemented when accepted bythe individual. In reality, there were noindividual negotiations and this was afrustrating and time-consuming exercisefor all.The collective, which is similar to thatnegotiated for general staff last year,covers all Band One and Two membersof Police, who are members of the serviceorganisations, except for HR Managers.Three-year termThe agreement is for a three-yearterm, from 1 December 2003 until 30November 2006, and provides for generalincreases of 3% on 1 December 2003,2% on 1 December 2004 and 2.5% on 1December 2005.The pay scales have been changed inaccordance with those in existence forgeneral staff. Band One is based on amidpoint, a range of 30% (midpointplus/minus 15%) with a band minimumand 14 incremental steps. The Band Tworange is 25% (plus/minus 12.5%) witha band minimum and 12 incrementalsteps. As with the general staff agreements,members will progress up the scales byway of incremental steps until the bandmaximum is reached.disorder and criminal excesses, whichinevitably results when Police don’t dotheir job.Continued attacksThis is the year of the Police - we canexpect through the Rotorua inquiry,the Commission of Inquiry and frommany other sources, continued attacksby those who have a vested interest inshowing the NZ Police in a bad light.But everyone must be careful not to prejudgethe Rotorua inquiry.The only way we can answer our criticsis to be the best at our jobs we can be.Leave every victim happy that they havebeen given all the attention they canrealistically expect. Leave every offendersatisfied they have been dealt with fairlyand professionally. The worst we cando is go into our shells because then thecrims will be the winners.Despite the Johnny-come-lately experts,we do know our industry best andeach of us has the opportunity, despiteattacks from every quarter, to do ourbit to make sure this country remainsthe safe haven it needs to be in a worldbecoming more terrified every day ofthe threat of terrorism and organisedcrime.Previously, where members werepromoted, there were long delays inconfirming their new remuneration. Thecollective provides for a system wheremembers have certainty of the increaseon promotion from the outset. Specificprovision has been made for the retentionof CIB allowances where membersare promoted to Detective Inspectorpositions.Other changes in terms and conditions,such as leave and standby, reflect thevarious changes negotiated for generalstaff.A key component of the settlement is theestablishment of a focus group to considerthe development of a model, which willrecognise the differing responsibilitiesof Area Commander positions and willaddress a mechanism for the provisionof career development for members ofPolice.43

April 2004 Police News The Voice of Police• Just some of the cards Graham Gough received from local schoolchildren. - Photo courtesy of NZ Herald/Dean PurcellVicious attack on sole-charge officer highlightsisolation and dangers of rural policingBy Police News Editor, Steve PlowmanSergeant Graham Gough of Mangawhai (which fallsbetween the Rodney and Kaipara districts) could have beenforgiven for thinking that he had stumbled into the movie“Groundhog Day” as he began recovering from a seriousassault with an iron bar last month.“Goffy”, as his colleagues know him, is an unassuming 32-year veteran, who is extremely popular with fellow policeofficers and greatly respected within the local community.The sole-charge officer suffered similar injuries in May1982 when attacked with an iron bar by three men. Onthat occasion he had been called out to the rear of a garageas part of an investigation into three offenders who hadbeen siphoning petrol from a vehicle at Maungaturoto theprevious night.The earlier attack had left him with 36 stitches to his headand a broken tooth.Arterial damageThe latest assault was a vicious and cowardly attack, whichleft Sergeant Gough with a serious head wound near histemple, which included damage to an artery. Doctors saidhe was lucky to have survived.A 19-year-old local man has been charged with woundingwith intent to cause grievous bodily harm.Shortly after the attack, Commissioner Rob Robinson flewto Whangarei to offer his support to Mr Gough, his familyand other staff. Mr Gough was released from WhangareiHospital a few days after emergency surgery and, at time ofwriting, was recovering at home.The assault on Sergeant Gough again highlights the dangersof working in remote one-person stations where workloads,isolation and the nature of the community are all importantfactors. There are 17 one-person stations in the country,with 122 stations having three officers or less.19.63% population growthThere seems to be a good case for Mangawhai to be a twopersonstation. Statistics New Zealand confirmed to PoliceNews that Mangawhai (population 606) has had a 19.63%increase in population since the last census and is the fastestgrowing community within the Rodney/Kaipara Districts.There are two-person stations at Waipu (population 750)and Maungatoroto (population 1887) respectively (whichfall within the Northland District) but neither has had as bigan increase in population as Mangawhai. The six staff fromWellsford, which falls within the Rodney District, provide backup to Mangawhai.The trouble is that back up is 45 minutes away. Officers likeGraham Gough say that living with that type of danger “is anoccupational hazard”. They go in with their eyes open, try tominimize risk as much as possible and trust their instincts,skills and training. Sometimes, despite their best efforts, theyfind the unpredictable nature of policing can catch themunawares. As Gough said about the latest attack on him withan iron bar: “It just came out of the blue.”44

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004Area Commander, Inspector Janet Hope told The NZ Heraldshortly after the attack: “At the end of the day, our staff don’tknow what they’re walking into often and have to takeprecautions. It’s a reality for police in rural areas.”Danger in focusThis danger was brought strongly into focus only days afterthe vicious assault on Sergeant Gough when Sergeant AndyChapman, who was filling in while Gough recuperates, wascalled to a domestic dispute involving eight people (fouradults and four children).“Goffy’s circumstances were going through my head as I droveto that incident, I can tell you,” Chapman readily admits.Sergeant Chapman told Police News the communityresponse after the attack on Gough was “fantastic”. “Peoplerallied around. He is amazingly well respected in thiscommunity. He got 250 cards from local schoolchildrenand other locals, as well as from further afield. We gotsomething from someone in Australia and there have beengifts from people in the South Island. Someone else senthim a voucher for a holiday trip to Taupo for the weekend,”Chapman said.Chapman said that such a response was “overwhelming”and “reinforced for us that the community appreciates thejob we do.”“That sort of response just makes the job you do seem soworthwhile,” he added.Graham Gough is an extremely positive individual and heis looking forward to getting back to work. The communityhe works with and for are looking forward to that too.• DÉJÀ VU...Graham Gough (left) after the first attack on him in 1982 and at right, after the most recent attack on him.- 1982 photo courtesy of the Northern Advocate. 2004 photo courtesy of the NZ Herald/Dean Purcell.IT’S A BOB’S LIFE…By Rohan Stace45

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PoliceDepartment invites Association to give itsviews on options for body armourBy Police News Editor, Steve PlowmanFollowing an article in last month’sissue of Police News, which reporteda significant increase in stabbing/slashing attacks on police officers overthe last five years, the Associationhas been invited to give its views ona range of options being looked at bythe Commissioner in relation to thepossible issue of covert body armourto frontline police.The Association has asked to beincluded on any working partyformed to discuss the matter. Butthere is concern that the $4.5-$8million figure being alluded toin Departmental papers may beinsufficient to supply the best possibleballistic/stab proof vests for NewZealand police officers.Minister of Police, George Hawkins,originally had doubts that officerswere buying their own armour. ThePolice Association found 41 in just acouple of hours.Police Minister’s backingMr Hawkins agreed there is a case forofficers to be provided with stab proofvests. “Police will be provided withstab-proof vests and work is beingdone on that,” Mr Hawkins said aftermedia nationwide had picked up onthe story that officers were wanting tobe provided with covert body armour.Police News has also learned that as farback as 1998 NZ Police were beingbriefed in relation to the possibilityof providing ballistic and stab proofvests for staff. In that year, PalmerstonNorth Constable Peter Smith preparedan aptly-named “Staff Safety Project”for consideration by Police NationalHQ. Constable Smith is currently atraining officer at SSTT (Staff SafetyTactics Training) in Palmerston North.The report was part of a broad lookat a number of safety equipmentoptions such as ASP batons, bodyarmour with ballistic and stab proofcapabilities, pepper spray and others.The ASP batons and pepper spraywere among those acted upon. Thevests were not.Constable Smith says he does notknow the reason why.In his 1998 report, Constable Smithstates: “New Zealand Police are nolonger seen as the poorcousins by some overseasforces, we have a highlyregarded reputation ofbeing among the bestin the world for crimedetection. This reputationshould not be lessenedbecause we cannot lookafter our own staff’ssafety.”LimitationsConstable Smith’s reporthighlighted factors such asovert body armour in useat the time being limitedto two sizes - mediumand large - which in turnled to issues of comfortfor “female police officers,officers of smaller statureand those of an extra largestature.”To its credit theDepartment addressedthat issue by providingthree sizes.The report recommended that:“...research be undertaken toinvestigate the prospect of stabresistantbody armour being madeavailable to staff in New Zealand.From here trials should then beconducted on selected makes andstyles for possible introduction intofield use.”Constable Smith’s report said themajor advantage of wearing stabresistant body armour “is that it willlessen the degree of injury to staffif attacked with any form of edgedweapon, that they are not able toeffectively repel.” The report alsosaid body armour could “lessen thedegree of injury from blunt traumaattacks, such as baseball bat blows tothe body or injuries received duringinvolvement in traffic crashes.”Victorian scenarioPolice News has also learned that whileVictorian Police were given a specialgrant by the Victorian Governmentfor the provision of their covertvests, politics may well have beenbehind the decision to purchaseAustralian-made vests. Australian• Courtney Brunt...one of dozens of police officerswho have bought their own vest. - Photo courtesy of theRotorua Daily Post/Tracey Robinson.sources have revealed to Police Newsthat the Australian-made vests wereconsidered to be the third-best optionfor ballistic and stab-proof protection.The NZ Police Association is keento ensure that NZ police officers areprovided with the best possible vestscurrently available and that politicalpersuasion and cheaper options areleft out of the equation. The healthand safety of all officers, who mayfind themselves in life-threateningsituations, should be paramount atall times during the decision-makingprocess. So also should expertopinion, to ensure that a “one-sizefits-all”approach is not in the offing.Issues of comfort, weight, genderspecifics,durability and overallstab-proof and ballistic protection willhave to be part of the expert analysisinvolved. These matters may take alittle time but the Association is keento see them given a high priority bythe Department.Clear positionThe Association’s position isunequivocal - we want police officersto be given the option of choosing tohave body armour for their personaluse.46

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004The Department is understood tohave formulated five options in abriefing paper forwarded to BOC forconsideration:1. Personal issue vests at a cost of $4.5-$8.5 million. This option wouldbe funded from within the Police’scapital reserves.2. A station pool - similar to howthe ballistic body armour pool ismaintained. This would involvethe issue of approximately 1000vests nationwide. The estimated costwould be between $650,000 and$1.2 million.3. Staff to have the option ofdiscretionary wear. The Police wouldoffer subsidy for purchase but, as yet,there has been no official discussionas to what the subsidy might be butPolice News understands that $500per vest is what the Departmentis looking at. This would cutDepartment costings to $3.5 millionif every officer requested a vest.4. Discretionary wearing but nosubsidy.5. Prohibit the wearing of vests.Additional costs in buildingappropriate storage facilities are likely,especially for the first two options.However, the Association favoursa sixth option - that vests shouldbe provided on a fully fundedoptional issue basis. In a letter to theDepartment, Industrial Advocate,Greg Fleming said that the sixthoption is “one which we stronglyrecommend”.Costing concernsMr Fleming said that the Associationwas also concerned that Police may becosting vests on the basis of cheaper,low spec models. He told Police News:“If this is the case, this would be a shortsightedmove and we have requestedinvolvement in any group tasked withthe evaluation of vests appropriate forthe NZ Police.”The Association believes that theDepartment should be approaching theGovernment for special funding for thevests, as was the case in Victoria. “Thisissue presents a health and safety riskto police officers and, as attack statisticsclearly show that attacks with knivesand firearms are growing, this riskcannot be ignored,” Mr Fleming said.Recent crime stats, which indicate avery slight increase (0.5%) in reportedoffences but a 1.2% reduction incrime per 10,000 of populationare encouraging but in a climate ofincreased violence (up 1.5% last yearfollowing a 2.1% increase the previousyear) and a significant increase in drug(especially P) and alcohol-relatedviolence, the time is ripe for theprovision of body armour.Additional protectionAs attacks on police officers increase,overseas experience tells us that policeofficers react in a very human way- they want additional protection. Theywant to be assured that they have areasonable chance of going home totheir loved ones at the end of the day,even though they may run into violentoffenders armed with weapons duringthe course of their duties. They wantthe risk minimized and their protectionmaximized.New Zealand police officers have, thusfar, resisted being armed on duty. PoliceAssociation surveys, conducted overthe last two decades, have confirmedthat police officers (by a two-to-onemajority) do not want to be armed.But there is a groundswell gatheringamongst frontline police that tells usthat if the Department don’t provideofficers with the option of personalcovert issue vests then the answers tosuch mandatory arming surveys may bevery different in future.And that would create a whole newpolicing environment...Tax laws changed for superannuation benefitsBy Industrial Advocate, Greg FlemingThe tax applicable to superannuation benefits, for thoseearning under $38,000 per annum, are to be changed.From 1 April this year PSS members earning lessthan $38,000 per annum will have a lower tax rateapplied to the Commissioner’s subsidy. Currently theCommissioner’s subsidy is taxed at a uniform rate of 33%,irrespective of your earnings.From 1 April you will be taxed on the following basis:Annual Earnings inPrevious Income YearTax rate onsuper subsidyLess than $9,500 15%$9,500 to $38,000 21%Over $38,000 33%Around 500 members, mainly non-sworn, will benefitfrom this change and receive up to an extra $570 perannum in superannuation contributions as a result.Most non-sworn members in PSS receive a 12.5%subsidy. This is reduced to 8.375% (net) after the 33%tax rate is applied. This net figure is added to your salaryto determine your Total Remuneration.e.g. $35,000 salary$2,931 net subsidy (12.5% less 33% tax)$37,931 Total Remuneration (TR)Such a member will now have a lower tax rate of 21%applied to the Commissioner’s subsidy, generating a highernet subsidy but more importantly (as agreed between theAssociation and Police) with no change to the TR.e.g. $35,000$3,456 (previously $2,931)$38,456 (TR remains unchanged at $37,931)This change applies to the employer subsidy paidby all employers into superannuation schemes. Thetechnical term for this amended tax regime is ‘SpecifiedSuperannuation Contribution Withholding Tax’ (SSCWT).There is no extra benefit for those earning over $38,000or for GSF members, due to the unique structure of thatscheme.47

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PoliceCort Astley Wing reunion:35 years on the numbers have thinned butthe camaraderie is still the same as everThe 13th Cort Astley Wing - a gatheringof 82 fresh-faced young 17 and 18-year- olds - assembled at Trentham on29 January, 1969 for their cadet trainingcourse.The wing was named in honour offormer prominent Auckland magistrate,Cort Astley.In August 1970, 63 of the cadetsgraduated.Last month they gathered again, thistime in the hallowed Executive WingFoyer of Parliament to be presentedwith 35-year long service and goodconduct medals. Two members, withbroken service, received their 28-yearawards and one, retired DetectiveInspector Maurice Whitham ofAuckland, received a certificate ofservice.They couldn’t all be there - two, AlanMcWha and John Curel, had since died.Others were spread far and wide thesedays, many with long and distinguishedcareers behind them or still continuing.Supporters aplentyLoved ones, some of whom hadtravelled several thousand milesto see them presented with theirawards by Speaker of the House ofRepresentatives, the Right HonourableJonathan Hunt, supported them.Thirty-five members of the originalCort Astley Cadet Wing made itto Parliament for the ceremony,including two of their instructors- former Inspectors Tony Allum andBarry Houston.Commissioner Rob Robinsonwelcomed guests and said that thecombined service of those gatheredwas in excess of 440 years. Twentythreeof the Cort Astley Wing hadachieved non-commissioned rankwhile another 10 had achievedcommissioned rank. “Equallyimportant are those who choseto serve as constables and seniorconstables in various parts of NewZealand. Three of the recipientsare such long-serving constables,”Commissioner Robinson said.A “unique contribution”The Commissioner expanded onthe police service of each recipient• The Commissioner of Police, Rob Robinson, (far left) and the Speaker of theHouse, Jonathon Hunt, (second from the left) join the long-serving members of theCort Astley Wing.as Mr Hunt presented each medal.Commissioner Robinson acknowledgedthe “unique contribution” each hadmade to New Zealand policing andmade special reference to the sacrificeof their wives, partners and children insupporting them through their careers.Reunion celebrations continued overthe following weekend. For manyit was a chance to catch up withold friends they hadn’t seen sincegraduation day, to swap yarns aboutcadet wing days and punishmentssuch as having to run up the watertower a kilometre away and to speakabout operations they had workedon together. During the function, asmall videotape of the Police TrainingSchool was played and a slide sessionwas also a highlight.As Police Commissioner, RobRobinson, so aptly put it, it was also atime “to celebrate the camaraderie andlasting friendships started in 1969.”For anyone present at the awardsceremony there was certainly plentyof that to go around.Those who received 35-yearawards were:Inspector Chris Douglas (Rotorua).Sergeant Gordon Grantham(Cambridge).Senior Constable Brian Holland(Waikari).Senior Constable Bruce Hutton(Wellington).Inspector Kevin Kalff (Napier).Inspector Ian Manawaiti (OoC,Wellington).Senior Constable Bruce Milne(Matamata).Senior Constable Geoffrey Smith(Pleasant Point).Inspector Ray Sutton (Rotorua).Sergeant Roger Wasson (Upper Hutt).Those who received 28-yearservice medals were:Detective Tony White - PalmerstonNorth.Detective Sergeant Maurice Phiskie- Dunedin.• The Speaker of the House, JonathanHunt (right), presents AssociationVice-President, Geoff Smith, with his35-year medal.48

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004This column is written by a frontline police officer. It does notrepresent the views or policies of the Police Association.View From The BottomI don’t know about the rest of youguys and gals but I feel like we’re inthe middle of a title fight with Tyson,Spinks and Ali and there ain’t muchtime between rounds! You can sureas hell bet we’re gonna come out ofthis one with a few bruises. I just praythere ain’t too many permanent ones!If it isn’t bad enough that the mediaare having a field day in areas thatdo need to be examined, a fewdisaffected ex-bobbies decide tohave a crack at our longest servingPresident, who I have only seen aspassionate and forthright in goingto bat for the troops over the pastdecade. I can tell ya now that thistype of mud slinging hasn’t gonedown well here in the Mainland andeven the majority of those on talkbackradio seem to be supportive of ourGreg. There seem to be more agendasthan a politician has on this one.As for this culture stuff, I’m sure weare a heck of a different team thanwe were five, 10, 15, and so on, yearsago. I always thought we very muchmirrored the public, as that’s wherewe all go home to at night or wherewe are when we aren’t doing ourduty. As our community changed sohave we - haven’t we?By Constable Iam KeenFor every action...A police officer, who recently rangPolice News to express his indignationat being sent out on traffic duties“instead of catching real criminals”,as he put it, described Policemanagement today as being similarto the World Health Organisation’s“parachuting cats into Borneo”programme.Never having heard of any suchprogramme, the Editor decided toinvestigate. This is what he found...In the early 1950s, there was anoutbreak of malaria amongst theDayak people in Borneo. The WorldHealth Organisation tried to solvethe problem. They sprayed largeamounts of the chemical DDT tokill the mosquitoes that carried themalaria. The mosquitoes died and theoutbreaks of malaria lessened.Only in Roto-VegasI was shocked tohear of a mid-North Island commander wanting toauthorise all ‘speed’ warrants in hisarea. God forbid that we bust a labor two and put a few baddies away.I’m sure it has nothing to do withthe ESR budget being blown! Downhere in ‘God’s Own’ we have faithin our staff to make plenty of theday-to-day decisions and you shouldsee some of the fantastic results usconstables get.The sooner they make ‘meth’ partof this “volume” stuff, the bossestalk about, the sooner we can geton and make a difference. No doubtwe’ll see some of those specialisedteams down this way shortly. I hearthey look like a cross between DarthVader and a station Senior havinga bad day. I’m glad they’re on ourside.The SeekersNot quite Harry Potter on this onefolks but I hear one of our NationalComms centres is seeking sworn staffto fill dispatcher’s positions. As perlobotomy 101 the first place targetedSide effectsHowever, there were side effects. Oneof the first was that the roofs of people’shouses began to fall down. It turned outthat the DDT was also killing a parasiticwasp that ate thatch-eating caterpillars.Without the wasps to eat them, therewere more and more thatch-eatingcaterpillars. Worse than that, the insectsthat died from being poisoned by DDTwere eaten by gecko lizards, which werethen eaten by cats.You guess it, the cats then started todie, the rats flourished, and the peoplewere threatened by outbreaks of twonew serious diseases carried by the rats,sylvatic plague and typhus.To cope with these problems, whichit had itself created, the World HealthOrganisation had to parachute cats intoBorneo.is frontline GDB staff, who, somemight say, are the bread and butter ofthis job and are generally run off theirfeet anyway.But it doesn’t end there. Do youthink they’ve asked for a contributionfrom each of the districts beingserviced by the centre? Another sliceto the brain and you know the answeron that one.A cynic might think that they areonly seeking staff from the districtclosest to the Comms centre toavoid paying the out of townallowances! Mind you, a cynic Iknow says the fact that sworn staffare cheaper to put in Comms thannon-sworn might be just a weebit of a carrot to those at the topor do you think they’d top ‘em upand pay them the same out of thegoodness of their heart?Ending on a highEleven from eleven ain’t a bad effort.Old PJ has certainly put ‘Middle Earth’on the world map. I don’t believe thatgossip going round at the mo aboutchoosing that particular destinationbecause half the extras didn’t needmakeup! Absolutely Positively!Keep up the great work team anddon’t worry about the Super 12results to date. She’ll be right comesemitime...See ya.Harlech Housedispute settledThe legal ramifications over theLegionella contamination of HarlechHouse last year have been resolved tothe satisfaction of the Police Associationand affected staff.Staff moved back into the decontaminatedbuilding late last year after extensiverenovations were carried out.Following an approach from the PoliceAssociation, the Police administrationacknowledged the distress to members,and the parties ultimately agreed to amutually satisfactory and confidentialagreement.The Association wishes to acknowledgethe outstanding contributions ofVice-President, Richard Middleton andRegion Director, Mark Leys, throughoutthe dispute and their sterling work inbringing about a satisfactory resolutionto the matter.49

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PoliceContext, perspective, hindsightand the ghost of Sam Barnett...By Police News Editor, Steve PlowmanThe New Zealand Police Department seems to be undersiege over recent months, with allegations of historical sexualimpropriety and alleged non-investigation of those complaintsbeing the genesis for a Commission of Inquiry.Such allegations, within a Police context, make great copy forthe media in all its forms. Of course, it doesn’t do any harmto newspaper circulation figures or radio or television ratingseither.Hopefully, at the end of the day, the Commission of Inquirywill be able to sift the wheat from the chaff and not end upprinting the chaff.The euphemistic reference by some commentators of lookingat the “police culture” was interesting, if not somewhatpuzzling. A ‘police culture’ - in what context? Does that, forinstance, refer to the culture of 20 years ago, the culture of10 years ago or the culture of today? The Police Departmenthas changed significantly over the last two decades and so itshould have. It has evolved in a whole range of ways, fromoperational policing through to disciplinary matters. Forinstance, there is a Police Complaints Authority where twodecades ago Police were left to investigate themselves.The need for changeThings have changed significantly but they are by nomeans ideal. The Police Department still gets it wrong andsometimes significantly so. Ask Alec Waugh. Officers findthemselves walking through a minefield of legislation, GeneralInstructions and other regulations, which are all part ofmodern policing.On the coat tails of all this has come a surfeit of complaints, someof them from ex-police officers who feel they have been badlytreated by successive Police administrations. Some have had theirday in court, some have not, but it is probably fair to say that theyall feel a great sense of injustice, hurt and anger through theirindividual perception that they may have been wronged.It was inevitable that once the first rape allegations were madeagainst serving senior officers and other former officers thatthe media would look more deeply at other matters associatedwith policing. After all, in a democracy that is exactly how themedia should operate. We should expect nothing less from afree press despite the obvious discomfort it may engender.CorruptionTo do otherwise is to invite corruption. The NZ Police havehad one notable case, which came in a blaze of publicity in the1950s, where corruption was alleged but never proved andthe subsequent Commission of Inquiry into those matters wasconsidered by many to be a whitewash. Those events revolvedaround then Police Commissioner, Eric Henry Compton,who was appointed in early 1953 and resigned in somewhatmysterious circumstances a little over two years later. Others,appointed to senior positions under Compton’s leadership,found themselves back on the beat in double-quick time. TheGovernment, so concerned at the seriousness of the situation,appointed Sam Barnett as the Comptroller of Police. Barnettis still remembered by older police officers as the man who“cleaned up” the Force.The Government and the Police may have a sense of déjà vuabout allegations going the rounds at present and both will bekeen to ensure that the Commission of Inquiry does not getlabelled with a similar tag to its 1950s counterpart. It is saidthat those who don’t learn from history are apt to repeat it andin that context the Government must be careful that it doesnot find itself reaching for the 1950s recipe book in order toaddress modern day problems.I don’t envy Commissioners Robertson and Bazley because thisinquiry is going to be a curly one for all concerned.Spare a thought for Robbie Robinson too. Who would envybeing the man at the top in times such as these? He gives everyindication of a man steady at the helm amidst the storm. In asense, this is Robbie’s own America’s Cup.Mirroring societyPolice are of course no different to anyone else. They are thepublic too. It is reasonable to assume that as the Police mirrorsociety then the service will have its share of racists andbigots, of bullies and people willing to stretch the regulations.In the main, Police do a good job of weeding them out and,in doing so, maintains the high level of public confidence andtrust it enjoys.Allegations of perjury have been raised in some quarters andare extremely serious. Commissioner Robinson has givensteadfast assurances that they will be investigated thoroughlyand acted upon if they have an ounce of truth about them.Then, of course, there are members of the public who arebasically morons. They come with the territory. The one ortwo with an inclination to yell: “rapist” at police officers at anygiven opportunity.But we must keep things in perspective. There will alwaysbe those who want to ‘have a go’ for reasons best known tothemselves. They are far and away outnumbered by a vastmajority, who realise the great job that police officers do in themaintenance of law and order.Unfortunately, officers such as Graham Gough, NigelHendrickse, Warren Smith and others too numerous to50

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004mention, who have first hand experience of putting their liveson the line - along with two dozen others who have lost theirsin the execution of that duty - can be forgotten in amongst themedia furore.President embroiledWithin this climate of allegations and witch-hunts our ownPresident, Greg O’Connor, found himself being interviewedon the Holmes show recently with regard to allegations that hesmoked cannabis during his former undercover days. Formerundercover officers provided the TV show with a series of photos,showing Greg during his days as an undercover operative.Greg emphatically denied the claims. He readily admitted tosmoking cannabis as part of his former undercover training andduties as a serving police officer. He gave evidence in court to thiseffect. The regrettable thing from the perspective of the officerswho made the allegations is that their actions not only jeopardisedthe safety of Greg and his family but also of another serving policeofficer, who appeared in the 20-year-old images.Safety at riskOnly quick action from the Association in making sure thatthe Holmes show pixelated that officer’s image prevented himfrom being readily identified. That these former officers shouldendanger the life of former colleagues by going public withthese photos, no matter their motive, angered many policeofficers throughout New Zealand.Most New Zealanders would have quickly realised that if youare living in an undercover role, you live the life 24/7 and todo otherwise would place your life in peril.The top echelons of the NZ Police were naïve in theextreme when they placed young police officers in the drugscene of the late 70s and 80s and then expected them tosimulate cannabis smoking. To simulate smoking pot in theenvironment of the criminal underworld that existed thenwould be tantamount to suicide. The tentacles of the Mr Asiadrug syndicate had their genesis in New Zealand during thattime and some New Zealanders are still missing to this dayas a result of their activities. One of them was my next-doorneighbour, Marion Granville, the mother of three children.HindsightOf course, we are the wiser now because we have the value ofhindsight and it is hoped that with that knowledge those sentinto the field today are better supported than the undercoveroperatives of yesteryear.There is an old adage that you never build yourself up byknocking someone else down. The action of the formerundercover officers in attempting to tar Mr O’Connor’sreputation has that air about it. Perhaps they saw anopportunity to ride on the coat tails of the Commission ofInquiry, and thereby, gain publicity for their cause once again.The NZ Police Association spent $1 million of members’money in pursuing what it felt was a legitimate claim on theirbehalf over several years, only to find that the Court of Appealruled otherwise.The Association managed to negotiate a settlement on behalfof five of the former agents. This group were those whoresigned after the Accident Compensation and RehabilitationAct was changed in 1992, effectively making them ineligiblefor weekly compensation for their injuries.Entitlement to compensationThe other larger group, who took their grievances to the media,were entitled to compensation under pre-1992 ACC legislation.That Act excludes the payment of damages for personal injury,other than for exemplary damages, which requires a highthreshold of proof in terms of negligence and other issues.The officers also alleged that they had perjured themselves duringcourt cases. If this were the case then wrongful convictions mayhave been entered. But Prime Minister Helen Clark said thatwhile people, who felt their convictions may have been dubious,“were invited to come forward”, the allegations being made by theundercover officers were historical and had been dealt with. Shesaw no “new evidence”, which would induce the Governmentto broaden the scope of the Commission of Inquiry’s terms ofreference.Commissioner of Police, Rob Robinson, then agreed to an inquiryto be headed by Wellington QC, Bruce Squire. The formerundercover agents refused to take part in the inquiry after theiradvocate, Dr Rob Moodie, a former Police Association NationalSecretary, questioned the independence of such an investigation.There is no doubt that many of these ex-officers served theNZ Police and the public in an exemplary fashion without duerecognition for their efforts or proper support mechanisms afterleaving their roles as agents. They have been badly affected bothphysically and emotionally as a result.Others, for a wide variety of reasons, came out of those operationsin far better stead.Greg O’Connor is one of them.When the dust has settled around the present Commission ofInquiry, it will be interesting to see how many more survivorsthere are. It is entirely proper that where there are doubtsabout alleged incidents and how they may or may not havebeen handled that they are re-investigated if sufficient evidencewarrants it. It is part of the process of ensuring that the reputationthe NZ Police has worldwide as being corruption free ismaintained.And we all need to guard that jealously.Great news!If you want a high interest rate, and easy access toyour funds, take a closer look atour Achiever Account.5.00%paon Achiever Account balances from $5000 to$250,000. Your funds are on call, interest calculateddaily and credited monthly to your account.OrCheck out our great Term Deposit interest rateswww.policecu.org.nz for periods from3 to 24 months minimum deposit $500.For further details call member services0800 429 00051

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PoliceRAMSI’s 2003 deployment now back homeBy Inspector Richard SmithChristmas Eve, 2003 saw the Regional Assistance Mission toSolomon Islands (RAMSI) complete five months of operations.During this time, giant steps have been achieved in returningjustice and stability to the Solomon Islands.Forty-five members of New Zealand Police have contributedtheir time and effort since RAMSI began. The presentdeployment of 35 staff serving in the Solomons brings theNew Zealand Police role to 80 members. Almost withoutexception the local population is hugely appreciative of thiscommitment.The deployment arrived home last month.New Zealand Police are working alongside the other membersof the Participating Police Force (PPF) and Royal SolomonIsland Police members in all aspects of policing. Staffare working in the following areas: Honiara City GeneralDuties, Investigations, Intelligence, Professional Standards,Communications, the Training College and numerous Policeposts located throughout the Solomon Islands. Although NZpolice officers represent only a small portion of the PPF theirskill and attitude ensures that they are taking a leading role inall of these fields.Leading projectsStaff have also been instrumental in the continuedrefurbishment of the Naha Community Soccer Field and therebuilding of the Kukum Traffic Police Post. The keys wereofficially handed over at a ceremony on 5 January. Bothprojects started from close liaison established pre-RAMSI bythe New Zealand Police staff deployed on the Solomon IslandsPolicing Project (SIPP) and have continued with assistancefrom NZ Aid and NZ Defence personnel.A few days prior to Christmas we received an RSA Forces GiftParcel. This was very much appreciated by all, especially thedistinctly Kiwi items like the L&P drink and the gingernuts.These were also delivered to staff stationed at outposts. Manythanks to the Police Association for these items (a full contentslist appeared in the December Police News).Christmas Day was overcast with the odd shower, which keptthe temperatures down to about 33 degrees and the beer cold!The local catering assistants did a wonderful job of decoratingthe dining area, with the whole room festooned with tinsel andstreamers. The tables were laid with artificial holly, Christmascrackers, sweets and nuts.Defence staff excelThe Defence Department personnel excelled themselves in thepreparation of Christmas dinner. This consisted of crayfishand prawns by the boatload, turkey, pork, salads, pumpkin,whole and instant potatoes, peas and carrots. Dessertconsisted of individual Christmas puddings, fruit, trifle and icecream, with fresh fruit to finish.The New Zealand Police contribution to dinner was the supplyof cold drinks, which was very much appreciated by everyonepresent.New Year’s Eve was a night to remember, thankfully for thefestivities and not crime, with New Year’s Day being spentrelaxing by the pool, playing tennis or visiting the beach.For the Solomon Islands this was the first year since thestart of the conflict that they were able to enjoy the festivitieswithout fear of violence. Christmas and New Year were widelycelebrated throughout the Solomon Islands with very fewincidents being reported.If you like a challenge and can be flexible in your approach topolicing then why not talk to someone who has already servedhere in the Solomon Islands and keep an eye out for the nextrequest for applications.Editor’s note: The Prime Minister of the Solomons recentlysaid that he thought it would take up to 10 years to restore theSolomon Islands Police Force to its full capacity.HOLIDAY HOME AVAILABILITY– for bookings see: www.policeassn.org.nzApril May JunePaihia No Dates Available 2-4, 6, 10-12, 16-19, 21, 24-28, 30-31 1-4, 8-10, 13-24, 27-30Stanmore Bay 8, 21, 26-29 1, 4-6, 9-13, 15-21, 23-31 1-30Whangamata 25 2-6, 9-13, 17-20, 24, 30-31 1-3, 8-16, 19-30Mt Maunganui No Dates Available 2-6, 10-19, 24-27, 30-31 1-3, 7-10, 13-17, 20-25, 27-30Ohope 8, 23-30 1, 6, 10-31 1-3, 7-30Rotorua 7, 25-29 2-6, 9-13, 16-31 1-3, 7-27Taupo 7, 26, 28 5-7, 10-14, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31 1-3, 7-10, 20-24, 27-30Turangi 7, 15, 25-30 2-6, 9-13, 16-31 13, 7-30Napier No dates available 2-6, 10, 13, 16-18, 26-27, 30-31 1-3, 7-10, 13-15, 17, 21-30Paraparaumu 13, 20-21, 28 3-5, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31 1-3, 7-10, 13-15, 20-24, 29-30Wellington 12, 19, 25-26 2, 5-6, 9-13, 16, 21-20, 23-24, 27, 31 1-3, 8-10, 14, 22-24, 27-30Nelson 8, 20, 30 1-2, 4-6, 9-12, 16-20, 23-31 1-4, 7-17, 20-30Hanmer Springs No Dates Available 3-6, 21, 27, 30-31 1, 22-23, 27-30Christchurch 16-17, 23, 27-28 3-4, 6, 12-13, 18-19, 24-27, 30-31 1-2, 7-9, 14-17, 20-21, 23-25, 29Tekapo 25, 30 3-6, 9-10, 27, 31 1-3, 10, 13-18, 23-30Wanaka 20, 28-30 1-6, 8-13, 17, 20, 22-27, 29 1-3, 7-10, 15-17, 23-24, 30Cromwell 15, 25-27 1-8, 10-11, 13-18, 21-31 4, 7-24, 29-30Queenstown No Dates Available 9, 13, 19 14Te Anau 17-20, 24-29 3-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-31 1-3, 7-17, 20-30Dunedin No Dates Available 18, 24-25, 30 20-24, 27-3052

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004• The outgoing…members of the 2003 deployment to the Solomons just prior to the end of their mission.• The incoming…the 2004 RAMSI deployment attend a briefing.• Greg O’Connor (middle) with local police officers.Association President onhand for staff changeoverAssociation President, Greg O’Connor, recently visited theSolomon Islands for the changeover of the 2003 RAMSIdeployment and their replacements.He appreciated the opportunity to see, first-hand, theconditions that the NZ police officers stationed there workin and also to speak with local police and members of theSolomons community.“The locals are very appreciative of the hard work the Kiwicontingent have put in and continue to put in and havean extremely good rapport with the New Zealand policeofficers stationed there. That is no doubt a reflection of theprofessionalism of the officers themselves in taking the time toget alongside and work with the locals,” Mr O’Connor said.53

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PolicePFA Women’s Advisory Committee looksat a range of issues facing police womenThe PFAWAC (Police Federationof Australia Women’s AdvisoryCommittee) met in Canberra on 4 and5 March 2004. It was the committee’sfirst meeting since agreeing to a new setof protocols for its operation.The committee advises the PFA onissues affecting women, both inpolicing and in police unions. Allbut one jurisdiction (which includedNew Zealand rep Tracey MacLennanof Invercargill) was present andthe meeting confirmed its intent tocontinue to build on the September2003 meeting and work towardsgreater participation of female membersin police unions and associationsthroughout Australasia.Pay equityKey issues debated at the Marchmeeting included PEP (Pay EquityProgram), which was previouslyhighlighted by the WAC as an issueaffecting the pay and promotion ofwomen officers. The project is notsimply about whether women andmen earn the same pay for the samerank. It relates to the congregationof women workers in workplacesand occupations that are traditionallyfilled by women and have beenundervalued and, therefore, attract lesspay than occupations in which men arecongregated.Extensive worldwide research indicatesthat women working in such areascontinue to earn less money than theirmale counterparts working in otherareas. This is further exacerbated by thefact that there are fewer opportunitiesfor advancement in traditional areas ofwomen’s employment.The National Executive had endorsedthe seeking of funding from the FederalGovernment for a Pay Equity Project.A project brief is currently beingdeveloped, and will be used as a basis toseek funding from the Ministry for theStatus of Women.Mentoring policyA mentoring policy is also beingdeveloped and will be presented to thePFA’s Industrial Planning Committee(IPC) prior to being brought back tothe WAC. The mentoring policy is alsofor the use of police unions around thecountry to assist in securing increasedparticipation of women in those unions.The Anna Stewart Memorial Project isa standing agenda item for the WAC.This is a union initiative, which offers• PFAWAC members (standing from left); Tracey MacLennan (NZ), Lauren Hill (NT), BernadetteZimmerman (SA), Noreen O’Rourke (WA), outgoing chair, Janet Mitchell (Vic). Front row (left toright): Jacqui Davidson (NSW), Debbie Robertson (Vic) and Karen Robinson (SA).- Photo courtesy of the Victorian Police Association/Greg Noakes.a special program for women unionmembers aimed at exposing them toa range of union activities, not onlyin police unions. It is operating in allstates except NSW through state labourcouncils. Police unions are able to makeinquiries regarding taking part in theprogram.The WAC is promoting the project toall police unions and it has been agreedthat where it is not available, the unionwould develop their own ‘in house’program.The WAC also discussed a proposalto build on the achievements ofthe ASMP by encouraging affiliatesto include previous participants inexisting union training programs, forexample, delegate training etc. It ishoped that this strategy would furtherencourage participants to continue theirinvolvement in the union, with a viewto standing for elected positions.Model working conditionsThe WAC continues to developand update its own matrix ofmodel working conditions, whichit compiled some years ago. Thedocument provides the PFA witha means of tracking progression ofworking conditions for women acrossthe jurisdictions.The matrix allowscomparison ofconditions such as paidparental leave, carers’leave, pre-natal leave,part-time options, childcare, flexible rosteringoptions, flexibleemployment options,job-share arrangements,pregnancy policiesand work-from-homepolicies. The documenthas been updatedrecently to includeclaims made by theACTU in its family leavetest case.(Editor’s note: Moreinformation on paidparental leave isavailable on the LabourDepartment’s website at:www.dol.govt.nz)continued on next page54

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004PromotionPromotion was also identified as anissue of importance within policing.The PFA has agreed to approach allAustralian Police Commissionersto undertake a research project thataims to identify what the barriersto women’s progression withinthe service might be. Part of thatprocess would include a longitudinalstudy that tracks and compares thepromotion of both women and menin various police jurisdictions.SuperannuationThe PFA is currently undertaking amajor lobbying exercise nationallyfor improvements in Policesuperannuation. The meetinghighlighted the inequities insuperannuation arrangements(particularly in those jurisdictions thatstill have defined benefit schemes)for women who avail themselvesof parental leave or some form ofleave-without-pay. With more malemembers taking parental leave to lookafter children, thus allowing theirpartners to return to the workforceearlier, it has become apparent thatthis leave is having an adverse impacton those members’ superannuationentitlements.In a recent column in The Advertisernewspaper, BT Financial ServicesCustomer Relations Director, LisaPogonoski, said women’s averagesuper savings - about $27,400 in2000 - fall well short of the $300,000needed to fund a comfortableretirement. The PFA is lookingto undertake research in this areato determine how seriously ourmembers’ superannuation is affectedin these circumstances.ChildcareAnother area that always promotesinteresting debate is the issue ofemployer-provided or subsidisedchildcare. Two police jurisdictions- NSW and New Zealand are currentlypiloting employer programs andVictoria is surveying staff with a viewto establishing the need or “take up”rate for an employer-owned childcarecentre. WAC representatives inthose jurisdictions are monitoringand reporting on their progress todevelop a longer-term strategy for alljurisdictions.The WAC is currently developinga national policy that would assistboth female and male members, whohave childcare responsibilities, toundertake union duties as this hasbeen identified by union reps as abarrier to them doing so in someinstances. In some Australian statesunions already provide this service.Training educationThe issue of access to training andeducation for members with childcareresponsibilities, and particularly thoseworking part-time, is becoming anissue. The PFA undertook to raisethis with the Commissioners of Policeat a meeting set down for May.Union participationThe committee has begun a statisticalanalysis of women activists at alllevels throughout police unions. Itis apparent that on a percentagebasis, very few women members areactively involved in our police unions.Through this analysis, it is hopedto identify where the shortcomingsare with this issue and developstrategies to overcome this underrepresentation.These are only some of the key issuescurrently being worked on by theWAC. The next meeting of the WACis set down for September this year.Members are invited to submit anyideas, which may assist this group intheir endeavours. Please approachthe Police Association for yournearest contact person.Commission of Inquiry meets for first timeBy Police Association Industrial officer, Simon FelthamThe Commission of Inquiry intoPolice Conduct opened at theWellington Town Hall on March 22.Three organizations - Police, thePolice Complaints Authority and thePolice Association - made applicationfor party status (this allows theirrepresentatives to cross examinepeople appearing at the hearingand make submissions). The PoliceAssociation is represented by SusanHughes, The Police Department isrepresented by Kristy McDonald QC,the PCA by John Upton QC.The inquiry and what it willexamine is determined by theTerms of Reference, which set outthe background and goals of theCommission. The Commission waspresented with a letter from Policeseeking clarification of a numberof words and phrases used in theTerms of Reference. The Associationis also making submissions to theCommission in an attempt to clarifyexactly what the Commission willexamine. The rulings in relationto these submissions shouldprovide some certainty about theCommission’s interpretation of theTerms of Reference.OutlineAt its initial hearing the Commissionoutlined that it would look at thefollowing:• Incidents dating back to 1 Jan1979 will be examined (and furtherback if it can be demonstrated thatthey are relevant).• For an incident to be examined itmust fulfill three criteria:1. There must have been acomplaint to Police at the time.2. The complaint must haveinvolved sexual assaultinvolving a police officer or anassociate.3. The area for examination willbe the Police response andinvestigation of that complaint.• The Commission stressed that it isnot there to examine if a criminaloffence occurred, only to examinethe response to it.There are legal questions still tobe resolved around whether theCommission of Inquiry will beable to proceed if criminal chargesare laid during the course of itshearings. There is also some doubtbeing expressed as to whether theCommission will be able to reportback to Parliament with its findingsby its November deadline.The next hearing is set down for8 April when the Commissionwill consider the issues raised byPolice and the Association. The firstevidential hearing will be on 24 Mayand will involve an outline fromPolice on general procedures andpolicies.55

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PolicePublic’s view sought for review of oathsJustice Minister, Phil Goff is giving NewZealanders the opportunity to commenton whether it is appropriate to update thecountry’s oaths and affirmations.The oaths to be reviewed include thosetaken by new citizens, public office holdersand some employees in the state sector.Oaths taken by professional groups and bywitnesses in court are not being reviewed.There has not been a comprehensivereview of oaths and affirmations for nearly50 years. “It is timely to consider whetherour oaths accurately reflect the values thatare important to New Zealanders in the21st century,” Mr Goff said.New citizens currently swear allegianceto the Queen, her heirs and successors,but not to New Zealand itself, nor itspeople. Ministers of the Crown also swearallegiance to the Queen but not to thenation, whose laws they make.Current values and beliefsThe review will invite comment on whetherNew Zealanders feel the current oathsexpress their current values and beliefs, orreflect a sense of independent nationhood.Other oaths use old-fashioned and undulycomplex language. The Police oath, forexample, is over 90 words long and talksof serving “our Sovereign Lady the Queenin the Police, without favour or affection,malice or ill-will”, to “see and cause HerMajesty’s peace to be kept and preserved”.Defence Force personnel swear to obey“all orders of Her Majesty, her heirs andsuccessors, and of the officers set over me”.Copper’s CrosswordApril clues:Across:2. Stanmore Bay has a high rate, forexample (9)8. Train or run out of it (5)9. Fuel or sit in it (7)10. Two hundred eyeball together, arereusable (10)12. Scours the area after a homicide (5)14. Loves to find the right answer (5)15. Concert run stirs up this type ofsentencing option (10)18. Pit thug together with stressfulmoment (7)19. Ewers tipped down this drain (5)20. Scenery I’d combine for permanentstay (9)• Minister of Justice, Phil Goff. - Photocourtesy of The Dominion Post.Barristers appointed Queen’s Counselmake a lengthy declaration to “duly andtruly minister the Queen’s matters and suethe Queen’s process after the course of theLaw and after my cunning”.Based on UK modelNew Zealand’s oaths and affirmationsare based on those of the UnitedKingdom and are similar to those of otherCommonwealth countries. Many haveundertaken reviews in recent years.Common themes among changes havebeen a reduction or removal of theemphasis placed on the Crown, and thehighlighting of national values.Australia has long since replaced its oathof allegiance for new citizens, who now“pledge my loyalty to Australia and itspeople, whose democratic beliefs I share,By Constable CunningDown:1. Five hundred trout critics combineto prosecute here (8,5)2. Remove company, shortened,associate and then subjugate (8)3. Picture book (5)4. Made in sections for assembly (13)5. Eels den blends to use for repairingholes (7)6. Strange enigma? Strange man? (4)7. Wind direction (13)11. Yell away and unite the first two,for possible escape route (8)13. Absorbent cakes? (7)16. Type of glue (5)17. Instigate; incite (4)whose rights and liberties I respect, andwhose laws I will uphold and obey.”Australian Cabinet Ministers now swear to“well and truly serve the Commonwealthof Australia”.Pledge of loyaltyTwo years ago, the UK added to itscitizenship oath a pledge to “give myloyalty to the United Kingdom andrespect its rights and freedoms. I willuphold its democratic values. I willobserve its laws faithfully and fulfill myduties and obligations as a British citizen”.Canada has a bill before the Houseproposing a change to its citizenship oath tomake it similar to New Zealand’s. The newoath pledges loyalty to Canada first, andthen to the Queen, and then uses much thesame language as the new British pledge.No changes will be made to New Zealandoaths and affirmations until publicsubmissions have been considered.An inter-departmental working groupis currently preparing a consultationdocument that will invite submissions. Itwill include background information andcurrent examples of oaths; a summaryof recent overseas developments, andquestions to ascertain whether peopleconsider changes to be necessary and, ifso, what sort of changes need to be madein relation to specific oaths.The consultation document is scheduledfor release early this month, with theworking group required to report back toCabinet by the end of June.1 2 3 4 5 6 78 91012 13 141715 1618 192011March answersAcross:1. Admits3. Eluded6. Hectic7. Briber8. Motif10. Abandon14. Pigignorant17. Endures19. Arson20. Pepper21. Behave22. Phrase23. BasicsDown:1. Ashame2. Thief3. Larva5. Daring9. Tried11. Book12. Dines13. Ogle15. Keep up18. Reeks19. Arena56

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004Police Health Plan Ltd inconjunction with our MedicalAdviser, Doctor Eric Thornton, willpublish articles on medical issuesthat affect our members.The sun andyour skinSkin cancer has been a red-hot topic overrecent years and its prevention has led toa much greater understanding of how ourskin is damaged.Right from birth, our skin is exposedto sunlight and the damaging effect ofultraviolet light. We are advised to hideaway from the sunlight or to use sunscreensto minimise skin damage. Many heed thewarnings, but an equal number do not. Agood suntan is regarded as a status symboland is equated to good health.However, as we get older, the effects of sundamage to the skin become more obvious.Wrinkles, pigmented spots and dry scalyspots called solar keratoses may appear.These have led to a huge industry aimedat ridding people of them. Treatment iscosmetic and usually expensive.Our main concern is when the skin cellsare damaged so much that they becomecancerous. There are three main typesof skin cancer: melanoma, basal cellcarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.MelanomaThis is by far the most serious type of skincancer. A mole or freckle becomes itchy,increases in size or changes shape and maysometimes bleed. In the early stages theaffected area can be removed. Later thecancerous cells spread to other parts ofthe body and death occurs. Even after themelanoma has been removed, it can appearin other parts of the body up to 20-30years later. New treatments designed to killany spread offer hope of a cure. Vaccinesare being developed and a form of genetherapy is also being trialled. Early treatmentis essential.Basal cell carcinomaThis type of cancer usually appears in olderpeople, as it takes years of exposure tosunlight before it develops. Usually thiscancer only grows bigger in the area whereit started and very rarely spreads to otherparts of the body. Nowadays, it is notusually fatal. Applying specialised creamscan kill the cancer. A knife or laser excision isanother option. The smaller the cancer, theeasier it is to treat.Squamous cell carcinomaThis is similar to basal cell but grows morequickly and is more serious. Treatment isthe same.In New Zealand, our exposure to UVlight is increasing and skin cancers areincreasing rapidly. Thousands of casesare treated each year. It is especiallyimportant that children be protectedfrom over exposure to the harmfuleffects of the sun. Some occupationshave severe exposure to the sun (e.g.farmers, road workers and police) andthey are more likely to develop facialskin cancers. At the Police Health Planwe are seeing more members seekingskin cancer treatment.Retirement savings scheme commences 1 JulyBy Industrial Advocate, Greg FlemingA new state sector retirement savings scheme (SSRSS) willcommence from 1 July.The scheme attracts a 3% net subsidy (1.5% in the first year) fromthe Commissioner provided the member makes an equivalentcontribution. Over 2200 Police employees, mainly non-sworn, willbe eligible to join.However, membership rules deem that only the following Policeemployees are eligible to join:• Non-sworn members of Police who are in the PoliceSuperannuation Scheme (PSS) (they will be eligible to receivethe Commissioner’s subsidy in both the PSS and new SSRSS).• Former traffic officers now sworn who are not in the PSS (notethat PSS has a 10.184% net subsidy and these members mustchoose between SSRSS and PSS membership).• Non-sworn members who are not in the PSS or GovernmentSuperannuation Scheme.The following members are not able to join:• Sworn members of Police who are in the PSS or GSF.• Non-sworn members who are in the GSF.The new SSRSS has been introduced to fill the superannuation voidthat has existed for state sector employees since the closure of theGSF 12 years ago.Replacement schemesOnly a hand full of Government departments put replacementsuperannuation schemes in place then but that initiative has causedeligibility problems, which are clearly evident in the case of Police.The Association is attempting to have this inequity addressed.In the meantime, those who areeligible should consider joining.The good news for these members isthat the 3% net subsidy representsadditional remuneration in the formof superannuation contributions andwill be excluded from your TotalRemuneration.Promotional material will be circulated from late April with thosejoining before 1 July, 2004 eligible to have their joining date (andCommissioner’s subsidy) backdated to 1 April, 2004.Visit our website (www.policeassn.org.nz) for further information.Photo callShortly after former undercover officers appeared onthe “Holmes” show recently regarding 20-year-oldphotos they had produced of Association President,Greg O’Connor, allegedly smoking cannabis, Gregattended the farewells of two long-serving policeofficers.Northern retiree Ron Cooper was presented with a “thisis your life” photo montage and O’Connor was quickto quip: “You want to be careful about those, they cancome back to haunt you.”In the south, at Brian Seymour’s farewell, aphotographer was about to take a snap of the Presidentwhen Greg looked to his side and saw a crate of beerbottles. A quick sidestep by him so that the bottleswere out of shot was not lost on the gathering.57

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PolicePOLICE COUNCIL OF SPORTSPORTS NEWSTo contact the Police Council of Sport, call Alison Murray at the RNZPC. Ph: (04) 238 3139New Secretary for Police Council of SportAlison Murray has taken over the roleof National Secretary of the PoliceCouncil of Sport from Linda Duncan.Linda has moved to Christchurchfor family commitments and isnow working at the Harewood golfcourse.Alison (Ally) spent eight years asa sworn officer in the Lower Huttregion before leaving the Police afterthe birth of her second child. Shereturned as a non-sworn relieverbefore taking up her new position.She has been involved in thesporting arena for many years,having coached and managedmany teams. Ally is still a competitivenetballer and has just returned fromRarotonga after playing against amixed Cook Island team.Ally is interested in fostering thesmaller codes and one of her goals isto make every member aware of theassistance the Council can providefor them, whether financially orpractically.If you are involved in any sportor recreation activity and arewondering what the Council cando for you, give Ally a ring onextension: 43139 or cellphone:027 230 2847.• Alison MurrayWeather affects Police Golf ChampionshipsThe New Zealand Police Association NZ Police GolfChampionships were held at the Manukau Golf Club inSouth Auckland over two days in early February.The field of 118 golfers had to contend with heavy rainon the first day of competition. The first round waseventually called off and the tournament winners weredecided over 54 holes of stroke play.Allan Mc Donald (Hamilton) recorded the lowest roundof the tournament with a three under-par 69. The overallGross winner was Davitt Lavery from Christchurch witha creditable 220. Davitt played excellent golf on thesecond day, scoring rounds of 70 and 72.The Manukau golf course drained quickly when the rainstopped on the second day. The tree-lined fairways andgood greens provided a challenging test.The tournament was followed by a colourful buffet withall competitors wearing their Pacifica shirts, which wereincluded in the registration packs. Speakers during thefunction included Sir Barry Curtis, Mayor of ManukauCity and Greg O’Connor, President of the NZ PoliceAssociation.The event ran very smoothly and was an outstandingsuccess. The organising committee received excellentsupport from major tournament sponsors, The PoliceCouncil of Sport, and the NZ Police Association.Prize winners were:Winner: Score: Prize:Best Gross: Davitt Lavery 220 $250Best Nett: Shane McNally 205 $250Senior Gross 1st Alan O’Donnell 222 $2002nd Daryl Curan 231 $1703rd Dave Pizzini 231 $150Senior Nett 1st Peter Willis 217 $2002nd Peter Jackson 221 $1703rd Jim Denyer 221 $150Int A Gross 1st Brett Shields 247 $2002nd Ash Johnston 248 $1703rd Tim Wadley 248 $150Int A Nett 1st John Walker 210 $2002nd Grant Kennard 210 $1703rd Ross Smith 213 $150Int B Gross 1st Shayne Turner 253 $2002nd John Fairley 258 $1703rd Bernie Gilmour 262 $150Int B Nett 1st Andy Gentry 211 $2002nd Bruce McLeod 217 $1703rd Greg Moore 218 $150Junior Gross 1st Tim Leitch 272 $2002nd Paul Dowie 274 $1703rd Bruce Ford 277 $150Junior Nett 1st K J Murphy 205 $2002nd Joe Fiaola 208 $1703rd Scott McGill 210 $150Teams Nett: Hastings 1 $50 voucher x 4John FairleyVisit www.policeassn.org.nz for updated contact details for thePolice Council of Sport management committee, District Sports Officers and the latest schedule of events.58

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004NZ Police cricket team to play inAustralian Champs in NovemberThe NZ Police cricket team willcompete in the Australasian PoliceCricket Championships in Sydneyfrom 21-26 November, 2004.The 50-over fixtures will be playedunder international rules. Thestandard of this competition isgenerally high with a number of exand some present Australian state1st and 2nd team representativesbeing involved.NZ Police last competed in thistournament in Brisbane in 1999.The team finished the round robinin first equal place on that occasionbut finished second overall due to arun-rate count back.The NZ Police team has a strongbase with past NZ representativeplayer in Trevor Franklin and anumber of ex-first class playersin Shane Robinson, Chris Brown,Michael Sears, David Tidmarsh andSimon Richards available. If youare interested in putting your nameforward for possible selection pleasesend a CV to and make contact witheither Paul Johannsen or GeoffreyRinger via Lotus Notes. Geoffrey canbe contacted on extension 95789.Golf at the Super Games anyone?The World Super Games 2005 areto be hosted by the Manukau andAuckland City Councils and sponsoredby Tourism Auckland. They are setdown to take place between the 4thand 12th of March.The bi-annual Super Games is theultimate sporting challenge for theworld’s defence, emergency andlaw enforcement personnel. Thisincludes Ambulance, Army, Air Force,Coastguard, Customs, Fire, Marines,Navy, Paramedics, Police, Correctionsand many other services worldwide.Entry is open to sworn and nonswornpersonnel, trainees, volunteers,or retirees, provided they meet theeligibility criteria.A major change last year saw thepartners and children of servicepersonnel also able to compete,provided they are over the age of 18years.Anyone interested in competingin the golf at the games, which istentatively set down for competitionat the Pukekohe golf course betweenMonday 7 and Thursday 10 March,2005 should contact Dave Pizzini onLotus Notes for more information.The registration fee for the games isusually around $80 and competitorspay additional fees for each sportthey enter. Medals are awardedfor various age groups, althoughthe golf is decided according tohandicap divisions, in much thesame way as the NZ Police GolfChampionships.Registration books with all sports,entry forms, accommodation andother information are expected tobe available in June.Police staff wanting to find moreinformation on the Games can do soby contacting Dave Pizzini via LotusNotes or Games Organiser, KeithSchultz (retired sworn memberex-Wanganui-now Christchurch) byemail: Keith@Supergames.co.nzCross-countryon May 5In the last issue we told youthat the Police cross-countryChampionships were being runin Wanganui on Wednesday,May 6. This was not correct.The champs are being held inWanganui on Wednesday, May5, starting at 2pm.Categories are Women (Openand Veterans) over 6,000metres; Men (Open and Vets)9,000 metres and ‘Draught-Horse’ (runners over 95 kgs)6,000 metres.Nominations forsports awardsIt is that time of year again. TheCouncil of Sport is looking fornominations for the annual awards.Nominations are wanted forSports Administrator, Official andSportsperson of the Year.There are many talented sportspeopleand officials in the Police and theseawards are one way of recognisingtheir talents and congratulating themon their effort and achievements.The awards cover the period between1 December, 2002 and 30 November,2003. If you, or someone you know,is deserving of any of these awards,please nominate them. Nominationforms can be obtained from yourlocal Council of Sport delegate or bycontacting Alison Murray at the PoliceCouncil of Sport National Office.Nominations must be made by 16April.Remember, they won’t win if youdon’t nominate them!NZ Police Council of Sport2004 CALENDAR OF EVENTSFor more information regarding any of these events, or including other Police national sporting events, contact:Alison Murray, NZ Police Council of Sport (04) 238 3139; email councilofsport@xtra.co.nzMAY 20045 NZ Police Cross-country Championships - WanganuiContact: Mark Chillingworth, Wanganui on ext 65046SEPTEMBER 200416/17 NZ Police Snowboard Champs - CardronaTo be advisedContact: Ian TukeNZ Police Ski ChampsContact:59

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PolicePlanningfor yourlife afterwork.Are you a member ofthe GSF or the PSSand nearing retirement?If so, it is important youunderstand yourchoices and the impactthese could have onyour financial future.Getting advice on howmaximising your PoliceSuperannuationentitlement can benefityou, and your family,both now and in thefuture, is critical.To arrange a free noobligation consultationwith a Police FinancialPlanner call0800 ON BEAT or0800 662 328.Keen On Wineby Ricky CollinsVilla Maria is New Zealand’s largest family-owned winegroup, and has been in operation since 1961. Since the1980s Villa Maria has also been New Zealand’s leading wineaward winner, picking up numerous trophies at national and internationalwine shows.The company is rightly proud of the success they have achieved and theirrecent haul of 12 gold medals at the latest Air New Zealand Wine Awardsis testament to the quality of the wines they produce. Chardonnay isdefinitely a success story for Villa Maria. The group picked up six goldmedals for their various examples of Chardonnay at these awards.The Villa Maria Group has wineries in Auckland and Marlborough, andalso owns the Vidal Estate and Esk Valley wineries in Hawke’s Bay. A new,state of the art complex is planned for an alternative site in Mangere.Construction will commence soon.I recently went along to a tasting of some of the Villa Group’s currentreleases and below are notes on the wines that caught my attention:Villa Maria Hawke’s Bay Cellar SelectionChardonnay 2002 RRP $21This Chardonnay is a well-balanced and beautifully structured wine, witharomas of butterscotch and stonefruit. It has delicious flavours of peachesand pears that continue for some time. It was a gold medal winner at theAir New Zealand Wine Awards announced in November 2003.Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay MerlotCabernet 2002 RRP $24This blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon is a goodexample of the excellent progress New Zealand wineries, in particularHawke’s Bay wineries, have made in recent years in producing red wine ofsuperior quality. This Bordeaux style blend displays a wonderful balance ofripe fruit, refined oak treatment, acid, and fine ripe tannins. The lusciousripe berry fruit flavours linger softly in your mouth, before the impact ofthe fine tannins kick in. This wine is drinking superbly now, but shouldcellar well for three to five years.Vidal Estate Soler Syrah 2002 RRP $31I first tried this wine last year at the winery, prior to its release, and wasblown away by its clarity of fruit flavours, ripeness, great length, and sweetintense spicy licorice notes. Since it’s release it has gone on to win theChampion Syrah Trophy, and ultimately the Champion Reserve Wine of theShow award at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards last year. New ZealandSyrah is really starting to turn heads on the international wine scene, andthis is a stunning example of how good this variety can be.Memorial WallOur sympathies to all our members’ families forthose who have passed away in recent months...We remember… Who passed away…CHILES Archer Scott 04-Sep-03 Retired member TaurangaCOBB Lawrence 23-Nov-03 Son of retired member TaurangaMOORE Peter Stewart 12-Dec-03 Retired sworn member Te AtatuPRICE Cuthbert Hope 17-Feb-04 Retired sworn member BlenheimHAY Jill Yvonne 07-Mar-04 Non-sworn member WaikanaeBEVEGE Rosemary Rowena 11-Mar-04 Spouse of retired member Palmerston NorthCONROY Raymond Earle 12-Mar-04 Retired member AucklandDOLMAN Lou 27-Mar-04 Retired sworn member Tuai60

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004Letters 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 willbe published unless there is a good reason for anonymity. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge ordecline letters without explanation. Write to: editor@policeassn.org.nz or post it to the Editor atPO Box 12344, Wellington. Letters under 350 words are preferred.Police prioritiesIt is ironic that approximately an hour beforeSergeant Graham Gough was attacked atMangawhai Heads and an unaccompaniedfemale officer was dispatched as his backup,we observed, on our way to Mangawhaifive police cars all with male officers: allcollecting revenue.At the Orewa end of the motorway, we hadalready passed one speed camera when wecame upon the latest police revenue scam:two officers on an overbridge with speeddetection equipment and five police carsand associated officers, waiting at the sideof the road some 2 kms further on. Theweather was fine, the road dry and the trafficflow moderate.Where are our priorities as a societyand how do we communicate with themanagement of the Police service?“Goffy”, as he is known in the Mangawhaiarea, provides an amazing service to thecommunity despite the risks to him andhis rural colleagues. Yet, just minutes downthe road, vital resources are inappropriatelydirected to speed control and revenuecollectinginstead of proper policingactivities.It is time the Minister of Police understoodthe real concern that society has in regard toproper policing and the resentment againstovert revenue-generating activites. AnotherGovernment U-turn is in order.John Henderson(Remuera)Putting the boot inI am disgusted in the gutter press displayedon the “Holmes” show recently. Thedisgruntled ex-employees have been tryingfor several years to air their grievances in thepublic arena but with no luck.Why, therefore, was there such a changein heart by the media? In my opinion theanswer is that it was a chance to put the bootinto a high-ranking police officer. Did it helptheir argument? Was it ground breaking?Was it news? No! These things were alreadya matter of public record.Good on Wayne Stringer for putting therecord straight about the officer’s goodwork and dedication over a long anddistinguished career.The only thing that upsets me more thanthe story is that senior management cannotseem to follow Wayne’s lead.Simon Mapp(St Andrews)Undercover bluesWell, aren’t we taking a bashing from themedia and public at large? Now exmemberswant to highlight the downfalls ofthe undercover programme. This matter hasbeen ongoing since the early nineties. I feelfor those former members of the programmewho are still in the job. No doubt fellowofficers will be looking at you sidewayspretending to know what you went throughwhen they wouldn’t have a clue.There are a number of claims still awaitingoutcomes and the sooner they are sorted, thebetter for the organisation. This reinforcesmy view that the Department needs torecognise the service given by these officers.They have created precedents by rewardingAOS etc with a superable allowance.In my opinion, the stress that undercoverofficers go through is many times higherthen these groups who attend incidents witha team approach. When you are the ‘Johnnyon the spot’ by yourself the stress levels gothrough the roof. I know of instances whereundercover agents were subjected to viciousassaults, had firearms put to their head andbeen subject to severe intimidation. Lessermen and woman would have succumbed tosuch pressures.It’s about time the Department looked afterthose who continue to be loyal to it. Asuperable allowance in the 10-15% rangewould be appropriate remuneration for suchloyalty. What other group of persons gets areal insight into how the criminal fraternityworks and lives? None.There are many still in the job today thatcarry the scars of the undercover programmeand will do so for the rest of their life. Theyhave not asked for compensation but justquietly continued on their career path. Theadministration and Association shouldsupport those who have chosen to remain inthe organisation. Such loyalty is priceless.Eric Grace(Murupara)Crime stats reflectionsI read with interest the publicity (Faxalert 172 and the NZ Herald, 9 March)surrounding the decrease in overall crime,especially in my own Counties- ManukauDistrict.Our District Commander and theCommissioner are both quoted as sayingthat this decrease can be attributed toincreased directed patrolling and targettingfamily violence and repeat victims.That is quite correct - those are two reasonsfor the decrease. However, in my opinion,a far more practical and obvious reason isthat for the first time in many years, theCounties-Manukau District operated atsomewhere close to optimum staffing levels.For the first time in many years, we were notoperating 30 to 60 staff down.That has two pretty noticeable effects:1) More staff means more work done, jobsattended more quickly and the ability toget on the front foot in some cases and beproactive.2) Increased staffing provides for increasedconfidence and morale. As a SectionSupervisor in Mangere, I tried to organisefive staff into seven frontline positions. Mystaff were leaving month by month andthose that remained were working their tailsoff, but were burnt out.The welcome arrival of the 212 (UK) wingsaw my staffing levels and establishmentincrease to 10, which gave us the scope tointroduce a better roster and even providedus with a relief section. The return of stafffrom the burglary squad added to ourever-increasing pool and, as a result, stationmorale increased and the flow-ons in termsof productivity quite obviously followed.It’s not rocket science, despite our bestefforts to make it look and sound like it is.While I agree with the quotes made by theCommissioner and the District Commander,I believe that it would go a long waytowards maintaining and enhancingtheir relationship with their staff byacknowledging this and also paying tributeto the efforts of the troops in the trenches.In the current siege environment in whichthe Police finds itself, morale is of the utmostimportance and the Executive should takeevery opportunity to give credit where it isdue.Wouldn’t a great message to Treasury andthe Minister be: “Look at what we can dowhen we have enough staff?”I for one was happy to read that Counties-Manukau had made a stunning turnaroundand I personally want to pay tribute to allthe staff at Mangere Police Station and theentire Counties-Manukau District whoplayed their part in two pretty tough years,however insignificant they feel it may havebeen. They are the ones who deserve anypraise and credit due.Hirone Waretini(Counties-Manukau)61

April 2004 Police News The Voice of PoliceDrink driving convictionsand body armour issuesI was very interested in two issues inPolice News for March 2004.One was the letter referring to difficultiesin jury trials involving drink/drive cases. Ihave publicly raised this issue more thanonce. I have also pointed out to PoliceLegal an easy way of tackling the habit ofrequiring previous convictions to be proved.In cases where the current defence lawyerrepresented the accused on a previousoccasion he or she should be called into thewitness box and asked about the previousconviction.The lawyer will then be disqualified fromcontinuing in the case as counsel, so thatshould provoke some second thoughts.Obviously, we should be fingerprinting andphotographing those convicted for drink/drive offences so that the problem does notarise in future.The other matter was the issue of protectivevests. There is no real reason why thesehave to be covert and as we can see fromthe British TV programme, external vestsprovide useful pockets, which officers inshirtsleeves lack. As your commentary says,this is a health and safety at work issue andso ultimately the decision as to whether vestsshould be worn will be taken by OSH orthe Courts, not by the BOC. But it followsfrom this that vest wearing will not be anoption, any more than other health andsafety measures are optional. If they areintroduced, the management will have torequire that they be worn at all times.Bernard Roberston(Editor, The NZ Law Reports/NZ LawJournal)Thanks for your letter Bernard. You raisesome interesting issues. We have hadan overwhelmingly positive responsefrom staff to the story about covert bodyvests. The Association is heartened bythe subsequent response of both theDepartment and the Minister of Police,George Hawkins, regarding the issue.The Association is keen to work with theDepartment to address the matter andthereby supply police officers with thebest possible vests to do the dangerousjob they do in the safest possibleenvironment. - Editor.Body armour a health andsafety issueIn my opinion, it seems that Policemanagement may be overlooking portionsof the Health and Safety in Employment Act(HSE Act) that relate to personal safety, andpersonal protective equipment with regardto the issuing of personal body armour.Body armour is akin to safety equipmentthat is there “just in case”. For example, itis rare for a person to be hit on the head bya flying or falling object on a constructionsite. Because it is a possibility, all personson such a site MUST wear head protection.Such equipment is required to “minimisethe risk” of injury. Obviously the nature ofjobs where hardhats are required negatesthe elimination of such hazards, just as ourjob negates the “elimination” of the hazardposed by those offenders who choose to usefirearms or stabbing weapons against us.I understand the “draw a firearm, drawbody armour” rule, but it is the once ina blue-moon event that is of concern.We never know when we will requireprotection from such hazards but it shouldbe on one’s person just in case. There aremany examples one could draw on whereofficers and their families have sufferednear tragedies or worse. The question is,when will we be afforded the protection ofpersonal body armour every hour of everyshift?As defined by the HSE Act a significanthazard is one that can cause harm tovarying degrees. Being stabbed or shotis a significant hazard by any definition.Further, employers have a responsibility tomanage significant hazards based on theergonomic principle that the workplaceshould be modified to suit people, notvice-versa, just as we have a responsibility toensure our own safety at work as employees(A Guide to the Health and Safety inEmployment Act 1992). However, sincethe unknown factor is “people” we cannotrealistically stop dealing with them.A combination lightweight, stab/ballisticvest would not stop all officers from beinginjured by various weapons but it would goa long way towards minimising the hazardsinvolved. Surely we are worth more thanthe $3000 vests that are available, not tomention the bulk discount the Police wouldreceive. It is time that those who holdthe purse strings took a look at who is inthe uniform and how best to protect thatperson.Lincoln Sycamore(Whakatane)Overt better than covert?Your article on body armour was veryinteresting. I am one of the UK cops thatcame out last April and this subject is closeto my heart. Until transferring to NewZealand Police I had been wearing overtstreet body armour daily since September1996. It was a waistcoat design with a zip upthe front and could be taken off and put onin seconds. It also had belt loops so that theduty belt could be attached to the armour.This was beneficial because it spread theweight of the carried equipment across theshoulders and back. On the front it had theforce crest and pockets. It was stab proof andhad a good level of ballistic protection too.In 2000 I was issued with updated armour,which offered a very high level of ballisticprotection whilst keeping its bladed weaponprotection. It also went from a three-panelwaistcoat design to a two panel over-theheaddesign.Before trials were run, most officers wantedcovert vests. After the trials the viewpointchanged to overt vests. The reasons werethat overt is easier to take off and put on andmore comfortable to wear for a shift. Covertis worn for the entire shift and cannot easilybe removed.Police are often seen wearing body armouraround the world and the public has cometo accept this. I don’t believe there would bea huge outcry in New Zealand. After all theyare seen with firearms, in riot gear, wearingoveralls and equipment belts, so why notbody armour? The public understandsthe job we do and would rather see policeofficers properly protected than hear aboutus being killed and injured because of a lackof protection.Most, if not all, UK Police Forces issue overtvests to their frontline uniform officers. Idon’t believe there is an affordable, wearable,covert vest on the market that will do thesame job as an overt vest.Colin Wright(Henderson)Professionalism in the faceof adversityIs there anyone left in the job that hasn’tbeen accused of a criminal offence?With all the adverse publicity that a fewappear to be generating, it makes youwonder. The simple answer is, of course,“Yes”.I would therefore like to ‘publicly’ thank thehighway patrol officer in the Waikato regionwho gave me a ticket the other day nearHuntly. I didn’t have my safety belt on for ashort period. The purpose of this letter is notto voice my defence, there is another forumfamiliar to all of us for that.No, I wish to thank this fellow officer, whoremained totally impartial and handed methe $150 ticket without prejudice. You arean inspiration to the rest of us. You are agood example that there are officers in theNew Zealand Police Force who are aboveany possible allegation of corruption. I canonly learn from you. Cheers mate.Paul Mills(Ohakune)Aroha and supportI’d like to extend my sincere thanks for thesustaining aroha and support from colleaguesand friends, during the very difficult daysfollowing the sudden death of my husbandRod Thorne, in December 2003.I’d like to especially thank Tom and WaiDennis, Karen Wilson, Richard Kapa andTanya Hohepa of Te Reo Pirihimana, the Police62

New Zealand Police AssociationApril 2004Maori Culture Group, who looked after usduring that time.I was overwhelmed by the support given bymy colleagues at Auckland Recruiting, theAuckland City District and North Shore HQstaff - thank you. It certainly is reassuring toknow that the Police family is there to helpthrough the tough times.I also wish to thank you all for the flowersand cards. Please accept this as a personalacknowledgement of my gratitude.Arohanui.Erin Sykes(Auckland)Great supportThrough Police News I would like to thankthe many members of Police who offeredsupport after my husband, Robert WilliamAlister Murray (Rob) passed away last year.We cannot thank the Police Departmentenough, what an amazing group of peopleyou are. Noel Boniface, the welfare officer,was there from day one. His understanding,courage and character meant everything.To the Youth Aid Section in Dunedin, yoursense of humour and spirit was endless.Our thanks must also go to the staff of theAssociation’s Welfare and Health InsurancePlan, whose support endured for two anda half years through Rob’s terminal illness.Nothing was a problem to sort out for them.We received 100% support from both theAssociation and the Department and noother outside agency gave us as much help.Finally, thank you to Inspector Allan Strangand Sergeant Kevin Davidson for theirtributes during Rob’s funeral service and toeveryone who visited Rob while he was ill.Rob was a loved husband, father, son andfriend to many.Julie Murray(Dunedin)Hamilton CIB reunion 2004The past will quickly catch up withthe present at Labour Weekend(October 23-25) in Hamilton whenformer and current Hamilton CIBstaff attend a reunion.Organisers are hoping for a largeturnout for the three-day eventthat will be based at the KingsgateHotel in Hamilton. Severalactivities are planned, including asocial get-together on the Fridayevening, a visit to Hamilton Centralstation and a dine-and-dance onSaturday. There will also be aSunday barbecue lunch to round theweekend off.Organising committee secretary,former Detective Sergeant MurrayHealth watch appreciatedI would like to congratulate you on your“Health Watch” articles. I realize they can onlybe brief and highlight facts.Your article on the prostate quite rightly saysit is something we males are reluctant to talkabout. In the October issue you publishedan article on breast cancer. There are someinteresting comparisons with prostate cancerstatistics: the annual death rates are verysimilar - 550 to 600, both are one of the mostcommon sites of cancer registration (Ministryof Health stats 2002).What stood out most vividly between thetwo articles was the National Breast Screeningprogramme free of charge for women aged50 to 64 years - exactly that same critical timein the life of a prostate gland, yet there is nosimilar programme for males. As a wakeup call to blokes, on the general subject ofpreventative medicine there is no doubt themale population comes a very poor second.More males die of cancer each year (Ministryof Health stats) and statistics show that malesusually die before females.After I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,even though my PSA was within the norm(down to brilliant GP original diagnosis viaDRE), I was awarded a Gleason Score of 7out of 10, an indication of how aggressive thecancer may be. It seems with a score like thatif I did nothing I could look forward to onlytwo or three years more life. Worries began tomount. I was then sent off to have a bone scan(Scintigraphy they call it). If/when prostatecancer escapes from the gland it usuallyinvades the bones. Had this been so in mycase there would not have been much pointin removing the gland - other treatments mayhave been more appropriate.I understood that having the gland removedsurgically was my best chance of a completecure.Bardsley, says the reunion wasorganised to bring past and presentstaff together in a social, relaxedenvironment where old memories andexperiences could be shared.“A lot of good friendships andworking relationships, which will staywith staff for many years to come,were made in Hamilton over theyears,” he said.The reunion is not restricted just toHamilton Central staff or sworn officers.Staff who worked in greater WaikatoCIB offices and non-sworn supportstaff such as typists, photographers,inquiry office staff and fingerprintofficers are welcome to attend. TheI went through all the considerationsregarding the sex thing. Because of theexact location of the cancer on my prostateit seemed best if the nerve that controlled anerection was severed. A dilemma - sex forlife or live for sex, I chose the latter. Thereare, I understand, other ways of achieving asatisfactory erection these days.Another major concern resulting fromradical surgery is control of urination andthe prospect of incontinence. I trusted mysurgeon and what he told me. I perfectedmy pelvic floor exercises (ask your wife/mum) and have never had problems in thisregard. However, it is major surgery, it doesinvolve coping with matters related to veryprivate parts, it is a bit of a bugger - it is alsovery worth while going through with. I wason my feet within three days and striding uphills near Wanaka within a month. I shall beeternally grateful to the Police Health Planand the very considerate staff who assistedand encouraged me every step of the way.If you haven’t got the message that earlydiagnosis for this possibly curable cancer isvital then you never will. Luckily 90% ofmales diagnosed with prostate problems donot have cancer (Prostate Awareness SupportSociety www. prostate.org.nz.)Perhaps Health Plan could take a stepfurther and in the absence of a NationalScreening Programme for prostate cancerinstitute an Awareness Programme of itsown. Perhaps a computer programmethat automatically sends out a reminder tomembers, once they turn 50, to have anannual prostate check. Perhaps it couldinclude what Health Plan thought wasan appropriate check and what it wouldpay for. Surely this would have a two-foldbenefit, saving money and lives. Whatcould be better?Peter Norwood(Devonport)partners and spouses of deceasedmembers are also urged to attend.The organising committee reservesthe right to veto all applications.For registration forms and anyqueries about the reunion contactPete van de Wetering at HamiltonCentral (Ext 79477 or internalemail) or Murray Bardsley at POBox 4298, Hamilton East.It’s advisable to register early, as hotelroom bookings must be confirmedby 1 June.If you know of any ex-Hamiltonor Waikato CIB staff that would beinterested in attending the reunion,please pass on these details.63