Police News April 05.indd - New Zealand Police Association

April 2005Police News The Voice of Policeinvited two officers who had trialled the overtSRBA in Counties-Manukau to talk to ourcommittee. They were very positive about itand we are hoping that it will be issued as astandard part of safety equipment for staff.However, this does not mean that otherprocesses, developed and implementedfor staff safety, should be disregarded, butrather used in unison to keep our staff betterguarded, and safe to return to their familiestonight and every night.Irene Allen(Staff Safety Officer, North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney District)Time for someintroductions?In the March issue of Police News there is aresponse by Paula Rose to a previous Letter tothe Editor written by “Doubting Thomas”.From memory, “Doubting Thomas” describessome alleged anomalies in the way thatstatistics are recorded.I too have found differences between the waydistricts enter their stats when I have receivedout-of-town files.Paula Rose describes her position as theNational Manager of Crime Stats/NationalManager Organisational Performance, OoC,Wellington. She states that: “The medium termtrends in crime statistics indicate consistencyof recording practice over time” (‘mediumterm’ and ‘over time’ - what?). See Police News,March 2005, page 44.However, there is an article in the March issueof Police News dealing with this issue. GavinKnight is quoted in the article. He describes√ Home/contents/vehicle/boatinsurance√ Home loans√ Life insurance√ Travel insurance√ Financialplanning√ Health cover√ Holiday homeshis position as Police National Statistics Managerat Organisational Performance Group, OoC. Hestates: “That Police are aware of these differencesand acknowledge that there isn’t a formal andprescriptive set of rules...” See Police News, March2005, page 36.In my opinion Mr Knight’s view is moreaccurate.It would seem that these two people do notagree with each other, yet they appear to havethe same job title. One would assume thatthey should even share an office.Perhaps Rob Robinson can pop downthe hallway from his office some day andintroduce these two. It sounds like they shouldget better acquainted.Mark Farrell(Tauranga)IN REPLY: To B Leask (Napier): Thankyou for your letter. Police Health Plan, likemost insurers, operates in a competitivebusiness environment and most of ourclients understand that age-banding isthe only method by which all memberscan receive the best service available,taking into account the fiscal necessitiesof the insurance climate in which itoperates. Most major New Zealandinsurance companies introduced agebanding several years ago. In order forcosts to be maintained at levels, whichprovide members with the benefitsthey currently enjoy, premiums have toincrease occasionally to keep pace withthe increasing claims of members in allareas of the scheme. – Editor.So think of your welfare organisation - The Police Welfare Fund - foryour insurance, home loan and financial planning needs.Call us for a quote on 0800 500 122,Police Network extn 44446, Mon-Fri 8am to 5:30pmor visit our website at: www.policeassn.org.nz.Canterbury PoliceGolf Club 40thanniversaryLater this year the Canterbury PoliceGolf Club will celebrate its 40thanniversary.Exact dates are not known at thisstage, but early considerationsare being given to dates aroundSeptember/October. A decision willbe made shortly. In the meantime,the club is endeavouring to locate asmany past and present members aspossible.It’s also intended to produce abook on the history of the club.Information from past, and presentmembers is welcomed. The clubhistorian, John Dwyer, is compilinginformation for the book, andwould like to hear from anyone whocan offer relevant information orphotographs.Please contact Dave Stapley(retired member) by phone on(03) 352 6987,Fax (03) 352 5079, Emaildstapley@xtra.co.nz or mailingaddress P.O.Box 5286 Papanui,Christchurch.(Note: Please note the changed Emailaddress for Dave Stapley from thatnotified earlier).Sick of searching for the best deal?If you want -• Great value for money• Quality products• Excellent service• More benefits for youIt’s easy –Support the Police Welfare Fundproducts and servicesand you reap the rewardsNot only is it our goal to deliver our members the very best value-for-money, qualityproducts and services we can, you also reap the rewards from any profits or commissionsearned from these products.ALL profits are invested back into providing you with better benefits, like lowerpremiums, welfare benefits and new holiday homes.Recently, several new homes have been purchased with dividends from other PoliceWelfare Fund products and services, in particular Staffpac Home/contents/vehicle andboat insurance. So now members have even more opportunities to have affordableholidays or quick getaways with their families and friends in top holiday locationsthroughout New Zealand.64