NZPA News Dec.pm65 - New Zealand Police Association

New Zealand Police Association NewsletterDecember 2002NEW ZEALANDpoliceassociationVolume 35, Number 11, December 2002Fotopress/David JamesJeff Wilson autographs a basketballfor one of the many young fans at the CelebrityBasketball match, played in Duncan Taylor’smemory ... more on page 169Constable A – NOT GUILTY ... more on page 167Auckland Staffing Crisis- Huge Turnout at Rally shows Government and Policedepth of feeling ... page 167NZ must invest in Safety ... more on page 171165

December 2002166ContentsFrom the President 166Useful info and contacts 166Auckland Police Rally 167High Court Trial of Constable A 167Non-sworn Corporate WardrobeDumped 167Police Welfare Fund LifeLife Membership for FormerCommissioner 168Personal Protection Kit Available 168Name Suppression for PoliceOfficers 168Progression on Comm CentreCareer Structure 169GSF Transfer Proposal 169Hoopstravaganza 169Police Superannuation Scheme 170Have you moved recently? 170Why New Zealand Must Investin Safety 171Rural Survey Update 171Stewart Mills or Stuart Mills? 171Members’ Accommodation Special 171Safety First: Part Three 172Tribute to Dave Paterson 173Are You Aware? 173Sports News 174Another Holiday for Wellington 175Holiday Home Availability 175View from the Bottom 176Memorial Wall 176Constable Bob 176Keen on Wine 177Copper’s Crossword 177Letters to the Editor 178Notices 179Staffpac Insurance 179Police Welfare FundHoliday Homes 180NZ Police AssociationNews is the newsletterof the New ZealandPolice Association andincorporates the NewZealand Police Journalfirst published in 1937.Editor Tracy HallDecember 2002, Vol. 35, No. 11ISSN 1175-9445Deadline for next issue January 10, 2003.Published by the New Zealand Police AssociationP.O. Box 12344, Willbank House,57 Willis Street, Wgtn.Phone: (04) 496 6800, Facsmile: (04) 471 1309Email: editor@policeassn.org.nzWebsite: www.policeassn.org.nzPrinted by City Print Communications, Wgtn.Opinions expressed are not necessarilythose of the Association.COPYRIGHT: NZPA Police News must not bereproduced in part or as a whole without theformal consent of the copyright holder - NewZealand Police Association.New Zealand Police Association Newsletterfrom the president“I Can’t Believe It...it’s Christmas again!”Surely it was only August this timelast year? What happened? What amixed bag the last year has brought...An election, which saw Labourreturned and the Nats just ahead ofthe Winston led pack . A déjà vuAuckland staffing crisis with a total‘keep the lid on’ approach fromPolice Administration and theMinister, who then refused to addressunderlying issues. The death of ourcolleague Duncan Taylor in heroicbut tragic circumstances and thewounding of his partner JeanettePark. The disgraceful abuse of thejustice system as a colleague foundto have been acting lawfully atevery step was left unprotected toface a private prosecution formurder in the High Court. The swiftand professional resolution of aseries of high profile crimes,including murders and kidnappingsand the lowest road toll in a whileshowing that well-resourced,focused Police can defy theacademics and does reduceoffending.Useful Information & ContactsAssociation and Police Welfare Fund:Police Network 44446Freephone 0800 500 122Police Home Loans 0800 800 808Staffpac Claims 0800 110 088All enquiries (04) 496 6800Given that, its time to hand out someChristmas gifts.• we’ll send a do-it-yourself leak repairkit to the Minister so he can not onlyfix the leaky buildings but also plugthe staff leakage from Auckland.• while we’re at it, we’ll send a do-ityourselfmetro repair kit to Aucklandstaff;• to the Commissioner - a book onlogic so he can rationalise the factthat even though he says Aucklanddoes not have a retention problem,he nevertheless loses staff faster thanhe recruits them;• to The Deputy Commissioner apooper-scooper;• to Ken Shirley an address list forevery West Coaster so he canapologise for the hassles he causedthem; and• to all our ancestors, a big thank-youfor getting on the waka or ship,which brought us to thebest country onearth.Police Credit Union 0800 429 000or (04) 472 9645Credit Union www.policecu.org.nzGSF Information 0800 654 731PSS Information 0800 777 243Website www.policeassn.org.nzVice PresidentsGeoff Smith (025)268 9417Richard Middleton (025)268 9411Field OfficersNorthland and Auckland Districts: Stewart Mills (025) 268 9407Waikato, BOP and Eastern Districts: Eric Newman (025) 268 9408Central and Wellington Districts: JJ Taylor (025) 268 9409Tasman, Canterbury and Southern Districts: Dave McKirdy (025) 268 9410Regional DirectorsRegion One Steve Hawkins Whangaparoa (025) 268 9419Region Two Mark Leys Papakura (025) 268 9413Region Three Tony Jeurissen Kawerau (025) 268 9414Region Four Logan Alderson Napier (025) 268 9415Region Five Stuart Mills Office of Com (025) 268 9416Region Six Peter Burt Timaru (025) 322 444Region Seven Dave Steel North Dunedin(025) 268 9418

New Zealand Police Association NewsletterDecember 2002AUCKLANDPOLICE RALLY- TURNOUT SHOWSDEPTH OFANGER ANDFRUSTRATIONThe rally spoke for itself - Over a1,000 members of Auckland Policeand their families gave up the firstfine Sunday of Summer to pack intoa convention centre in Mangere toprotest lack of action on sorting outAuckland staffing problems.The carpark was full and memberswere still squeezing into a halldesigned to seat 500 people, 20minutes after the scheduled 2pm start.The anger and frustration over the lack of solutions tothe crisis from the Police Administration andGovernment was obvious.What was clear was that any failure on behalf of thePolice Administration and Government to address themembers of Auckland police concerns, is likely to resultin this newly empowered group demanding a moremilitant approach to resolving the issues.When 1,000 Auckland police give up their own time anda fine Sunday to demand action, those with the powerto invest in Auckland policing need to take notice.Action Plan Agreed OnAs a result of the rally the following action plan wasagreed on:• Staff at the Auckland Central station be given freecarparking.• Police graduates be made to serve in Auckland for a setperiod.• Minimum staffing levels be maintained.• Auckland’s three police districts be placed under thecommand of a single officer.• “Retention payments” of $2500 be given to staff whostay in Auckland from July 1 to July 1 the followingyear.Auckland members agreed to meet again 16 March2003 to assess what action has been taken.A flyer with more information on the situation inAuckland is enclosed in this newsletter for members.STOP PRESSConstable A - NOT GUILTY!Constable A has been acquitted.The effort and committment of lawyer Susan Hughes must beacknowledged. A more professional, well prepared and ableadvocate for Constables A, B and C, could not be imagined.We are elated for Constable A and his family, however there isstill an underlying anger for many Police that the privateprosecution was allowed to get so far.Just as important as anything an officer who has to putthemselves in danger has on their duty belt, is the knowledge thatthe State, which is sending them into that danger, will legislativelyback them up if they lawfully use force, lethal or otherwise.The Association has been calling for such protection since thepossibility of private prosecution came to light. Full credit tothe Commissioner for calling for a law change that will providethat protection.It is now a matter of urgency that the State provide policeofficers with additional protection, as important as the pepperspray, baton and firearm - legislative protection.Meanwhile, Constable A, a man who humbled thosefortunate enough to be able to assist him and his family,can now contemplate life beyond 30 April, 2000.TVNZ - One NewsNon-sworn Corporate Wardrobe DumpedThe Police executives’ decision to dump the non-swornwardrobe has disappointed most non-sworn membersalong with their sworn colleagues and supervisors.“Unfortunately it has confirmed in the minds of manynon-sworn members in the lower pay bands that they areat the end of the food chain,” said AssociationAdvocate, Greg Fleming.Many non-sworn were keenly awaiting the re-launch ofthe wardrobe and the subsidy package. Those that sawthe samples were impressed with the selection andquality.“We have written to the Commissioner seeking a rethinkof the decision,” said Greg. “Non-sworn take pride intheir appearance and association with the NZ Police.”Greg said, “Feedback to the Association, shows interestin the wardrobe is higher than what the Police executivehave based their decision on and we are hoping thatthey will revisit their decision.”167

December 2002Personal Protection Kit pouch isavailable - keep yours handyBy Spencer Matthews, Chairman/Delegate, Counties/ManukauIn 2000 the Counties/Manukaubranch of the Police Associationstarted to question why, if ourmembers were being asked to carry aPersonal Protection Kit (PPK), hadthe department not provided aconvenient way for these kits to becarried.An informal survey revealed thesekits being kept in shirt pockets,trouser pockets, in duty jackets, inthe private workbag in the car, orsimply did not existing at all. Notthe best places in an emergency!We began to inquire why a simplepouch was not provided to keep thisPPK on the duty belt-the mostlogical place.Over the next two years, with someassistance from our local Staff SafetyOfficer, we asked the Office of theCommissioner what was happening.In the meantime, another providerhad also recognised the need andbegan selling these pouches torecruits at the college and throughmail order.At the 2002 Police AssociationAnnual Conference I took theopportunity to question theCommissioner as to why PPK poucheswere not being issued to themembers some two years after themandatory carriage of PPK’s.He was unable to answer, but168New Zealand Police Association NewsletterPolice Welfare Fund Life Membership bestowed onformer Police CommissionerBy Association Secretary/CEO, Chris PentecostFormer Police Commissioner and longtime Police Welfare Fund supporter,Bob Walton was given life membershipof the Police Welfare Fund in October,as he retired from the Boards of theWelfare Fund and Police Health Plan.Bob joined the Police in 1946, afterreturning from active service in theMiddle East and Italy and being part ofthe occupation force of Japan. Risingthrough the ranks Bob was appointedCommissioner in 1977, holding thisoffice until his retirement in 1983.In 1987 Bob joined the Board of theWelfare Fund as a representative of theretired members, a group for whom healways advocated for, most strongly.He always provided the Boards andindividual directors and management,with considered and valuable adviceand direction.It is a measure of his stature that,having confirmed that Police HealthPlan needed to introduce to agebanded premiums, Bob formally movedthe motion for this to occur.“I was very pleased to serve on theBoard of the Welfare Fund,” Bob said.“It is a body that makes a very valuablecontribution to members of Police andtheir families, especially the healthplan.”On behalf of all members of the Fundwe wish Bob well and thank him for hissignificant contribution over the years.A new Director to represent retiredmembers will be appointed to theBoard in the immediate future.promised a quick response. True tohis word, by the time I arrived homethere was an email from OoC sayingthat the pouches were available, hadbeen for some time and that thestaff should have them.In addition, other delegates at theconference had said that theirhuman resources managers had foundthe money to purchase thesepouches for all of their staff.This naturally added to the anti-Auckland region paranoia that we,north of the Bombay’s, feel at times.I replied back to OoC asking why itwas not nationally known that staffwere able obtain these pouches. Iwas referred back to my local humanresources manager (currently in theU.K. recruiting).Thankfully, our Staff Safety Officerhas now said that all staff in ourdistrict should request the pouch. Ofcourse this $20 cost will have tocome out of the $65 each staffmember is allocated per annum foruniform replacement!I don’t know if this was a victory forthe Association, but I wouldencourage all members to apply forthese pouches so your PPK can beclose at hand in an emergency. Atless that $20 you do not even needthe station O/C’s permission if youget your watchouse manager on side!Bob Walton with his Certificate ofLife Membership.Name suppression forPolice OfficersBy Association Industrial Officer,Kathleen ByrneThere was recently a successful appeal tothe High Court in Wellington to grantname suppression to a Constable chargedwith an offence in the course of his duty.The case had earlier raised a stir whenthe Dominion Post named the Constableand published his photograph on thefront page before he had the opportunityto apply for name suppression. It wasthen denied as the District Court Judgereasoned an order would be pointless, as“the horse had already bolted”.In the High Court, Judge Wild weighedthis initial publicity against the effectsof further exposure. He considered therisk of harm to the appellant’s family, thepublic’s need to know the specific nameand most importantly from a legalperspective, applying the presumption ofinnocence, he considered the effects onthe ability of the Constable to resume hisPolice duties.The Judge considered Abbott v Wallace,where it was held the public nature ofPolice work prevented name suppression,but preferred the reasoning of re: “X”(the recent attempted abduction case inWellington) and relied on older case law,(Wilson and Comesky v Police, Wn 1988;and M v Police, 1991).This case highlights the need for havingas little delay as possible betweencharging an officer and applying forname suppression. It also adds furtherweight to the argument for namesuppression for police officer’s prior toand after being found justified in actionstaken in the line of duty.

New Zealand Police Association NewsletterProgression onComm CentreCareer StructureBy Association Advocate, Greg FlemingThe Police Association sought the mediation services ofthe Employment Relations Authority to assist inbringing to a conclusion a long running attempt tointroduce new career structures for Comm Centre staff.Career progression structures for communicators anddispatchers were to be agreed following the 1998 nonswornCollective Contract. However, ongoing delaysculminated in the Association forcing the issue viamediation with the intention to pursue a resolution byadjudication, if the mediation failed.At this stage adjudication may not be necessary.Significant progress has been made in mediation. Thecareer structures will link salary increases to theachievement of competencies, specific to the work ofcommunicators and dispatchers and joint work iscurrently underway with more mediation scheduled for17 December to conclude outstanding issues.The Police Association will continue to provide membersin North, Central and South Comms with regular, fullerupdates on progress.December 2002GSF TRANSFERPROPOSALBy Association Advocate, Greg FlemingNot unexpectedly, memberfeedback on the GSF transferproposal has beenoverwhelmingly positive.Over 200 emails fromindividuals and groups ofmembers were received. Whilstmany of them containedquestions seeking to clarifymembers understanding ofaspects of the proposal,virtually all were in favour ofthe proposal.The following comments were typical of those received.• “About time something was done.”• “Will allow me to remain in the Police for a longerperiod of time.”• “ Look forward to an early decision on this matter”.• “Would be great to have the option.”Our next step is to formally present the proposal toPolice and provide any assistance necessary to ensurethat they are able to brief the Minister on thisimportant issue without delay.Hoopstravaganza- a great way to farewell Duncan Taylor EditorialRecently, acclaimed Tall Black coach Tab Baldwin lead ateam including several Tall Blacks players against a NewZealand Police invitation team in a celebrity basketballgame, both to honour Duncan Taylor’s memory and toraise funds for the Duncan Taylor Memorial Trust. Theteams included celebrities Bernice Mene, DonnaLoffhagen, Ed Book, Jeff Wilson and Paul Henare.It was a fabulous way for many of Duncan’sfriends, family and colleagues to say a finalgoodbye at a happy event which broughttogether two parts of Duncan’s life that wereimportant to him, NZ Basketball and the NZPolice.With Mike King directing proceedings there weremany laughs and jokes and the players happilysigned autographs for the many young ones(and a few older ones) that shyly sidled up withpens, programmes and an assortment of otherthings, in hand. But underlying this grandevent was the knowledge that we lost a goodman and a good police officer.Duncan was shot and killed on duty whileheroically attempting to protect a family frombeing attacked by his killer. He left behind hiswife Melanie and his now one-year-old sonCampbell. The Duncan Taylor Memorial Trust wascreated to ensure Duncan’s family arefinancially cared for in the future and this eventadded another $25,000 to the trust rounding itoff to about $180,000.Rob Sorenson Palmerston North Police ForensicsRob Sorenson Palmerston North Police Forensics“The Police Association was honoured to be part of theorganisation of this event,” Greg O’Connor, President ofthe Police Association said.“Our thanks go out to everyone involved and to thosewho attended and donated to the Trust,” said Greg.“While nothing will bring Duncan back, we can all ensurehis sacrifice is not forgotten.”Fotopress/David James169

December 2002New Zealand Police Association NewsletterA message from PSS Trustees…Police SuperannuationScheme Introduces MemberInvestment Choice andUpgrades WebsiteNot surprisingly, many callers to the Scheme’s0800 telephone enquiry service have beenconcerned about recent investment returns,which continue to reflect the impact of almosttwo and a half years of decline in worldsharemarkets.History shows that despite the fact that shareinvestments are more likely to produce anegative result, they also provide better longertermreturns. As a result most superannuationschemes continue to invest a significantpercentage of their assets in shares.This strategy suits members with a few years togo until retirement, as sharemarket returnsshould improve before they withdraw theirsavings. However, those nearing retirement runthe risk that they may need to withdraw theirsavings earlier and realise the loss beforemarkets have recovered.Members to have more control over theirsuperannuationThe size of the Scheme now allows the Trusteesto give members more control over the way theirsavings are invested by offering them a choice offunds with a range of risk/return profiles. Thissystem, generally referred to as memberinvestment choice, is a feature of manyAustralian employer-sponsored superannuationschemes. In New Zealand member investmentchoice has been offered by most retail schemesfor some time but is not, as yet, offered by manyemployer-sponsored schemes.With effect from 1 April 2003 members will beable to direct their contributions (and those ofthe Commissioner) into one or two of the threefunds available.The September newsletter from the PSS Trusteesand the October issue of Police Association News(available on www.policeassn.org.nz) describethe options that will be offered.Member investment choice kits will be sent tomembers in late February. The kits will include adetailed description of each fund andinformation to help each member choose thefund(s) that best suits his or her personalcircumstances and requirements.Website Updates make monitoring andmanaging your Superannuation easierTo make monitoring and managingsuperannuation easier and more efficient formembers, at the same time the SuperFacts sitewill be upgraded to include information aboutmember investment choice. A fully customised‘risk profile’ calculator will also be added to thesite to help members to develop their ownpersonal investment strategy.The upgraded site will also incorporate variousadditional features including a range ofinteractive functions. For example, members willbe able to make investment choice changes online, confirm and update their personal detailsand view their contributions.Other New FeaturesOther new features include access to a library ofarticles as well as a variety of budgeting toolsand the ability to download copies of theScheme’s documents such as the investmentstatement and annual report.Have you moved recently?If you have or perhaps you’re about to, please let us knowso we can update your records. You can do this by:• writing to us at PO Box 12-344;• calling on freephone 0800 500 122;• faxing us on (04) 496 6819;or emailing us at: membership@policeassn.org.nz.You need to let us know your membership number, newaddress and sworn staff, your new station.170

New Zealand Police Association NewsletterWhy New Zealand MUSTInvest in SafetyBy Association President, Greg O’ConnorNew Zealand is perceived as a safe certainly not implementing any plan tocountry to visit and invest in. Recent consolidate and enhance that overseasterrorist attacks and increased threats of perception of safety.more have left Westerners insecure and If we did, we would not have districtnervous about their safety. This teamed commanders throughout the landwith our market’s relative stability while struggling to put police onto theoverseas sharemarkets floundered have frontline, a situation that exists inmade New Zealand a very attractive place virtually every district in New Zealand.to many.We would not have the CommissionerNew Zealand, buffered by its isolation embarrassed by his Minister at a meetingand insignificance, has the opportunity of Auckland mayors as he bid forto establish itself as a rare haven from pathetically few extra staff and resourcethe dangers, which beset the rest of the just to keep a lid on that city’s massiveWestern World.crime problems.My appreciation of the attraction of New What this government must do is toZealand was brought home to me at an decide that New Zealand’s major pointinternational gathering of Policeof difference in the competitive worldAssociation heads representing a total of in which we exist is to be safe.over a million frontline police officers Our Aussie neighbours are now on ourfrom around the world.travel warning list and their massivePolice from these countries areborders and proximity to Indonesiaincredulous not only that NZ Police are means they will struggle to prevent Baliunarmed, but also at how low our type outrages on their mainland.police to population ratios are.New Zealand can give the tourist andThey, like their countrymen translate that business world much greater assuranceto mean we must be a safe country. Such but only if we invest heavily in a law andperceptions give rise to surveys like that order infrastructure that supports suchpublished in New York’s Vanity Fair confidence.magazine. Participants in that survey A Minister who deals with recruitingdescribe New Zealand as one of the 10 shortages, not by addressingsafest travel destinations in the world. fundamental under resourcing issues butThat means increased visitor numbers by threatening to recruit where wagesand that means increased wealth for the are cheaper is evidence of the lack of anycountry.strategy to build the internationally safePeople are seeking safe destinations to society New Zealand needs to be.travel to, not only safe from terrorism A policy aimed at ensuring our dailybut also from general crime.papers and annual crime statisticsHowever, one must ask the question as reflect the overseas perceptions of theto what we are doing to turn that safety of our country is what isperception of safety into a reality? Do we required.have a national strategy to make New In the absence of same, the CommissionerZealand the safest place on the globe? Or will be forced to continue to beg theare we just relying on our isolation and Government for scraps, which will neverdistance from the rest of the world? give him or his commanders the abilityWhen one reads the New Zealand papers, to do any more than manage crimeand looks at the increase in crime last increases and prevent us all from playingyear, clearly we do not have and are our part in creating a safer New Zealand.Stewart Mills or Stuart Mills?There has been some confusion, with members trying to contact either oneof our Stewart Mills or Stuart Mills:Stewart Mills, our Northern Field Officer can be contacted on:Mobile: (025) 268 9407, email: smills@policeassn.org.nzPlease note: STEWART IS EMPLOYED BY THE POLICE ASSOCIATION AND IS NOTON POLICE LOTUS NOTESStuart Mills, our Region 5 Director can be contacted on: Mobile: (025) 268 9416,email: stuart.mills@police.govt.nzPlease note: STUART HOLDS AN ELECTED POSITION WITH THE ASSOCIATION.HE IS A POLICE EMPLOYEE AND CONSEQUENTLY IS ON POLICE LOTUS NOTESDecember 2002RURAL SURVEY UPDATEBy Association Industrial Officer,Amanda CraigRecently the Association urged Policeto complete work on the rural surveyas soon as possible so rural policingissues can be dealt with. Police haveemployed someone to analyse therural survey data, and expect this tobe completed in the not too distantfuture. We will be keeping awatching brief on this and updatemembers as work progresses.Members’SpecialVisitingWellingtonover Xmas?Come to the capital and takeadvantage of the great rate theAssociation has negotiated for ourmembers.Stay in comfort and style at the WestPlaza Hotel & The Bay Plaza Hotelwhich have once again offered theirSPECIAL SUMMER ROOM RATE tomembers of New Zealand PoliceAssociation/Welfare Fund and theirfamilies.Special Summer Room Rate: $55.00 +GST per room, per nightValidity:20.12.2002 to 31.01.2003Booking Reference:POL/SUMPRO/DEC-JANApplicable either at the West PlazaHotel or The Bay Plaza Hotel.Conditions - All room requests are subjectto availability. Reservations must bemade prior to arrival and you must quotethe booking reference for the special rate.For Reservations:A. WEST PLAZA HOTELAddress: 110-116 Wakefield Street,WellingtonPhone: (04) 473 1440Fax: (04) 473 1454Freephone 0800 731 444email: reservations@westplaza.co.nzB. BAY PLAZA HOTELAddress: 40-44 Oriental Parade,WellingtonPhone: (04) 385 7799Fax: (04) 385 2936Freephone: 0800 857 799email: reservations@bayplaza.co.nz171

December 2002New Zealand Police Association NewsletterSafety First......Protecting yourself from personal attackPart Two: Security Away From HomeBy Association member, Dave PotakaOver the last two months, DavePotaka has pointed out some simplepractical steps for Police Officerscan take to keep themselves andfamily safe at home. In particular,when members are moving intowork areas where they are likely tohave regular contact with criminalsand organised Crime groups. Hecovered things like answering thedoor, windows and lighting, keepingkeys safe, telephone calls, homedeliveries and this month looks atother areas of security away fromhome.Again, this column is meant to be asimple guideline or checklist a evenfor those members who believe thattheir specific area of Police work,makes it necessary for them toimplement safe practices at home.It is recognised that some member’spolicing small local areas in whichthey also live, that anonymity isnot realistic, still there is otheradvice you may consider helpful.Travelling inGeneralYou are at greater risk on routinejourneys, particularly in the generalvicinity of your house and whengoing to and from work.Some ways you can lower this riskis by:• Varying your method of travel,your routes and timings wheneverpossible.• Varying your style of clothing.• Letting someone know where youare going and the approximatetime of return.• Trying to avoid establishedpatterns of movement. Forexample: Don’t regularly go to thesame restaurant, club, bar, cafe,etc. at the same time, same day,and sit at the same table.• Do not make reservations unlessit is essential.• Always travel in company ifpossible.• Check the driveway and roadbefore you leave your home.• If you think you are beingfollowed try to obtain adescription of the persons and/orthe car including the registrationnumber.WALKING• Avoid ‘short cuts’ through vacantlots, gangs alleys or desertedparks.• If you are walking at night, walkon brightly lit, well-used streetsas much as possible Be alert toyour surroundings and takedetours away from loiterers andstreet gangs.• If you must take a poorly litroute, walk near the kerb or wellaway from shrubbery, darkdoorways and other places ofconcealment. In the event of aspecific threat the best advice isnot to go out on foot after dark.VEHICLESAFETY• Secure bonnet locks and lockablepetrol caps should be fittedwhenever possible.• Park your car in a locked garageat home and where possible atwork. An unlocked garage is ahazard since you cannot be surethat it has not been entered. Ifno garage is available leave yourcar where it can be seen by thegeneral public.• Switch off the courtesy lightinside the car so that you are notilluminated when getting into orout of the vehicle.ImprovisedExplosiveDevices (IED)Check your car for possible IEDespecially underneath and inparticular first thing before use inthe morning. IED can take manyforms but to cut down the timeelement and risk when an attackeris planting a device it is usuallysimple and swiftly placed.The following points may be ofassistance:• Do not take it for granted thatthe car is as safe as you left it.Develop the habit of checkingyour car.• Common places for devices are onthe ground underneath the car; infront of or behind the wheels;tucked in behind one of thewheels; underneath a mudflap orunderneath or behind a seat.• A more sophisticated type ofdevice, where time permits, iswired to the ignition switch,radio, courtesy light etc. or in theboot or engine space.On The MoveThe following points should be keptin mind when you are driving:• Ensure that windows are fullyclosed when a car is parked andopened only enough forventilation when you are driving.• Look forward along the rows ofparked vehicles in the street foranything of a suspicious nature.Also use your rear view mirrors forfollowing vehicles.• Avoid narrow and lonely streets -try to keep to well used, well lit,main routes.• Drive your car at a steady pace.• Keep distance from the vehicle infront.• Do not allow yourself to be ‘boxedin’ in traffic and always leaveenough room for manoeuvring.• If something untoward appears tobe taking place on the roadahead, stop and turn before it istoo late.• Be cautious of ‘accident’ scenes.• Do not give lifts or open doors orwindows to unknown persons.172

New Zealand Police Association NewsletterTribute to Dave Paterson- respected life member of theAssociationDave Paterson, retired detectivesergeant, a long time friend and LifeMember of the Police Association diedrecently at the age of 88. He was agentleman.Dave’s Police career started in 1938when he entered the Police TrainingDepot in Newtown, Wellington as atemporary constable and after a yearhe was made a fully-fledged constable.He retired in 1974 after a full andeventful career, including time with theCIB in Christchurch and Wellington. Hewas also head of the Wellington WharfPolice for six years and later headedthe then newly-formed Special Branch- the equivalent of today’s SIS (SecretIntelligence Service). From 1964 Davewas in charge of the Welfare Section asthe Welfare Officer for the Wellington,Palmerston North, Wanganui, NewPlymouth, Napier and GisborneDistricts. In 1974 Dave was awardedthe British Empire medal in recognitionof his welfare service on behalf ofmembers of Police.His police career had its moments ofexcitement. He once shot out the fronttyre of a getaway vehicle used in arobbery - only to find, much to hischagrin, that the truck had dual-tyresand was able to keep going! He stillmanaged to apprehend the offenderslater, but the biggest shock was yet tocome, when Dave’s superiors received abill for 25 pounds for the ruined trucktyre!On another occasion Dave subdued aviolent passenger on a train with awrestling hold he had learned fromprofessional wrestler George Walker.The arrested individual turned out tobe one of New Zealand’s best boxers ofthe era, a real handful in the ring andno doubt even more so in the confinesof a narrow train carriage.Dave was part of New Zealandindustrial history when he was adetective sergeant in Wellingtonduring the 1951 Waterfront Lockout.My father, Arthur Plowman, was awharfie at the time and when theymet four decades later they got onfamously, discussing characters andincidents of the time as if they wereyesterday. Dave had mixed feelingsabout those days, especially aboutthe draconian Government legislationof the day which prevented givingaid to the locked out workers. I onceasked him about upholding the lawin such circumstances and his replywas so apt for him: “I’d never see achild go hungry.”After retirement Dave worked at Dekaas a store detective and then in 1978took up a part-time appointment forthe Police Association. He assistedformer Association Secretary, Dr BobMoodie, with producing the Newsletterand also worked as the librarian/archivist. Dave also served on theManagement Committee for two years.So, eventually, Dave ‘retired’ again -but not for long. A few years later thethen National Secretary GrahamHarding re-employed Dave on avoluntary basis to assist withacquisitions, the cataloguing ofcorrespondence, maintenance of thelibrary and to help prepare articles forthe Newsletter.Dave Paterson was not only one of thefinest people you could ever have as aworkmate, his vast historical andlegislative knowledge of the Police waslike having the EncyclopaediaBritannica of policing on two legs. Hewas a willing pair of hands in whateverwas being done at a busy time in theAssociation’s history. Daveaffectionately called this time his“second retirement.”In 1987 he was made a Life Member ofthe Association in recognition of hisoutstanding service to the organisationand its members. At the time, Davesaid it was one of the proudestmoments of his life.An avid reader, Dave collected a largelibrary over the years and his otherinterests, besides family, includedmusic - he was a good banjo player -and as a young man he also rowedcompetitively in the Waikato area. Alsoa prolific gardener he would oftendistribute seeds, plants and producefrom his garden to his workmates.Dave never failed to amuse his workcolleagues with his aversion tocomputer technology, preferring hisold Imperial 66 typewriter to anythingwith a monitor.Eventually prised from his typewriterDave PatersonDecember 2002and supplied with a computer, Davemanaged to dumbfound the IT expertsby crashing the system several times inone morning. Accordingly he thoughtcomputers “unreliable” and held themin about the same regard as he didlawyers and politicians.A diabetic, Dave would watch his sugarintake - well at least until an office‘shout’ came around and then,surrounded by the delights of creamcakes and sponges he would make anexception, with the observance to allconcerned that his diabetes was“under control at the present time”.Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem “If”was read out at Dave’s funeral intribute to this wonderful man. It wasindeed apt - for Dave Paterson couldindeed “walk with kings nor lose thecommon touch”.David Skinner Paterson wasconsiderate, compassionate,thoughtful, understanding andgenerous - a gentleman in every senseof the word. He was a great friend tothe Police Association and its staff. Hiscontribution to its members’ welfare,his colleagues and policing in generalis immeasurable. He was a great friendand confidante to those who had thegood fortune to know him - and I wasone of those lucky ones. It was aprivilege and an honour to have knownsuch a genuine man. He will be greatlymissed by many. - by Steve Plowman,former Police News Editor.Are you Aware......non-sworn shift staff rostered towork Christmas and New Yearholidays do have to work those days(unless granted leave or they swapshifts), but in return for this theycan choose when they want to taketheir substitute holidays. See the“Note” to clause 4.4.01 of theCollective Agreement.173

December 2002New Zealand Police Association NewsletterPolice Council of SportSPORTS NEWSTo contact the Police Council of Sport, call Linda Duncan at the RNZPC. Ph: (04) 238 31392002 NZ Police Association Police Mountain Bike ChampsThe 2002 Police Mountain BikeChampionships, sponsored by the NZPolice Association and the PoliceCouncil of Sport, were held atRotorua on 25 October 2002.The course selected this year was a6-kilometre lap comprising 90%twisty single track, plenty ofclimbing, and little opportunity forrecovery. Open Men raced for 4 laps,most other grades three laps, whilethe Master Women and cruiser gradescompleted two laps. WeatherResultsOpen Men: (4 Laps)1. Vaughan Smith New Plymouth 1hr 20:082. Tony Brownrigg New Plymouth 1hr 25:513. Scott Pitkethley Gisborne 1hr 26:184. Dave Donaldson Rotorua 1hr 28:515. Dave Hamilton Rotorua 1hr 32:406. Ali Methven Hamilton 1hr 38:587. Rod Carpinter Auckland 1hr 39:248. Brent Kearney Auckland 1hr 40:089. Steve Allpress Rotorua 1hr 41:1810. Mike Whyte Rotorua 1hr 41:1911. Mark Farrell Papamoa 1hr 45:1312. Dave Plunkett Auckland 1hr 55:32Open Women: (3 Laps)1. Karen Chambers Wanganui 1hr 24:362. Paula Morice Waitakere 1hr 28:273. Leah Morgan Hamilton 1hr 39:53Master 1 Men (35-44 yrs) (3 Laps)1. Stephen Peat Auckland 1hr 06:402. Richie Williams Auckland 1hr 09:133. Matt Prendergast New Plymouth 1hr 13:404. Dean Furminger Henderson 1hr 15:145. Neal Fray Hamilton 1hr 15:546. Tony Greig Wanganui 1hr 16:137. Ziggy Bruu (True) Blenheim 1hr 16:228. Tim Anderson Cambridge 1hr 18:449. Neil Warren Cambridge 1hr 21:4010. Andrew Skelton DNF11. Matt Stoddard Manurewa DNSMaster 2 Men (45+) (3 Laps)1. Peter Halligan Blenheim 1hr 12:512. Nigel Escott Rotorua 1hr 19:25Master Women (30+) (2 Laps)1. Kate Pirovano Levin 49:342. Nicki Seager Auckland 50:26174preceding race day was brilliant but,as forecast, race-day dawned wet.Light rain actually improved hookupin many sections of the course,while under dense canopy of trees itremained dusty, but by the end ofthe race some sections of the coursewere becoming quite slippery andtree roots became fairly treacherous.Injuries were limited to minorsprains and bruising and competitionwas fierce across all categories.The NZ Police titleholder for 2002 inthe Open Women is Karen Chambers,and the Open Men title was takenout by Vaughan Smith, turning thetables on his Taranaki counterpartTony Brownrigg this year.There was talk of the event beingheld in Blenheim next year, whichwould give the Mainlanders a betteropportunity of taking it to NorthernDistricts. The sentiment from northof the Bombays was “See you there -bring it on!” Should make for somegood competition.Kate Pirovano (left) winner of the Master Women’s in the2002 Police Mountain Bike Championship in Rotorua.Right: Competitors climb up the start of the mountainbike course.Sports history milestoneA couple of retired cops got together the other day and eachtwisted the top off a stubby to mark a significant milestone.Former inspector Joe Franklin of Raumati had just delivered a bigfat manuscript on the history of sport in the Police to retiredsenior constable Ray Read of Waikanae.They had good cause to celebrate. The 183,000-word manuscriptrepresents 16 years of toil between the two. Way back in 1991, athis retirement function at the police college, Ray was invited byCouncil of Sport president Chief Inspector Dave Smith to researchand write the council’s history. Ray had the requisite knowledgehaving chalked up 21 years as council secretary. He acceptedthe challenge but it was harder done than said. There were manytimes over the next few years that Ray regretted thecommitment and intrusion into his retirement years.But he persevered and had a first draft written by 1997 andasked Joe Franklin to ‘have a look at it’. Joe had been thenational media unit manager at Police National Headquarters(now OoC) and had a strong writing, editing and sportingbackground. Joe was amazed at the extent of the research.“It contains a huge amount of information, thousands of namesand as many scores, results and performances from hundreds ofcontests in 38 sports up until Police involvement in interserviceContinued on page 175Visit www.policeassn.org.nz for updated contact details for thePolice Council of Sport management committee, District Sports Officers and the latest schedule of events.

New Zealand Police Association NewsletterDecember 2002Demand sees another Holiday Home for WellingtonThe existing Wellington holiday home’s occupancy has exceeded allexpectations since opening in March 2002. Currently, there are only 2 daysavailable between now and March 2003 and no weekends available untilmid 2003. As a result of this demand, Police Welfare Fund has purchased asecond home in the same complex, which became available for theChristmas ballots 2002/2003 period.The new home pictured is a slightly smaller 2 bedroom unit, which willsleep five and has a large courtyard where members can enjoy Wellington’sfine weather.Before the home was open to bookings, any members on the waiting listfor the existing unit, including those who submitted unsuccessful ballotsfor the currently available Wellington holiday home, were given firstopportunity and were contacted directly. Bookings can now be made for dates from 25 January 2002.HOLIDAY HOME AVAILABILITY – for bookings see www.policeassn.org.nzDecember 2002 February 2003 March 2003Paihia 1, 10-12, 26-27 4, 11, 27 10-16, 18-20, 23-27Stanmore Bay 1-4, 8, 15-20, 22 1-7, 9-14, 16, 19, 27 2-13, 16-27, 30-31Whangamata 1, 4-6, 8, 2-3, 12-13, 23 8-9, 24-25, 29-31Mt Maunganui 3, 11 8, 22 5, 13, 18-21, 23-31Ohope 1-5, 8-12, 19 1 5-6, 10-13, 16-31Rotorua 1-3, 5, 8-15, 17 1, 3-4, 9-12, 16-17, 24-27 2, 6, 10-31Taupo 1-4, 8-10, 17-19 2, 4-5, 9, 12-18 3-6, 11-13, 17-20, 23-31Turangi 1-5, 8, 15-27 1-6, 9-13, 16-26 2-31Napier 2-5, 8-10, 20-23 3-4, 17-18, 26-27 2, 6, 9-14, 16-20, 22-31Paraparaumu 15-18 4-6, 9, 16-17, 26-27 10-12, 14-18, 31Wellington No Dates Available No Dates Available 17, 19-20Nelson 2-3, 9-17 2, 20 2, 19, 25Hanmer Springs 11 6-7, 17 2-3, 9-10, 12-13, 16-18, 20, 24-27Christchurch 3, 18 4-5, 10, 19-20, 24, 26-27 4, 17, 19, 22, 28-31Tekapo 18-21 5, 23 6, 27Wanaka 12 3, 11-12, 23 2, 8-10, 12, 16, 19-20, 24-26, 29-31Cromwell 1-10, 16 3-5, 9-10 4, 18-25, 28-31Queenstown No Dates Available 10, 24, 26 16-17, 24Te Anau 1-4, 9, 20 4, 7-9, 11, 16, 19-20 2, 9-13, 16-17, 21-31Continued from page 174Council of Sport Life Members Ray Read and Joe Franklin(left) with copies of the finished Police in Sport manuscript.sport ended in 1996,” said Joe. “Appendices list Life Members,delegates, councillors, office bearers, premier award recipients,New Zealand representatives, and a forty-page list of all whohave represented the NZ Police and NZ Combined Services arefeatured.”There are also fascinating accounts of Police sportingachievements earlier in the 20th Century, the birth of thecouncil in April 1961, its growth into the largest voluntaryemployee sports organisation in the country, Police admittanceto interservice sport from 1961, the sorry saga of their eventualexclusion, then the struggle to survive the restructuring andfunding cuts of the late 1990s.Joe says the work was every bit as important as the other Policehistories and needed to be published. However, the manuscriptstill needed a lot of work and he spent five years and at least1,000 computer hours editing and adding material, as well asperipheral administration, phone calls, discussions and checking.Joe had personal knowledge of many of the people and eventsthe book covers, as well as active involvement as a sportsmanand administrator. He was also called back from retirement tobecome the council’s national secretary from 1998 to 2001 so hewas able to add considerably to Ray’s original material especiallyabout Harriers and also the fight to survive funding cuts. “So itbecame a joint work and one, which Ray and I have becomejustifiably proud,” he says.They draw great satisfaction in knowing the history is nowcomplete, photocopied and spine-bound with some 300photographs selected, captioned and ready to be included. Theirnext hurdle is to find underwriters to cover publishing costs. “Weare confident the book is important enough to attract backersand hope to have it published by June next year,” Joe says.(In the absence of a better idea, the manuscript’s interim title isPolice in Sport. (including the history of the Council of Sport).Joe and Ray would welcome ideas from readers for a better name.Joe can be contacted on joef@xtra.co.nz or (04) 902 2495.)175

December 2002New Zealand Police Association NewsletterThis column is written by a frontline police officer. It does notrepresent the views or policies of the Police Association.View From The BottomB Y CONSTABLE IAM KEENChristmas is hereHey, it’s almost Christmas time andno doubt we’re all winding up ratherthan down around the country. Itreally is a 24/7 job that has to beexperienced to be appreciated. Iwonder what Robbie or Helen arethinking about sticking in ourstocking before the year ends. Me,I’d settle for a quick smart acquittalfor one of our own appearing- inWellington. Good luck fella, thoughI’m sure that luck won’t play a partand truth and sense will prevail!Consistency for allGot my yearly P.A. pay out theother day - that will come in handyfor Chrissy presents.Now, how do you manage to get apay out if you don’t bother givingout long-service medals fordeserving staff before moving on?On top of that, do you still deservea commendable or above if you failto complete Performance Appraisalsfor your staff? Sure hope the samerules apply for commissionedofficers as it does for other staff.Must be something in the goblet ofknowledge when you get to thatlevel as I hear a certaincommissioned officer was recentlyseeking about $8000 for someone’sfarewell at a certain training facilitynot too far from HQ. Hope my bullyis wrong because what sort ofcredibility message does that sendto those at the sharp end ofpolicing and who are screaming outfor more resources to solve crimeafter crime.It’s not all aboutstats!Also, heard that the return ofanother high achiever to the topmetropolitan city has seen a changein priorities with no money for stafftravel when it comes toinvestigating sex offences butpennies always found when tryingto clear the volume offences andmake the stats look better! Not agood message to send tohardworking staff or our manyvictims young fella.MemorialWallIt’s a Bob’s Life ......... By Rohan StaceLeaky Bul#@!#SyndromeAmazing how much time we alsospend investigating our own forleaks to the media about apparentpolice attendance at domesticsituations involving some of ourstaff. I’m all for transparency butthese leaks with little basis for factjust end up hurting our reputationas a whole and waste timeinvestigating internally instead ofgetting those baddies pedallingdrugs to our children or causingmayhem throughout the community.Hope the Christmas period sees usall getting the opportunity tospend sometime with our familiesand take a well-deserved breakafter another hectic year.For those of us working, keep upthe good fight knowing that everyday we make a difference.Our sympathies to all our members’ families for thosewho have passed away in recent months...We remember... Who passed away...ALKER, Hazel Merle 18 October 2002 Retired SpouseMOFFAT, Robert 28 October 2002 RetiredWOODMORE, Leonora Hanako 1 November 2002ServingKILLEN, Patrick Thomas 22 November 2002 RetiredPlease advise us by writing to the Editor, NZPA News,PO Box 12344, Wellington, or emailing: editor@policeassn.org.nz,if there are any other members who have passed away.176

New Zealand Police Association NewsletterKeen on WineBy Ricky CollinsA few months ago I went along to atasting of a selection of the wineschosen by Liquorland as their Top 100wines for 2002. The Liquorland Top 100 hastraditionally been one of the better regarded wine showsrun in New Zealand, as it pits New Zealand producedwines against competitors from other parts of the worldthat are sold here in New Zealand.Wine show results can be a little misleading. For a startmany wine producers do not enter their wines in shows,and rely on other methods to promote their product.Also many New Zealand wines are produced in such smallquantities that preclude them from entering certainshows. Therefore, the results of shows such as theLiquorland Top 100 need to be put into context, but theystill are a helpful indicator of what’s worth giving a try.Here are a few notes of some of the wines that stood outfor me at this year’s tasting. Interestingly all the winesI’ve shortlisted are Kiwi wines.I reviewed the 2002 Saint Clair Wairau ReserveSauvignon Blanc ($22 RRP) a few months ago and itwas interesting to try it again after being in the bottle alittle longer. My opinion has not changed. One of themore stylish Sauvignon Blanc’s I’ve tried, with wonderfularomas of capsicum and passionfruit, a full palate withhealthy acid levels and good length. A benchmark winefor Savvy lovers.The Chardonnays on show didn’t get me too excited.However, one that will appeal to many was the 2001Tasman Bay Chardonnay ($20 RRP). This is a quirkywine that has had plenty of tweaking from thewinemaker. Made to drink early, this wine has ripe stoneDecember 2002fruit and rich coconut flavours, subtle oak treatment andgood length.A wine from Canterbury and an old favourite fromMarlborough caught my eye from the Rieslings on offer.The 2001 Melness Riesling ($22 RRP) is a distinctivewine, with forward citrus fruit flavours, a full-bodied palateand some residual sugar that gives the wine a honeyedfinish.The 2001 Stoneleigh Riesling ($17 RRP) has been a wellregardedwine for many years. Montana have recognisedthe following that this wine has had over the years andhave made an astute decision in keeping the range alive.The latest vintage is made in a more forward style thanrecent vintages. The classic lime flavours and a drier finishare still the Stoneleigh trademarks though.Of the reds I found the 2000 Morton Estate Hawkes Bay“The Mecure” ($18 RRP) to be a well-priced New ZealandMerlot Cabernet blend. This is more of a food wine thansome of the bold Australian reds on show. It has berryflavours, subtle oak treatment and a dry finish.For a few dollars more, the 2000 Villa Maria CellarSelection Merlot Cabernet ($22 RRP) is a wine ofsignificant quality. Villa Maria have consistently beenregarded as one of New Zealand’s best table wine producersand this is a good example of what they are capable of.Ripe fruit, beautiful oak integration and tannins thatprovide structure. Great value at this price.If you are looking for a wine for a special occasion then the2000 Matariki Quintology ($36 RRP) is a great option.This blend of five grape varieties is a stunner and was thestand out wine at the show for me. A silky wine with avibrant palate, complexity, and a finish that had me lookingfor seconds. One of the best New Zealand reds I’ve triedfrom the 2000 vintage.Copper’s Crossword By Constable CunningAcross1. Use a weapon in a wieldingsort of way (8)7. Admits they were among itall (6)8. Threw ones line further tocatch these Gangsters (8)9. American Gang? (1, 1, 1)10. Gin case is stopping (7)14. Physical exercise for some(13)15. One hundred charts leads tothis mark (7)19. Golfers other aid whenhungry (3)20. Rescuers aid (8)21. Breakfast Cereal (6)22. Is made up of (8)November 2002 AnswersAcross1. Corruption8. Nil9. Liability10.Psychopath12.Don’t You ListenDown1. Tied Up? (9)2. Clean and tidy (9)3. Rat admits to being a playwriteperhaps (9)4. Heats then beats at pace (5)5. Computer back bones? (5)6. Oriental (5)10. Nab that villian (5)11. Adaptability (9)12. Copycats (9)13. Stomach complaint (9)16. Small nail to hit with ahammer(5)17. Funny morning employment (5)18. Horse flu (5)14. Circuitous17. Navigable18. Eon19. UnfriendlyDown1. Call2. Rules3. Unaccountable4. Tripoli5. Oxidants6. Introducing7. Hyphenating11. Unproven13. Younger15. Upend16. Rely177

December 2002New Zealand Police Association NewsletterLetters to the Editor “Write It Here! Letters to the Editor are welcome.Signed letters are preferred, but in all cases the writer’s name and address must be supplied. Names will bepublished unless there is a good reason for anonymity. All letters are edited”. Write to: editor@policeassn.org.nzor post it to the Editor at PO Box 12344, Wellington.Staff retention inAuckland and SouthAucklandI am writing in relation to SteveAnderson’s letter in the Novemberissue of the NZPA Police News. Stevehas fairly and squarely hit the nail onthe head. He has accurately summedup what the vast majority of Aucklandand South Auckland cops are thinkingand feeling. Unfortunately most copsin the affected areas can’t bebothered putting pen to paperbecause they believe thatmanagement don’t really care. I’msure if more Auckland cops did putpen to paper the Newsletter would beflooded with 100’s of lettersexpressing the same feelings.I am not against cops coming toAuckland to help us out but here’ssome food for thought. The amountof money they are paying one out-oftowncop for a five week rotation inAuckland (excluding airfares andaccommodation) is roughly the sameamount of money that was suggestedas an Auckland allowance for one copfor a year. Now I’m no mathematicalgenius but to me this does not makegood financial sense. I realise that anAuckland allowance is an ongoingcost but, if there was such anallowance, it is highly likely thatthere would be no need for milliondollaroperations to bail Auckland outof the poo. It is about timemanagement took a serious look at along-term solution to the problem.Congratulations to Steve for a wellwritten letter that accurately capturesthe mood of Auckland and Counties/Manukau staff.Chris Robson, ManurewaSticking plasters peeloff - get to the heartof the AucklandproblemThe arrogance and contempt that theWellington bureaucrats in the NewZealand Police show for the swornofficers in the NZ police is disgusting.For three years Police have struggled inAuckland and now we have a stickingplaster.We know that if you leave a wound178uncovered for a long time, dirt getsinto the wound and long-terminfection is the result.How many millions of dollars of theirINCIS Computer blunder have theyrepaid to government in the last threeyears by not addressing the staffingcrisis in the Auckland Region?The bureaucrats have played theirmoney games at the expense of- the health and well-being of the menand women of the Police in Auckland.- the down-grading of the public’sperception of law and order inAuckland.- ordinary people as victims of crimewho no longer report incidents.They have subversively allowed thedowngrading of law and order inAuckland to justify security firmstaking over more of Policeresponsibilities; so that eventuallyexhausted sworn police officers wereforced to accept civilianisation of manyroles within their region.Three years of persistent andunrelenting pressure has hurt thephysical and mental health of thePolice in the Auckland Region. Analready stressful job has been madeunbearable by this additionalbackground pressure.Health is suffering, morale is suffering,and recruitment is almost impossible.Holiday leave means coming back to ahuge pile of paperwork - coming backduring leave is the only option formany staff.NCO’s and officers cannot meet theirrequirements for staffing nor theirpersonal appraisal requirements due tothe on-going staffing crisis in someareas.Sticking plasters peel off - get to theheart of the problem - treat people aspeople NOT dollars in a budget. Providethe staff, the salary and the resourcesto run the Auckland Region. Policing isa challenging career - but sitting atdesks in Wellington is paper pushing.DON’T reply with figures - unless theyare honest and STOP telling the officersto downplay the crisis, as all it hasdone for three years is create distrust.Try providing LEADERSHIP andDIRECTION.Name Withheld, AucklandWhy do the Swornand Non-swornAssociation feesdiffer?Could you please explain whyAssociation fees for police officers are$16.50 per fortnight while non-sworncivilian staff only pay $10.00.I assume that civilian staff get exactlythe same service and benefit from theAssociation as Police members do.Why the anomaly? Particularly when alarge number of civilian staff are paida higher salary than officers workingon the street.M D Hurst, CHCH CentralAssociation CEO, Chris Pentecostreplies...While all members, sworn andnon-sworn, receive the same servicesand benefits, we do find we are moreregularly involved in specialisedfunctions and services more relevant tosworn members. Legal assistance is agood example. About 95% of allapplications approved are for swornmembers.For this reason, and as non-swornmembers have traditionally earned lessthan sworn members, there has been asubscriptions differential.The role and function of non-swornmembers has changed over the yearsand we agree this differential needs tobe reviewed. This is planned forConference in 2003.‘Honourable” MrShirley?In the November issue of the NZPAPolice News, reference is made to the“Honourable Ken Shirley. Surely, as MrShirley has shown himself to beanything but honourable, this termcould have been left out?I find it offensive that such a personcan make scurrilous accusations andthen still be treated with that kind ofrespect. And please don’t attempt totell me that it is not Mr Shirley but hisposition as an MP that is respected, aspoliticians approach a distant last onthe yearly polls relating to respect fortheir profession. If I recall correctly -used car salesmen fared better in thelast poll!As you indirectly point out, it is personslike him who cause the Police position

New Zealand Police Association Newsletterto slip in these polls.On a slightly different note, I guess itisn’t possible for the two disaffectedconstables to be charged under 5A ofthe Act? I don’t suppose so, our“honourable” representatives would bequick to bring sub sec. 6 into play.......A.L.G. SMITH, Retired , MurchisonReply from the Editor... thanks for yourletter. The two occasions in which weused the term honourable were in aquote directly from the Greive Report anda summary of part of the report. It wastherefore vital an accurate account wasgiven. However, I can understand totallythat you felt this was a contradiction interms.Thanks for theincredible amount ofsupportI recently had a stay in hospital afterbeing assaulted while on duty. I wouldlike to express my thanks for theincredible amount of support I receivedfrom the Police organisation. I wasinundated with visitors, including theCommissioner and District Commander,colleagues from all over the Counties/Manukau and Auckland Districts. I evenhad cops that I didn’t know come tovisit. My hospital bed was surroundedby cards, flowers, food, magazines andbooks. It was a very humblingexperience to know that I am part of ateam that would do anything to help.Thanks again to all of you.James McGrogan, Counties/ManukauWellington RetiredPolice ClubPresidentOn behalf of the Wellington RetiredPolice Officers Club, I thank you for thenice write-up in the October NZPAPolice News regarding the death of ourlate president, Rik Bos.This is also to advise that I have beenelected to the position of president.We continue to welcome ex-policemembers from anywhere and encourageothers living elsewhere to get in touchwith their local contact. There are a fewareas, such as Gisborne, where there isno organisation or contact, but wewould like to hear from anyone. Anyoneinterested can contact me:Lawrie Philpott21 Rodney StreetLower HuttPhone: (04) 566 0669Email: lawrita@xtra.co.nzNoticesNew PoliceChaplains AppointedThe following police chaplainappointments have been made:Major Glenis Cross- South Canterbury DistrictFather Craig Dunford- Auckland DistrictWestern BayServices AnnualFishing CompetitionThe Western Bay Services is holdingtheir annual fishing competition inTauranga from March 16th-19th2003 with $20,000 in prizes.Limited to 230 entries. Peoplewanting entry forms can contactJohn Mills or Karen Maude both ofPapamoa Station on ext 76172.New Zealand Police,Fingerprint SectionCelebrating100 Years ofFingerprints in theNew Zealand Police1903-200315TH AND 16TH APRIL 2003The itinerary is still to be set andconfirmed but a fun two days oftours and presentations isproposed. A BBQ dinner is plannedfor the evening of the 15th and aformal dinner on the evening of the16th. This is a great opportunity tocatch up with old friends &colleagues and reminisce about thegood (or not so good) old days. Themajority of activities will be held atthe Royal New Zealand PoliceCollege and partners are welcome.Unfortunately, due to budgetrestraints there will be anattendance fee, which will beadvised once numbers are moreestablished.Any old memorabilia or photos thatcould be displayed, would beappreciated. Memorabilia would bereturned after the event, photoscopied and originals returned.For further details contact eitherShelley Radaich or CharlotteReihana on Wellington(04) 3812-148 or email:jennifer.monteith@police.govt.nzDecember 2002STAFFPACINSURANCEProtectionfor YourPossessionsWhen it comes to insuringyour possessions, Staffpacprovides the protectionthat’s right for you -whether you needcomplete replacementcover, or just the bareessentials.Motor Vehicle: Three levelsof cover to suit your needs.Home: You choose theperils that you want to beprotected against andtailor your insurancecoverage accordingly.Contents: Cover forAccidental Damage orRestricted Costs.Pleasurecraft: Lets youtake to the water withouta worry. Protects youagainst loss or damageresulting from an accident.For more information,contact thePolice Welfare FundCustomer ServiceCentre on0800 500 122www.policeassn.org.nz179