Total recorded assaults on Police - New Zealand Police Association

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceThe Voice of PoliceVOLUME 43 • NUMBER 3 • April 2010NZ Police Association Police News is the magazine ofthe New Zealand Police Association and incorporates theNew Zealand Police Journal first published in 1937.April 2010, Vol. 43, No.3ISSN 1175-9445Deadline for next issue Thursday, April 15 2010.Published by the New Zealand Police AssociationP.O. Box 12344, Willbank House, 57 Willis Street, Wellington.Phone: (04) 496 6800, Facsmile: (04) 471 130960shockerEditor: Steve PlowmanEmail: editor@policeassn.org.nzWebsite: www.policeassn.org.nzPrinted by City Print Communications, Wellington.Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of theAssociation.COPYRIGHT: NZPA Police News must not be reproduced inpart or as a whole without the formal consent of the copyrightholder – the New Zealand Police Association.ContentsFrom the President 59Lucky escape for two Kiwi officers caught in Chile earthquake 60/61Brain teaser 61Police Health Plan increases 6268shocking stats77oh the shock• Front page: Police assault statistics show a sustainedupward trend and the viciousness of attacks has risensubstantially over recent years. In the wake of recent attacksthe Government is considering harsher penalties for thosewho attack police officers. That is a good thing if the rhetoricbecomes reality and if the judiciary finally get the messagethat an attack on a police officer is an attack on the State andits system of law. This is not ‘just a Police problem’ – it is aproblem that society ignores at its peril. If police officers aren’tsafe then who is?Knife report released by Justice Minister 63Joint initiative nets huge counterfeit medicine haul 63A day in the life of the …NZ Police Highway Patrol 64/65Firm deterrent needed for those who attack police officers 66/67Police Association continues call for Norwegian-style lock boxes 68Tips right from the burglar’s mouth 69Police (Dad) to the rescue 70Cook Islands Police Force faces major restructure 70View from the bottom/Memorial Wall 71Making the most of your investments (Spicers advertorial) 72Copper’s crossword 74Senior British police officer gets four years for corruption 74Keen on wine 75Holiday home availability chart 76Sports News 77/80Letters to the Editor 81/82New York’s keystroke cops go back to the future 83Police Travelpac Insurance 84Knife report released byJustice Minister - page 6358April 2010

New Zealand Police Association“Favours accepted, coupled with inappropriateassociations, a belief you are worth more than youare getting and that no one seems to care about aparticular problem, and you have theingredients for corruption.”The insidious creep of corruptionCrime is about opportunity.When I was a young beat cop inWellington in the 1970s, there were veryfew <strong>assaults</strong> or stand-overs in CourtenayPlace because there were no bars orpeople present after 10 p.m. So there wasa very low likelihood of either happening.Today, numerous pubs and throngs ofpeople until the wee small hours meanthere are plenty of both.Another major change to the nationalcrime scene since then is the arrival ofwell-entrenched and well-establishedorganised crime groups.Their presence opens up the opportunityfor another type of crime that didn’t reallyexist in New Zealand in the 1970s andbefore, and that’s corruption.We have groups operating in NewZealand now for whom corruption ofpublic officials is a craft honed overcenturies, particularly Asian gangs, andother more contemporary groups whoare learning the art through exposure andpractice.It’s subtle. No one ever woke up oneday and decided he or she would be acrooked official. It’s far more incrementalthan that and it’s more like wakingup and realising that you are alreadycompromised. Favours accepted, coupledwith inappropriate associations, a beliefyou are worth more than you are gettingand that no one seems to care about aparticular problem, and you have theingredients for corruption.It is naïve to think that with theexponential growth of organised crimein New Zealand on the back of the Pepidemic that attempts will not be madeto compromise Police staff and otherlaw enforcement officials, particularlyCustoms and Corrections officers.We have not yet had a major corruptioncase in Police and we fervently hope wewon’t.Someone reading this might realise theyare in danger of or may even have alreadybeen compromised. If that is the case,my strong advice is to get out of yoursituation now. It may mean telling allto your boss and being prepared to facesome consequences. It’s better thoughthan continuing on and not only bringingyour own world down in a resoundingcrash, but also that of your family and allof your Police colleagues.I may be unduly concerned aboutsomething that may never happen but,as I would be naïve to think that turningCourtenay Place into party central wouldhave no impact on offending, I wouldbe equally unworldly to believe theentrenchment of organised crime wouldnot likewise create an environment wherecorruption could take hold.I hope I’m wrong.The arming debate:Armed incident in New York brings homethe need for rifles in patrol carsThe vexed issue of arming police officersis not unique to New Zealand as isevidenced by the recent galvanising ofopinions from Albany (New York)police officers, who are calling for theimmediate issuing of rifles to frontlinepolice after an incident in January of lastyear.Here’s what The Albany Times Unionnewspaper had to say about the incident.For 40 minutes on a Saturday lastJanuary, Darrel O Brown brought terrorto a strip of I-90 as he used a modifiedAK-47 to shoot at State Police officerswho had tried to pull him over.The troopers took cover on the roadbetween exits 9 and 10 in East Greenbush.They knew Brown had them outgunned.Call for assault riflesNow, State Police Superintendent HarryCorbitt wants to outfit every State Policepatrol car in New York with a highpowered,semi-automatic assault rifle.“During that incident there were severalhundred civilians whose lives were put injeopardy because it took over 40 minutesfor us to get a rifle person to the sceneto terminate that situation, yet we hada station five minutes away,” Corbitttestified at a legislative budget hearingrecently. “If we looked at what’s plannedand what’s hoped for, we certainly wouldhave been able to terminate that situationwithin seven to 10 minutes.”A State Police sniper eventually killedBrown, a 23-year-old carjacking suspectfrom Hartford, Connecticut, who washigh on PCP (angel dust) at the time ofthe incident.TrainingThe State Police have 264 rifles -variations on the AR-15 - deployedaround the state. Corbitt said it wouldtake approximately six months to trainevery trooper and investigator doingfield work in how to use the rifles, andthat about 700 more would need to bepurchased to outfit the patrol cars.The weapons retail at $1,100 each, butCorbitt said it would cost “probably$950,000” to buy the additional riflesand conduct the necessary training. Theweapons weigh less than eight poundsand are accurate to within an inch at 100metres.State Police patrol cars currently haveshotgun racks, and troopers carryhandguns - neither of which was effectiveagainst Brown, according to TroopersPBA President Thomas Mungeer.“We have the shotguns and we havea .45-calibre,” said Mungeer, whoseorganisation has pushed for the upgradesfor some time. “Neither of those weaponswas effective against somebody who wasbent, with a rifle, on trying to shootsomebody. It was only by the grace ofGod that somebody - either a trooper ora civilian - wasn’t hurt.”April 201059

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceLucky escape for two Kiwi officerscaught in 8.8 Chile earthquakeBy Deb Stringer, Communications AssistantWhen two Wellington police officers left for Chile to complete a routine deportation, little did they knowthat within a few days a deadly earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale would rock the country,leaving several hundred people dead, tens of thousands homeless and widespread devastation.Sergeant Matt Boyce and DetectiveAndrew Compton had completedtheir job of deporting a man whohad wrapped a radio cord around hisarresting officer’s neck. They thendecided to do a bit of sightseeing.“We had decided to head west of thecapital, Santiago, so were staying at aguesthouse the night before we werescheduled to leave,” Mr Boyce said.By 3.30pm that day, the plan to returnhome was thrown into disarray whenthe earthquake hit.Quick progression“It started out like a little tremor, butthen it got progressively worse. It wasreally freaky,” Mr Boyce said.Chunks of concrete plaster startedpeeling off the ceiling and began peltingthe two officers and it was about thattime Mr Boyce decided the best courseof action was to flip the base of his bedover for cover.Mr Compton decided to dive under thedoorway for protection.“Our attempts for cover weren’t metwith very much success though asthe earthquake shook us both aroundviolently.”Lending a handDespite this, both men managed to comeout of the ordeal relatively unscathed.After the earthquake was over, MrBoyce remembers scrambling aroundthe room for a small Penlite torch,which was inscribed with the message“stick with your friends”.The torch was the only light in theguesthouse for the first few hoursfollowing the quake, so the twoofficers put it to good use by helpingthe guesthouse owner back into awheelchair and gathering blankets forother guests.“There were quite a few aftershocks andat the time we weren’t sure if anotherquake was going to hit, so we just did allwe could, until we were told otherwise.• The ‘shell’ of this three-storey apartment building is all that remains just a few metres downthe block from where the officers had been staying in Valparaiso.• More damaged buildings near the officers’ accomodation in Valparaiso.60April 2010

New Zealand Police Association“It was all a bit surreal and the atmospherewas pretty intense.”Reality sets inMr Boyce said they were unaware of thedevastation the quake had caused untilit became light. They then headed backto Santiago.“It was crazy, entire buildings werecompletely destroyed, and the wholeplace had been thrown into chaos.“Transport was either not workingor incredibly slow and when we firstwent to the airport they informed usthat there were no planes flying out foranother 10 days.”HomeboundMr Boyce said they never took “No”for an answer and three days after thequake the officers secured a flight backhome.While waiting for the flight, the two officers• Matt and Andy’s room, after the earthquake struck.offered their services to the New Zealandconsulate.“We just did everything we could to helpout, even if it was just doing the dishes.“It was a stressful situation but it wasreally awesome to see the way everyonejust pulled together to get everythingdone.”Good communicationMr Boyce was also impressed by theway things were dealt with on the homefront.“Communication with Mike Hill, JasonPerry and our bosses was excellent,” hesaid.“They looked after our families and keptus well informed. They did things thatwere not in their job description and Iknow our families were very impressedwith how things were handled while wewere stranded.”If the recession bites any deeper…Perhaps we could see lawyers disbarredand clergymen defrocked. That beingthe case wouldn’t electricians be indanger of being delighted, musiciansdenoted, cowboys deranged, modelsdeposed, and dry cleaners depressed?Laundry workers could decrease,eventually becoming depressed anddepleted! Motel unit bedmakers mightbe debunked, bulldozer operatorsmight be degraded, organ donors willbe delivered, software engineers willbe detested, and eventually musicalcomposers will decompose.However, every cloud has a silverlining. On a more positive note,though, perhaps some politicianswill be devoted.Try our 5 minute quizOkay, morning or afternoon tea breakhas arrived. You have your cuppa inhand and you and your colleaguescould do with a quick brain workout. Soappoint your quizmaster and have a go atthese questions. The answers are underthe quiz (upside down, no peeking!).1. Who famously said: “Changemust come through the barrel ofa gun?”2. What is the world’s largest lake?3. Where was Haloumi cheeseinvented?4. Who was known as the “VirginQueen”?5. What is New Zealand’s fourthlargest city (by population)?6. What was the most popular girl’sname in New Zealand in 1984?7. If something is bicephalous it hastwo what?8. What warlike term refers to aperson or agency operating in thefield of executive recruitment?9. What was the terrorist groupresponsible for the massacreof Israeli athletes at the 1972Olympic Games?10. What does the hospital patientadmission abbreviation BIBAmean?Scoring: 0-2 – Hmmn, room forsignificant improvement (perhaps nextmonth). 3-5 Not bad, better luck nexttime. 6-7 – Good effort. 8 – Very good.9 – Excellent. 10 – Wipe your nose,take a bow and go to the top of the classEinstein.Answers: 1. Mao Tse-Dong. 2. TheCaspian Sea. 3. Cyprus. 4. Elizabeth I 5.Hamilton. 6. Sarah. 7. Heads. 8. A headhunter. 9. Black September. 10. Broughtin by ambulance.April 201061

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceWhy the Police Health Planpremiums have increasedMembers will by now have receivedadvice of their Police Health Planpremium increases implemented on30-31 March.Given the increases this year aresignificantly greater than in previous years,it is important members understand whypremiums have increased so much, andespecially so for members with SurgicalOnly Cover.How are the premiums calculated?Police Health Plan engages an externalactuary to analyse the claims historyfor the previous four years across allthe Plans for each age band and, theactuary uses this information andanticipated future costs, to recommendfuture premiums. As all members,regardless of the type of cover (Surgical,Basic and Comprehensive), have thesame surgical cover, the actuary firstcalculates the surgical premium foreach age band. All members withineach age band pay the same surgicalpremium. The actuaries then add anadditional component, again based onthe relevant costs incurred, for thosewith Basic and Comprehensive cover -to meet the primary claims costs such asGP visits, prescriptions, physiotherapyand the like.So why have my premiums gone up somuch this year?Like all insurers, Police Health Planmeets claim costs from memberpremiums so when claims costsincrease, so do premiums.Each year for the past four years, up tothe year ending 30 June 2009 our claimscosts have increased by an average of7.34%. Over this same four year periodmembership has grown by an averageof about 3.5% each year. This increasein membership gives us increasedrevenue, which we can offset againstincreasing claim costs, thereby reducingthe impact of those increases. As aresult, we did not need to implementsignificant premium increases. Wewere, in fact, able to hold premiumsfrom July 2006 until April 2009.Since July 2009 we have seen asignificant, and unanticipated increasein claims costs. In the year to date to theend of February, our claims costs haveincreased by an unprecedented 19.85%to $16.059m, compared to $13.4m forthe same period last year. If this trendcontinued and premiums remainedunchanged, Police Health Plan wouldhave been staring at a loss of as much as$2m this year.Surgical costs have made up the bulkof the increase in costs. To the end ofFebruary, the surgical costs have been$11.265m, some $2.32m (or 26%)more than for the same period last year.By far the greatest increase in surgicalclaims costs has been for membersaged 30 to 55 years and those over 70years, and the increase in these costs hasmeant premiums for members in theseage bands have increased the most.What has caused the increase insurgical costs?We have analysed the increase in costs,and while there has been some inflationin medical costs it is by far the volumeof surgical claims being submitted thisyear that is the cause of the rise in costs.Listed below are some of the commonsurgical procedures carried out thisyear, compared to the same period lastyear:• Cataracts - 89 procedures this year,last year 63;• Sinus operations – 38 proceduresthis year, last year 18;• Knee replacements – 17 proceduresthis year, last year 10;• General orthopaedic operations – 58procedures this year, last year 40;• Prostate operations – 18 proceduresthis year, last year 12; and• Spinal operations – 27 proceduresthis year, last year 13;Given that some of these procedurescost in excess of $20,000, these fewprocedures, alone, make up some$750,000 of the increase in surgicalcosts.Another key area we are watchingclosely is surgical procedures declinedby ACC (refer to the article in the MarchPolice News). ACC have employed anumber of specialists to analyse claimsand are taking a very hard line. Manyrequests for surgical procedures, evenif a claim for treatment has previouslybeen accepted, are being declined ifthere is any indication of degenerativedamage near the injury. So, for example,the knee you injured playing sport inyour twenties and which has previouslybeen accepted by ACC for treatment,may well be declined for surgery inyour forties on the basis of degenerationdue to ageing.So what does the future hold and whatcan members do to assist?Members can be assured the Directorsand management of Police Health Plan arevery conscious of the premium burden onmembers and do not implement increasesunnecessarily. That we held our premiumsfor almost three years between July 2006and April 2009 confirms this approach.However, if claims costs continue toincrease then premiums will have toincrease and or some benefits be reducedor excluded. To this end, the Directorshave already asked management to reviewthe existing benefits and recommend anypossible changes.Members can assist by ensuringaccidents, and especially work-relatedaccidents, are immediately <strong>recorded</strong>and well documented so we are bestpositioned to review any decision byACC to decline cover. Members canalso assist by ensuring if they needimmediate acute) treatment they go totheir local public hospital and wherepossible discuss with their surgeonthe possibility of having a procedureperformed, especially a major operation,in the public system.Until relatively recently, there werelimited facilities available in the privatesystem to provide major surgery suchas critical cardiac and complicatedorthopaedic procedures. An increasein private facilities has seen a declineof many such procedures in the publicsystem. However, often the publicsystem is the best place to have the mostcomplicated procedures. So it pays toinvestigate all options to get the bestpossible outcome for the patient.62April 2010

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceA day in the life ofBy Deb Stringer, Communications AssistantWhether it’s overseeing a covert operation on illegal street racing or running a national campaigntargeting drink driving, the New Zealand Police Highway Patrol are committed to keeping everybody onour roads safer and the road toll down.To achieve this, the New Zealand Policefocuses on five key areas that threaten toundermine that objective.These are speed, alcohol, restraints, highriskdrivers and careless and dangerousdriving. Road Policing officers know these as“the fatal five”.Road Policing units nationwide run fournational and 12 regional campaignstargeting these five issues each year.Fair callSergeant Tim Crum from the WellingtonHighway Patrol said that speed continued tobe the most problematic.“On a busy day I can apprehend up to 30people for speeding. It is important you dotoo because studies have shown that lettingpeople off with a warning doesn’t changetheir actions.“Of course people aren’t exactly happywith getting issued a ticket but I think if weremain consistent across the board with theway we handle it, people respect us.”Mr Crum also said Police aimed to remainhighly visible in the areas they covered, andwhenever possible promoted ongoing andwell publicised campaigns about the workthey’re doing.“We try to remain as transparent as wecan,” he said.Good bitsOne of the best things about the job is thevariety, according to Mr Crum.“You never know what is going to happenfrom day to day. Every day is different.“You can never be fully prepared for whatyou are going to encounter as one minuteyou may be pulling over someone for a• A Highway Patrol officer checks a vehicle involved in a road crash.• A Highway Patrol officer checks the wheel hub of a bus. Part of the job involves checking thatvehicles are road worthy.64April 2010

New Zealand Police Associationroutine stop and the next minute you’reinvolved in a police pursuit following afailure to stop. This factor certainly keeps itinteresting.”Working with like-minded people wasanother good part of the job, Mr Crum said.“You really do meet some good people,who are committed to keeping our road tolldown.”Challenging partsOne of the most difficult aspects of the jobwas informing a victim’s family following afatal crash.“This is something which never gets easierno matter how many times you do it, butonce again it is all part of the job.”Mr Crum also listed paperwork as one of the‘downsides’ of the job. His police colleaguesin other sections would no doubt concur.“I find the best way to deal with this is towrite it all up straight away. This way youprevent it all from getting on top of you.”“Things like adopting the ‘fatalfive’ approach have allowed usto become more focused onissues that are really affectingour road toll. We believeapproaches like this have helpedus change the behaviours ofdrivers on New Zealand roads.”- Wellington Highway Patrol officer Tim Crum.Skilled workersTo be successful in their job Mr Crum saidofficers needed to have a pretty good graspof legislation and be self-motivated.“As you are out there on the roads byyourself, you have to be comfortable aboutbeing your own boss. This means takingresponsibility for your actions.”• A Highway Patrol officer making relevant notes at a crash site. An eye for detail in suchcircumstances can make all the difference for crash investigators.A good knowledge of the roads you cover isalso a necessary skill. “This can really comein handy, especially when you are involvedin a pursuit.”What has changed?With 26 years service, Mr Crum has seenmany changes within policing. The biggestin the Highway Patrol setting has been achange to a more focused and professionalapproach.“Things like adopting the ‘fatal five’approach have allowed us to become morefocused on issues that are really affectingour road toll. We believe approaches like thishave helped us change the behaviours ofdrivers on New Zealand roads,” he said.US study: Methusers nine timesmore likely tocommit homicideA study conducted last year in theUSA has concluded that peoplewho use methamphetamine arenine times more likely to commit ahomicide than a person who doesnot use the drug but may still useother recreational drugs.The results were published ina recent issue of The Journal ofInterpersonal Violence.Data from the US NationalHousehold Survey on Drug Abuseand the Survey of Inmates in Stateand Federal Correctional Facilitieswere combined to create a casecontroldesign of the relationshipbetween those exposed tomethamphetamine use. The mainoutcome was to measure thatagainst homicides.More importantly, the associationbetween methamphetamineuse and homicide persists evenafter adjusting for alternativedrug use (i.e., alcohol, heroin,crack, cocaine, PCP, LSD),sex, race, income, age, maritalstatus, previous arrests, militaryexperience, and education level.Methamphetamine was the onlydrug use variable that was stronglycorrelated with homicide.April 201065

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceFirm deterrent needed for thosewho attack police officersBy Steve Plowman, Editor, Police NewsConstable John Connolly was recently left in a coma after a cowardly attack by a group of up to15 teenagers who kicked and punched him while he lay on the ground.Within two hours of the attack on Mr Connollyin Tuakau, two officers in Whangareistopped a suspected drunk driver, whichresulted in a violent altercation, leaving oneofficer with serious facial injuries. The officerhad his lip bitten off. Colleagues scrambledon their knees to try and find it so as it couldbe re-attached.The Whangarei officer has very serious facialinjuries and will need reconstructive surgery.Mr Connolly is recovering from seriousinjuries.Several vicious attacksThese incidents followed several vicious<strong>assaults</strong> on police officers around thecountry. In their wake, Police Minister JudithCollins said the Government would beexploring tougher penalties for assaulting apolice officer.Prime Minister John Key suggested recentlythat the Government might have to make aspecial category of offence for assaulting apolice officer. Suggestions followed that theGovernment may also look at making such<strong>assaults</strong> part of the so-called ‘three strikes’legislation.Police Association President Greg O’Connorsaid there was “a burgeoning culture ofcontempt for police and the rule of law,”which leads a growing minority to think thatpolice officers are “fair game”.“That contempt begins with the abuse,insults, hiding in a crowd and pelting policewith bottles, spitting and physical <strong>assaults</strong>routinely inflicted on police on a daily basis.Conduct such as leaning into an officer’sface and snarling “F. . . you pig” is tolerated.The public, the media, and judges write itoff as essentially something police have toput up with and not serious enough for legalsanction,” he said.Support neededMr O’Connor said police officers neededsupport from the public, the media,politicians, and the justice system - thejudiciary and the Independent PoliceConduct Authority - to begin to impose someconsequences for the low-level behaviourthat breeds the worst <strong>assaults</strong>.Mr O’Connor called upon the Policeadministration to make guns in patrol carsmore readily available and to hasten therollout of Tasers.Taser rolloutThe current Taser rollout is based ona formula, which takes into accountgeography, staff numbers, and a review oftactical options reports previously submittedby staff. The Taser rollout received a $10million injection in last year’s Budget– a total of $5.3 million in operatingfunding provided in 2009/10 to completedeployment of Tasers throughout thecountry, with another $4.2 million spreadacross the following three years to meetongoing costs. An additional $521,000 incapital funding was set aside for the 2009-10 financial year for computer systemssupporting the deployment of Tasers.“We have to fix the <strong>assaults</strong> problem andits underlying causes. Part of that lies withthe judiciary and making any assault, verbalor physical, on a police officer an offencethat offenders are going to think twiceabout committing because of the penaltiesinvolved,” Mr O’Connor said.Coercive arm of the stateMr O’Connor said that since police officerswere the coercive arm of the state then itcould be argued that an attack on any policeofficer is at its core a total disregard forthe laws of the land and an attack on thestate itself. “What we have to ask ourselvesas citizens, is are we prepared to let thathappen because if we are then we as asociety had better be prepared to live withthe consequences of that apathy? How canthe community feel safe if we don’t believepolice officers are safe?” he said.“A respectful, professional and tolerantPolice is the ideal, but a tentative oneserves no-one’s interests. Forcing police,society’s last line of defence, to fear theconsequences of getting it wrong so muchthat they no longer take the initiative tointervene and quell threats early, can onlyempower the lawbreakers. Then, serious<strong>assaults</strong> and shootings of police, as we haveseen recently, become an inevitability. Weneed to take a broad view of the problem,and the solution. Deterrent sentences alonewill not fix the problem,” Mr O’Connor said.Ms Collins agrees. She says a “clearmessage” needs to be sent to criminalsthat an attack on police is an attack on “ourentire system of law.”SanctionsMr O’Connor said a start would be a justicesystem, which must be prepared to imposesanctions for overt abusive language andbehaviour directed at police carrying outtheir duties. The system must also support- rather than criticise and condemn - policewhen they have to take decisive action,such as using reasonable force or the othercoercive powers they rely on to keep thepublic safe. This also meant an acceptancethat sometimes officers who need to makedecisions in a stressful situation will makemistakes.“Only then will we instill in offenders arealisation that society will not tolerateattacks on its protectors,” he added.Greater availability of guns?Police Commissioner Howard Broad, whois opposed to arming the Police, has evensoftened his stance after the spate ofhorrendous attacks – saying that moreofficers may have to carry guns.“These officers’ injuries are a harshreminder of the challenges police officersface on a daily basis. The risks they faceduring work are always there, even as theyserve the public off-duty,” he said.“I am supportive of the need to ensurethe courts have sufficient powers toimpose sentences, which are a meaningfuldeterrent. To that end we are workingclosely with the Minister of Police to explorelegislative options.”66April 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationResponse welcomedAssociation President Greg O’Connor saidthat any increase in firearms availabilitywould be welcome. “This absolutesqueamishness we’ve had, flowing from anirriational criticism when officers have usedfirearms, has governed policy, rather thanpractical needs, and it’s time this positionchanged.”He added: “There has never been anunjustified shooting by a police officer in thiscountry, despite what all the critics havesaid.”ApathyThe apparent and worrying apathy of societytowards attacks on police officers is amplyreflected in the fact that many attacks now gounreported in a media consumed by realityTV, a propensity to dress up advertisingas news and where pictures of pets cancommand a half page of news space whilean attack on a police officer barely rates acolumn inch, if that.The frustration of officers who put theirlives on the line to protect the innocent, getassaulted in the course of their duties andthen find what one officer described as “a wetbus ticket” approach taken by judges in someinstances, is palpable. The Police Associationis keen to see the judiciary back police with afirmer line on those who perpetrate cowardlyattacks on police officers.Perhaps a good start would be if they tooka leaf from one of the staunchest alliesof jurisprudence, Sir Edmund Burke, whofamously said: “Evil flourishes when goodmen do nothing.”Sobering statisticsPolice assault statistics make sober reading.In the last 10 years, <strong>assaults</strong> on policeofficers have risen 26.25% (up from 1,965in the 1999-2000 reporting year to 2,481by the 2008-09 year). In the last five years,<strong>assaults</strong> have risen by 32.7%. The mostworrying recent trend is the severity of theattacks. In the last decade, Crimes Act<strong>assaults</strong> have risen by a staggering 90.7%(from 216 in 1999-2000 to 412 last year).Police estimate that the annual cost of<strong>assaults</strong> on police officers is approximately$3 million.By comparison, South Australia has seena decrease of 3.67% in <strong>assaults</strong> on policeover that 10-year period from 923 in 1999to 867 in 2009.New South Wales, has seen its <strong>assaults</strong> onpolice drop in the last two years, despitesharing similar drug and alcohol abuseproblems as this country. In that period,<strong>assaults</strong> on police have seen a 6.06% dropfrom 2,889 to 2,783 last year.WA’s tough legislationWest Australia changed the law relatingto <strong>assaults</strong> on police officers in 2006 –increasing the maximum penalty for causinggrievous bodily harm to a police officer toa term of imprisonment of up to 14 years.It was previously set at 10 years. In NSWthe maximum penalty is five years – and iscovered by section 60 (1) of the Crimes Act1900. NSW has tried twice in the last 13Police assault statistics makesober reading. In the last10 years, <strong>assaults</strong> on policeofficers have risen 26.25% (upfrom 1,965 in the 1999-2000reporting year to 2,481 by the2008-09 year). In the last fiveyears, <strong>assaults</strong> have risen by32.7%. The most worryingrecent trend is the severityof the attacks. In the lastdecade, Crimes Act <strong>assaults</strong>have risen by a staggering90.7% (from 216 in 1999-2000to 412 last year).years to get legislation adopted to increasethe penalties for assaulting a police officerand both times these laws have stalled. Thelatest effort was in 2007 when the CrimesAmendment (Assault of Police Officers) Billwas mooted. It has been in abeyance eversince.In Tasmania the issue has become a politicalfootball with various parties upping the antein terms of promised tougher legislation.Tasmania has seen a 30.6% increase in<strong>assaults</strong> in the five years between 2004-09,from 867 to 1,133.NZPA surveyA New Zealand Police Association surveyin 2008 showed that 43% of constablesreported being assaulted within the lastyear and 67% had been threatened with aweapon.Anecdotally, police officers say that the useof the drug P, the ready availability of alcoholand New Zealand’s binge drinking culture areall contributing to the problem, along with anincreased desensitisation to violence broughtabout by graphic television violence and videogames. Some of the latter, like the GrandTheft Auto series, have been widely criticisedas feeding this desensitisation by effectivelyglorifying attacks on police officers.In an even more worrying trend, whichhighlights the Police Association’s call forbetter firearms training and better availabilityof firearms for police officers, the last yearhas seen a 41.37% increase in the use offirearms against police officers. That is thehighest increase in the use of any singleweapon since a huge increase in edgedweapons attacks on police back in 2001-02.That earlier rise brought with it a call by theAssociation for officers to be issued with stabresistant vests. That campaign was eventuallysuccessful and the vests have been creditedwith saving several police lives in the interim.Association callThe Association has been calling forNorwegian-style lockboxes in police carssince June of last year (see page 68).As with much of what ails society today,this is not just a Police problem, as ourcommuntiy will soon discover if it does notstand up to defend the defenders. Tougherlaws will not necessarily solve the problem– the roots are much deeper – but even thedeterrent effect of making one offender resilefrom ‘having a go’ would be worth the effort.As the Bay of Plenty Times so aptly put it ina recent editorial on the issue: “Deterrenceaside, harsher penalties will at least meanthat, harsher penalties. These criminalsshould be locked up for many years andmade to regret their actions…Mr Key and hiscolleagues now need to deliver on this andback their words with some real action.”Use of 0800 Ten Nine phone lineAssociation representatives maintain thistelephone line (0800 836 6463) on a24-hour basis.It is to be used ONLY for matters that cannot bedeferred, such as Police shootings, fatal pursuitsor deaths in custody.Important and immediate industrial and legaladvice can then be arranged through theAssociation networks.Please do not phone this line fornon-urgent matters.April 201067

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PolicePolice Association continues call forNorwegian-style lock boxes in carsIn light of recent vicious attacks on policeofficers, the NZ Police Association is callingupon Police Commissioner Howard Broad tohave Norwegian-style lock boxes in the frontof every Police vehicle.Norway is quite similar in many respectsto New Zealand. It has a population of 4.9million, as against New Zealand’s 4.2 millionbut has a worse police-to-population ratio.Some 8,700 sworn police and 3,000 nonswornstaff make up the Norwegian PoliceForce while New Zealand has 8,654 swornstaff and 3,091 non-sworn employees.Norway, like New Zealand, has a nationalforce. It has 27 Police Districts. Oslo, thecapital, is to Norway what Auckland is toNew Zealand – their major crime area.Norway has similar armed response officers– like the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) torespond to armed incidents.Only unarmed officers in EuropeNorwegian police are the only unarmedofficers in mainland Europe.However, they are as armed as it is legallypossible to be without actually carryingweapons every hour of the day.Norway was essentially the same as NewZealand with regard to arming officers untilthe famed ‘Stavaanger incident’ on the westcoast.A well-organised group of Norwegiancriminals, assisted by Yugoslavians,carried out a series of well-planned andwell-executed bank robberies. A previousOslo bank robbery resulted in a shootoutwhere the offenders escaped because theycompletely outgunned the police.In Stavaanger, police turned up, thecommander was killed in his vehicle andthe other attending police, all armed withrevolvers, were completely outgunned bythe criminals. They only survived becausethey took refuge in a restaurant, which hadpreviously been a bank and therefore hadbullet-proof windows.Genesis for further debateThat set in motion a debate around armingpolice and resulted in officers being armedwith Heckler and Koch semi-automaticpistols, similar to the Glock, with MP5sboth kept literally within arm’s reach in thevehicle. In theory, the Norwegian modelworks on the premise that the DistrictCommander or his equivalent, shouldauthorise every issue of a firearm but there• Norwegian Police’s firearms lockboxes,which sit in the front console of the policecar.is plenty of flexibility around this. ControlCommanders, for instance, have plentyof discretion, as do individual officers ifthey deem the risk “too urgent to seekpermission”.The real debate on general arming ofNorwegian police began in 1996 thoughwhen two officers were shot in a situationwhere firearms would have saved them. Itwas, however, the Stavaanger killing, whichbrought the debate to a head.Firearms trainingNorwegian firearms training is intense andconducted under strict protocols. Officersmust be certified each year. People do faildespite three opportunities to pass the test.Officers have four firearms training days peryear – two to train, one for theory and oneto qualify.The emphasis is on an officer feeling morecomfortable handling a firearm as much asit is with any adherence to accuracy. Thepistols are personal issue but the rifles arenot. Pistols and all bulletproof vests etc arelocked in a separate locker room to personalitems.A distinct feature of the pistols used byNorwegian police officers is that every pistolhas a flashlight attached. They train withthe flashlight attached using it to warn or‘laser paint’ offenders. The flashlight hasa separate control from the trigger. Theflashlight does add weight to the pistol,however.The Norwegian lock boxes have room forboth a Taser and a firearm.10.25% pa68April 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationTips right from the burglar’s mouthThe new number one secret amongst burglars is this: “I was really thankful that I could look onyour Facebook page and read where you told a friend the exact dates you would be out of town,which gave me a lot of time to empty your house.”Here are some other hints from a survey of 105 convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon,California, and Kentucky who were interviewed by security consultant Chris McGoey, who runscrimedoctor.com and Richard T. Wright, a Professor of Criminology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting yourshutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week.While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice thingsinside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gamingsystem they have.4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway and I might leave a pizza flyerin your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbour to create car and foot tracks into thehouse. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install thecontrol pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink and the windows on the secondfloor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to putmotion detectors up there too.8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door -understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean yourgutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, thebedside table, and the medicine cabinet.11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep yourvaluables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctantto leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on atimer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (You’ll find it at faketv.com)14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a guy who mows lawns and I’llcarry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.15. The two things I hate most are loud dogs and nosey neighbours.16. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbour hears one loudsound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’lljust go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.17. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system andleave your house without setting it?18. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screenTVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighbourhood at night,before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to lookup your address.20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little freshair. To me, it’s an invitation.21. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walkright in.Buying a new home orrefinancing can be an expensiveprocess, even with today’s low interestrates. We aim to make it easier onPolice Welfare Fund members’ pockets.So for a limited time those drawing downa new Police Home Loan will be elibiblefor six months free home insurancethrough the Welfare Fund’s Police Fire &General Insurance*.Members eligible for the free covershould contact our Member ServicesTeam on 0800 500 122. You will need acopy of your loan document fromThe National Bank or ANZ.Police Home Loan PackageWhether you’re refinancing, buying yourfirst home, selling, investing in property,building or looking for ways to manageyour current home loan – a Police HomeLoan through The National Bank or ANZmay be able to help.The Police Welfare Fund Home Loanpackage provides attractive benefits toPolice Welfare Fund members and theirimmediate family, like:• No Home Loan application fee• A contribution of $500 towards legal fees• A small fee of $100 for a top-up on anexisting loanFor borrowing 80% or lower of a property’svalue:• 0.50% pa off the standard National Bankor ANZ Floating and Flexible Home Loaninterest rates• The lowest possible rate on fixed interestrate loans without having to negotiate andregardless of your loan sizeOur Police Welfare Fund Home Loanpackage is highly competitive and flexible.For more information or to apply for the PoliceWelfare Fund Home Loan Package visitwww.policeassn.org.nzThe National Bank and ANZ’s lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees apply. Forborrowing over 80% of a property’s value, a low equity premium on a graduatedscale will apply, and a registered valuer’s report will be required. Eligibilty to apply fora Police Home Loan package is at the discretion of the Police Welfare Fund Limitedand applicants must be current members of the Fund. This home loan package is notavailable for low documentation home loans or loans approved through a broker. Fora copy of The National Bank or ANZ Disclosure Statement and full details (includingterms and conditions) contact any branch of The National Bank of New Zealand (partof ANZ Bank Limited) nor the ANZ.*Police Fire & General Insurance will be subject to the standard underwritingterms and conditions and is provided through the Police Welfare Fund not byThe National Bank or ANZ. Members are eligible for one period of six months freePolice Fire & General Home Insurance premium only, per member, regardless of theterm of Police Home Loan taken. Police Fire & General Insurance is underwritten byLumley General Insurance (NZ) Limited.12-2009April 201069

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PolicePolice (Dad) to the rescuePolice had an unusual rescue jobrecently when they attended an incidentat a BP truck stop in Alexandra to find alarge NZ Army bus there.Inside was a sole occupant – asomewhat frustrated NZ Army Private.He explained that the bus had blown anair line and he was unable to get out asthe door worked on air pressure.On top of this, the fuel tank wasregistering empty and he was unable toget out to fill the tank.Unable to open doorPolice were unable to open the door,and it was decided that they wouldrefuel the bus and move it to a betterlocation where they could look at itunder better light.A fuel card was duly passed out thewindow and Senior Constable MikeColligan started to refuel the bus.“Just as I started, the driver told me itmight blow back a little. It did and oneand a half litres of diesel covered myclean shirt, pants and stab proof vest,”Mike told Police News.Clean up jobAfter cleaning himself up, Mike wasable to drive to the Police station where• Private Adam Colligan with his father, Senior Constable Mike Colligan after Adam waseventually freed from the Army bus.another officer was able to plug theleaking hole long enough for pressureto build, and Mike Colligan was ableto open the door and let out the veryrelived and tired Private.He was transported to his home addressand his parting comment was “ThanksDad.” The soldier in the bus was noneother than Mike’s son, private AdamColligan of Burnham Army Camp.When Mike Colligan finally finished at0430hrs, he found himself up for earlywashing duties for his police uniformand then to help his son get the busgoing again so Adam could return toduties at Burnham.Cook Islands Police Force faces major restructureThe Cook Islands Police Force is facinga major restructure.Police Minister and Prime MinisterJim Marurai made the announcementrecently, saying it was a move to lowerthe average age of the force.“He (Police Commissioner MaaraTetava) was saying for staff at the toplevel he was going to try and ask themto accept a lower position or retire,”Marurai told The Cook Islands News. “Hesaid he had too many older officers inthe force.”However, Commissioner Teteva deniedtargeting the more mature policemembers.“It is about putting the right people,young and old, into positions wherethey can more effectively and efficientlycontribute to achieving the goals ofthe organisation and most importantlykeeping our people and country safer,”he told the local newspaper.Evaluations“All our staff will be evaluated to findthe right people for the right positionsfor a more cost effective delivery ofservices.”The exercise is expected to be a lengthyone and it is understood that Policewill begin by advertising the positionsof top managers first and then whenappointments have been made to thosepositions other positions of lower rankwill be advertised.The sworn positions will be advertisedinternally. Non-sworn positions willbe advertised both internally andexternally.Selection processCommissioner Teteva was at pains topoint out that the letter sent to all staffdid not mention singling out olderofficers nearing retirement or that theywould have to accept lower positions.“The selection process will determinethat,” he told The Cook Islands News.Officers currently holding senior rankswho do not succeed with their applicationwill be given the opportunity to apply fora lower rank or take an early retirement.A selection panel is yet to be confirmedbut the Police Commissioner is in theprocess of arranging for a senior NewZealand police officer and a retiredsenior Australian Federal Police officerto provide support and conductassessments for all applicants.70April 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationThis column is written by a frontlinepolice officer. It does not represent theviews or policies of the Police Association.Moving on upJust spotted a job opportunity on the bully board. Bad news is it’s upthere at The Castle, but the good news is I might be just right for it.Apparently it involves Human Resources, and I happen to know aboutboth these things. Humans - well, I’ve locked up quite a few wastedones in my time, and it’s hard not to know about resources ‘cos thetree huggers are always banging on about them being wasted too.Funny though, I’ve never really understood that term “HumanResources’ coz at school we were always taught that ‘resources’ werethings like coal and wood. People were assets.So I’ve got a cunning plan to get me the job. It’s going to please thebean counters, the tree huggers, the Castle and me mates all at once.I reckon we should recycle our wasted human resources.That’s right, we lock ‘em up. Then, when they get out, we can recruitthem. A conviction is no deterrent any more, and it puts paid to anystaffing problems. Out on the street they get to meet real victims andsee the damage done, so we knock off restorative justice while we’reat it. And my piece-de-resistance, rehabilitation of crims into theworkforce is sorted. It pays to have a global view.Can’t wait to get it under way.The squeezeWhile I’m up there at Le Castle, I might just be able to sort outSouth Auckland and, in particular, the car problem. Looks like themParliamentarians have been on their Wiggles calculators again, andwhat with 300 staff and 25 cars, what’s that about 12 staff per car?Fair’s fair - if we’ve got some recycled recruits like I just talked about,then they’ll probably be used to this kind of squeeze. To tell the truth,I for one am sick of all the negativity we’ve had lately, so I reckon weshould just man-up and get on with it. Face the challenge head on. Seta new record in that Guinness Book of World Records.Forget the 63 Ukranians to a mini. We’ll start a new categorycalled “Uniformed Crime Fighters Attending in a Five Seat Sedan”.Sure, the uniforms may get a bit crumpled, and the batons causea little discomfort here and there, but isn’t this exactly the kind ofuncompromising scenario our beloved College prepares us for?Of course, if we were to arrest anyone they might have to catch thebus.Can’t wait to see the look on Marc Ellis’s face.Frontline coverWe clever guinea pigs in the Southern Paradise have been triallingthe Peak Load Roster (PLR) and now it’s going national. For the lastfew months, when the going’s got tough, the back office boys andgirls have popped out to help us frontliners. Apparently, this works.Reported crime is going down and The Castle loves it.Well, excuse me my one moment of negativity — but is this not anever-decreasing circle? I mean, the back office work isn’t going away,and if we can’t meet our response times and reported crimes now...well, we really will feel like guinea pigs on one of those little roundwheels, you know, they just keep on turning but you get nowhere.Shake upOne of me mates who works in the Intel field, has been getting a bitstressed of late.Seems there’s a bit of misinformation doing the rounds about wherethe intelligence guys are all going, and how they will fit into the newlookstructure. The communication on this one has apparently been abit shabby, and I’m none too clear on it myself. But if I hear right, thepoor blighters are going to have to sit new tests, and explain to thepowers-that-be how they can fit into their own jobs.I’m no slacker when it comes to predictions and strategic thinking, justask my local TAB. But you can overdo it, and the best formula for uslot is pretty simple. Good information in, plus good analysis, meansgood intelligence out. So let’s get the structures restructured as soonas structurally possible, and give the staff sitting in limbo a bit of goodinformative feedback.With the end of the summer coming it’s time to look for the winteruniform now. Take care out there, look after ya mates, and spendsome quality time with your family and loved ones.Just superWhat a year so far eh? Super 14 under way and the NZ teams doingus proud. The Black Caps are even giving them Aussies a goodrun for their money! (Yes, just don’t mention the first test – Editor)It’s a great life.See ya!Have you moved recently?If you have moved or perhaps are about to, please let us know sowe can update your records. You can do this by:• writing to us at PO Box 12344;• calling us on free phone 0800 500 122;• faxing us on (04) 496 6819; or• Emailing us at: membership@policeassn.org.nzYou need to let us know your membership number, new addressand if you’re a serving member - your new station.Memorial wallOur sympathies to all our members’ families for those who have passed away in recent months…We remember… Who passed away…SANDRI Mary Elizabeth 27-Dec-09 member oamaruO’SHEA Rex Cornelius 8-Feb-10 retired member pukekoheJOHNSON Imelda Maree 18-Mar-10 spouse of retired member rotoruaTYSON Wynter John 22-Mar-10 retired member napierApril 201071

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceMaking the most of your investmentsAfter the chaotic years of 2008 and 2009, which the International Monetary Fund described as the‘Worst financial crisis since the Great Depression’, investors are now seeing a reversal in the fortunesof the world’s economies and financial markets as they move back into positive territory.By Spicers, providers of Police Financial PlanningPatience is a virtueInvesting with a long-term time horizon and having the patience to rideout the impact of short-term fluctuations will ensure you maximisethe growth of your investments. The old adage “Patience is a virtue”applies when investing too. Investing for the long term gives the benefitof long-term market appreciation and compounding returns.Random investment strategies may work for a few months or even afew years. But fortunes aren’t made in a matter of months or years.They’re made over decades of regular saving and investing. Investorsthat blindly rush from one strategy to another rarely prosper in thelong run.Have a plan and stick to itThere are countless paths to financial success. However, investorswho find a plan that they are comfortable with and stick to that plan,across market cycles, stand a much better chance of reaching theirfinancial goals.Take the emotion out of investmentEmotion is the enemy of commonsense. It often leads to investmentin the wrong market or at the wrong time. A classic example wasthe hyped-up 90s boom in technology stocks, which saw shareprices rise significantly above any realistic or justifiable levels.When the crash came, there were reports of many fortunes beinglost. The following illustration is an example of what we consider acommon approach to investment where emotions can override sounddecisions.A good plan gets good results over timeAlthough historical performance is not a guarantee of futureperformance, our research shows that markets generally riseover time. If markets continue to rise over time, it follows that themore time you allow, the bigger the potential rise you are likely toexperience.Investments such as the Police Superannuation Scheme will do thisfor you if you leave it to grow. Switching in and out of superannuationfunds based on decisions on what has already happened limits thescope of the respective funds to deliver the potential returns that canbe achieved.Don’t put your eggs in one basketDiversification is about spreading your money across different assettypes i.e. cash, fixed interest, property and shares, and differentinvestment markets throughout the world. Studies show thatdiversified investment portfolios produce higher and more reliableinvestment returns over the long term.This helps ensure you are able to take advantage of many investmentopportunities while minimizing the potential risk of eroding your hardearnedsavings from one bad decision. Investors who put all theirhard earned money in failed finance companies learnt the benefits ofdiversification the hard way. Investing in superannuation funds is agood way to achieve effective diversification.Research your optionsInvesting blindly is asking for trouble. Do your homework. A lot ofinvestors will spend more time planning their holiday on the Internetthan researching their investments or working with a good financialadviser who can provide qualified guidance.Spicers investment team provides access to the global resourcesof more than 5,000 specialist investment and financial planningresearchers. Money is invested in the best funds and is activelymanaged to optimise returns and minimise risk for clients, providingstrong diversification and protection against market volatility. Thisapproach ensured we were one of the few financial planning firmsthat advised clients not to invest in finance companies!Liquidity is goodBecause you can’t predict the future, it’s also important to ensurethat a slice of your assets are as ‘liquid’ as possible. Liquidity is theease with which you can convert your assets back into cash. Cashis normally the most liquid asset because it has the most certaintyof value. A house is much less liquid because sometimes it can bedifficult to sell and the value obtained can fluctuate.While superannuation schemes are not immediately liquid - becausethey’re a long term investment for retirement - a complementary setof investments can be put together to meet short to medium financialneeds, such as saving for a holiday or deposit for a new house. It’salso advisable to have an emergency fund that will last for at least sixmonths.Make it happen and save some investment taxIt could be time to take advantage of the 30% tax cap on PIEinvestments, but get good advice. If advice is important in goodmarkets, in tough times it’s essential. Work with your adviser so youmake the right choices.72April 2010

New Zealand Police Association“It’s not themountain that we conquer,but ourselves.”Sir Edmund HillaryIt is our emotions that help define us.Together with our values, they shape whowe are and give us the potential toachieve great things and help us aspireto be better people.When it comes to investing, valuesare great but emotions are often aburden. The ability to override what ouremotions are telling us to do is oftenthe key to successful investing.How else can we overcome the urge tobuy when prices are high and sell whenprices are low, when in fact we should bedoing the exact opposite?Spicers provide Police Welfare Fund members access to quality financial planning, investmentand superannuation advice at specially negotiated rates. Phone 0800 ON BEAT (0800 66 2328)A disclosure statement is available on request and free of charge.April 201073

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceSenior British police officer gets four years for corruptionThe most senior British police officerever convicted of corruption offenceshas started a four-year prison sentenceafter a jury decided he had tried toframe an innocent man and told liesin an attempt to cover up his abuseof office, according to a report in TheTelegraph and Guardian newspapers.Ali Dizaei, 47, a commander withLondon’s Metropolitan Police, who willend his 25-year police career drummedout of the force in disgrace, remaineddefiant, telling The Guardian the casewas ‘’completely outrageous and afit-up’’. He said the authorities had avendetta against him.Dizaei was an outspoken critic of thePolice on race, leader of the NationalBlack Police Association and a keyfigure in a race row that erupted at thetop of Scotland Yard, in the summer of2008.Cleared of earlier chargesHe had been cleared of criminal chargesin 2003 and returned to duty despiteScotland Yard having suspected himof serious offences. That inquiry wasintensified after MI5 had suspicions thatthe Iranian-born officer was a danger tonational security.In the case that ended recently atSouthwark Crown Court in centralLondon, the Crown alleged that on18 July 2008, Dizaei had clashed withWaad al-Baghdadi, who claimed thePolice commander owed him £600 fora website he had designed for him.Dizaei arrested the 24-year-old then,using the special call sign given to himas a commander - Metro 35 - calledfor back-up to take his prisoner away.He claimed to have been assaultedand poked in the stomach with themouthpiece of a shisha pipe.Call overruledMr Baghdadi had called emergencyservices just before being detained, butthe call was overruled seconds laterwhen Dizaei took his phone and toldthe operator that he was arresting thevictim for a public order offence andneeded ‘’urgent assistance’’.The officer’s story began to unravelwhen doctors said his injuries appearedto be self-inflicted. Mr Baghdadi latercompared Dizaei to a gangster becausehe used his influence in the Iraniancommunity to intimidate people, thenewspaper reports said.The jury was unanimous in findingDizaei guilty of misconduct in publicoffice and attempting to pervert thecourse of justice after deliberating fortwo hours and 31 minutes. The triallasted four weeks.Glowing performance reviewsThe trial judge, Mr Justice Simon,accepted that Dizaei was ‘’an exceptionalofficer,’’ who had received glowingperformance reviews but said he hadarrested Mr Baghdadi for “an assaultthat never occurred’’ and had abusedhis office for a private dispute.The man once tipped as a possible headof British policing was sullen, merelypicking up his overcoat as he was takendown to start a four-year sentence.Scotland Yard Commissioner SirPaul Stephenson accepted the casehad damaged Britain’s Police servicereputation.‘’Bearing in mind his rank and disgracefulbehaviour, he should not be surprisedat the severity of his sentence,’’ he said.Nick Hardwick, Chairman of theIndependent Police ComplaintsCommission, said: ‘’Dizaei behavedlike a bully…The greatest threat tothe reputation of the Police service iscriminals in uniform like Dizaei.’’Sources: The Guardian and The Telegraph.1 2 3 4 5 6 78Please note: All you crossword exponents out there will, from this issue, be able to checkyour answers immediately by turning the page up the other way.9Clues:Across1. A fortunate result to something that hasn’tgone well (6)4. A must for every Police photographer (6)9. Kea complaints merged to suggest they arepersistent thieves (13)10. Smoke is combined to create a type ofAlaskan people (7)11. Take as an exhibit (5)12. A green one wanted by most gardeners (5)14. An early Police candidate (5)18. Up to the time when? (5)19. Go lilac seems the obvious way? (7)21. Double glazing is one way (13)22. Itches make somebody who has goodmorals (6)23. Earth etc (6)Down1. To maintain (6)2. A requirement in all Court matters(5,3,5)3. Facts or information (5)5. A means I tend to forget (7)6. A method taken to avoid a 1V (7,6)7. Reply (6)8. Accumulate (5)13. Musical (7)15. Chase after (6)16. Send when distressed maybe? (5)17. Run away but no to set fire (6)20. A vampire perhaps? (5)10 1112 13 1415 16 1718 19 202122 23Answers:Across: 1. Upside. 4. Camera. 9. Kleptomaniacs. 10. Eskimos. 11. Seize. 12. Thumb. 14.Cadet. 18. Until. 19. Logical. 21. Soundproofing. 22. Ethics. 23. Planet.Down: 1. Upkeep. 2. Speak the truth. 3. Datum. 5. Amnesia. 6. Evasive action. 7. Answer.8. Amass. 13. Melodic. 15. Pursue. 16. Flare. 17. Alight. 20. Ghoul.74April 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationNews headlines that would not have pleased the EditorRed tape holds up new bridges(You mean there’s something stronger than duct tape?)Something went wrong in jet crash, expert says(Really – well what do you know?)Police begin campaign to run down jaywalkers(Now that’s taking things a bit far)Miners refuse to work after death(Those good-for-nothing lazy so-and-sos)Juvenile court to try shooting defendant(See if that works any better than a fair trial)If strike isn’t settled quickly, it may last a while(Ya’ think?)Cold wave linked to temperatures(Who would have thought?)Man struck by lightning faces battery charge(He probably IS the battery charge!)New study of obesity looks at larger test group(Why? Weren’t they fat enough?)Kids make nutritious snacks(But do they taste like chicken?)Local high school dropouts cut in half(A chainsaw massacre?)Hospitals sued by seven foot doctors(They’re certainly tall enough to try out for the basketball team)Wither Hillsby Ricky CollinsAbout six months ago I gave a run-down ofthe Two Tracks range of wines, producedby Wither Hills. Recently, I had the chanceto try the company’s main range of winesat a presentation by Ben Glover, the ChiefWinemaker at Wither Hills, and was quiteimpressed with what I tasted. Here are my thoughts on the currentrelease wines that stood out for me.Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009 rrP $18This struck me as a wine that would have wide appeal, showing veryattractive tropical fruit aromas with classic Marlborough SauvignonBlanc capsicum notes coming through on the palate. The fruitis obviously quite ripe and there is nice crisp acidity, but it’s notoverpowering. I sometimes struggle with a second glass of someexamples of Sauvignon Blanc but the balance in this wine makes thatsecond glass very inviting.Wither Hills Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc 2008 RRP $25Wither Hills have produced this single vineyard example of SauvignonBlanc from a site that sits close to the Marlborough coastline. It’squite a different wine to the standard Sauvignon Blanc in that it hasmore complexity, with layers of flavours that span from lush tropicalfruit through to gooseberry and lemon, and there’s a hint of mild chiliin the mix. The texture is also quite different with more palate weight,having been aged on lees for a few months and the finish is crisp,dry and long. All in all, this is a pretty special example of SauvignonBlanc that stands out from the crowd.Wither Hills Pinot Gris 2009 rrP $18I finally think New Zealand is starting to make some really enjoyableexamples of Pinot Gris, and this is one of them. This wine hasconcentrated peach and pear flavours, with a touch of honey theretoo. It’s made in an off-dry style that shows fruit sweetness butfinishes dry. It’s well balanced and sits well in the mouth, with nohint of alcoholic heat that ruined so many early examples of our PinotGris.Wither Hills Chardonnay 2009 rrP $18This wine is still probably too young to be showing at its best, butits beautiful balance and elegance suggests to me it’s going to bestunning in a year or so. There isn’t much to show on the nose atpresent, but there are beautiful primary Chardonnay citrus flavours,with a hint of minerality to it that may increase with some age. It’s alightly oaked example that will work well with food.Wither Hills Pinot Noir 2008 rrP $32I found the first mouthful of this Pinot a little sharp at first, but thisdissipated once opened for a while and it evolved into a fine exampleof young Marlborough Pinot Noir. There are distinct rosebud aromasand red fruit flavours that combine well with fine silky tannins and anice dry finish to deliver a very enjoyable wine.• Wither Hills produce some nice varieties of reasonably-pricedNew Zealand wine.April 201075

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceIdiocy awards for 2009Oh Yes, they really do walk among us. Here are the top placings asnominated by Internet bloggers for last year’s Idiocy Awards.1st prize: The woman who walked in to a Poisons Centre in a veryupset state because she had found her daughter eating ants. She wasquickly reassured that ants are not harmful and there would be noneed to bring her daughter into the hospital. She calmed down and atthe end of the conversation happened to mention that she had givenher daughter some ant poison to eat in order to kills the ants! She wastold that she better make it to the hospital in double quick time…2nd prize: Early in 2009, some Boeing employees decided to steal alife raft from a 747 jet. They were successful in getting it out of theplane and home. Shortly after they took it for a float on a nearby river,they noticed a rescue helicopter coming towards them. It turned outthat the chopper was homing in on the emergency locator beacon thathad activated when the raft was inflated. They are no longer employedat Boeing.3rd prize: A would-be bank robber in Noosa, Queensland walkedinto a Bank of Queensland branch and wrote: “Put all your muny inthis bag.” While standing in line, waiting to give his note to the teller,he began to worry that someone had seen him write the note andmight call the Police before he reached the teller’s window. So heleft the Bank and crossed the street to the National Australia Bank.After waiting in line for a few minutes, he handed his note to a teller.She read it and, surmising from his spelling error that he wasn’t thebrightest light in the harbour, told him that she could not accept hisstickup note because it was written on a Bank of Queensland depositslip and that he would either have to fill out a NAB deposit slip or goback to Bank of Queensland. Looking somewhat defeated, the mansaid, “Okay” and left. He was arrested a few minutes later, as he waswaiting in line back at the Bank of Queensland.Special commendation: To the man in Colorado Springs who walkedinto a corner store with a shotgun and demanded all the cash in thecash drawer. After the cashier put the cash in a bag, the robber sawa bottle of Scotch that he wanted behind the counter on the shelf. Hetold the cashier to put it in the bag as well, but the cashier refused andsaid: “Because I don’t believe you are over 21.” The robber took hisdriver’s licence out of his wallet and gave it to the clerk. She checked itand he left with the Scotch. The cashier promptly called the Police andgave the name and address of the robber that she’d remembered fromhis licence. Police arrested the robber two hours later.No routine review for Taser usePolice Minister Judith Collins has announced police officers whodischarge a Taser in the execution of their duty, will not be subject toroutine review.Ms Collins said that officers should not be deterred from using a Taserfor fear of being subject to a long investigation.During the Taser trial, each instance of use of a Taser was investigated.“We’re not going to have investigations every time a Taser is used. Weget police officers shot and beaten up. I don’t want these Tasers to besuch a problem for police that they don’t want to use them becausethey’re worried they’re going to get hauled through a huge IPCAinvestigation,” Ms Collins told The NZ Herald.The IPCA previously recommended that an investigation of eachinstance should be standard practice.April May JunePAIHIA............................................ 26-27.............................................................4-6, 10-12, 24-28, 30-31.........................................1-3, 7-10, 25-30STANMORE BAY.............................. 18-22, 25-30..................................................2-6, 8-31.................................................................1-4, 7-12, 16-30AUCKLAND..................................... Fully booked...................................................2, 5, 10, 12-13, 20, 27.............................................3, 10, 15-16, 21-24, 27, 29-30WAIHEKE ISLAND........................... 25..................................................................9, 11, 16, 23, 26-27, 30-31......................................1-3, 14-16, 20-24, 28-30WHANGAMATA............................... 28-29.............................................................2-7, 9, 12-13, 18-20, 23-31.....................................1-3, 7-30MT MAUNGANUI............................. 22, 27-29.......................................................2, 4-5, 7, 16, 18-20, 23-27, 30-31...........................1-3, 8-10, 13-18, 20-24, 27-30OHOPE........................................... 20-21, 25-27, 30............................................3-5, 9-14, 16-31......................................................1-3, 7-17, 20-30ROTORUA....................................... 18-22, 25-29..................................................2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-28, 30-31...............................1-3, 7-10, 13-17, 20-30TAUPO............................................ 18-21, 25-29..................................................3-6, 10-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31.............................1-3, 6-10, 20-24, 27-30TURANGI........................................ 18-22, 25-29..................................................2-7, 9-14, 17-20, 24-31...........................................1-2, 4, 7-12, 16-24, 27-29NAPIER........................................... 19-22.............................................................5-6, 9-13, 16-20, 25-31...........................................1-3, 7-10, 13-17, 21-24, 27-30PARAPARAUMU.............................. 5, 8, 22...........................................................2, 4-5, 10-13, 16-20, 24-27.....................................2-3, 14-18, 20-24, 28-30GREYTOWN.................................... 18-22, 25-26, 28............................................2-6, 10-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31.............................1-2, 7-10, 13-17, 20-24, 28-30WELLINGTON................................. 8, 22...............................................................3, 5, 12, 25, 30.........................................................6, 20-22, 27-30NELSON......................................... 17-19.............................................................9, 11, 16-21, 23-27, 29-31......................................1-16, 19-30HANMER SPRINGS.......................... Fully booked...................................................12, 16, 27 ...............................................................3,16, 24, 28CHRISTCHURCH............................. 19, 25.............................................................25-27, 31.................................................................1-4, 6-10, 17, 20-23, 27-30AKAROA......................................... 19, 22, 29.......................................................2, 4-6, 11, 19-20, 30-31..........................................1-3, 7-10, 13-16, 20-24, 27-30TEKAPO.......................................... 18, 28.............................................................6, 23-24...................................................................8-10, 14WANAKA........................................ 16, 25, 28.......................................................2-3, 7, 9-12, 16-18, 22-26, 31.................................8-10, 15-17, 21-22CROMWELL.................................... 15, 19, 29.......................................................4, 9, 12-13, 16, 19-28..............................................5, 7-18, 20-24QUEENSTOWN................................ 14, 29.............................................................3, 6, 25-26, 30-31....................................................1-2, 7-8, 10, 14-15, 17, 21TE ANAU......................................... 5, 7-8, 21, 25-28...........................................1-6, 9-10, 17-20, 23-28, 31.....................................1-3, 8-27, 30DUNEDIN........................................ 12, 18-19, 27.................................................3-4, 6, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30-31....................................1-4, 7-10, 13-17, 21-24, 29-3076April 2010

Police Council of SportTo contact the Police Council of Sport, call Alison Murray at the RNZPC. Ph: (04) 238-3139• The start of the 2010 Triathlon Champs held at the picturesque Omaha Beach.NZPA/Police Triathlon and DuathlonChampionships bring great competitionThe New Zealand Police Association Triathlonand Duathlon Championships were heldrecently at Omaha Beach, Warkworth.Perfect conditions greeted the almost 150competitors.The triathlon consisted of a 750m swim,20 km bike ride and a 5 km run with theduathlon being a 2 km run, 20 km bike rideand a 5 km run.Individual triathlonTriathletes were greeted by a calm sea –well until Waitemata District Commander BillSearle set them off - at which stage a largeset of cresting waves rolled in, ensuring a lotof swimmers entered the water with a certaindegree of trepidation.Once everyone finally got beyond the break,they were away. First out of the water wasSteve Farrell (ex-Police) shoulder to shoulderwith Amy Robertson (Flaxmere).Steve Farrell continued to lead throughthe bike section but was hotly pursued byScott Miller (Hamilton) and Jeremy Natusch(Hastings). Steve Farrell still held the lead intothe final run transition and held his advantageright to the line in an impressive 1 hour 3minutes and 58 seconds. Scott Miller heldsecond two minutes behind with JeremyNatusch a further minute back in third spotIn the women’s section, Sarah Blair(Christchurch) quickly established a lead onthe bike leg with Jana Parkes (Manukau)keeping the pressure on. Sarah Blair had astrong run, however, and crossed the line towin in 1 hour 15 minutes and six seconds,three minutes to the good of Parkes withKylie Russell (family entrant) only 14 secondsfurther back in third spot.Team triathlonThe teams event was very competitive withmixed team member David Brown (AucklandCentral) powering through the swim and bikelegs to give his runner, Kate Smith (Otara) ahealthy lead.Visit www.policeassn.org.nz for updated contact details for the Police Council of Sport management committee,District Sports Officers and the latest schedule of events.However, the men’s team from Downtown,Dean Burger, Changyun Yang and CampbellMcevedy, did not give up with Mcevedy justable to reel in Smith on the final stretch tobe the first team home in a time of 1 hour 9minutes and 26 seconds.Smith crossed the line just six seconds inarrears with the Sea Horses from Counties-Manukau (Elliot Orr, Matt Horsecroft andTim Wells) just a minute further back in anexciting race.The women’s team section was taken out byWhangarei (Kim Appleton, Karen Edwardsand Shelley Hill) in a time of 1 hour 33minutes and 50 seconds.DuathlonThe duathlon started four minutes after thetriathlon section on the breathtaking OmahaBeach boardwalk among the sand dunes andholiday homes of the rich and famous.The men’s section was a one horse race withPaul Sharples (Newmarket) powering throughApril 201077

PoliceNewsThe Voice of Policeto take line honours in an impressive 1 hour3 minutes and 47 seconds. Allan Hallberg(Kapiti) was second, four minutes later toeasily take out the Masters division ahead ofthe fast-finishing Seamus O’Loan (Avondale)a further one and a half minutes back.Rachael Blackmore (Whangarei) easily tookout the women’s section and, impressively,was the fourth duathlete overall to cross theline in 1 hour 15 minutes and 35 seconds,nine minutes ahead of Jo Steedman (familyentrant) in second place.First tasteFor many of the athletes this was their firsttaste of multisport. Certificates were awardedto the placegetters at the prizegiving andmost competitors walked away with a spotprize. Two Orca wetsuits were up for grabsand were won by first time triathlete, NicRenall (Flaxmere) and Allan Hallberg (Kapiti).The event after-match was held in great spiritand carried on long into the night. Althoughstories got taller about the size of the wavesduring the swim leg as the night wore on.Our thanks go to the major sponsor, thePolice Association, and partner businessesfor supporting the event with spot prizes.Results were:Triathlon:Open male: 1. Scott Miller (Hamilton), 2.Jeremy Natusch (Hastings); Masters male:1. Stephen Farrell (ex-Police), 2. DesiGourley (Auckland); Draughthorse: 1. SteveBrewer (Waitemata).Open female: 1. Kristijana Parkes (Manukau),2. Kylie Russell (family entrant); Mastersfemale: 1. Sarah Blair (Christchurch), 2.Carrie Martin (Palmerston North)Teams male: 1. Dean Burger, ChangyunYang, Campbell Mcevedy (Downtown), 2. ElliotOrr, Matt Horsecroft, Tim Wells (Counties-Manukau); Teams female: 1. Kim Appleton,Karen Edwards, Shelley Hill (Whangarei), 2.Marina Wetere, Christine Penney, GreayerRangi (North Comms); Teams mixed: 1.David Brown (Auckland Central), Kate Smith(Otara), 2. Don Coster, Rhonda Lee, JamesCampbell (Auckland PEOs).Duathlon:Open male: 1. Paul Sharples (Newmarket),2. Seamus O’Loan (Avondale); Mastersmale: 1. Allan Hallberg (Kapiti), 2. BryanSmith (Flaxmere); Draughthorse: 1. DanielGriffiths (Auckland Central)Open female: 1. Rachael Blackmore(Whangarei), 2. Jo Steedman (Family);Masters female: 1. Nancy Bentley(Henderson), 2. Cindy Corkill (Flaxmere).• Wayne Middlemiss from Hastings feeling the heat.• Bryan Smith of Flaxmere trails family member Jo Steedman as they battle it out in theduathlon.- Photo courtesy of Mahurangi Matters.78April 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationNoted rugby stalwart Tom Dennis diesMany serving and retired members of theNZ Police nationwide will have noted withsadness, the passing of one of the NZPolice rugby’s greatest stalwarts.Seventy-eight year-old Tom Dennis passedaway in December last year. His health haddeclined in the past 12 months. His funeralin mid-December was attended by a largegathering of family, friends and serving andpast colleagues who held him in the highestregard.An outstanding mentor and a ‘fatherconfessor’ to decades of rugby players,Tom was involved in all aspects of Policerugby provincially and nationally for 43years until his retirement in 1990.50th anniversaryAlthough he was ailing, Tom attended the50th anniversary of the Auckland PoliceRugby Football Club in April 2009. Headdressed the gathering of 150 “oldies”and after he sang his waiata, he received astanding ovation, a richly deserved salute tohis mana.A Korean War veteran, Tom joined the Policeafter demobilisation in 1956 and spenthis entire service in Auckland and SouthAuckland.Injury ended careerHe played senior rugby for Grafton for almosta decade, as well as for Auckland Police untilDunedin “Five O” Police Touch team topsThe National Corrections Touch Tournament was held on 20 February in Dunedin andhosted by the Otago Corrections Facility (OCF). Teams and competitors came from Ngawha,Auckland, Spring Hill, Waikeria, Christchurch, Invercargill and Dunedin. The Dunedin “Five O”Police Touch team won the overall tournament and beat Spring Hilton Mafia in the final 5-3.• (Back row, left to right): Trevor Thomson, Jono Airey, Toni Pelasio, Warren Duncan, JasonGuthrie, JP Tremain, Eve Tremain, Adrian Cheyne, John Cunningham. Front row TyronPelasio, Gwen Brazier.suffering a serious leg injury. He turnedto administering the game and servedfor many years as an Auckland Policeselector, coach and manager, includingas the NZ Police liaison officer during theFiji Military rugby tour of New Zealand in1977 (Sitivina Rabuka was the team’scaptain).He was selector, coach and manager ofthe South Auckland Police team for thewhole of the 1980-1990 decade.Retired senior constable Paul Stantonsaid Tom was a great ambassador forPolice. “He was a thorough gentlemanand a wonderful family man. He is sorelymissed,” Paul said. – By Joe Franklin.Good medal haul at Masters Games for southernersAbout 40 Police staff from Dunedin,Balclutha, Wanaka and Oamaru competed inthe NZ Masters Games in Dunedin held in thefirst week of February.They competed in a wide range of sportsincluding touch, softball, volleyball,swimming, athletics, soccer, cricket, netball,squash, golf, the marathon, duathlon,mountain biking and dance sport.The Dunedin/Otago Police Council of Sportfunded more then 35 members’ entry feesin the Games and organiser Toni Pelasio saidthe athletes were “most appreciative” of theCouncil’s support.“The majority of staff got through the Gameswith no major injuries. However, there were afew aches, pains and strains and some tiredheads from partying at the village,” Toni said.Some notable winners were Ian Paulin - goldin triathlon, silver in the open water swim and3,000m individual pursuit, Simon Richards- gold in squash, Craig Mcdowall - gold induathlon, Jan Craig - silver in the 1500mand 3000m, Phil Clark - gold in trapshooting,Shona Low - gold in volleyball and swimming,Amelia Steel - gold in volleyball, BridgetOskam - gold in volleyball, Toni Pelasio -gold in touch, softball, volleyball, and silverand bronze in indoor netball, and Nick Wellswho got a gold in swimming and silver involleyball.• Gold medals abound: (From left to right at back): Amelia Steel, Shona Low, ToniPelasio, and (front) Ian Paulin.April 201079

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceCowan team takesHonours at NI PoliceBowls TournamentA successful North Island Police Bowls tournament was held in Taupoin November last year.Dave Cowan’s Rotorua team won the classic format tournament(singles, pairs, triples and fours).The 2010 edition of the tournament will be held in Taupo onWednesday 10 and Thursday 11 November. The classic format will bevaried for this tournament with only pairs and fours being played. Formore information contact Brendon Gibson at the Dog Training Centrevia Lotus Notes (Brendon.Gibson@police.govt.nz).Alcohol strips help Policedetect underage drinkersUncovering underage drinkers just got easier for police officers in theUK, thanks to a new detection method – the alcohol strip, which wasrecently trialled by Lincolnshire Police’s East Division, according to arecent issue of Police Professional magazine.The special strip works by determining whether or not a drink has anyalcohol in it by a reactive pad changing colour within a two-minutetimeframe. All police have to do is dip it into any drink they deemsuspicious.The division’s licensing officer, Ishbel McGarry said the method hadreally helped tackle underage drinking during the Christmas-New Yearperiod.“We had 1,000 strips, which were issued to officers over the festiveperiod, so if youngster was suspected of drinking alcohol from anyalcoholic or soft drink containers, the strips could be dipped into theliquid to confirm the contents.“Before this method, this has not always been so easy to detect orprove as we know that there are young people who use soft drinkcontainers to disguise the true nature of an alcoholic drink,” ConstableMcGarry said.• The winning Rotorua team (from left to right): Alan Koller, DaveCowan, Colin Rolfe and Phil Spackman.Police Sailing Associationregatta on 16 AprilThe Police Sailing Association is holding a sailing regatta on Friday the16th of April.The regatta is to be held on the Auckland Harbour. Current and ex-Police members who own or have access to sailing vessels can contactCraig Hughes on Lotus Notes (craig.hughes@police.govt.nz) ifthey wish to take part. Volunteers to help with arranging the event arealso welcome. The crew does not have to consist entirely of membersof the Police.There will also be a limited amount of space for those members thatwish to take part but do not have access to a vessel.Members wanting to ask further questions can phone the AucklandMaritime Unit extension 93570 (09) 357 3470 and ask for someonefrom the Sailing Association.NEWRETAILERSPolice AssociationMember Discounts ProgrammeThe following retailers have joined our Member DiscountsProgramme.The Interislander Ferry – members now receivespecial rates on ferry crossings.“By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll becomehappy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.”- Socrates (Greek philosopher).“I only ask that fortune send, a little more than I shallspend.”- Oliver Wendell-Holmes (American physician, lecturer andauthor).“I have found some of the best reasons for remaining at thebottom simply by looking at the men at the top.”- Frank Colby (Educator and writer).Mediterranean Food Warehouse – Members areeligible to a discount off listed prices in the Pizzeria/Cafe atall Mediterranean Food Warehouse stores.To find out about these and other discounts throughthe Member Discounts Programme – go to our websitewww.policeassn.org.nz, sign-on, then click on ‘Member Discounts’from the ‘Products & Services’ menu. You need to be logged in toview the discounts.80April 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationWrite it here! Letters to the Editor are welcome.Signed letters are preferred, but in all cases the writer’s name and address must be supplied. Names will be published unless there is a goodreason for anonymity. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline letters without explanation. Email to: editor@policeassn.org.nz orwrite it to the Editor at PO Box 12344, Wellington. Letters under 400 words are preferred.17 years in the Army butnot suitable for policing?I have read the last two issues of Police Newsand have seen a couple of replies to my letterregarding being refused entry to the NZ Policedue to my work in a “war zone”.I would like to clarify a couple of things. Iserved in the NZ Army for 17 years and hada number of deployments around the world.Although I was in Iraq, I was not in themilitary, I was a private contractor for a largecompany that was contracted to a division ofthe US State Department, charged with settingup and overseeing the new Iraqi legal system,police stations and prisons. I was requiredto undergo a psychological assessmentquestionnaire prior to being employed.We were not allowed to and did not take partin any direct military actions and only carriedweapons for personal defence and for thedefence of those we where protecting. If wefired our weapons an internal investigationwas completed and then passed to the US StateDepartment for review.In the nearly four years I spent in Iraq, Ifired my weapon twice. I had to answermany questions, and present many pagesof information about my activities and myemployer had to do the same.I was refused acceptance to the NZ Policebecause in their words I “presented a risk”.I believe they were referring to my mentalhealth, although no interviews or psychiatricevaluations were ever done, and there is noevidence of any mental illness.All interviews with recruiters were positive,and recommended me for further training.No reference to any other “stressful events” inmy life were requested, even though I havebeen first on the scene of a head-on doublefatality. This would surely be an event I wouldbe more likely to have to contend with as apolice officer.I believe I have used all avenues of redressand will never be a police officer in NewZealand. All the experience I have will now bedirected elsewhere as I search for employment.I also know of one former Special TacticsGroup (STG) member who was refused theopportunity to rejoin the Police because ofsimilar circumstances.I wish to thank those that wrote in support andhope that you will never need the experiencethat is being lost due to this policy in thisincreasingly violent and stressful society.Karl Robertson(Taupo)‘Sour grapes’ policy aroundmilitary service wranklesI was interested to read Gavin Scott-Petersen’sletter in Police News about the exclusion policyof ex-police officers who resigned to serveoverseas in war zones. I am aware of at leastsix ex-members who have been excluded bythis policy.When I joined the Police in the 1970s, therewere still a number of ex-WW II veteransworking in the job. Their experience was anexceptional asset in policing. As a servingPolice member of 35 years, having served intwo armies and as a frontline infantry soldierin Vietnam, the skills and experience I broughtwith me, I am sure, were also an asset to thePolice. During my years with the ArmedOffenders Squad (AOS) and Anti-TerroristSquads (ATS) I recall other ex-militarymembers who also served in those squadswith distinction - Graham Perry ex-Navy, andNiwa Kawha ex- Army being two that cometo mind.I’ve asked various managers about the policybut none of them can actually clarify it forme. It appears to be a ‘sour grapes policy’ onthe part of Human Resources, indicative ofthe attitude that because these ex-membersresigned, they cannot rejoin. I understand thatwhen these ex-members reapplied they had toundergo a psychological test to determine theirfitness. Yet, they still remain unacceptable tothe department.Some of these ex-members served in thesewar zones so that their families could becomemortgage free, which is commendable. Otherex-members can recall the debt burdens wehad during our careers.I find Police HR’s reasoning absolutelyappalling. I would be interested to hear fromMr Annan what the ‘issue’ is.Given this policy, are all those who servedin the military or as civilian contractors orwho served via the Police, including theCommissioner who recently visited thedeployment sites, ‘psychologically impaired’?The Commissioner actually met some of theseex-police officers who provided his personalsecurity.A response on behalf of all those who served,as to why these additional hurdles have beenapplied, from the Association and HR wouldbe appreciated.Roi McCabe(Mangawhai)The Association’s policy is that people,regardless of previous occupation, shouldbe selected for the Police on merit. Havingsaid that, no doubt there would be manyex-serviceman who would be interested tolearn that NZ Police views their serviceto their country in a negative light whenit comes to their possible employment aspolice officers. - EditorHow many more plaques inbronze will need to be added?Twenty-five years I’ve served – sevenCommissioners in that time - and how manypolice officers killed?It is often said that it will take many more ofour cops to be killed in the line of duty beforea Commissioner will eventually declare policeofficers will be generally armed.The cost to make this eventual change willbe significant. Training will have to increaseand, so too, the costs of outfitting us with theweapons and associated gear. I fear that thesecosts are the real reason that the Governmentand the Police Executive have not made thegeneral arming decision yet, despite the leveland frequency of danger in our workplace.When that day comes, there will no doubt bean increase in the shooting stats. I hope this isnot the reason for delaying the deployment ofArmed Response Vehicles for the metro areas.I value the lives of cops and the innocent,above the offenders.The Staff Safety Tactics Training (SSTT) budgetfor the change to a tiered system of traininghas not increased - it should cost more - ifwe are to regard the current firearms trainingregime as a basis on which to expand the firstresponder training. Inadequate training andout of date policies could have terrible results.Training with police firearms and having thosefirearms at hand operationally are “hand inglove” issues. It is pointless to train to fire goodrounds quickly - when the actual situation hasthe police firearm out of reach i.e locked in theApril 201081

PoliceNewsThe Voice of Policevehicle or not yet arrived at the scene. Peoplewill die when we cannot defend them from theattack of a dangerous offender or arm them todefend themselves.Ask any policeman’s family who has lost aloved one like this and they will tell you theywould happily pay whatever it cost to havetheir loved one still with them. I have anenduring image of my colleague in Napier, inagony, giving his eulogy to his fallen friend - itis etched in my mind forever.We guard the fabric of society with noapparent thought as to who next will have theirname engraved in bronze? John Connolly,the cop who was attacked at Tuakau, faced asavagery only too common nowadays. He wasoutnumbered, stomped on and almost beatento death. He is a very brave man.We knowingly go forward to face danger whileeveryone else is running away or standing off- we shed blood, sweat and tears, we do notalways survive. Some officers never have afighting chance at defending themselves whenthey die. We are the thin blue line, neverending, never daunting, never say die – but wedo. Some fundamental principle of life mustbe recognised in our situation.Should we wait for more names on the wall?How many names will be enough? God defendNew Zealand and her brave police.Nick Hall(Auckland)The answer to your first question is ninepolice officers killed in that time Nick. Ninetoo many. – Editor.Health and safety on the frontlineI think we can safely say that policing isbecoming a more dangerous occupation.Much of society doesn’t respect authority like itused to. Back in my day, and I am a long in thetooth 39-year-old, if you crossed the line youwere likely to get the strap at school, a kick upthe bum from the local cop and then a hidingfrom Dad. That tended to engender a certainamount of respect, as I recall. Nowadays, ofcourse, the individual’s rights are sacred nomatter how anti-social the person may be.I’ve often been sadly amazed at how quicklyan offender becomes a victim if one of theirmyriad rights is even slightly impinged.Anyway, social-politics aside, I am acommunity constable in Dunedin and while Iappreciate that policing in this beautiful city isnot on a par with other places further north,we do still have our share of violent criminals.In this ever more dangerous world it hasbeen decided, by the powers that be, to placecommunity constables on tier 3 of the StaffSafety Tactics Training scale. This means thatwe will receive no Taser training, no firearmstraining and only four hours of Staff SafetyTactics Training (SSTT) training a year.Whilst I believe there is the perception thatcommunity constables do nothing but drinktea with old ladies, the truth is that we carryout search warrants, do 3Ts and fill gaps inGeneral Duties Branch (GDB) rosters. Forinstance, I worked a swing shift last Fridayand Saturday night, got into a fight whenarresting a skinhead and was then assaulted byhis girlfriend. This morning I have been askedto make a house call at an address where theoccupant has been stating that he wants to killsomeone.There is now talk of “roster to demand” whichwill require working more swing shifts andnight shifts.Now, don’t get me wrong. I am happy to workin the dark and I love being a cop. I recentlyresigned from the Armed Offenders Squad(AOS) and would rather bust a gang pad thangive a talk to the local knitting club. However,I demand the training to keep me safe.If Police National Headquarters (PNHQ)thinks anyone believes the SSTT tier systemis anything but a cost-cutting exercise thenthey have their heads in the sand. As far as Iam concerned, this policy will directly anddeliberately affect my safety on the street. I amstill required to be a frontline police officer butI won’t get the same safety and tactical training.Commissioner Broad’s response to thegrowing number of serious <strong>assaults</strong> againstpolice, or so I read in The Otago Daily Times(25 Feb), is considering extra guns locked inthe boots of ‘I-cars’. The civil libertarians areup in arms about it. They believe it to be awaste of time and point out that firearms in theboot of a car would not have stopped a singleone of the serious <strong>assaults</strong> that happened overthe weekend (20-21 Feb). For once, I am incomplete agreement with them.It seems that Police management are lookingback to a rosy past instead of forward to thegrimy future of reality. What we have is notworking and the answer is not more firearmswhere they can’t be accessed or reducing SSTTtraining for a large number of police officers,in order to save money. The answer is quiteobvious, however bitter a pill it may be.I will be talking to my local OccupationalHealth and Safety (OSH) representative if theplanned cuts in SSTT training go ahead. I urgeothers in a similar position to do likewise.Julian Real(Dunedin)Your comment about community constablesbeing placed on tier 3 is apt. The late LenSnee, who was killed in the Napier siege, andBruce Miller, who was seriously wounded,were community constables. The majority ofthose actively involved in the evacuation of thewounded, and subsequent cordons worked forYouth Aid, Prosecutions, Youth Projects, andYouth Education or as community constablesand various staff in sworn supervising roles.They seem now likely to be classified as tier3. – Editor.Website to support Police partnersI am writing on behalf of Behind the Line, whichis a website/forum designed to help partners ofpolice officers, be they male or female.We are hoping you will be able to let yourreaders know about this website throughyour publication. The website is: www.behindtheline.co.nzWe would welcome interested readers to havea look at the site but please be aware that theywill have to register if they want to go beyondthe introduction page.Behind the Line is a non-profit website runby partners of Police. It is not associated inany way with the New Zealand Police, thePolice Association or any other Governmentdepartment.So far we have 31 registered users, who allat one stage or another have been gratefulfor this website. It’s nice to know that thereare other people out there in our uniqueposition. It’s a place where we all feel safe andare able to discuss different topics and havean understanding of what others are goingthrough.At present we are organising a group gettogether in August/September in Wellingtonas a way of giving people a chance to meet upwith others from this site.Rochelle Cleary(Alexandra)Where are the critics now?The Dominion Post newspaper (25 November)reported that Wanganui’s “gangs have accepted(the) ban on patches” and quoting InspectorDuncan MacLeod as saying that the new antigangpatch law “appeared to be working well”and that he was “not aware of any resistanceduring arrests.”The Inspector went on to say that: “Thefeedback from the guys on the street is thatthere’s no sign of any problems and the gangsseem to be accepting it (the new law).”Additionally, Mayor Michael Laws said thatthere was anecdotal evidence that somegangs were now leaving the city and that thecommunity had noted a lack of gang coloursand insignia in the city and felt safer.I wonder if all those folk who criticised thenew law and said it wouldn’t work will nowstand up and say: “Sorry, I made a mistake.”Trevor Morley(Wellington)82April 2010

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