Police News June 07.indd - New Zealand Police Association

New Zealand Police Associationwere called to assist section staff with a knownarmed violent offender who had assaultedhis wife and barricaded himself in the house.The offender was a regular customer and wasusually dealt with by AOS due to the weaponsissue. On this occasion, AOS refused to attend.After three hours of trying to negotiate withhim I had discussions with the Senior Sergeantpresent and my team. As a result, we decidedto try and arrest the offender using our newprocedures. We forced entry and found thatthe offender had hidden in a roof cavity. Therewas a strong smell of petrol in the house andwires could be seen where the offender washidden. Further negotiations took place butthe offender refused to surrender. We got theFire Service to attend due to the fire risk. Ahole was punched in the roof and with the aidof thermal imaging the location of the offenderwas pinpointed. A fire hose was put throughthe roof hole, which the fire crew assured uswould stop any fire from starting. Two ofmy staff volunteered to go up to the roof andarrest the offender.These guys risked their lives to arrest thisoffender. I wrote a report and forwardedit through my supervisors to our DistrictCommander. Nothing happened. I sent itthrough again and surprise, surprise stillnothing. I kept pushing for two years beforethe guys got some recognition - a simpleDistrict Commander’s Commendation fromthe new District Commander.Our hierarchy needs to be more loyal to thestaff and show more appreciation. I can sayI’m pretty lucky at the present time in that Ihave a very good Area Controller in InspectorKnowles and a very good District Commanderin Superintendent Manderson. Both arewilling to show their appreciation for the workthat the frontline staff do. I think with the newCode of Conduct that the old ‘buddy’ systemfor recognition needs to be replaced witha fairer one. From what I have heard of theCommission of Inquiry, I believe that it saidthat the Police Act and G.I.’s were antiquated.I think that says it all.In relation to Amanda Craig’s reply fromthe Association about stab resistant bodyarmour, this sounds like something I wouldhave expected from the department not ourAssociation. Uniformed officers are requiredto wear the SRBA overtly, in other words, overtheir shirt not under it next to the skin, so thereasoning behind two covert covers (pardonthe pun) doesn’t sit well. If I am wearing itovertly then it is outside my uniform shirt andnot coming into contact with my skin.Jim Currie(Christchurch)A big thanks for anenjoyable 22 yearsBy the time members read this letter of ‘thanks’and ‘goodbye’ I will be approximately twoweeks from leaving the greatest job and peopleI have had and known during my workingcareer in NZ and the US.After over 22 years at the Royal New ZealandPolice College I have decided to retire on my60th birthday. During this time, I have metsome great people who do an excellent job ina very professional manner.Many of you I have met when you came to thePolice College to do a course and advance yourskills. In particular, the Instructors’ Course,which enabled you and I to work to developyour skills to be an effective trainer/instructor/presenter. What satisfaction I derived fromseeing you on day one and then by the endof the course with the confidence and skillsto meet any challenge out there in the ‘real’world. I’d like to share with you all my last‘story’ of the cave, to warn you about what youcould encounter out there.When I think about what has kept my passionfor policing, I must admit it’s been the peopleand work variety. A long time ago I realisedif I was going to maintain my sanity I neededto go with the times. I’ve always felt that fromworking in partnership with sworn membersfor the same common goal. Many of you,through the years, have asked my advice andopinion on issues e.g. interviewing factors ofboth verbal and non-verbal communication.I’ve found it very satisfying that you respectedmy opinion, just as I respected your opinionsand positions. Working behind the scenes ina minor way and seeing you have success wasextremely rewarding for me. I also appreciatethe members who gave me feedback as I wasdeveloping various interviewing strategies.Your real life experiences made these strategiesmore creditable.The New Zealand Police have been excellent inrecognising my skills and sending me overseasin the early stage of my career to advance theseskills. I’m truly indebted to them.I would like to recognise the excellentwork and relationship I have had with thePolice Association over the years. When theopportunity for non-sworn to join up arose Iwas one of the first in the line at the Collegeto do so. Through the years, I have servedon the committee and of more recent yearsbeen the chairperson of the College branch.Letters and the public domainThe relationship with National Office andthe College has been great, working togetherto resolve situations. I’ve always felt theAssociation has been fair and professional.I always felt that the field officers, industrialofficers and the President respected ouropinion and were genuinely interested infeedback.The benefits are outstanding. You get holidayhomes of such quality at great prices.I would like to say thanks to the Police HealthPlan team for the excellent work they do.Recently, we had a major illness in our familyand the PHP staff were outstanding, beingsupportive and flexible during this time. Isalute all of you with the utmost respect andheartfelt thanks from my family.Well, it is time to pack up those memories andmove on to the next phase of my life. I havebeen so lucky to have known you during theyears and wish you all the best in the future.I pray you will have as much satisfaction as Ihave had through the years.Horst Erich Maczuga(Royal New Zealand Police College 1985-2007)Christmas holidayhome ballotA ballot will take place for the holidayhomes over Christmas-New Year, due tothe huge demand for the homes duringthis period.Every sworn and non-sworn member ofthe Welfare Fund will be sent an Email tohis or her Police Email address. The Emailwill contain a link to apply on-line.The ballot runs from 29 December 2007until 1 February 2008. Entries are limitedto one per member. Ballots are for sevennights and apply to all holiday home units.All entries must be received no later that13 August 2007 and winners of the ballotwill be notified by the end of that week. Ifyou require any further information pleasecontact the Member Services Centre on0800 500 122 or extn 44446.Writers of letters should be aware that the Police News goes into the media, political andpublic forums and is available in public libraries throughout New Zealand.Recently, the Association has become aware of one reporter in particular who has beenringing writers of letters to Police News trying to illicit further comment from them onpolicing matters. While we are fully aware that it takes time and effort to put pen to paperor Email letters and that often these reflect strongly held opinion, we think it timely toremind members that, if in doubt, as to how to handle media inquiries please feel freeto say “No comment” and refer them to the National Office of the Police Association (04)4966-826 or the President for comment.June 2007119