What You Can Do to Stop the Shiftwork 'Blues' - New Zealand Police ...

The Voice of PoliceVOLUME 43 • NUMBER 2 • march 2010Shiftwork andwhat you needto know aboutcoping with itn Government to look at law relating to the carriage of knivesn Honiara children’s ward to benefit from Kiwi kindnessn Papakura officer attributes SRBA with saving his life

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceThe Voice of PoliceVOLUME 43 • NUMBER 2 • march 2010NZ Police Association Police News is the magazine ofthe New Zealand Police Association and incorporates theNew Zealand Police Journal first published in 1937.March 2010, Vol. 43, No.2ISSN 1175-944533The key to kindness34Key’s mindersDeadline for next issue Monday, March 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 1309Editor: 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 31Government to look at changes to knife laws 32Police fundraising brings fresh coat to Honiara Hospital children’s ward 33A day in the life of – The Diplomatic Protection Service 34/5Brain teaser 36NZPA employee does peacekeeping stint in the Sinai 3650th reunion for the class of 1960 3738Key ingredientsNon-sworn Group Life insurance offer expires 12 April 37What you can do to stop the shiftwork ‘blues’ 38/41Keeping cellphones out of prisons 41Understanding sleep and shiftwork 42Holiday home availability/Bruce’s new ride 43The Prophet and the Policeman – book review 44Papakura police officer attributes SRBA with saving his life 44View from the bottom/Memorial Wall/Quotes of the month 45Sports News 46/4946Key competitor• Front page: Shiftwork can be a real drag if you don’t get thatbody clock organised properly, eat the right foods and get theright amounts of exercise and rest. In this month’s issue weconsult the experts and bring you their best tips on how tocope with shiftwork and how you can put your life in betterbalance as a result.- Photos courtesy of Istockphoto.com and Sampyseeds.Thai police officer honoured by NZ colleagues 50How to save money on your banking/Home insurance offer 51Keen on wine/Copper’s crossword 52Letters to the Editor/Useful information and contacts 53/55The minders – a day in the life of theDiplomatic Protection Service – p3430March 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationIt is obvious that the authorities’ and media’sreaction to the deaths following failure to stopincidents contributes significantly to the increasedtendency for criminals to ‘have a go’at police when confronted.Assaults on police – timefor a combined strategyI write this following a weekend wherefour of us were seriously assaultedcarrying out our job.Also, we are under fire followingtwo separate crash deaths of fleeingcriminals, where police officers hadattempted to prevent their offending.I hesitate to say pursuits because thatimmediately implies police contributedto the deaths, which is rubbish; thefleeing driver’s attempts to avoid policewere solely responsible.It is obvious that the authorities’ andmedia’s reaction to the deaths followingfailure to stop incidents contributessignificantly to the increased tendencyfor criminals to ‘have a go’ at policewhen confronted.Most young lawbreakers use vehicles.They are all well aware that policeofficers will be forced to back off ifthey ‘have a go’. We get offenderscomplaining that police officers shouldhave pulled out from following themas they, the offenders, were driving toofast.It is not surprising that the same attitudeis applied when they are confronted bypolice officers; they have a go, eitherverbally, or increasingly physically.The Independent Police ConductAuthority (IPCA) recently criticisedpolice for ‘instigating’ a pursuit of aspeeding stolen car, which crashed,injuring a member of the public.Notwithstanding there were somepolicy breaches just before the crash,publicly criticising police for evenbeginning the pursuit only encouragesoffenders to have a go.There will be all sorts of quick fixsolutions proffered to stop the assaults.Only a combined strategy involvingthe Government, Police and all in theJustice sector including the IPCA andjudiciary, designed to make criminalsrealise there are serious consequencesfor ‘having a go’ at police, from lowlevel abuse upwards, will make policingsafer.Let’s face it, if the public don’t believepolice can protect themselves, how canwe expect them to believe wecan protect them.Police Health Plan and ACCIn recent months Police Health Plan,like other health insurers, has seenan increasing number of requests forsurgical procedures that have eitherbeen declined by ACC (or CRM andthe like) or alternatively seeking copaymentfor surgical proceduresassociated with injuries incurred by amember.Put simply, the request is for PoliceHealth Plan to fund procedures ACChas either declined or to share thecosts of a surgical procedure withACC to restore the health and wellbeingof a member more quickly thanwaiting for ACC to fully fund theprocedure.In terms of co-payment for aprocedure, Police Health Plan willdecline any such request. From aninsurance perspective it is, in ourview and that of other insurers, not theresponsibility of the insurer to makesuch payments, which should be fullyfunded by ACC.Where the request is to fund a declinedprocedure, which we believe shouldbe funded by ACC, we will work withthe member to try to get the denialreversed. Ultimately, if this does notoccur, PHP will work with the memberand external experts and may fund theprocedure. Where this occurs, we thenwork with the member and formallyreview the refusal by ACC to fund. Overthe past 12 months we have recoveredover $50,000 from ACC through thereview process and have a number ofother cases we are challenging.It is important that all membersunderstand the need for Police HealthPlan to take a rigorous approach to thisissue. Making co-payments or fullyfunding procedures and treatmentswe believe should be covered by ACCreduces their costs, and those of theemployer, where there is a work-relatedinjury, at the expense of the insurer. Thisin turn impacts on claim and premiumcosts. Members are reminded theyalready pay a premium to ACC throughpayroll deduction (1.7% of earnings)and motor vehicle registration costs.An expectation Police Health Plan willmeet accident-related costs is effectivelypaying a double premium.Members impacted by the morestringent approach taken by ACC(and alternative providers) in termsof surgical procedures and treatmentsshould contact Police Health Plan(Freephone: 0800 500 122) in thefirst instance for advice and assistance.March 201031

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceGovt to look at changes to lawrelating to the carriage of knivesBy Steve Plowman, Editor, Police NewsJustice Minister Simon Power has ordered the Ministry of Justiceto prepare a report concerning knife possession laws after leadingjudges, including High Court judge Justice Raynor Asher andPrinicipal Youth Court judge Andrew Becroft, made comments aboutthe incidence of young people committing crimes with knives.Justice Raynor Asher said, during thesentencing for the murder of 26-yearoldDaryl Graydon, that it may be timefor Parliament to reconsider the lawsthat make it an offence for someone tocarry a knife without reasonable excuse.Mr Graydon was stabbed to deathduring an altercation with two men inHowick in 2007. One man was foundguilty of murder, the other convicted ofmanslaughter. Both men were grantedname suppression.Worrying trendJudge Andrew Becroft predicted thatthe trend of young people carryingknives, which had caused suchproblems in Australia and Britain, was“almost certainly” going to become anissue in New Zealand too. Judge Becrofttold a youth mentoring conference inMangere last month: “We (judges) areconcerned that assaults with a weaponhave increased and you have to beconcerned at what may well be anincreasingly important phenomenon ofyouth offending in the future.Judge Becroft suggested that youngpeople were carrying knives for selfdefence.Mr Power announced shortly afterwardthat he had asked Ministry of Justiceofficials to look at the law.“I’m conscious these issues have beenlooked at in the United Kingdom so it’stimely New Zealand looks at them too.Sending a message“We need to make sure our laws aresending a message to young people thatit’s totally unacceptable to have knivesin public places and that there will beconsequences if this happens.“I have asked officials to look at the lawsregarding the possession of knives andoffensive weapons, and expect to have areport by the end of the month.“If our existing laws need toughening,then I’ll look at that,” he said.Police Association President GregO’Connor told Police News: “If you talkto kids around the country, they willtell you that everyone wants to have ago at everyone else. Basically, it’s aboutbullying – and anything like carryingknives just ramps up the extent of theintimidation and the threat associatedwith bullying.”PenaltiesThe Crimes Act (s202A) makes it anoffence to carry a knife in a public placewithout reasonable excuse. A personconvicted under this section could faceup to two years in prison. Section 202Ballows police to search a person wherean officer has “reasonable grounds tobelieve” that a person is carrying anoffensive weapon. The Search andSurveillance Bill, currently beforeParliament, will transfer sections 202Aand 202B and lower the threshold sothat police officers can search on thebasis of “reasonable grounds to suspect.”The Summary Offences Act (s13A)provides for a penalty of up to threemonths in prison or a fine of up to$2,000 for possession of a knife in apublic place without reasonable excuse.Police officers spoken to by Police Newssay they have confiscated knives fromchildren in their early teens.Riots genesis for law changePolice originally sought a strengtheningof the law as far back as 1979, followingthe Moerewa (Northland) riots, whichinvolved a violent confrontationbetween the Black Power and StormTrooper gangs. Several police officerswere injured, a Police van set alight,and a fire engine destroyed. Eventually25 gang members were convicted oncharges including causing grievousbodily harm and criminal damage.As a result, Police were given newpowers to search the occupants ofany vehicle in which it was suspectedoffensive weapons might be present.The New Zealand Herald reported recentlythat a knife was brandished in a classroomand students who had been threatenedhad to use chairs to put themselvesbeyond the reach of the offender.12-year-old arrrestedA 12-year-old boy was recently arrestedin connection with his part in a knifeattack in Palmerston North central.Pahiatua man Richard Sargent, 22, wasstabbed in the incident. The boy couldnot be charged because of his age andwas referred to Child Youth and Family.Mr Sargent was set upon by a group ofyouths and was punched and kicked tothe ground before being stabbed.One of the most cowardly attacks inrecent years was the vicious assault lastyear on 85-year-old war veteran EricBrady. Mr Brady was violently pulledfrom his car and beaten up as he wasleaving the Papatoetoe RSA. He sufferedserious facial injuries, including abroken jaw, cracked cheekbones,bruising and swelling, and the loss ofsome teeth. The assailant had a knifebut had originally run off after Mr Bradysounded the horn, returning shortlyafterward and viciously assaulting theelderly man.An 18-year-old Manukau man wasarrested and is facing charges ofaggravated robbery and wounding withintent to cause grievous bodily harm.32March 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationTourists attackedIn an incident in 2008, six touristswere subject to an unprovoked attackin Christchurch, which resulted inthem suffering knife wounds andbroken bones. Figures quoted atthe time showed that since 1999Christchurch had experienced a 23%rise in intimidation and threats, a 26%increase in grievous assaults, and a 43%increase in serious assaults.There were just over 1,300 assaults withweapons committed by youths aged 16and under nationwide in the five yearsup until 2008. Fifteen years ago theaverage assault rate by the same groupwas 87 offences a year. By 2008, the yearfor which the latest statistics are available– there had been a 200% increase to anaverage of 261 attacks a year.Teenage malesThose carrying knives are mainlyyoung teenage males. Some researcherssuggest that this may be as a result ofan increase in youth gangs and thefact that knives can be attained veryeasily. Others link violent televisionprogrammes and the ease with whichyoung children can access violent videogames as being contributing factors inthe de-sensitisation of youth to violentcrime.Anecdotal evidence from police officerssuggests that more young womenare resorting to using knives in streetattacks.A spike in reported knife attacks onpolice officers several years ago led toa successful campaign by the PoliceAssociation to issue all police officerswith stab-resistant body armour.In several incidents in the interim theyhave saved police officers from seriousinjury or death. (See page 44 ‘Papakuraofficer attributes SRBA with saving hislife).Children’s ward at Honiara Hospital to getfresh coat of paint due to Wgtn Police staffThe children’s ward at HoniaraHospital in the Solomons is about toget a makeover thanks to the efforts ofSenior Constable Dean Gifford from theWellington Metro Crime Unit, otherWellington Police staff and ResenePaint.An office “whip around” a few years agoand some pencils that were bought withthe money as a result has now blossomedinto a major fundraising initiative afterGifford appeared on TV1’s Close Upprogramme. The latest shipment willbe the sixth shipment that Gifford hasorganised in the last few years.For the latest shipment, Resene Paintsdonated 600 litres of paint for the bigpaint job and this includes a large boxof coloured test pots for tinting anddoing murals. The rest of the paint willbe used around the rest of the hospitaland then any left over will be shippedto outer islands to paint buildings there.Brushes and rollers were kindly donatedby PAL and the Haydn Brush Company.Soccer ballsNike New Zealand heard of the initiativeand decided to come to the party with acollection of soccer balls while BluestarLogistics of Petone provided 54,000pencils.• Wellington Police staff with the 600 litres of paint headed for a makeover of the children’shospital in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Pictured from left to right are: Dean Gifford, HamishBlackburn, Warwick McKee, Grant Fergusson and Michael Fischer all from the WellingtonMetro Crime Unit.Whittaker’s Chocolate (not the companythat changed the recipe and got off sidewith their customers) also provided 400peanut slabs from their Porirua factory.Cleaning products such as bars of soap,liquid soap, tooth brushes and toothpaste were also among the shipmentwhile items of clean clothing weredonated by Police staff members, andmembers of the public chimed in withbooks.At time of writing, the goods were dueto be transported to Auckland by OwensTransport and flown to Honiara by theRoyal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).March 201033

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceA day in the life of theDIPLOMATICPROTECTIONSERVICEBy Deb Stringer, Communications AssistantThey may bear witness to some of the most important moments in history, shadow VIPs and frequentlytravel to distant lands but the members of the New Zealand Police Diplomatic Protection Service (DPS)are the first to admit their job is anything but glamorous.“I think a common misconception aboutus is that we do nothing and stay inflash hotels,” Senior Sergeant Marc Mayexplained to Police News. In reality thoughthis is simply not the case. Most of thework undertaken by the squad is completedbehind the scenes - out of the public eye.“When people see us standing next to thePrime Minister or Prince William, they areonly seeing a fraction of what our job entails,which can leave them with a fragmentedview of what we do.“Naturally we want people to know there is alot more to our job than that,” Mr May said.Taking responsibilityThe DPS provides close protection for theNew Zealand Prime Minister, the Governor-General, other members of Parliament, theDiplomatic Corps, the Judiciary, foreignGovernments VIPs, Heads of State andforeign VIPs.”Mr May said international law and PoliceNational Headquarters dictated decisionsaround who was afforded the squad’sservices.Membership detailsThere are 34 DPS members in New Zealand.These members are supported by nationallyqualified part-time protection staff as wellas a full-time VIP Protection Squad based inAuckland.To secure a spot on the DPS, serving policeofficers must complete extensive trainingin close protection theory; firearms anddefensive driving training, unarmed combat,physical training, and advanced first aid.All protection officers cross-train as AdvanceOfficers and security car drivers, and seniorDPS members eventually graduate to therole of Close Protection Team Leader.Inspector Terry ONeill, o/c of the DPS saidthat DPS members continue to upskillthroughout their career.Skills requiredMr May said possessing an above averageability in driving and the use of firearms wasdefinitely an advantage for anyone interestedin becoming a DPS member.Self confidence, excellent communicationskills, intelligence and being a team playerare also desired qualities.“People who are good under pressure andthink fast on their feet, do well in this kind ofjob,” Mr May said.Got it coveredBefore any VIP visit, the DPS conductsa security site survey of all venues,accommodation and routes which will beused during the VIP’s visit.The DPS keep tabs on Prime Minister John Key and Prince William in Wellington.Working as a team is an important part of the Diplomatic Protection Service activities.34March 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationDuring this time, all venues must be visitedand security plans created for each place,which means many meetings with all thevarious agencies involved.“Thorough planning, excellent communicationand teamwork is very important during thisprocess,” Mr May said.“Protection staff will be on hand well beforethe VIP’s first engagement of the day and willnot retire until the VIP is tucked up in bed.”Overnight security arrangements willbe in place and the team will remainon immediate stand-by throughout theoperation, Mr May told Police News.The good partsOne of the best things about being a DPSmember was seeing the world from a pointof view few people ever got to see, Mr Maysaid.“Because you are working so closely withthe VIP you get to see the human face of thepeople you’re protecting. Sometimes this isa privilege, other times it is not, however youalways have to remain professional.“More often than not though, the people arepretty good to deal with”, he saidAnother highlight for Mr May throughouthis career as a DPS member has been theoverseas travel involved.“All members travel overseas andbecause our team travels with the PrimeMinister wherever he goes, we have beeneverywhere from Africa to war zones.”Mr May also recently completed a “royal hattrick of sorts” after working beside PrinceWilliam during his visit.“I worked beside Prince Charles in 1994 andthe Queen in 1990, so working alongsidePrince William while he was here was prettyspecial,” he said.Being challengedMore challenging aspects of the jobinclude working extremely long hours, everincreasing operational commitments andwidespread general ignorance of the roleand responsibilities of the DPS, Mr May said.“During a VIP escort currently it is commonfor DPS members to work 110-hours plusa week.“It’s not easy but it is necessary if we wantour operations to be a complete success,”Mr May said.Room for growthFollowing the September 11 attacks NewZealand Police responded by acting tomitigate the risk to our Prime Minister andGovernor-General when they travel overseas.This has meant more overseas travel forDPS members.New Zealand’s growing profile on theworld stage has also meant an increase ininternational VIPs who need protection whilevisiting New Zealand.Mr May believed these increases wouldcontinue.“As our job continues to grow some ofthe jobs we did in the early days, such asaccommodation security and the driving ofthe pilot cars during a VIP visit, have nowbeen delegated to district police.”The early daysThe DPS was formed in the mid-1970s aftera number of terrorist incidents overseas.It was established by the New Zealand Policeto meet New Zealand’s obligations underthe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic andConsular Relations, and the United NationsConvention on International ProtectedPersons, which deal with the safety andsecurity of foreign diplomats.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!).Okay, 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. In law, what term translates fromthe Latin meaning elsewhere?2. What is Alurophobia?3. What is mercury also known as?4. What is the longest nerve in thehuman body?5. What are the devil’s bones?6. What is the largest Island in theMediterranean?7. What is the principle export ofJamaica?8. In what sports do players takelong and short corners?9. Which New Zealand town is hometo a man-made aquatic park,named Lake Hood?10. Who is the MP for WellingtonCentral?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.A DPS member keeps the lines of communication going during Prince William’s recent visit.- Photos courtesy of the Wellington Police Forensic Photography.Answers: 1. Alibi. 2. Fear of cats.3. Quick Silver. 4. Sciatic nerve. 5. Dice.6. Sicily. 7. Sugar. 8 Hockey.9. Ashburton. 10. Grant Robertson.March 201035

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceNZ Police Association employee doespeacekeeping stint in the SinaiBy Deb Stringer, Communications AssistantNew Zealand Police Association (NZPA)employee, Shane Parker, has been living adouble life for 24 years.Yet the full-time IT manager/part-timeterritorial soldier says he couldn’t behappier.“It’s a bit of a balancing act jugglingtwo jobs plus family and various othercommitments. However, with carefulplanning, most events can be managedaround reserve training,” he said.Good supportRecently, Shane’s job as a territorial soldiersaw him travel to the Sinai desert to takepart in a seven-month operation.He said the once in a lifetime experiencewould not have been possible withoutthe support of his full-time employers theNZPA and the Police and Families CreditUnion (PFCU).“Support from your employer in gettingleave without pay (LWOP) is criticaland I was lucky enough to get this.Naturally, support from your family isalso important,” he said.Language barriersWhile in the desert, Staff Sergeant Parker’smain objective was to train all RemoteSite Commanders (who observe andreport on Israel and Eygpt’s activities) andconducting snap inspections of the RemoteSites to ensure they were operationallyeffective. This was no easy feat, as not onlydid he have to contend with 43 degreeplustemperatures but some soldiers didnot speak or understand any English.Despite this Shane said many new friendswere made during his deployment.HighlightsOther highlights of the trip includedclimbing Mt Sinai, diving with sharks,visiting the pyramids and honouring theKiwis who had died in North Africa overthe past 100 years.He also enjoyed working with equipmentand weapons not seen in New Zealand.This included flying in Blackhawkhelicopters, driving armoured Humveesand firing M-60 machine guns.Shane said the challenges friends and thechance to make a real difference were allthings that kept up his commitment tobeing a part-time soldier.“I am motivated to serve (in the Army) formany more years,” he said.• Rifle range practice with an M-60 medium machinegun.• Shane Parker, the one minus his hat, pictured with some of the Colombian Army contingentposted to the Sinai for peacekeeping duties.• Despite their best efforts the New Zealand and Australian contingent are on their way tolosing the tug-of-war to the Fijians.36March 2010

New Zealand Police Association50th reunion for the class of 1960By Deb Stringer, Communications AssistantTaking a trip down memory lane became a reality for 25members of the D.G Ball Cadet Wing when they attendedtheir 50th reunion in January. D.G.Ball, the Wing Patron, wasa Director of Police Training.Sadly, eight of the original intake had since died but theremaining 31 were all contacted – despite some having movedto Australia and one to Seattle, Washington State, USA.The original intake saw 39 young men – mainly 17 and18-year-olds trained as police officers at the Police TrainingSchool at Trentham in 1960. There were two 16-year-olds inthe intake too. By graduation time only 30 of the original 39remained.The Trentham training facility consisted of a group of convertedArmy barracks, which were built between 1914 and 1918 foruse during the First World War. The huts were divided into aheadquarters, classrooms, and general amenities (pool room,photography room, ‘tuck shop’). There were huts for recruitsdoing a 13-week course and two huts provided for cadetaccommodation. There was also a live in ‘House Sergeant’ ineach of the cadets’ accommodation huts.Harsh conditionsThe recruit’s sleeping quarters were described as “cramped”by reunion organiser, Bill Laney. There was no heating.“To say it was cold in winter would be an understatement.However, the school did provide us with three blankets,although only one was allowed on your bed during inspection,”Mr Laney told Police News.Meal times ignited another bone of contention – meals weregenerally considered by the recruits to be very average indeed- as did the basic ablution blocks, which hadn’t seen anyimprovements since being built some 40-odd years earlier.Good timesDespite the seemingly harsh conditions, Mr Laney said it wasthe friendships, which were forged during their stay at PoliceTraining School, which stood the test of time.“They were very special times with very special people and Iwill never forget any one of them.No medical declaration for non-sworninsurance cover offer until 12 AprilNon-sworn Association members, who are not members of thePolice Welfare Fund, are reminded that they have until 12 April tojoin the group Police Life Insurance scheme and gain the benefitsfrom the recently negotiated increases in cover.No medical declaration will be required during this period*.This offer is not open to those members who have previously beenoffered cover with terms and members will need to join the PoliceWelfare Fund and Police Health Plan in order to take up this offer.The new benefits took effect from the 1st February 2010.Contact the Member Services Centre on 0800 500 122(Police Network Extension 44446) for more details.*Normal medical underwriting will apply to PHP membership.• Twenty-five members of the D.G Ball cadet wing attended their50th reunion, which was held in Taupo in January. Back row (leftto right): Ron Garrod, John Subritzky (Rackham), John Hill, RayWatchman, Owen Jacobson, Gary Lambert, Tom Jordan, DougScott, Lionel Beattie, Dave McEwen, Geoff Downey, Les Webster.Middle row (left to right): Andy Carrucan, Lionel Graham, RexRohan, Fergus Pickens, Bill Laney, Stewart McGregor, JohnRobinson, Ross Dawson, Elliot Khan, Roy Nixon, Barry Davies.Front: Stuart Innes, Bob Howell.“The fun, the humour, the laughter, the camaraderie, thethings that you may only experience once in a lifetime: theseare the things we reminisced about during the reunion. It wassuch a fantastic time,” Mr Laney said.First reunion in 40 yearsThe January reunion was only the second the Wing had held– a 10th anniversary reunion was held and attracted 24 of the30 original graduates.Mr Laney said that in those intervening 40 years he had alwaysdreamt of making a second reunion happen. He joked it was abit like the Martin Luther “I have a dream” experience for himand eventually he made it come to fruition – 50 years to theday of the graduation.• IS THE FUTURE IN TAUPO? Police were really up with the timeswhen seen patrolling on these nifty Segways during the Round LakeTaupo Cycle Challenge late last year. By the reaction of other policestaff, these could be a welcome addition on the wish list for VotePolice in the next Budget round.- Photo courtesy of Heather Mickelson.March 201037

New Zealand Police AssociationGood diet is an absolute essential for dealing with shiftwork.Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com and Shorrocks.Protein: Protein rich foods contain tyrosine,an amino acid that stimulates brainchemicals to help you feel more alert. It’simportant to choose low fat protein foodsbecause high fat protein foods take longer todigest (this is especially important when thesefoods are eaten late at night when digestionnaturally slows down).Carbohydrates: Carbohydrate based foodsprovide energy for everyday tasks and alsohelp to create serotonin, a brain chemical thatallows you to feel less irritable and more ableto focus.When you eat a small meal containing about120g of lean protein food with about a cupof certain slow releasing carbohydrates youwill be ‘powered up’ to perform at your bestwithout feeling sluggish.Carbohydrates not only help you to focus, thesame slow releasing carbohydrates can alsohelp you to rest and sleep more effectively aswell. Choosing a slow releasing, carbohydraterich meal a few hours before you need tosleep promotes steady blood sugar levels –this will help you stay asleep.Serving sizesIf you eat the right types of food but eattoo much of them, you won’t get the bestresults. The ‘right’ serving size is differentfor different food groups and for differentbodies.To find out more details see the NewZealand Healthy Food Guide – HealthyEating Guide Serving-Size atwww.healthyfood.co.nzThe secret to good digestionIf you work shifts you may suffer fromstomach pain, bloating, constipation andother digestive problems. This is mostlikely because it may be hard for you toeat at regular times. To help reduce theseproblems, here are some good eating habitsto put in place:• The golden rule is to eat little and often.It’s hard for your body to digest largerquantities of food eaten in one sitting;• Have several small meal breaks during along shift rather than a single long one;• Don’t skip meals, especially before youstart work;• Avoid having a large meal near the timeyou go to bed as your body will be sobusy digesting it you could find it difficultto sleep;• Heavy meals can often leave youuncomfortably full, or cause heartburnand other indigestion problems, whichcan also make it difficult to get to sleep;and• Fill up on fibre - high fibre foods helpto keep everything you eat moving rightalong through your bowels. If you eatregular amounts of plant-based foods(like wholegrain cereals and breads pluslots of fruits and vegetables), all of whichcontain lots of fibre, you’ll keep digestionproblems and constipation at bay. Thishas to be good news whether you’re on along shift at work or at home.Try to include more fibre in what youeat on a daily basis:• Top up your breakfast cereal or muesliwith fresh or stewed fruit;• Enjoy lots of fresh fruit – whatever is inseason;• Eat a jacket potato or potatoes with theskin on, rather than peeled potatoes;March 201039

New Zealand Police Associationlong you’ll eat too much of the wrong foods.This will result in blood sugar highs andlows, plus you’ll put on weight and generallylack energy.Smart food for shiftworkersIf your shift means you need to sleep in themornings or during the daytime, the mealyou eat before you go to bed should containplenty of carbohydrates. These are goodfoods:• Cereal/porridge;• Toast;• Fruit; and• Rice.When you’ve woken up after a morning ordaytime sleep, eat a main meal of the day,which should be a mixture of protein andcarbohydrates to help you wake up and giveyou energy for the rest of the day and intothe night.• Lean meat, such as chicken and fish;• Pasta;• Vegetables;• Dairy products, eggs and low-fat cheese;• Yoghurt;If you don’t get enough sleepon a regular basis, your bodyis likely to produce more ofa hormone that will makeyou extra hungry and lessof one that suppresses yourappetite.• Breakfast drinks or fruit smoothies; and• Fruit (its natural sugar it will give you anenergy boost).When you’re working nights, eat a proteinsnack from time to time to help keep youalert. Fresh fruit is also good as it has lotsof fibre to help your digestion processes aswell as natural sugars to give you an energyboost.• Nuts (mixed, raw and unsalted);• Dried fruit;• Lean meat;• Wholegrain bread sandwiches;• Use spreads with the ‘heart tick’;• Breakfast drinks or fruit smoothies, low-fat yoghurt drinks, water;• Beans on wholegrain toast;• Eggs (poached, boiled, omelette); and• Fresh fruit.If you don’t have time to prepare a snackbefore you go to work at night, buy one ofthe healthier options from a petrol station ortake-away place on the way to work, suchas:• Breakfast drinks;• Fruit smoothies;• Pies made with wholemeal pastry;• Fresh fruit;• Wholegrain bread sandwiches;• Low-fat or reduced sugar biscuits - lookfor the NZ Heart Foundation ‘Pick thetick’; and• Wholemeal scones and muffins.Police News wishes to thankshiftwork.co.nz for their assistance inproducing this article and the informationcontained in it. More information onshiftwork is available on their website atshiftwork.co.nzThe ongoing battle to keep cell phones out of prisonsThey may be called ‘cell’ phones but they aren’t meant to be inprison cells for the use of criminals.Now collaboration between Police and the Prison Service in the UK issuccessfully tackling the problem of mobile phones being smuggledinto Horfield Prison in Bristol, according to an article in PoliceProfessional magazine.The introduction of a new screening device called a ‘Boss chair’ hasmade it possible for officers at the prison to detect metallic objects,including SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards and mobile phones,on prisoners as they enter the building.SmugglingPrisoners smuggle the phones into prison by secreting them insidetheir bodies and then use them to continue their criminal activity frominside.Between March and August 2009, 13 mobile phones were seizedfrom prisoners at Horfield and four people have already had additionaltime added to their prison sentences as a result. Other offendershave received alternative punishments or are awaiting sentencing.NZ Corrections Department Chief Executive, Barry Matthews, toldPolice News that Corrections have been using various types ofdetection equipment to locate cell phones smuggled into prison. Insome instances metal detectors are used while other devices detectthe phone’s radio signal.LimitationsMr Matthews said that both had limitations and the use of onephone by prisoners and multiple SIM cards added to the problem.“The miniaturiastionof electronics and themove away from metalcomponents makes themharder to find. WhenI joined Corrections Iquickly came to theview that the best wayto counter the threat ofprisoners having mobilephones was to makethem electronicallyinoperable within ourprisons. We now havelow-level jammers in allour prisons. The jammersdisrupt the uplink and• Barry Matthews, Chief Executive ofthe Corrections Department.down link transmissions (within the prison perimeter) so the phonescan’t connect to the cellular arrays, which connect to the telephoneexchanges,” Mr Matthews said.Changing technology (3G phones) and new providers mean thatCorrections has to constantly recalibrate its equipment. However, MrMatthews said that the system “generally works well”.New Zealand is one of the few countries to successfully deploy cellphone jamming in all its prisons.March 201041

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceUnderstanding sleep and shiftworkBy Deb Stringer, Communications AssistantExperts say a ‘textbook’ night’s sleep consistsof seven to eight hours sleep.However, getting the recommended amountof sleep, especially when rostered to workshifts, can be difficult to achieve.Dr Sarah Jay from the Sleep/Wake ResearchCentre at Massey University addressed thePolice Association’s Annual Conference latelast year about understanding sleep andshiftwork, and offered some tips on how tobest manage sleep patterns when working inthis environment.Regulating sleepDr Jay outlined two factors, which regulatesleep: the sleep homeostat and the bodyclock.Dr Jay described the sleep homeostat as ourneed to sleep. “Basically, the less we sleepthe harder it is to resist.”The other regulator, the body clock, was incharge of our physiological and behaviouralprocesses, including sleep, she said.“Our circadian clock is synchronised to24-hours by external cues such as sunlightand work patterns.”Fighting against natureDr Jay said due to these two factors workingshifts meant your body was fighting againstits natural rhythm.This meant over the course of completinga number of rostered shifts, workers couldaccumulate “sleep debt”.“Because you are trying to sleep when yourbody is primed to be awake, this couldmean it is harder for you to obtain therecommended amount of sleep,” she said.Cause and effectAccumulation of “sleep debt” as a result ofshift work can lead to a number of short-termand long-term consequences.Did we land….?In a survey of airline pilots in the USArecently, one pilot wrote that he hadunfortunately “hammered” his plane intothe runway really hard.The airline had a policy, which required thefirst officer to stand at the door while thepassengers exited, smile, and give thema “Thanks for flying our airline.” The pilotreported that, in light of his bad landing, hehad a hard time looking the passengers inShort-term effects include sleepiness,feelings of isolation and poor diet choices.Long-term effects include gastrointestinalcomplaints, cardiovascular complaints,depression, exacerbation of pre-existingillnesses such as asthma, diabetes, andepileptic seizures), menstrual changes andfertility complications.Some research even suggests prolongedsleep deprivation can have links to cancer,Dr Jay said.Taking responsibilityAccording to the Health and Safety inEmployment Act 2003, fatigue is viewed asan occupational hazard.Therefore, it is an employer’s duty toensure rosters give workers adequate timeto recover between shifts and betweenrosters/schedules. Employees, in turn, mustreport fit for work and behave safely in theworkplace.Dr Jay outlined a number of strategiesshiftworkers could adopt to best managetheir sleeping patterns.Coping strategiesThese include keeping track of your sleep,utilising sleeping opportunities, recognisingsigns and symptoms of fatigue in yourselfand colleagues, and incorporating fatiguecountermeasures such as taking a break,working in pairs, having a nap or taskreallocation.Dr Jay did stress though, that incorporatingcountermeasures was only a temporarysolution and should not be used as asubstitute for sleep.She also recommended short naps asresearch has shown this can improvealertness for a few hours.“Of course it would be great if you could getthe recommended amount of sleep, but inreality some sleep is better than none.”the eye, thinking that someone would makea smart comment.All but one little old lady walking with acane had left the aircraft without commentwhen she said: ”Sir, do you mind if I askyou a question?”“Why, no, Ma’am,” said the pilot. “What is it?”The little old lady said: “Did we land, orwere we shot down?”9.75% pa42March 2010

New Zealand Police Association• Oamaru police officer Bruce Dow, who serves as Police Association Conference delegate, treasurer and secretary in the area, is well known forhis award-winning handlebar moustache and a penchant for riding penny-farthing cycles. It seems The Oamaru Daily Mail recently caught upwith Bruce trying the “next generation” of bike out for size in the centre of Oamaru. His usual penny-farthing is dwarfed alongside the ‘new’version, barely measuring as big as the monster’s front wheel. One wonders whether Bruce might be lining up for a trade-in?- Photo courtesy of The Oamaru Daily Mail.March April MayPAIHIA............................................ 22..................................................................18-21,26-27............................................................4-6,10-12,24-28,30-31STANMORE BAY.............................. 11,15-18,21,25..............................................1,18-22,25-30.........................................................1-13,16-31AUCKLAND..................................... 25..................................................................................................................................................2,5-6,10-13,16-21,24-27WAIHEKE ISLAND........................... 26-28.............................................................23............................................................................9-11,16,19-20,23-27,30-31WHANGAMATA............................... 22-23,31........................................................28-29.......................................................................2-7,9-13,16-20,23-31MT MAUNGANUI............................. 28,31.............................................................1,20-22,25,27-29....................................................2,4-5,7,9-13,16-20,23-31OHOPE........................................... 10,21-23,28-31.............................................1,12-13,20-21,25-27,30..........................................3-5,9-31ROTORUA....................................... 9-10,14-18,22-23,25,27-29..........................1,18-22,25-29.........................................................2-6,9-14,16-20,23-31TAUPO............................................ 16,18,30........................................................18,20-21,23,25-29..................................................3-6,9-13,16-20,23-31TURANGI........................................ 10,17-18,20-26,28-31...................................1-4,14-16,18-22,25-29...........................................1-14,17-31NAPIER........................................... 28-29.............................................................1..............................................................................3-6,9-13,16-20,23-27,30-31PARAPARAUMU.............................. 14..................................................................5,8,22,.....................................................................2,4-5,10-13,16-28GREYTOWN.................................... 8,14,17-18,22,24-25,31................................1,14-15,18-22,25-29...............................................2-6,10-13,16-20,23-27,30-31WELLINGTON................................. 8,15,27..........................................................8,22,25-26...............................................................3,5,12,20,24-25,30NELSON......................................... 14,21-23........................................................11,25-26..................................................................2-3,9,11,13-14,16-21,23-31HANMER SPRINGS.......................... 21..................................................................Fully Booked............................................................12,16,27CHRISTCHURCH............................. 25..................................................................17-19,25..................................................................4,11,16,25-27,30-31AKAROA......................................... 15,22,30........................................................19,21,29..................................................................2,4-6,11-13,19-20,30-31TEKAPO.......................................... 23..................................................................1,18,28....................................................................6,9,23-26WANAKA........................................ Fully booked...................................................18,22,25,28.............................................................2-3,5-7,9-12,16-18,22-24,29-31CROMWELL.................................... 1,10,13..........................................................15,19,29..................................................................4,9-13,16-28QUEENSTOWN................................ Fully booked...................................................1,5-8,29...................................................................3,6,25-26,30-31TE ANAU......................................... 7-8,10,24-25,28-29,31..................................1,5,7-8,21-22,25-28................................................1-6,9-12,16-31DUNEDIN........................................ 7,9,24............................................................11,18-20,26-27.......................................................3-6,9-13,16-18,21,24,27-31March 201043

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceThe Prophet andthe PolicemanBy Mark DerbyCraig Potton PublishingReview by Peter HayesI spotted this book at Unity Books, Wellington’s,if not New Zealand’s, best bookshop. I knewof Commissioner John Cullen’s first responseto the creation of a Police Association in NewZealand and, as my father built the first roadinto Maungapohatu in the early 1960s, I had toread it.The book tells the story of two New ZealandersStop Press:Papakura officer attributes SRBA with saving his lifeSergeant Alan Nash is thanking his luckystars that he had his stab-resistant vest onwhen an offender in Papakura recentlyattempted to stab him during a domesticviolence callout. The vest deflected theblow and the offender was eventuallysubdued and arrested.Police News understands that four officerswere despatched to the scene and founda man in the kitchen of a house with twokitchen knives in his hands. Officers saidthe man became aggressive and startedwaving the knives around in the directionof the officers.Pepper spraySergeant Noel Atkinson directed the manto put the knife down but he refused andadvanced on Sergeant Atkinson. ConstableShane Grant then deployed pepper sprayand the man exited the back door of theproperty, where he met Sergeant AlanNash. The man then thrust the knife atSergent Nash striking his vest in the rightwhose lives collided in 1916, creating a conflictwhich represents the lowest point in racerelations in the history of the NZ Police to date.Cullen was a hard uncompromising Irish farmworker who had served in the Irish Constabularybefore coming to New Zealand. He was the firstCommissioner to rise through the ranks and hedemanded absolute obedience from his men. Ifyou disagreed with him the consequences weregrim, as Constable Smith of Auckland foundout. When Constable Smith attempted to setup a Police Association he was subsequentlyand permanently dispatched to Greymouth.All Constable Smith and his supporters wereasking for was an extra shilling (.10c) per dayand to be able to sit down to have meals onduty. It took another 20 years before othersdared putting their heads up again; such wasthe fear of police officers “associating”.Rua Kenana called himself the Maori Messiahand the “son” of Te Kooti, who had hidden in themisty mountains and valleys of the Ureweras formany years in the 1870’s.The Tangata Whenua of the Ureweras areTe Mana Motuhake O Tuhoe. Tuhoe had notsigned the Treaty of Waitangi and had foughthard for a separate Tuhoe nation. A battle thatcontinues to this day.Rua emerged out of this battle for sovereigntywith a vision for his Maori followers. Ruadirected his energies into gathering the peopleand trying to make it possible for them to liveand work together. He collected many assetsand then sold them using the collective wealthfor communal projects and he purchasedseed and distributed food supplies in difficulttimes. Rua was a divisive leader, but washand side of his chest, causing the knife toslide up towards Mr Nash’s neck.A struggle ensued and the pair ended up onthe ground with the man still in possessionof both knives. The man then got to hisfeet and attempted to stab all four officerspresent, eventually being overpoweredwhen the officers resorted to using theirbatons to help apprehend him.Nash, who has been on the job for 10years, is in no doubt the vest probablysaved his life.Push for SRBAThe Police Association pushed for allofficers to be issued with SRBA vests aftera reported spike in attempted stabbing ofofficers several years ago. Police initiallybalked at the plan because of the costinvolved but eventually sought andreceived additional funding from theLabour Government for the outfitting ofall frontline police officers.also an inspirational leader for a substantiallydispossessed people who needed a vision.Despite this he also had critics, Maui Pomareand Elsdon Best amongst them.His devoted followers (over 600 at times) beganto concern the Government of the day. AlthoughRua met with Ministers and the Prime Minister,that concern steadily grew. This came to ahead when his pacifist teachings clashed withconscription during the Great War (1914-1918).Cullen, as Commissioner of Police, was called into sort this matter out once and for all. In 1916Cullen personally led a party of approximately 80police officers into Maungapohatu, Rua’s “city ofGod”, in the central Ureweras to arrest Rua fortreason and outstanding warrants. The expeditionwas an unmitigated disaster, with two local Maorishot and killed, but Rua was finally arrested andtaken back to Auckland to stand trial. However, asthe warrants were served on a Sunday the wholelegal process was invalidated and virtually all ofthe charges were thrown out. The Supreme Courttrial went on for months and apart from “morally”resisting arrest he was found not guilty of all othercharges. He was sentenced to 18 months hardlabour. This sentence proved controversial andeven the jury later publicly protested that thesentence was too harsh.This book entwines the separate threads ofthese very different personalities into a veryreadable book. Anyone who reads it willunderstand a little more about the reaction ofMaori, in particular Tuhoe, to the recent raidsin this area of New Zealand. There are no scarshere; there are still some very raw wounds thatwill take generations to heal.Recommended reading.Counties-Manukau police were the firstto receive the vests in a 2006 roll-out. Agradual nationwide roll-out followed butit had teething problems associated withill-fitting vests.Several police officers have attributedthe body armour with having savedthem from serious injury or death, whencoming into contact with violent offendersarmed with weapons.A South Auckland man is facing seriouscharges of male assaults female, twocounts of threatening to kill, four countsof assaulting a person with a stabbing/cutting instrument (the officers involved)and contravention of a protection order.Footnote: The South Auckland incident has sincebeen followed by vicious assaults on a Tuakau officerand an Oamaru officer, which left both officers withserious injuries. Two officers were also attacked inPalmerston North.The Tuakau officer was attackedby up to 15 youths while trying to break up a fightbetween two students and shortly afterward anOamaru officer was hospitalised after being viciouslyattacked by three men at a drink-drive checkpoint.44March 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationThis column is written by a frontlinepolice officer. It does not represent theviews or policies of the Police Association.Well, it looks like summer has finally arrived, which is a good thing becausethe rumour doing the rounds down here is that the new duty jackets we’vebeen waiting for since Robbie was in charge will only be issued to newrecruits.The story is apparently that the districts have to front up the cash to outfitthose of us already doing the job. Given the squeeze on money, apparentlythat isn’t going to happen. Now I’m pleased we’re looking after the newguys and girls but the last time I checked I don’t think that the wintersoutherly differentiates who it effects on the basis of service.While we’re on the subject of uniform, we’re starting to wonder if the newtrousers we’ve been promised are ever going to turn up. One fella downhere was wondering if the hold up was because the committee at theCastle couldn’t agree on how many legs the trousers should have.Don’t like to put the boot into the folks at the Castle because I know they’redoing their best...but I can’t do it without hurting myself given that theywon’t issue safety footwear either!File upWell, I had my CIB mates give me a hand with a file back before Christmas.What a fiasco that one was.Laid myself an indictable charge on a baddie who needed to be taken outof circulation for a bit of cooling off.I was about to head off on my leave when the boys told me I had to havethe file prepped before I could go - something about a new committalprocess, filing of formal written statements.I said: “What”? Give me my marked car and an ION (Infringement OffenceNotice) book any day of the week.Gotta say, I have nothing but admiration for them Feds and the files theyhave to prep every day. Seems like the new legislation bought in to help unclogthe courts from deposition hearings has just put more time pressureon. Tighter deadlines, less remand dates... you know the deal.Well, got me file done but hope some brain cells get put into sorting thesystem out. Way I see it, one day soon a file that someone’s put a wholelot of effort into is gonna get chucked out cos it got stuck in the logjam.HiccoughI’m hearing that there’s some extra pressure going on the Road PolicingManagers of late. Recently an ex-VIP was delayed while stopped for a CBT(Compulsory Breath Testing) checkpoint.Well, the ex-VIP wanted to see a very important game and was onlydelayed for a short time due to there being no breath test, however this stillcaused him to get his knickers in a twist.Sadly the ex-VIP called on a friendly current-VIP at PNHQ who then calledon the local RPM (Road Policing Manager) who was called to account fordelaying said ex-VIP.GAG (Get A Grip!)What’s the world coming to when an ex-VIP gets to interfere with SOPs(Standard Operating Procedures)? Next they’ll be calling us a state ofAustralia.New FrontierI’ve been out at the new firearms training, getting my re-cert and wasinterested in the new levels of training - the 1, 2 and 3.Lots of new terms also, house clearing, active shooters. All these thingsare meant to help us frontliners be better skilled and resourced to protectlife and property. A good thing I say...Here’s a weird one though. The grapevine tells me the Auckland frontlinearen’t wearing any empty holsters while riding squad car. Looks scruffy,they’ve been told.Aawwgghhh, you gotta be kidding!Here we are, all trained up and ready for action, but are told having a pistolholster prepped on your duty belt and ready to go is scruffy! Since whendid the frontline become Project Runway?ReshuffleHave heard rumours that big changes are afoot at the College, with lots ofpeople having to reapply for their jobs (shades of the Cook Islands). Thegrand plan sounds a good one, I just hope they keep the right people tomake it work because the best plan in the world won’t ever work if youhaven’t got the talent - if you don’t believe me just ask my old mate RobbieDeans.Make sure you take the chance to take some leave and spend time withthe family while the sun’s out. It’ll keep the bean counters happy and giveyou time to appreciate how good the Crusaders are as they start anotherwinning Super 14 season on our new park. (Editor’s note: Well apart froma wee 41 – 20 ‘hiccough’ against theReds recently)See ya!“I am not one of those who need to beprodded. In fact, if anything, I am the prod.”- Winston Churchill, British Prime Ministerduring World War II.“Nothing can stop the man with the rightmental attitude from achieving his goal;nothing on Earth can help the man with thewrong mental attitude.”- Thomas Jefferson (3rd US President).“All men dream but not equally. Those whodream by night in the dusty recesses oftheir minds wake in the day to find that itwas vanity; but the dreamers of the day aredangerous men, for they may act their dreamwith open eyes to make it possible.”- T.E. Lawrence, famed British Army officer,better known as Lawrence of Arabia).Memorial wallOur sympathies to all our members’ families for those whohave passed away in recent months…We remember…Who passed away…SOUTHBY Wayne Grant retired member 23-Nov-09 RangioraGULLIVER Sydney Davis widow of member 27-Nov-09 HaweraGOLDSTONE Thomas Charles retired member 3-Jan-10 Palmerston NorthREYNOLDS Harold Desmond retired member 4-Jan-10 ParaparaumuLATHAM Marlene Beverley widow of member 18-Jan-10 New PlymouthOSHEO Rex Cornelius retired member 8-Feb-10 AucklandTEO Fuatino Leigh (Ebony) spouse of member 8-Feb-10 Papatoetoe, AkldWILKINSON Brian retired member 12-Feb-10 PaihiaMarch 201045

Police Council of SportTo contact the Police Council of Sport, call Alison Murray at the RNZPC. Ph: (04) 238-3139Founder of North Island bowls tournamenthas only missed one event in 28 yearsFor 28 years retired and serving officers from around the North Island have descended onHawera to play bowls and raise money for charity.In all of those years the founder of the event, Leith Miles, who is now 84, has only missed onecompetition.Mr Miles initiated the event with colleagues Bill Stewart and the late Tom Carley when he wasArea Commander at Hawera.Sponsored by the local community, 32 teams come together, often in bizarre costumes, in atwo-day ‘social’ challenge. All proceeds go to local charities.Every team must have at least one serving, retired or former Police member.TrophiesThe top 16 play to win the Leith Miles Challenge Shield and the rest compete for the consolationEgmont Cup.Leith, who joined Hawera Police in 1996 and stayed there until his retirement in 1985, said:“We have teams from Whangarei, Wellington and Masterton; it’s a great chance for us oldies tocatch up. We just pray for good weather and have been really lucky over the years.”The only year that Leith didn’t play was in 2004 when he had to undergo surgery but he wasfighting fit again the following year.Mark “Bart” Crawshaw now organises and competes in the iconic annual event. Proceeds fromthe latest competition, which was held in December, were split between South Taranaki VictimSupport and Riding for the Disabled.Long serviceto NZ PoliceLeith Miles was born and raisedin Marton. He joined the Police in1946 and was posted to Wanganui/Whanganui in 1947. He was promotedto sergeant and served in Aucklandin 1955 and went back to Wanganui/Whanganui the following year. Hespent some time as officer-in-chargeof the Marton station and in 1961 waspromoted to senior sergeant and movedto Wellington Central. He then served inHawera between 1966 and 1985 beforeretiring. He still lives in the town. In1980 he was presented with a speciallycarved Pare (door lintel) as a mark ofappreciation from the local community.His retirement function featured aspecial civic concert, attended by 350people including four Hawera mayors.• Bill Stewart, Leith Miles and Mark ‘Bart’ Crawshaw with the Leith Miles Challenge Shield.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.46 March 2010

New Zealand Police Association• Leith Miles in action on the green.Nominations sought forNZ Police sports awardsIt’s that time of year again and the Police Council of Sport (PCOS) iscalling for nominations for the New Zealand Police sports awards.Within Police we have a number of highly successful sports people andadministrators and this is your opportunity to give them some of therecognition they deserve.Some current members have achieved national recognition in theircodes and the PCOS believes they deserve to be celebrated.A nomination form can be downloaded from the Police Sports websiteat http://www.policesport.org.nz/If you are nominating someone for one of the three categories youneed to complete a nomination form, attaching a sporting CV listingthe nominee’s sporting achievements between 1 December 2008 and30 December 2009.The nomination form and CV needs to be in the hands of the NationalSecretary by the 30th April 2010.Nominations are called for people in the following categories:Administrator of the Year: These are the people who work hard in thebackground such as coaches or managers. They often go unrecognisedand this is your chance to show you appreciate their efforts.Official of the Year: We have a number of Police involved in refereeingand umpiring across a number of codes and whilst we’re often quick tocriticise them we don’t tend to give them the credit they deserve. Thisis your chance to recognise the valuable work they put in.Police Association Sportsperson of the Year: This award is for themost outstanding nominee who in the previous year has succeeded intheir sport at the highest level. The winner will be presented this awardin their home station with an opportunity to be recognised by thosewho have supported them in their achievements.ROTORUA POLICE ASSOCIATION QUADRATHON 2010The Rotorua Police annual multi sport event is ‘going off’ on Friday the 19th March 2010, briefing 1.15pmat the Blue Lake Back Beach, (carpark Blue Green Lake lookout).We invite you to have a go whether in a social or a competitive spirit – it’s the participation that counts.Enter in one of the following categories:SOLO • TWO PERSON TEAM • FOUR PERSON TEAMSWIM 300M* • MTB 10kms* • RUN 5kms • KAYAK 1000MFor more info contact Dave Hamilton on 027 562 0228, or email david.hamilton@police.govt.nzENTRY FORMTeam name:Individual Two-person team Four-person team (circle one)Swimmer’s name:Mountain Biker’s name:Runner’s name:Kayaker’s name:Entry fees: Individual $20, 2 x person team $40, 4 x person team $80. Cheques payable to Rotorua Police Quadrathon 92.Post to: Dave Hamilton, Rotorua Police Station, Private Bag RO3044, Rotorua. Entry on the day is acceptable.March 201047

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceNZ Police Mixed Teams 7-aside Hockey TournamentEntry FormDISTRICT / TEAM NAME:Date: 19-20 March 2010 • Venue: Smallbone Park, Devon Street, RotoruaTournament fee: $200 per teamYOUR CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS TOURNAMENT:NameAddressPhone No. Work Home Mobile EmailTournament information to be sent to:Ian PengellyManukau Police Station.Phone:DDI (09) 263-2785 Ext 92985Mobile: 0272572754Email: Ian.Pengelly@police.govt.nzThe tournament fee is payable at the startof the tournament or may be made prior tocompetition. Contact the following:Peter West, 39 Wills Crescent , Ashhurst.Phone: Landline:326-9552Mobile: 0274378801Email: Peter.West@police.govt.nzThe tournament will be run under NewZealand hockey rules.TEAM INFORMATIONPlayers’ names:1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.Team colours:Shirt:Shorts:Socks:Alternative strip:Shirt:Shorts:Socks:Umpires:(Optional) Name of umpire1.2.Prizegiving and after match functionNumbers attending the prizegiving:(Partners are invited to attend).Annual criminal justice forecast says prisonpopulation will rise by 23% by 2017Justice Minister Simon Power recently released the annualcriminal justice forecast for 2009-2017.The Ministry of Justice, Police, and The Department ofCorrections prepare the forecast, which estimates long-termtrends in numbers of remand and sentenced prisoners. It is usedfor long-term planning for agencies within the Justice sector.For the first time, the forecasts also include estimates of futuretrends in non-custodial sentences: home detention, communitydetention, intensive supervision, parole, and release onconditions.Mr Power said the forecast is in line with expectations.Prison population growth“Though we can expect the number of prisoners to grow, therate of growth is expected to be slower over the next eight yearsthan it was over the past eight - and more slowly than forecastin 2008.”There are expected to be 10,314 prisoners by 30 June 2017,a 23% increase from 30 June 2009. The increase in the prisonpopulation over the preceding eight years was 40%.48March 2010“This slower growth is due in partto improvements to criminal courtprocessing times and procedures,which we expect will reduce thelength of time accused spend waitingon remand in custody.Reducing victimisation“However, the best way to reduce theprison population is by reducing crimeand victimisation in the first place.“To do this, the Government hasmade addressing the drivers of crimea whole-of-government priority,focusing on improving services forthose at risk of being the offendersor victims of the future, and theirfamilies,” Mr Power said.• Minister of JusticeSimon Power says theGovernment is makingthe drivers of crime a“whole-of-governmentpriority”.The forecast takes into account all policies operating as atSeptember last year. It is available on the Ministry of Justice athttp://www.justice.govt.nz/moj-whats-new

New Zealand Police AssociationBodybuilding:Muscling upbetween theCombinedServicesThe second Police and Combined Services Bodybuilding Champs willbe hosted in Auckland on 5 June at Sky City.The event will be held as part of the wider Auckland Region BodybuildingChampionships, drawing mainstream bodybuilders from around NewZealand alongside entrants from Police, Army, Navy, and Air Force. Aspecial invitation has also been sent to the Fire Service and CorrectionsDepartment.The event was first staged in Thames in 2007. Co-organiser WillieWalker said the 2007 event attracted 55 athletes with the Policeteam being the overall winners. This time around he is expectingmore competitors. “The competition should be even bigger and betterthan in 2007 with the additional invitations to the other Services,” MrWalker said.Judged separatelyAlthough a combined event, the Services competitors will be judgedseparately from mainstream competitors. All athletes who place in thetop three of their categories will receive medals, and prizes such asnutritional products.The Services division will be restricted to 10 classes, which includes aNovice class for both male and female. “This is like a beginners’ classfor first timers”, Mr Walker said.All first place winners of the Services and mainstream divisions willautomatically go on to compete against each other for the overall titlesof best male and female bodybuilder.The championship is again sanctioned by the New Zealand Federationof Bodybuilders Inc (NZFBB) and all competitors who place in thetop three of their class will qualify to compete at the NZFBB NationalChamps in Auckland on 9 October.A lot of hard workMr Walker, a competition judge and seasoned bodybuilder himself,said that it takes a lot of hard work both inside and outside the gymto get your body into competition shape. However, once you get yourphysique into the best shape of its life, there is no going back. He saidthat people that get to that stage often find that “bodybuilding and thehealthy life style behind it will ‘infect’ them.”With the champs only four and half months away, Mr Walker suggeststhat anyone who is serious about getting in the best possible shape:“hit the gym and diet now.”For more information about the event and the criteria for eachclass, contact Willie Walker at Waikato Highway Patrol via LotusNotes or on Extension 78420 or 027 290 3880.NEWRETAILERSPolice AssociationMember Discounts ProgrammeThe following retailers have joined our Member DiscountsProgramme.Noel Leeming – members can now receive adiscount in all Noel Leeming and Bond & Bond storesnationwide at any time of the year.Splash Planet –this Aquatic Fun Park inHawkes Bay offermembers admission onClub Card prices, amajor saving on normaladmission prices.Aerial Sunglasses& Headgear –Pacific Optics Ltd providethe popular brand Aerialsunglasses and headwearto retailers around NZ.Members can now save 30% on the Recommended RetailPrice (plus $4 delivery fee) on a large selection of theireyewear and headgear.To find out about these and other discounts throughthe Member Discounts Programme – go to our websitewww.policeassn.org.nz, sign-on, then click on ‘MemberDiscounts’ from the ‘Products & Services’ menu.March 201049

PoliceNewsThe Voice of PoliceThai police officerhonoured by NZand internationalcolleaguesInternational and New Zealand colleaguesin Bangkok recently feted a senior Thaipolice officer with lengthy connections tothis country.Police Major-General SurajetDhammadamrong will retire soon after40 years of enforcement service. He washosted at a farewell function by membersof the Foreign Anti-Narcotics Community[FANC], a team of enforcement officersfrom around the world based in Bangkokfor anti-drug liaison purposes. He wasalso guest of honour at a smaller functionsponsored by the NZ Police LiaisonOfficer, Ray Van Beynen.Detective Superintendent Van Beynensaid General Surajet worked hard oncases involving New Zealand interestsand thanked him for his commitment tothose matters when presenting him witha suitably engraved kiwi statuette.Leadership qualitiesRetired Assistant Commissioner BrionDuncan said that when he arrived inBangkok in August 1978 to join FANC,Captain Surajet was then one of onlythree commissioned officers in theMetropolitan Police Narcotics Unit. Eachof those three officers had exceptionalleadership qualities and this was laterrecognised when all three eventuallyattained the rank of Police Major-Generaland went on to high responsibilities inthe Royal Thai Police.Mr Duncan, now a Director of the PoliceAssociation’s Welfare Fund, spokehighly of General Surajet’s ability as afield detective and crime manager.Mr Asia syndicateGeneral Surajet was aheavily involved inthe Police investigation into the so-calledMr Asia syndicate.Another criminal figure of note duringMajor-General Surajet’s career wasBrian James Curtis who was convictedin 1979 of drug trafficking from Asiainto New Zealand and sentenced to 18years imprisonment. He later escapedfrom Paremoremo Prison and remainedat large for several years before beingre-captured in The Philippines in 2001and extradited to New Zealand.• Detective Superintendent Ray Van Beynen presenting a kiwi statuette to retiring PoliceMajor-General Surajet Dhammadamrong, Royal Thai Police, at a ceremony recently inBangkok.– Photo courtesy of Ross Pinkham.50March 2010

New Zealand Police AssociationBanking and finance hintsfrom The National BankHow to save money on your bankingOne of the secrets to good money management is keeping a close eyeon your costs. Whether it’s the daily coffee on your way to work or thatmagazine that catches your eye in the dairy, even small costs add up overtime. If you’re saving for a goal, like the deposit on a new home, every dollaryou can save is a dollar you can put towards reaching your goal instead.One ongoing cost that most peoplehave is bank fees. Now, there’s a wayto save money by avoiding accountand transaction fees for your everydaybanking.The Freedom account from TheNational Bank has no transaction fees– you can make as many transactionsas you like. The monthly account feeof $5 is refunded if you deposit at least$2,500 into the account each month*.For example, if your salary adds upto $2,500 or more each month it’sas simple as depositing it into yourFreedom account and your monthlyaccount fee will be refunded.Unlike other similar accounts, witha National Bank Freedom accountthere are no restrictions on the type oftransactions you can make including,automatic payments, EFTPOS,cheques and direct debits. There arealso no fees to access your accountthrough a wide range of channels suchas over 160 National Bank branches,Online Banking, ANZ and NationalBank ATMs, Touchtone and MobilePhone Banking.Another very effective way to savemoney is by taking advantage of thePolice Home Loans Package. ThePackage is available to all membersof the Police Welfare Fund and ifyou’re buying a home, it can save youa significant amount of money. Thebenefits of the package include:• Discounts on Floating and Flexiblehome loan interest rates, and themaximum available discount onfixed home loan interest ratesaccording to our daily discretion –meaning you pay less in interest;• A $500 contribution towards yourlegal fees;• The normal application fee for yourhome loan is waived; and• A reduced fee for home loan topups.A National Bank Freedom accountis the perfect partner for the PoliceHome Loan Package. If you’d like toknow more about either of these greatbanking options, just callThe National Bank on 0800 800 808or contact your local branch.*Deposits exclude transfers made between any of your National Bank accounts. Your monthly accountfee refund may not be refunded until the beginning of the following month.Fees are subject to change. Service and access fees (non-standard fees) apply. For full details of theFreedom account including terms, conditions and fees, and a copy of our disclosure statement, contactany branch of The National Bank.Our lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees apply to all home loans. Where borrowing over 80% ofa property’s value is approved, a Low Equity Premium on a graduated scale will apply and a RegisteredValuer’s Report is required.RNZAF Medical Services reunionAn RNZAF Medical Services reunion is plannedfor Labour Weekend 22-24 (Friday-Sunday)October 2010, to be held in Blenheim.Members invited to attend will be both regularforce and those who have retired. Some formeror current members of Police will have servedin medical posts within the RNZAF.• Defence Force medics/nursesIMedicalorderlies;• Medical and secretarial officers;• Nursing officers (RNZNC);• Civilian medical admin clerks; and• Medical personnel from the NavyIArmywho have served with the RNZAF.To register your interest in this reunioncontact:Colin DraperReunion Co-ordinatorPh (03) 578-9388Email: drapermates@xtra.co.nzBuying 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.12-2009March 201051

PoliceNewsThe Voice of Policeby Ricky CollinsThe highs and lowsof wine tastingThe start of 2010 has been a series of highsand lows for me, when it comes to winetasting. Traditionally, it’s a period whenorganised commercial tastings dry up as wineretailers take a well-earned break. Thesetastings are one of the main avenues that I have to try new wines andsort out what’s worth recommending and what’s not.I also have a small but dedicated group of fellow local wine nerdswho share the same passion for wine tasting, and we get togetherregularly and share new or interesting wines with each other. Theseget togethers also help to form my opinion on what styles of wineI might like to follow, or recommend. Unfortunately these tastingsalso tend to drop off at this time of the year, with people away onholiday. So the Christmas holiday period can be a bit dull as far aswine tasting is concerned.Added to this, the New Year brought with it the impending closureof my local specialist wine store. Munslow’s Fine Wines has beenthe premier specialist wine store in Dunedin for the last 15 years,providing a great selection of wines from across the world andexcellent advice to Otago customers. Unfortunately, the growingpressure of price-cutting by the supermarkets has finally taken itstoll. The full impact of Munslow’s closure will certainly be felt acrossthe whole region. None more so than the myriad of Central Otagowine producers who will now be wondering where they might getan opportunity to introduce their wine to the market. Mark and histeam will be sorely missed. It’s fair to say, this was not a great startto the wine tasting year.Luckily, this year I had the prospect of helping organise the NewZealand Masters Games Wine Options Championship. Prior to this,I had some concerns that interest in wine tasting was faltering. Butseeing 50-odd teams of four competing for the honour of national“senior” wine tasting champs over two evenings has gone someway to restoring my faith in the industry. It was great to see peoplerelatively new to wine tasting get the bug, just as I did many yearsago.Wine of the monthLes Volcans Syrah 2007 rrp $22This warm and juicy red is a result of sourcing fruit from France andcombining it with New Zealandwinemaking skills. Theo Coles,based at Waipara wineryCrater Rim has managedto land some excellent fruitfrom the Langedoc regionand transformed it into a veryappealing wine. It has darkberry fruit notes with a savouryfeel to it, firm tannins and adry finish. Look out for it onspecial at your local specialistwine store, if you still have one.Otherwise, give Vino Fino orDecant a call in Christchurch.1 2 3 4 5 6 7Please 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 for the answers to thismonth’s puzzle.Clues:Across:2. Safer road campaigns are aimed atpreventing these (9)8. Broadcasting (2,3)9. Stitches (7)10. A type of picture visualised inCourt? (10)12. Can be a major problem in any cityor town (5)14. Type of appliance used to stopwetness (5)15. Annoyances (10)18. A coroner’s request? (7)19. Consumed (5)20. Notecase five hundred and mix forrecipes (9)Down:1. Positive ones help a good Section (5,7)2. Type of watch (8)3. Boat load (5)4. Pepper spray could make someone,this (13)5. Able to take a statement on (7)6. Father (4)7. Falsely advertises (13)11. Kind of retorts? (8)13. Clean belief (7)16. Child’s reward (5)17. Another water (4)8 91012 13 1415 161718 192011February answers:Across:1. Goal3. Database9. License10. Cared11. Indefensible13. Liquid15. Mascot17. Visitational20. Often21. Chemist22. Annoying23. EelsDown:1. Gullible2. Arced4. Ageing5. Acclimatised6. Acrylic7. Ends8. Inefficiency12. Athletes14. Quieten16. Falcon18. Noise19. SofaMarch answers:Across: 2. Accidents. 8. On air. 9. Sutures. 10. Photograph. 12. Youth. 14. Drier.15. Agitations. 18. Inquest. 19. Eaten. 20. Anecdotes.Down: 1. Group dynamics. 2. Analogue. 3. Cargo. 4. Disorientated. 5. Notepad. 6. Sire.7. Misrepresents. 11. Ripostes. 13. Hygiene. 16. Treat. 17. Aqua.52March 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.Police bosses need to keepan open mind on armingI have been reading articles and listening topeople in relation to the debate whether ornot to arm police officers.Often the argument is that a Glock 9mmis no match against the high-poweredweapons that some of our criminals like tocarry. This is true, but let’s not forget to atleast include in the argument the need foran officer to have some sort of immediateprotection available so that he or she may beable to get out of a situation or provide somesort of assistance to injured persons.Having a 9mm Glock, with 34 rounds,can provide this and some peace of mindif an officer is ever caught up in a firearmsincident. They are protected, to somedegree, if they are pinned down or maybe able to return fire in order to force theoffenders to ground, so as to effect an escapeto a safer location.I hope that people within the organisationare not shutting the doors on arming thePolice. It is an issue that will keep croppingup and it is healthy to debate the pros andcons. It is not good enough for our managersto just say that it will not happen. They mustbe open-minded and fluid in their decisionmaking,adjusting to the times and needs ofthe community and Police staff.As I write, there was today yet anotherpursuit in the Waikato with a motorcyclist.When stopped he was found in possessionof methamphetamine, ammunition and apistol. It’s becoming all too common now.Don’t shut the door on the idea. Weighup the pros and cons. Make a valid andinformed decision.Andrew Knox(Hawke’s Bay)How many more officers have to diebefore NZ Police become armedYet another police officer shot.I have been a police officer in New Zealandfor about 30 years. Previously, I had been inthe Metropolitan Police for over four years.When I arrived I was struck by the lack ofviolence towards police.I have never been afraid to carry or produce afirearm. I have held two suspects at gunpointand was prepared to shoot if necessary.Regarding arming police, I was comfortablecarrying a firearm but not always confidentof my colleagues. The training has beenwoefully inadequate for the responsibilitywe are obliged to take on.I have heard the Police Commissioner talkabout the reasons for the proposed (and yetanother) new system of firearms training. Icertainly agree that there are some that donot need to be ‘firearms trained’. I am oneof those. But the new proposal goes too far.As with most firearms training, I believethe system will be inadequate. It will lookgood to some, and allow Police NationalHeadquarters (PNHQ) to say that they havecome up with another successful proposal.As for ‘armed response vehicles’ - aninadequate response - it will be too littletoo late. They will arrive after the frontlinestaff has borne the onslaught. The ArmedOffenders Squad specialists usually arriveafter the situation has been ‘stabilised’.I have, for many years, expressed theopinion that I supported not being armedfulltime and that it would take three or fourpolice officers being murdered in a year forus to be armed fulltime. Unfortunately, weare approaching those numbers and I cansee no good reason to wait for more officersto die. The time has come for sworn staff tobe armed fulltime. The last shooting was nota murder, but only by virtue of luck and thebravery of the rescuers.The Police Commissioner and theGovernment have to train and adequatelyequip staff. We now have to become anarmed Police Force. Our being armed maynot have stopped the recent killings ofpolice officers but we will never know forsure. We only know when we are hurt orkilled. Being armed would give us a chanceat survival anyway.Michael Cornell(Auckland)The need for ‘real world’ trainingNick Hall’s letter in the January/Februaryedition of Police News regarding Staff SafetyTactics training (SSTT) really struck a chordwith me. I fully agree with Nick that whena cop is assaulted that he/she relies on sheernaked aggression and the instinct to survive.Given the lack of any real world combat orrestraint training from Police, cops don’treally have much else unless they haveattained skills outside the job. I have beena frontline cop for close to 18 years. Sheernaked aggression and the instinct to survivehas saved me from a hiding more than onceand been the difference between winninga fight and losing it. As my old grizzledsergeant told me years ago: “You are not paidto lose….so don’t!”Unfortunately in the current politicallycorrect environment, aggression seemsto be a cardinal sin. It’s a dirty word. Butwhat about controlled aggression andassertiveness coupled with an appropriateskill set? How about we give frontline staffwho are dealing with violent, often drunk/drug-fuelled offenders on a daily basis, aneffective array of skills to protect themselves.OC spray and a baton are great tools butdon’t always have the immediate desiredeffect and there will be times you don’t havethe chance to deploy them because eventsescalate too fast. The Taser is a great bit ofkit but not everyone has one or access toone. Firearms are obviously a last resort butnot carried routinely.On that topic, I believe we are not readyto be an armed constabulary. We don’t getenough range time for a start (does anyonethink once every six months is enough?).Politicians, Police hierarchy and civillibertarians won’t wear it and the public justisn’t ready for it. Unfortunately the bodycount is going to have to get much higherbefore it’s even seriously considered.The fact is eventually, you are going to haveto get up close and personal with a violentoffender who is doing his/her absolute bestto escape from you, resist you, hurt youor even kill you. Most cops don’t have thefighting skills or ability to deal with thatscenario effectively and just do the best theycan with what little training they have had.This is often messy and results in injury. Wehave all seen situations where we see threeor four or even five cops on one offender,which never looks good. Is this theirfault? I don’t think so. It’s just that Policeis failing to deliver the right training i.e.unarmed combat including ground fighting,control and restraint techniques. There areMarch 201053

PoliceNewsThe Voice of Policesquads in the Police such as VIPPS whoget comprehensive and regular unarmedcombat training. This is great stuff that reallyworks. Why are frontline first responsestaff who are the most likely to encounterviolent offenders not given such training? Atpresent I believe we are setting staff up tolose on the street aka the ‘real world’. Howlong are we prepared to continue goingdown this road? I am sick of hearing aboutcops getting the crap knocked out of them.The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)driven passive training we are getting is notpreparing our staff for the sometimes-brutalworld they work in.In the real world offenders aren’t alwaysfriendly and don’t always comply withdirections that you give. In the real worldOC spray doesn’t always work. In the realworld several baton strikes on an ampedand aggressive offender won’t necessarilyhave any effect. In the real world bad guyshate cops and given the opportunity willtake advantage. Let’s get more focussed onreal world combat training to give staff theskills to survive and the confidence to workeffectively.Gerrit Westeneng(Helensville)For and againstI would like to take the opportunity tocomment on two separate letters from theDecember issue of Police News.Denis Foster from Whakatane highlighted hisconcerns about what he saw as a poor designof the “self populating forms” containedwithin the Police National IntelligenceApplication (NIA). He raised a number ofissues around this. He went on to say that amember from his policing area had createda much better system that enabled him tocomplete a file in about 30 minutes.I have used the NIA based prosecution formset since it was released and prior to thetraining offered to districts. I’m certainlyno expert when it comes to using NIA,however, I consider myself reasonablyproficient. It takes me about 30-40 minutesto complete a file. The system creates mostof the forms needed for an initial prosecutionfile, populates the correct details, enters thecorrect charge within the Caption Summaryand gives headings/footnotes to assist you inwriting it.Don’t get me wrong, parts of the forms couldbe better and some forms need to be added.However they are the National Standard andI believe are about the best attempt the Policehave made to simplify our job.It seems to me that this is not an issue of thesystem not doing it’s job but rather a Policedistrict/area not providing their staff withadequate NIA training, especially if staff areunable to enter their own files and charges. Inmy opinion we should all be able to completea file from start to finish and should only relyon Visual Display Unit (VDU) operators etcwhen and if they are available.I find myself in an unusual position where Iam supporting the efforts of PNHQ. Believeme this is very seldom the case but I dothink they are doing their best to create asystem that will assist us in our duties. Iwould ask Denis and those who agree withhim to stick with the system. Upgrades arein the pipeline and I believe by the end ofthe year we should have an exceptional filemanagement system.Karl Robertson of Taupo highlighted a newtrend/blanket policy being enforced byPolice National Headquarters (PNHQ) andNational Human Resources. The policy isto exclude applicants from joining the NewZealand Police that have previously beencombatants in a war zone. A “combatant” isdefined as someone who takes a direct partin the hostilities of an armed conflict. A “warzone” is defined as being a region where waris going on; where structures are damaged orin disarray, appearing similar to the effectsof a military conflict; by extension, anyarea with a significant display of damage ordisarray. Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor(prior to 2001) would clearly qualify.I’m sure with a wider application of thedefinition that we could also include thelikes of the Solomon Islands etc.If Police are going to use this policy ofexclusion then shouldn’t we now be lookingto sack/medically discharge all thosepolice officers that have served within theaforementioned regions? It would stand toreason that if military personnel are affectedenough to exclude them from Police servicethen shouldn’t the same criteria apply topolice officers serving in the same region?I believe the person who instigated thisobscure policy should stand down as theyclearly have no idea about the suitabilityof candidates for the NZ Police. Take thefollowing examples as cases in point:Candidate 1: 18-year-old, fresh out ofschool, never traveled overseas, no lifeexperience, likely to be targeted by offendersdue to his or her age/appearance.Candidate 2: 22-plus, military service,extensive life experience often operatingwithin high stress environments, weaponstrained, self defence tactics trained and welldisciplined.I am not saying that military staff makethe best police officers and there couldbe instances when it works against themand it’s not for me to say (from the aboveexamples) who would ultimately make thebest police officer. However, I know who Iwould choose and I know who I would wantto be with if the proverbial hit the fan.I can’t see how someone can be acceptedinto the Police who can’t pass initial testingsor the Physical Competence Test at Collegeyet someone who clearly passes everythingis refused because of overseas service in amilitary capacity.I believe PNHQ owe an explanation tothose who have missed out on placement/recruitment because of this policy and Ichallenge them to do so within this forum.Gavin Scott-Petersen(Te Awamutu)The ‘headmaster’ feelat the Police College?I’ve recently noticed the new designationsfor certain leadership vacancies advertisedat the Royal New Zealand Police College(RNZPC). These new “Head of School” titlesare interesting, and sound to me like yetmore influence being brought to bear fromour friendly educationalists.However, I realise that these new titles willperhaps allow for outsiders to apply for thesejobs, so that they can assist with how policeofficers should be - from their perspectiveanyway - properly trained. Personally, I’vealways preferred our traditional titles suchas “Inspector in Charge of Recruit Policing,”etc. To me, that has more of a ‘Police’ ringto it.No doubt a lot of time, money and researchhas gone into the re-branding of these titles,but personally, as a police officer, the whole‘headmaster’ theme doesn’t really spin mywheels.Mark Buttar(Johnsonville)Holiday homes - some people don’tknow a good deal when they see itI have spent the last three years as a holidayhome caretaker. It has been an interestingand rewarding experience but I must admitto being surprised that people find so muchto complain about.For a small country like New Zealand we areindeed fortunate to have such great homesand I for one would not be able to affordto travel around the country as often as Ido without the large number of homes atmany different locations. As an example,the two holiday apartments in Newmarketare in a very desirable location, within ashort walk to the brand new NewmarketRailway Station and shopping centre. Each54March 2010

New Zealand Police Associationapartment has two secure car parks, adish drawer, Sky TV, great views out overHobson Bay, in fact everything required fora comfortable holiday.A random selection of comments takenfrom the visitor books makes one wonderwhether some people actually appreciatewhat they have. For example; the trains arenoisy, the carpet is stained, prefer curtainsto roller blinds, dining table is not suitablefor small children, the pool is too far away,needs air conditioning, bedroom is smalland the coffee mugs are too big! As acomparison of Newmarket accommodation,to stay at the Quest apartments for a night ina 2-bedroom apartment ranges from $290to $320 plus $10 per night for cot hire and$11 per night for each car park. For a stay offive nights with a baby and two cars the costwould be up to $1,760 as opposed to $250in the Police units. The only difference beingthat the Quest provides sheets and towels.Surprising also is the lack of care and attentionof some guests and an unwillingness to dotheir fair share of maintaining homes in aclean and tidy state. I have seen holes punchedin walls, crayon scribbled on upholstery,stickers stuck on walls and property taken.Some people can’t even manage to do theirown dishes – they just load them into thedishwasher and leave them for incomingguests.I am sure from the vast majority of commentsthat most people do appreciate what theyhave and are careful and considerate, butsometimes we need a little reminder of howhard the Police Association works behindthe scenes to ensure everyone has access tothese fantastic homes and has a good stayin the various locations around the country.Gail FitzGerald(Holiday home caretaker, Auckland)Aussie publication looking forcase investigation authorsThe Australian Police Journal (APJ) hasbecome aware that not many New Zealandpolice officers know about our publication.The journal has been around for over 60years and is a publication for police bypolice. We wish to let your police officersknow that the APJ is sourcing good caseinvestigations by New Zealand policeofficers so we would like to spread the wordthrough your publication. If there are NZpolice authors who would be interested inthe above we would be happy for them tocontact us as below.Donna HargreavesAPJ Office ManagerTelephone: 02 9285 3399 Fax: 02 9285 3588Postal Address: Locked Bag 5102 ParramattaNSW 2124Office Address: Level 2, SPC 151-241Goulburn Street Surry Hills NSW 2010Website: apj@apjl.com.auHave you movedrecently?If you have moved or perhaps are aboutto, please let us know so we can updateyour records. You can do this by:• writing to us at PO Box 12344;• calling us on free phone0800 500 122;• faxing us on (04) 496 6819; or• Emailing us at:membership@policeassn.org.nzYou need to let us know yourmembership number, new address andif you’re a serving member - your newstation.“This sort of thingis all too common”Some extracts fromBritish newspapers…1) Commenting on a complaint from aMr Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, aspokesman for North West Gas said: “Weagree it was rather high for the time of year.It’s possible Mr Purdey has been chargedfor the gas used up during the explosionthat destroyed his house.” – (The DailyTelegraph).2) Irish police are being handicapped in asearch for a stolen van because they cannotissue a description. It’s a Special Branchvehicle and they don’t want the public toknow what it looks like. – (The Guardian).3) A young girl who was blown out to seaon a set of inflatable teeth was rescued bya man on an inflatable lobster. A coast guardspokesman commented: “This sort of thing isall too common.” – (The Times).4) At the height of the gale, the harbourmasterradioed a coast guard and asked him toestimate the wind speed. The coast guardreplied he was sorry, but he didn’t have agauge. However, if it was any help, the windhad just blown his Land Rover off the cliff.– (Aberdeen Evening Express).5) Mrs Irene Graham of Boscombe delightedthe audience with her reminiscence of theGerman prisoner of war who was sent eachweek to do her garden. He was repatriated atthe end of 1945, she recalled: “He’d alwaysseemed a nice friendly chap, but whenthe crocuses came up in the middle of ourlawn in February 1946, they spelt out: “HeilHitler.’’ – (Bournemouth Evening Echo).Useful Information & ContactsNew Zealand Police Association:For immediate industrial & legal advice(on matters that cannot be deferred such asPolice shootings, fatal pursuits or deaths incustody) ring 0800 TEN NINE(0800 836 6463)– 24 hour/seven days servicePolice Network 44446 Website www.policeassn.org.nzFreephone 0800 500 122 Police Home Loans 0800 800 808Police Health Plan/Police Fire and General Insurance Police Credit Union 0800 429 000Quotes & information 0800 500 122 or (04) 472 9645or Fax (04) 496 6819 Credit Union www.policecu.org.nzPolice Fire and General Insurance claims 0800 110 088 GSF information 0800 654 731All enquiries (04) 496 6800 PSS information 0800 777 243Vice PresidentsStuart Mills (027) 268 9416Chris Cahill (027) 268 9411Field OfficersAuckland District: stewart Mills (027) 268 9407Waitemata and Northland Districts: Steve Hawkins (027) 268 9406Waikato, BOP and Eastern Districts: Graeme McKay (027) 268 9408Central and Wellington Districts: JJ Taylor (027) 268 9409Tasman and Canterbury Districts: Dave McKirdy (027) 268 9410Southern District dave Steel (027) 268 9427Regional DirectorsRegion One Jug Price Whangaparaoa (027) 268 9419Region Two Dave Pizzini Counties-Manukau (027) 268 9413Region Three Mel Ridley Tauranga (027) 268 9414Region Four Luke Shadbolt Hastings (027) 478 9001Region Five Ron Lek Wellington (027) 268 9417Region Six Craig Prior Sydenham (027) 268 9412Region Seven Brett Roberts Dunedin (027) 268 9418March 201055

NON-SWORN Police LIFE INSURANCEThe Police Welfare Fund Ltd offers Non-sworn members of Policelife insurance with a minimum level of cover of $50,000 applicableto those under 65 years of age.Sums assured for the different age categories are:Attained Age (Years) Death Benefit ($)Up to 29 $75,00030-39 $120,00040-49 $100,00050-59 $70,00060-64 $50,00065+ No coverPremiums are charged at a flat rate of $6.00 perfortnight and are paid directly through your salaryalong with the rest of your Association and Welfaresubscriptions.Benefit Nomination Forms are provided formembers to nominate the person(s)/financialinstitution to whom the benefit would be paid to in theevent of their death. It is very important to updatethis form if your personal circumstances change.Is this cover enough?Everyone’s need for life insurance is different. Sometimes Non-sworn Police Life Insurance is not enoughto cover your situation. Police Life Insurance Extra can provide that additional cover at very cost effective rates.See www.policeassn.org.nz for more information.For claims or informationIf you need more information or need to update your Benefit Nomination Form visit our website:www.policeassn.org.nzPolice Welfare Fund Insurances Limited Phone: (04) 496 6800 or 0800 500 122PO Box 12344 Police Network: 44446Wellington Fax: (04) 496 6819www.policeassn.org.nz email: insurances@policeassn.org.nzNow withimprovedbenefitsAlso from 1 March to 12 April 2010 Police Associationmembers who are not yet members of the PoliceWelfare Fund can join and will have cover under Nonsworn Police Life Insurance without the need for anyhealth assessment.*Some conditions apply – see pg 37 for further detailsEnhancing the wellbeingof Police and their families2-10