Santa delivers Dad home from the Solomons for Christmas · VOLUME 42 † NUMBER 1 †...

VOLUME 42 • NUMBER 1 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009

The Voice of Police

Surprise visit from Solomons makes

Christmas special

■ HOW LEGAL ASSISTANCE WORKS FOR YOU■ MINISTER TAKES AIM AT METH DEALERS■ STOP PRESS: ASSOCIATION REACTION TO AUCKLAND SHOOTING

Santa delivers Dad home from the Solomons for Christmas

PoliceNews The Voice of Police

January/February 20092

NZ Police Association Police News is the magazine of the New Zealand Police Association and incorporates the New Zealand Police Journal fi rst published in 1937.

Editor: Steve Plowman

January/February 2009, Vol. 42, No.1

ISSN 1175-9445

Deadline for next issue Monday, February 16, 2009.

Published by the New Zealand Police Association P.O. Box 12344, Willbank House, 57 Willis Street, Wellington. Phone: (04) 496 6800, Facsmile: (04) 471 1309

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.policeassn.org.nz

Printed by City Print Communications, Wellington.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association.

COPYRIGHT: NZPA Police News must not be reproduced in part or as a whole without the formal consent of the copyright holder - the New Zealand Police Association.

Organised Crime Commission couldhelp reduce car theft industry – p7

Contents

LEGAL PROTECTION

4

BALLISTIC PROTECTION

6

AOS TEAM CAUSE UPSET

12

• Front page: A Christmas gift: Detective Warren Duncan from Oamaru, who is presently serving in the Solomons, made his family’s Christmas with a surprise visit home and their delight is obvious in the front cover photo. Warren spent three weeks over Christmas in Oamaru with wife Sue and children, from left to right, Millie (5), Jack (6) and Thomas (10). Their other son Harrison (16 months) was not available for the photo. Many New Zealand police officers are giving great service on overseas deployments in places such as Afghanistan, Timor Leste, Bougainville and the Solomons.

- Photo courtesy of The Otago Daily Times.

VOLUME 42 • NUMBER 1 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009VOLUMEVOLUMEUMEVOLUME 442 •42 • 42 • NUMNUM NUM NUM 1 • JANUARJANUARANUARY/Y/FEBRY/FEBRUARYRUARY 2009009 200YYMBMBMBERER

The Voice of Police

From the President 3

New Year’s Honours for five police officers 3

Lowest road toll since 1954 a credit to Police staff 3

How legal assistance works for you 4

Minister says Government’s 100-day plan will target meth dealers 5

New ballistic vests to be phased in 6

New online insurance system 6

Organised Crime Commission could help reduce vehicle thefts 7

NZ police officers help with Cooks initiatives 8

View from the bottom (I Am Keen) 9

Hostage negotiations Japanese style 10

Copper’s crossword 10

Keen on Wine 11

Sports News 12-14

New year – new home? (Home buying hints from The National Bank) 15

Letters to the Editor 16-18

Useful information and contact numbers 18

Search and Rescue weekend a roaring success 18

Holiday home availability chart 19

Auckland shooting “an absolute tragedy” 19

Rotorua Police Association Quadrathon 20

New Zealand Police Association

3January/February 2009

New Year’s Honoursfor five Police staffThe Police Association congratulates the five members of the NZ Police who were honoured with awards in the New Year’s Honours List. They were as follows:

MNZM (To be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit)Superintendent Brett Alexander England, North Shore. For services to the New Zealand Police.

Detective Superintendent Nicholas Graeme Perry, London. For services to the New Zealand Police.

QSO (To be a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order)Retired Assistant Commissioner Gavin Alistair McFadyen, Wellington.

For services to the New Zealand Police.

QSM (To receive the Queen’s Service Medal)Detective Inspector Bruce Leonard Good, Auckland.


Sergeant Kevin James Stewart, Napier.


Lowest road toll since 1959 with 360 fatalities last yearPolice staff who patrol the roads can take a bow for helping lower New Zealand’s road toll to its lowest figure since 1959.

The road toll for 2008 was 360, 61 fewer than the previous year and 33 less than 2006. Speed was the major cause of fatal accidents with

36% or 130 deaths while drink-driving was resposible for 34% or 122 deaths. Fourteen percent (14%) or 50 of those killed were not wearing seat belts.

Recently, NZ Police rolled out 40 new fixed speed cameras in an effort to reduce the road toll further and National Road Policing Manager Paula

Rose, while saying the latest drop in road deaths was encouraging, said the human cost to families was still too much.

The Ministry of Transport and Police have a target of reducing the road toll to 300 by 2010.

I write this column sitting at a West Coast breakfast table, morning milking completed and contemplating a return to the hurly-burly of the Wellington political scene, which so dominates our policing lives.

My rural relatives are as apprehensive about the changing economic world as those in the cities. The dairy payout will almost halve this year so their concerns will go well beyond getting production up. Survival for some will be the real issue.

For us in the Police, we know that whatever happens, demand for our services will only increase and it is our ability to adequately respond to those demands, which is our issue.

The media and opposition politicians will be hovering voraciously for examples of where we don’t, knowing such failures make good headlines and attack fodder against the Government.

And that is where it becomes important not to have policing led by such headlines and criticisms. They always hurt and one only has to sit with staff in a station discussing the latest negative headline to feel the anger and frustration they feel.

That was the case at New Year in Waihi Beach when excellent work by staff sorting out local drunks ended with a headline criticising police for overreacting. This criticism of staff really rankled when the staff had worked way beyond the end of their shift to keep the town safe. Like many of these stories however, it went nowhere and was literally the next day’s fish and chip wrapping.

What I have learned in this job is ignoring criticism is always an option; the saying goes you should starve idiots of oxygen.

The current Police administration is far less inclined than the previous one to act on criticisms as if they were all true. This hopefully means that there is a greater confidence that we generally are in the right. We hope that attitude continues.

Two significant court cases will occur this year in which attacks on Police integrity will be the major defence. The Bain case and the Operation Eight Urewera case have both become politicised and polarised.

Staff in both of these cases have done excellent work and it’s important we hold the line.

It’s our job to get the evidence to court and we have to rely on good strong judges to control the politics around the case.

Another positive is that I now detect in New Zealanders an understanding that a lot of what is published in the media is exaggerated and sensationalised. It is an important role for the Association to remind the public of that.

Once again, it’s going to be a damned interesting year in policing.

I’ll now enjoy my last few days on the farm where measuring success or failure is far less complicated; as in, can I pay the bills or not?

Have a good 2009.

“The current Police administration is far less inclined than the previous one to act on criticisms as if they were all true. This hopefully means that there is a greater confidence that we generally are in the right. We hope that attitude continues.”



4

How legal assistance works for youLegal assistance – legal representation for members to defend them in matters arising out of their role and function in Police – is one of the most important, and higher cost services the Police Association provides to members. In the last financial year (ending 30 June 2008) the Association provided legal assistance to approximately 150 members, at a cost in excess of $635,000.

Incidents that caused these legal issues range from motor vehicle crashes, allegations of excess force, through to the shooting of offenders. More recently, we are increasingly seeing members applying for assistance for matters arising outside of their employment environment. In the last year support has also been given to 30 members individually named as defendants in civil proceedings, in what continues to be a rising trend.

How legal assistance worksLegal assistance is available to all Association members. It involves a contribution to the costs of legal counsel (where approved by the Board of the Association) to support and represent members of the Association who are facing investigation or charges: “where the matter giving rise to the charge or charges arose out of the member’s employment with Police” (Rule 102(a)) or: “in any other case involving exceptional circumstances where the matter involves a principle of general interest to members” (Rule 102(b)).

Legal assistance is not available for general industrial matters such as the pursuit of a personal grievance or employment issues that are dealt with by the Code of Conduct. The Association’s Industrial team or Field Officers deal with these.

As mentioned above, it is unusual for legal assistance to be granted to a member facing allegations under the Code of Conduct or other employment-related matters. The Association employs employment law specialists, supplemented by Field Officers and Industrial Officers. If you are facing an employment allegation, we will generally look to deal with this using our own staff and only ‘brief’ outside counsel in exceptional circumstances.

Three stepsThere are up to three steps involved in the legal assistance process.

The first is known as ‘delegated authority’.

Directors, Field Officers and other selected individuals have been given “delegated authority”. This allows a member in serious and immediate need of assistance to have one of these delegated individuals engage a lawyer to assist the member for an initial consultation or attendance at an interview. The Association pays the costs incurred with this initial support provided under a field delegation. There is no requirement for a legal assistance application to be completed for this support. However, if the matter is not disposed of by these initial stages, and further assistance is required, then the procedures in Rule 102 (c), (d) and (e) apply.

Where a matter is either not urgent or has not been disposed of through field delegation, the member must complete an application for legal assistance form. These are available from local Association representatives or Field Officers. The member completes the application, which is submitted to their local Association committee for consideration. This application, along with the local committee’s recommendation, is then submitted to the Board of the Association.

Eligibility and quantum

At this stage, legal assistance becomes a two-step process – eligibility and quantum - usually separated by a period of time.

The Board will first consider the eligibility of an application for assistance and will grant, or decline, “reasonable legal assistance” (the second step). At this stage we communicate with the member, and their legal counsel, as the matter proceeds.

Once the matter is concluded, the third step applies and the Board will consider the issue of quantum of assistance “having regard to the merits of the case and in particular the conduct of the member” (Rule 102(d)), and determine what proportion of the costs incurred will be funded by the Association. While in well over 80% of applications full quantum of costs incurred is granted, there are occasions when less is awarded. Quantum may revolve around an issue in circumstances such as where the conduct of the member has had an overriding influence on the outcome of the matter, where the conduct of the defence has been unduly prolonged (such as ongoing

and unnecessary judicial reviews or challenges) or the counsel used by the member is not considered necessary or appropriate, such as using a QC to defend a minor driving charge. Generally, where less than full quantum is awarded, this has already been signaled to the member prior to the Board determination.

It is important members note and understand that approval of reasonable legal assistance is not a promise to pay full quantum. It is also important to note that liability for payment of all accounts remains with the member until the Board determines the matter of quantum.

Selection of legal counselExcept for the provision of a solicitor through the field delegation, the Association will not engage a solicitor on your behalf. However, while the choice of a lawyer is ultimately up to the member, we do prefer members use lawyers who are experienced in dealing with matters relating to Police members. To that end, the Association retains a network of lawyers who have the specialist expertise in representing members of Police. The Association is happy to refer members to these lawyers.

The nature of policing means members of Police, both sworn and non-sworn, more readily face misconduct and neglect of duty allegations than other employees. Police hold special powers. Many jobs involve confrontational encounters with members of the public. Policing also demands high standards of conduct, and the behaviour of members of Police, both on and off-duty, is a matter of considerable public interest.

AccusationsMembers are always vulnerable to accusations of the use of excessive force in effecting arrests and dealing with violent confrontations. Such allegations are extremely easy to make and hard to refute. While convictions in such cases are rare, legal bills can quickly reach in excess of $30,000. Police Association membership is as essential as any other form of protection for members to avoid potentially ruinous legal bills sustained in defending such charges.

If you think you might need legal assistance, contact an Association representative immediately. Making this contact early assists us to ensure you have the most effective support and representation available.



Minister says Government’s 100-day plan willtarget those who peddle methamphetamine By Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News

Minister of Police Judith Collins has promised that the Government will crack down hard on dealers of methamphetamine.

In her first public speech after a new National Government was elected, she told the 12th National Chemical Diversion Conference in Wellington the Government was committed to making sure “this scourge on our society” was not allowed to grow.

Legislation to clamp down on criminal gangs and drug traders is to be one of the priorities on the new Government’s 100-day plan.

“My disgust on this subject is not directed at the vulnerable people caught up in the spiral which leads them to crime, it’s directed at people who make money out of other people’s misery. These people are targeting our children. It is past time that these criminals were targeted instead.”

Making the risks real “While Police are already doing much to curb this menace to our community, we need to do more to make the risks real to people who would embark on this path.”

Ms Collins said a “comprehensive approach from Government and the community” provided a way forward. “Collectively we must use every tool to find these people and strip them of their assets that are the proceeds of their crime.”

Ms Collins said that with 70% of precursors for the manufacture of meth being sourced nationally, with the meth industry now worth an estimated $1.2 billion and New Zealand having one of the highest addiction rates in the world it was imperative that the commitment of police throughout Australia and the Pacific received strong Government support.

Inter-agency approachThe Conference brought together delegates from Police, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice, plus industry and pharmacy groups in the interests of working together on the methamphetamine problem. There is strong evidence that when police work co-operatively and globally, in much the same way as trans-national crime syndicates do, that there can be high levels of success in preventing importations.

The Illicit Drug Strategy to 2010 focuses on a three-pronged approach; reducing

supply, reducing demand, and reducing harm.

The conference brought together delegates from the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. They represented a variety of agencies including the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, the Federal Department of Health and Ageing, the Australian Crime Commission, New Zealand’s Customs Service, the Ministry of Health, Environmental Science and Research and the New Zealand Police. A representative from the Office of the National Narcotics Control Commission in China gave a keynote address.

Public education“What’s clear to police, but must be made clearer to the general public, is the link between what goes on in gangs, organised crime groups and clan labs, and what goes on at your own front gate. Taking drugs such as P is not a personal lifestyle choice. It is a choice, which affects us all,” Ms Collins said.

“For the families of P-users, that effect is immediate and obvious. For others, it may be more indirect but nevertheless shocking and disturbing, like the invasion of your personal space and the theft of the new flat screen TV you’ve saved for and which had pride of place in your living room.”

Ms Collins said that research had shown a strong correlation between property crime and frequent meth use.

Successful operationsMs Collins congratulated all those involved in the Police-led operations targeting methamphetamine such as Operation Viper, Operation Web and Operation Leo, all of which resulted in notable successes last year. Operation Viper resulted in 73 arrests across the Wellington District and the seizure of $500,000 worth of drugs plus firearms.

Operation Web brought together Police, Customs and Corrections to investigate the importation and distribution of controlled precursor drugs by 12 offenders, including eight who were inmates of Auckland Prison and the Spring Hill Correction Facility. During the six-month operation, Customs and Police seized significant volumes of precursor chemicals and New Zealand Customs intercepted 20 kilograms of Contac NT, a common precursor agent.

Ms Collins said that it was, however, “no

time to rest on our laurels” in the war against the criminal gangs.

Joint working groupA joint working group comprising Ministry of Health, Police and Ministry of Justice officials is investigating options for reducing precursor availability via domestic diversion in New Zealand and is due to report to Government on recommended options in March 2009. This will cover issues such as privacy, establishment costs and the impact on pharmacies, Ms Collins told the conference.

Ms Collins said the Australian experience with Project STOP was encouraging in its effect in significantly reducing the purchase of precursors extracted from over-the-counter drugs from pharmacies. (Editors note: See Sept 2008 Police News for details of Project Stop).

This electronic recording and reporting tool means pharmacists are able, but not required, to refuse sale to a person who has already bought pseudoephedrine that day. It was trialed in Queensland in 2005 then rolled out across Australia a year ago. Since then, 18,000 sales of pseudoephedrine have been declined.

In the United Kingdom there is a proposal to reclassify pseudoephedrine as a prescription-only medicine and police there were being pro-active in referring arrestees directly to drug treatment as a form of diversion, which Ms Collins referred to as “a good example of inter-agency co-operation.”

• Police Minister Judith Collins addresses delegates at the 12th National Chemical Diversion Conference in Wellington.

6



New ballistic vests will be phasedin over the next three years

• Constable Jonathan Airy (Dunedin) holding up the new ballistic vest, which will be phased in over the next few years as the old ones come up for replacment.

- Photo courtesy of The Otago Daily Times.

By Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News

New Police body armour will be phased in over the next three years as old stocks wear out.

The new vests differ from the current stab resistant vests in that they are designed to stop rifle bullets. Some districts have already begun issuing them but others will not see them until current vests have become obsolete.

The armour in the new polyethylene plate ballistic vests will replace the current vests, which are now considered too cumbersome. The vest, which will give front and back protection, will fit over the stab resistant body armour (SRBA) and are designed to repel the 5.56 mm round common in many weapons such as a .223, M4 (same as the rifle used by General Duties staff) or M6 and allow stopping power for more heavy duty weapons up to a 7.62 mm round (AK47 or .308 equivalent).

Phased inSouthern Districts are understood to be engaged in a phased in three year replacement, which began in August. This is expected to be the norm for other districts. General Duties Branch staff would draw the vests when they were likely to attend incidents where firearms may be a threat.

The new armour involves officers wearing a small bib with plates. The old vests were full-ballistic body armour and often caused difficulties for officers when worn in tandem with other equipment.

The cost of each set is around $1300.

New online Police Fire and General Insurance system provides better service to membersSimply grab a quote anytime or check your current insurance details onlineIf you are looking for great value Home, Contents, Vehicle or Pleasurecraft cover, or just need to check what cover you currently have - Police Welfare Fund members can now access our fresh, new online insurance system.

Late last year, Police Welfare Fund General Insurances completed a major project replacing the old Fire and General Insurance system with a modern online version.

“While it did mean a lot of work upfront for Insurances and other staff, the new system enables us to provide a better, more effective service to members. Business can be completed easily both online and over the phone – without time-consuming paperwork,” Insurances Supervisor Debbie Jackson told Police News.

AccessTo access the new system, Police Welfare Fund members simply log into the ‘Members Only’ area of the website (www.policeassn.org.nz) with your member number and password. Then select ‘Insurance Online’ from the left-hand menu.

Police Welfare Fund General Insurances currently provides some 5,000 members with Fire and General Insurance. Debbie says, “With our competitive rates for vehicle, house, contents and marine insurance, and the value of being part of a significant insurance portfolio, the numbers just continue to grow as more and more members realise the benefit of having their cover with us.”

Insurance bonus Police Welfare Fund members who refinance or take out a new home loan are eligible for six months free Police Fire & General Home Insurance* with every new Police Welfare Fund Home Loan draw down. The Police Welfare Fund Home Loan is provided by The National Bank. For more information visit: www.policeassn.org.nz or call The National Bank lending specialists on 0800 800 808, email: [email protected] or visit your local branch.

*Members are eligible for one period of six months free Police Fire and General Home insurance premium only, per member, regardless of the term of the Police Home Loan taken. Police Fire and General Insurance is underwritten by Lumley General Insurance (NZ) Limited and members applying for the free cover will need to provide a copy of their Police Home Loan document from The National Bank.



8.99%pa

Organised Crime Commission could helpreduce $10 million p.a. car theft racket

• DataDot technology allows cars to be easily identified by spraying thousands of microdots (pictured above under magnification) onto newly registered vehicles. Each dot is as small as a grain of sand and carries the vehicle’s unique identification number (VIN).

A world leading anti-crime technology company says that car theft rates could drop significantly if the new National Government instituted a Commission of Inquiry into Organised Criminal Gangs promised by the previous Labour administration.

DataDot Technology says if the idea was picked up by the present Government and the proposed Commission focused on organised car theft as part of its brief, then savings of $10 million a year could be put in place.

DataDot New Zealand’s Managing Director, David Lumsden, says organised car theft gangs are involved in a major and sophisticated racket, stealing and immediately stripping thousands of vehicles for resale as parts or rebirthing.

The Justice Ministry estimates 30 to 40% of stolen vehicles are never recovered.

Nearly 20,000 cars stolen each yearAccording to the latest Police crime statistics 19,743 vehicles were stolen in the year to June 30. Police solved only 4,172 cases. Between 6,000-8,000 cars would never be recovered, costing New Zealand owners $10.2 million a year.

The previous Labour Government had plans to introduce a programme called Whole of Vehicle Marking (WOVM) where thousands of microdots are sprayed onto every newly registered vehicle. Each dot, the size of a grain of sand, carries a vehicle’s unique identification number (VIN). Thieves find it almost impossible or uneconomic to locate and remove all the unique dots.

Implementation of the anti-crime initiative is being held up in the High Court by the Motor Industry Association, which opposes the idea.

Big drops in theftsWOVM, using DataDots over the past 6½ years in Australia has seen the rate of stolen-unrecovered thefts for BMW and HSV decline by 76% and 84% respectively, and over 5¼ years for Subaru it has fallen by 86%, according to a controlled study conducted by Australia’s National Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

The huge drop in unrecovered theft of

marked vehicles is not attributable to the introduction of immobilizers. All three brands had immobilizers in the study’s marked and unmarked control groups.

In New Zealand, the use of DataDots on all new Subarus since late 2002 has seen a dramatic reduction in theft of New Zealand new vehicles, as thieves shift attention to older unmarked models, Mr Lumsden said.

Huge costMr Lumsden said organised crime is responsible for between $70-$100 million in car thefts every 10 years. He told Police News that a thorough probe would confirm the right policies to help wipe most of this out. He predicted the WOVM initiative could cut car thefts by 80% over 10 years.

“That will lead to a drop in vehicle insurance costs, boost detection and prosecutions of those running the ‘chop shops’, and free up police time to fight other crime,” Mr Lumsden said.

Have you moved recently?If you have moved or perhaps are about to, please let us know so we can update your records.You can do this by:• writing to us at PO Box 12344;• calling us on free phone 0800 500 122;• faxing us on (04) 496 6819; or• Emailing us at:

[email protected] NEED TO LET US KNOW YOUR

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER, NEW ADDRESS AND IF YOU’RE A SERVING MEMBER

- YOUR NEW STATION.

8



NZ police officershelping with CookIslands initiativesLate last year, several New Zealand police officers went to the Cook Islands to assist Cook Islands Police with an ongoing improvement of aspects of policing there.

Road Policing advisor Sergeant Tim Crum was due to go back to Rarotonga as this issue went to press.

Further input from NZ Police will happen this year. Inspector Andrew Saunders is on a two-year secondment to the Cook Islands Police. A New Zealand police officer, Pat Tasker is the Commissioner there.

New Zealand is helping with drug detection in Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tonga as part of an ongoing initiative. The Cook Islands now has two drug dogs.

• TIME OUT: Senior Sergeant Teinaki Howard (Prosecutions), Probationary Constable Judy Tuara (Frontline Unit, GDB), Sergeant Tim Crum (NZ Police Advisor (Wgtn H/Way Patrol), Senior Constable Pauline Rangi (Domestic Violence Co-ordinator), Inspector Arama Tera (Operations Manager) with their Police Association drink bottles – ‘must haves’ for keeping hydrated while out for a round of golf in the tropical temperatures in Rarotonga.

• Sergeant Todd Southall with a yellowfin tuna landed while doing a spot of fishing while on deployment in Rarotonga recently.

Speed limitsRarotonga has a 40 kph speed limit for mopeds (a popular form of transport), while the open road limit for other vehicles (utes are very popular with the locals) is 50 kph. Motorcyclists are not required to wear helmets but the government is moving to change that. There is a very relaxed attitude to road safety and, unfortunately, drink driving.

Helmets were made compulsory in 1989 but the law fell into disuse after three motorcyclists were killed in quick succession. The locals said the problem related to tourists wearing helmets passing out in the humid conditions.

During the visit by the New Zealand officers, a charity golf tournament was held, which was run by Rarotonga Rotary. Teams of six were involved with the Cook Islands Police Association entering a team called “The Chiefs”, of which Mr Crum and Sergeant Todd Southall (NZ Police Dog School, Trentham) were members. Local Association member, Acting Sergeant Johnny George, took the Kiwis out fishing. The prize catch was a good-sized yellowfin tuna.

We remember… Who passed away…

SKERRITT Ruby Stella 17-May-08 Widow of member Opunake

GLASS Francis (Frank) 29-Nov-08 Retired member Johnsonville

BRECHMANIS Maris 30-Nov-08 Retired member Wanganui

CROXFORD Ian 1-Dec-08 Retired member Wellington

BURR Alvin Philip 3-Dec-08 Retired member New Plymouth

NUNAN Thomas John 5-Dec-08 Retired member Paraparaumu

BAGSHAW Joyce 6-Dec-08 Widow of member Napier

LOWEN Bertram Atmore 8-Dec-08 Retired member New Plymouth

MATTHEWS Judith Anne 12-Dec-08 Spouse of member Blenheim



Pay slip upA would-be bank robber in Illinois proved he wasn’t the smartest sandwich in the picnic when he attempted to rob a Chicago bank using a threatening note written on the back of his own pay slip, which just happened to carry his name and address.

He left the pay slip at the scene of the robbery.

Thomas Infante, whose infantile attempt to rob the bank, must go down alongside some of the dumbest robbery attempts in history will be ruing the day he decided to walk into the Fifth Third Bank (how it got a name like that we don’t know) and handed a teller a note, which read: “Be Quick, Be Quit (sic). Give your cash or I’ll shoot.”

$400 heistNot surprisingly, faced with such a terrific speller the bank teller obliged, giving Infante $US400 ($NZ$700).

Unfortunately, in his haste to leave the premises, Infante dropped the pay slip with the demand on the pavement outside the bank.

Investigators found the pay slip and went to Infante’s home and promptly arrested him. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spokesman Ross Rice told the media: “It’s fairly unusual that we see something that specifically stupid.”

The world’s stupidest?While Infante’s stupidity is right up there with the best of them, a man who robbed a bank in the USA in 1988 probably still takes the cake for the world’s stupidest bank robber. He wore a transparent plastic bag over his head to disguise himself during an armed robbery. Unfortunately, the teller could see right through the bag and read the bank robber’s name, which the robber had conveniently tattooed on his head!

Game, set and match.

A good startI see our new Police Minister has started with a bit of a hiss and a roar, which is a great thing to see. I am sure it must be the said lady behind the clear focus on Organised Crime that is on the horizon. She said all the right things in the Ten One just prior to Christmas and her influence is obviously already filtering down through to the troops. I understand from my Fed mates, that hot-off-the-press from the Crime Managers’ Conference is the fact that this type of crime and these type of people, are going to be very much in our sights in the near future.

Awesome, superb, outstanding, a bloody good show and all those other superlatives that come with such decisive leadership!

However, let’s not see rhetoric with no action. Talk is cheap. I personally wanna see some bite following the bark, which means more resources rather than robbing Peter to pay Paul. I mean to say this is a bloomin’ almighty big job and we know those blokes living among the shadows have started to get the slip on us. It’s not too late to turn the tide but we need to get cracking like the newly found Black Caps hero!

A star is bornNot only have the Black Caps found a few good uns but I see Tasman have just appointed a Canterbury-bred lad to take the helm. A fair bit of time spent in the Cake-tin and up the road at Molesworth

This column is written by a frontline police officer. It does not represent the

views or policies of the Police Association.

but our Gazza is certainly all red and black where it counts!

Good luck mate but you won’t need much of that with your upbringing!

Some like it hotWow, what a fantastic effort with the road toll in 2008 team! Take a bow as we are clearly making a difference. However, just when you think we might have a strategy to beat the numbers down further, we start 2009 with chaos on the roads and in the water also. More tragedy for us to take care of and more families torn apart from situations that develop in the blink of an eye.

Surrounded by death she can be a thankless job some days. However, ya mates in blue keep you going and it really makes you appreciate those on the home front. Happy at home and happy at work makes a perfect day to start and finish.

New Year’s resolution for 2009. Keep on making a difference!

Big wheels keep on rollin’Have loved the cricket over the summer and I see a real change in our Black Caps and wouldn’t be surprised if they start causing some upsets in about 12-months with a bit of experience under the belt and as the comradeship starts to build. I’m also looking forward to another Super 14 season and another awesome year of Crusader and AB magic. Some things just ain’t meant to change.

See Ya

Use of 0800 Ten Nine phone lineAssociation representatives maintain this telephone line (0800 8366 463) on a 24-hour basis.

It is to be used ONLY for matters that cannot be deferred, such as Police shootings, fatal pursuits or deaths in custody.

Important and immediate industrial and legal advice can then be arranged through the Association networks.

Please do not phone this line for non-urgent matters.

“ Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could.Some blunders and absurdities crept in; forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day; you begin it well and serenely.... “.- Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“We are not enemies but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion we have strained, we must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic quirks of memory will swell when again touched. As surely they will be by the angels of our better nature.”

- Martin Luther King.

“Educate your children to self control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done

much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society.”- Benjamin Franklin.

10



Clues:

1 2 3 4 5 6

7

8 9

10 11

12 13 14

15 16

17 18

19

20 21

December answers:Across:1. Laps3. Security9. Flat out10. Taser11. Light hearted13. Schnoz

Across:1. Proposed objective (6) 4. Actuate. Impress (6) 8. Direct. Maneuver (11) 10. Strangle. Throttle (7) 11. Zodiac sign (3) 12. Music and drama for example (4) 13. Airborne (3) 14. Cannabis pipe (4)17. Phase of time (3) 18. Apex (7)19. Shocking way to die (11)

20. Corners in a car (6) 21. Reasons. Excuses (6) Down:1. Has been more than around the world (4,9) 2. Talk over again (11) 3. Ace witness? (6) 5. Beef up (6) 6. Racehorses (13) 7. Outside lighting (11)9. The usual practice (4,2,5) 15. Cunning (6) 16. Wind back in (6)

15. Handle17. Announcement20. Raged21. Oversee22. Syndrome23. Uses

Down:1. Lifeless2. Prang4. Esteem5. Unthreatened6. Instead7. Yard

8. Control order12. Neatness14. Handgun16. Inform 18. Arms19. Ensis

Hostage negotiations Japanese styleA recent hostage drama in Japan had a bit of a rough and unexpected end for the hostage taker thanks to some quick thinking by the chief hostage negotiator and quick actions by one of his officers – and they all got to go home early.

One former New Zealand police officer, now working in Canada, who sent the above shots to Police News said: “In the USA and Canada we would assume the guy is innocent and would attempt to discuss the situation for hours, sometimes this can go on for a day or longer. During this time we would feed him anything he asked for and provide warm clothing etc to ensure his comfort.”

Free legal representation

“When the situation was resolved he’d have the finest lawyer appointed to him, free of charge, and if found guilty he might do a few years in prison. The prison would be close to his home, so as not to cause distress and anguish to his relatives. While in prison he will have a roof over his head, watch cable TV, visit the gym and have all his medical care looked after. He will be well fed, may like to study the law, gain a degree (paid for by the taxpayers) and before we know it he’ll turn around and sue the Police negotiator, the Police Department and the State and Federal Governments, all on taxpayers’ funds,” he added.

The former officer, tongue-in-cheek, ventured that the Japanese system is obviously an economical one. “If the incident above is anything to go by, they keep their expenses and time to a minimum,” he said, adding “no wonder their cars cost less!”

• From top to bottom: (Photo 1) Police negotiators assess the situation from the apartment next door as the man threatens to kill the boy he has taken hostage. (Photo 2): A negotiator leans out the window and shoots the kidnapper. (Photo 3): Negotiations end: The kidnapper plummets to the street below. The kidnapper’s fate was not clear.

11



by Ricky Collins

Cheap and cheerfulBy now we are all suffering a bit from the post-Christmas blues and the credit card is feeling the strain of the growing costs faced at this time of the year. But it’s still the festive season and you’ve got friends coming over.

The thought of sharing your carefully selected and cellared wines with guests who won’t really appreciate them can be a bit too much to take.

Luckily, there are plenty of cheep and cheerful wines in the supermarket at the moment that will more than satisfy most palates. A while back I checked out the shelves at Countdown and picked up a selection of six wines on special that were all good quaffers; total cost $36. I’d describe all of these wines as easy drinking, true to their variety or varieties and good value for money. Here are my brief thoughts on each wine.

Queen Adelaide Riesling 2007 RRP $10 On Special $5

I believe I’ve reviewed this wine previously. To me it’s a really appealing wine with crisp lemon and lime flavours, nice acidity and a touch of sweetness on the finish.

Jacobs Creek Chardonnay 2007 RRP $12 On Special $7

A lot of people knock Chardonnay but for me it’s still a great medium-bodied white. This wine has lovely ripe melon and stone fruit flavours, with a hint of oak on the finish. It’s a well-balanced wine that should hit the mark with most white wine drinkers.

Jacobs Creek Grenache Shiraz 2007 RRP $12 On Special $7

I love Southern Rhone wines and this Grenache-dominant blend has a hint of the savoury notes that come through in Cotes du Rhone wines. Raspberries show on the palate. It has a nice finish.

Queen Adelaide Shiraz 2007 RRP $10 On Special $5

I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the two Queen Adelaide reds, but I was pleasantly surprised. This is a smoothly textured wine with ripe bright black berryfruit flavours, some spicy peppery notes and a clean finish.

Queen Adelaide Regency Red Shiraz Cabernet 2006 RRP $12 On Special $7

Again, this is a pleasant wine with slightly less sweetness on the palate. It has a hint of the herbal notes that Cabernet will impart on a wine, and is very smooth drinking. A year’s extra age had rounded the wine off and this will appeal to those new to red wine.

Jacobs Creek Shiraz Cabernet 2006 RRP $12 On Special $7

A friend of mine suggested I try this as it had been well received in Australia. It was good advice. It has bright berryfruit flavours with a definite spicy edge and it has good structure and balance. This is a wine that definitely bats well above its price point.

• The sign (pictured) is not a hoax. It really does exist at Fort Steele campground in the Canadian Rockies. The sign is located at the start of one of the popular camping ground’s hiking trails and has been there for several years. At the beginning of the 2008 season, a camper, amused by the sign, photographed it and sent the photo to friends and it has subsequently been doing the Email rounds around the world. Now it has become a popular place for North Americans to have their photo taken alongside the sign. The owners of the campground say that this is one of several signs written in a humorous vein along the trails. “We try to have fun,” they say on their website.

12 January/February 2009

To contact the Police Council of Sport, call Alison Murray at the RNZPC. Ph: (04) 238-3139

POLICE COUNCIL OF SPORT

Visit www.policeassn.org.nz for updated contact details for the Police Council of Sport management committee,

District Sports Offi cers and the latest schedule of events.

Chch AOS team upset titleholdersat South Island Touch TournamentIn late November, the North Canterbury Police again hosted the New Zealand Police Association South Island Police Touch (Rugby) Tournament.

The competition was held at the grounds of the Woodend Rugby Club.

The weather was fine, the grounds were fast and the competition was of a high standard.

Favourites Papanui, who had won the tournament on several occasions, were beaten by a determined and extremely competent Christchurch AOS (Armed Offenders’ Squad) team. The winners went by the catchy name of CHAOS but their play in no way reflected their name as they showed a well-drilled, fluid approach in each of their matches.

Dozen teams There were 12 teams in total, including one from the Christchurch Prison Service and a

very entertaining Midgets team, comprised of the children of competitors.

The composite Papanui-New Brighton Police team retained the Emergency Services Trophy.

Organiser Tony Maw told Police News that everyone had “enjoyed him or herself” and said the competition “was played in great spirit”.

Great family dayMr Maw added: “I was thrilled with the way the day went. It was great to see so many families there. The kids were busy all day. There has been great feedback about the day and hopefully they will help spread the word to tell others what a great family day it is.” Mr Maw said he was appreciative of the “tremendous support” of the NZ Police Association and the Council of Sport in sponsoring the tournament.

The next South Island tournament will be held in November this year.

Results were:Player of the Day (Male): Don Aitken.

Player of the Day (Female): Mary Setu.

Personality of the Day (Male): Malcolm Johnson.

Personality of the Day (Female): Tanya Drake.

1. CHAOS (Cup winners), 2. Papanui No. 1, 3. New Brighton No. 2 (Mixed trophy winners), 4. Southern Diesels, 5. Dogs (Plate winners), 6. The Last Resort (Chch CIB), 7. New Brighton No. 1, 8. North Canterbury, 9. Papanui No. 2, 10. Papanui No. 3, 11. Conair (Chch Prison), 12. Midgets.

• Chris Power (left) receives the winner’s trophy from organiser Tony Maw.

Police PistolBiathlon onin MarchThe Police Pistol Biathlon is a popular international event that combines two great sports, cross-country running and pistol shooting.

Run too fast and you lose your ability to shoot accurately, spend too long shooting (or getting your breath back) and add to your overall time. Competitors are graded by age.

The 2009 Biathlon will be held in the scenic surrounds of Riverhead Forest–West Auckland on Saturday 7th March 2009. An A-category firearms license is required by all competitors - apply for yours today! (a pistol licence is not required). Guns are provided for the event along with a BBQ and there will also be a fun shotgun side match for competitors and spectators.

Contact the organiser [email protected] for an information pack on the biathlon and on obtaining your licence.



• The winning Christchurch AOS team at the South Island Touch Tournament, from left, Brett Chesterman, Chris Power, Guy Curtis, Stu Joy, Geoff Rudduck, Clint Hatherell, Thomas Jenkins, Don van Onselen, Earl Borrell

Counties-Manukau win National Police Rugby ChampionshipThe National Police Rugby Tournament was held in Rotorua in mid-October.

Bay of Plenty hosted the competition after Auckland were hosts for the last two years. By centralising the tournament in Rotorua, it was anticipated the hosts could expect more teams to take part.

A team comprising of players from Timaru and Christchurch, along with a “Hurricanes” team from Wellington and the lower North Island were rumoured to be attending the tournament but failed to appear.

AbsencesIt was also disappointing that established Police rugby teams from Waikato and Northland, who play games during the season, could not muster a team for the tournament. Northland played the touring Australian Police this year in Whangarei so they were notable by their absence in Rotorua.

Well done to the teams that did front up, Auckland, Counties-Manukau, Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay. Spectators were treated to some fine rugby with very tough and competitive teams being the order on each day. All the games were played in an excellent spirit with a high level of skills on show. Several games could have gone either way.

Great jobOrganiser Barry Gallagher told Police News: “The Bay of Plenty personnel did a great job. I was very appreciative of the huge amount

of time and effort that went into the event.” Mr Gallagher paid tribute to Phil Wilkinson who missed participating in the tournament after falling through a skylight at the Rotorua Police Station. He was assisting with the clean up of the function area when the accident occurred. Mr Wilkinson was in severe pain but Mr Gallagher said it was great to see Phil up and able to walk around at the time of the tournament.

Counties-Manukau won the National Rugby Tournament Trophy as well as the Police Challenge Cup. They were a very well organised unit with a large group of players and supporters, and deserved their success.

BOP hosts again in 2009The 2009 tournament will again be hosted by Bay of Plenty Police and may possibly be played in Tauranga. This is another popular location so hopefully we will have another couple of teams wanting to play in 2009.

The NZ Police tournament team was named at the conclusion of the prizegiving and is as follows: Glenn Japeth (BOP), One Mata’uiau (CM), Leighton Hale (BOP), Reece Sirl (AKLD) Captain, Shaun Mortenson (AKLD), Takao Cocker (CM), Lio Kaihau (AKLD), Henry Tofilau (AKLD), Rameka Poihipi (BOP), Robbie Dunning (CM), Papaloa Talosaga (CM), Keki Wilson (AKLD), Ben Poluleuligaga (CM), Metu Egelani (AKLD), Eru Haimona (BOP), Ray Faaofo (AKLD), Hufanga Taufoou (CM), Luke Perrott

(BOP), James Asekona (AKLD), Aleki Maka (CM), Gerwin Roach (AKLD), Tui Ta’ufo’ou (CM) and Leon Serfontein (CM).

Plans are in process for NZ Police to play the Wairarapa-Bush Heartland XV in May. A proposed three-match tour of Australia is also on the agenda for September.

Some ‘interesting’ definitionsADULT: A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.BEAUTY PARLOUR: A place where women curl up and dye.CANNIBAL: Someone who is fed up with people. CHICKENS: The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead. DUST: Mud with the juice squeezed out. EGOTIST: Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation. HANDKERCHIEF: Cold storage. INFLATION: Cutting money in half without damaging the paper. MOSQUITO: An insect that makes you like flies better. RAISIN: A grape with sunburn. SECRET: Something you tell to one person at a time. SKELETON: A bunch of bones with the person scraped off. TOOTHACHE: The pain that drives you to extraction. TOMORROW: One of the greatest labour-saving devices of today.



14

Wellington and Tokoroa successfulat North Island Touch Tournament

• Wellington player Shaun Broughton (holding the ball) was named “Player of the Tournament.”

The North Island Touch Tournament was played in Havelock North on the 14th of November last year.

Uncharacteristically, but perhaps fortunately for the players, the normally abundant Hawke’s Bay sun did not make much of an appearance during the day, with only brief interludes late in the day.

This did, however, bode a bit better for the players and peak performances were forthcoming with the cooler temperatures.

There was action aplenty with some teams putting on a great display of skills in some very fine games, whilst others impressed with their enthusiasm.

Hosts very ‘sporting’Hastings, as hosts, displayed great sportsmanship, generosity and decorum in allowing every other team competing to beat it.

The Open Men’s Final was contested between Wellington and Napier, with Wellington

winning. The Mixed Final saw Wanganui take the title over Tokoroa. Both finals were extremely close contests with narrow winning margins for both Wellington and Wanganui respectively.

Wellington player Shaun Broughton (aka “The Gazelle”), who is stationed at Lower Hutt, was named Player of the Tournament.

All in all it was a great day and we look forward to seeing further teams participating in the upcoming 2009 tournament.

Police National Raft Race on 13 MarchThe second running of the Police National Raft Race is going to be held on Black Friday, the 13th of March.

It could well be an unlucky day for some but going on the first event, this is a date not to be missed. In the inaugural event, nine teams of four went head to head on the Kaituna River. This time the event has been expanded to 18 teams including the defending champions Tauranga, who will be back to see if they can make it back-to-back victories.

The event will feature a new event – the kayak/riversurfing race that involves two members,

one kayaker to kayak the top section of the river before tagging his or her team mate at the bottom of Tueta Falls. The second team member then riversurfs the rest of the course, finishing at Playhole rapid. The kayaker will need to have some good skills as the upper Kaituna is grade 5 but the riversurfer will only need to be a good swimmer and like to hold their breath under water! All equipment for the riversurfer is provided including riversurfing sledge, flippers and safety equipment.

After the event, the prizegiving will be held at the Okere Falls Beer Garden just metres away

from the top of the river. A BBQ dinner will be provided like no other, just ask anyone who came last time. There will also be a pick up and drop off service from Rotorua to Kaituna River (15 minutes drive) to allow everyone to enjoy themselves.

If this sounds like something you and your co-workers are keen on, then go to the race website: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~aarondeanne/or contact Aaron Holloway via Lotus Notes. The entry fee is only $10 for a great day out.



OUR LENDING CRITERIA, TERMS, CONDITIONS AND FEES APPLY. WHERE BORROWING OVER 80% OF A PROPERTY’S VALUE IS APPROVED, A LOW EQUITY PREMIUM ON A GRADUATED SCALE WILL APPLY AND A REGISTERED VALUER’S REPORT IS REQUIRED. THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED AS A COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE OF THE NATIONAL BANK. IT IS PREPARED BASED ON INFORMATION AND SOURCES THE BANK BELIEVES TO BE RELIABLE. ITS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMMERCIAL JUDGEMENT OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, WHICH SHOULD BE SOUGHT PRIOR TO ENTERING INTO ANY TRANSACTIONS. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW THE NATIONAL BANK DISCLAIMS LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO ANY PERSON FOR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY ACT OR OMISSION BY ANY PERSON IN RELATION TO THE MATERIAL.

New Year – new home?Many people who were thinking about buying a new home last year may have put the decision off because of uncertainty about the state of the housing market. But whether you’re considering buying your fi rst home, or selling your existing home and purchasing a new one, 2009 may be a good time to dust off your home-buying aspirations.

decisions, so keeping the lawn mowed and the front of your house clean and tidy is important. Paint the fence if it needs it and if you have a front garden, consider planting some fl owers for instant colour.

2. Tidy up. Before putting your home on the market, give it a spring clean. Get rid of any clutter that’s built up over the years – put it in storage, donate it or throw it out. Tidy up cupboards and wardrobes, and make sure kitchens and bathrooms in particular are clean.

3. Make it inviting. Little touches can make a big difference – like making sure the beds are made, there are fresh towels in the bathroom and fresh fl owers in the house. Air the house in summer (open some windows) and heat it comfortably in winter. A house that feels welcoming is one a potential buyer will want to live in.

4. Spend wisely. Think carefully before making major improvements or renovations, as they may not pay for themselves in terms of an increased sale price. It’s often better to spend money on cosmetic improvements such as painting walls, new cushions or soft furnishings, or some new plants for the garden.

For more tips on buying and selling a home, check out our unique Home Buyers Centre at:www.homebuyerscentre.co.nz

If you’d like more information about Police Home Loans from The National Bank, call 0800 800 808, or contact your local branch or Mobile Mortgage Manager.

Buying your fi rst home The good news for fi rst home buyers is that houses are now more affordable than they have been in the last two years. Both interest rates and house prices are falling. The Reserve Bank has slashed interest rates, and there is more to come - our economists tip the Offi cial Cash Rate to fall to below 4% by April if current conditions continue. Home loan rates have fallen in response and look set to get lower yet.

At the same time, house prices have fallen – for example, according to QV the median house price in November 2008 was $337,500 compared with $352,000 twelve months earlier. The number of houses sold has also dropped signifi cantly.

In other words, it’s a buyer’s market - so there may be some good buys if you are prepared to negotiate. If you don’t have an existing home to sell you may be able to make an unconditional offer, which will put you in an even stronger position. If you’re thinking of buying, talk to The National Bank – we can give you an indication of how much you can borrow so you’re in a better position to negotiate. You can also take advantage of our Police Home Loan Package to make your new home even more affordable.

Selling and buyingIf you’re selling and buying in the same market, it may be as good a time as ever to make the move. In the current market where buyers have a lot of choice, the key is to make your home stand out from the pack. A bit of effort spent getting your home ready for sale can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you present your home in the best possible light.

1. First impressions count. Street appeal plays a big – and often unconscious - part in buying

02-2009



16

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 good reason for anonymity. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline letters without explanation. Email to: [email protected] or write it to the Editor at PO Box 12344, Wellington. Letters under 400 words are preferred.

Write it here! Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Mental health pilot schemeapplauded from afarI was so pleased to see that the new pilot scheme for putting mental health nurses in police stations has started at both Manukau City and Christchurch. It is a valuable tool to build liaison and trust between mental health workers and the Police, and will have benefits to the organisation with an appreciation of the work that mental health clinicians do. It will also allow sworn staff to get on and do their job more effectively, and presumably has value-added considerations for both?

I have been living here in British Columbia, Canada for seven years next month, and have had cause to be involved with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), in various professional roles.

One of the most progressive projects that I have seen here in Vancouver, has been “Car 87” which is a combined Police and mental health team (made up of a sworn member, and a registered nurse with extensive experience in crisis assessment and treatment). They attend any incident that involves a mental health consumer, and facilitate this person’s admission for formal assessment under the Mental Health Act, admission to hospital, or to provide advice and support to incident cars.

Research completed by Detective Fiona Wilson-Bates working in the VPD has suggested that upwards of 30% of their incident car “working time” involves the management of persons with mental health issues. While the research itself is mostly anecdotal, it does reflect the implication and attitudes of sworn staff to both consumers of mental health services, and the frustration that police feel when having to deal with these time-consuming and not always expedient events.

The document is called “Lost in Transition” and can be located on the VPD website. www.vpd.ca. It is worth a read. Any comparison needs to be made recognising that Vancouver is a city of a population of four million people.

In relation to the new pilot scheme, it is heartening to see such a progressive response, and a shared model being implemented. All members of New Zealand society will benefit from such an enlightened response. Bravo!

Deb Kinvig(Clinical Services Manager, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada)

Ode to a vestA year has come and goneI wonder where my vest has goneWe have searched high and we have searched low

I believe down to Wellington it did go.The time has come to get toughThis mucking round has gone on long enoughThrough the years we have wanted safetyI don’t want to be called the Mr. LatelySo come on guys find it for meSo we can all be involved in officer safetyI don’t want to wait another year for my vest to appearJust in case I am not here.I’d like to wear the vest with prideAnd make my body safe insideSo to all have a look

Just in case it’s hiding on a hook.

Brent Saunders(Waitemata)

The deterrent effectof ticketing driversI noted in the November Police News the phrase used by l Am Keen: “bad people doing bad things”, and the need to focus on them. Of course, that is a major focus of the Police, and rightly so.

It allowed me to contrast the work of many police officers with the Road Policing Branch, wherein most of our work is focused on good people doing bad things. Most traffic crashes are caused by perfectly respectable people, who I’d happily sit and have a drink with, that have made some error of judgement, made some small mistake, leading to property damage or personal injury to themselves or some other victim.

Certainly, we also need to put a lot of effort into enforcing the Land Transport Act against those people we perceive as bad people, but by far the majority of the road trauma problem is just good people making errors of judgement that lead to crashes.

With combined consistent enforcement and education, a degree of influence can be had on those same good people to decrease their trauma-promoting driving behaviour.

It’s easy to write a ticket for someone we perceive as being a bad person. It makes us feel good. It’s not so easy to write tickets for good people. We feel conflict in doing so. But if we fail to use the deterrent effect that tickets provide, we condemn the good people of this country to continued involvement in unnecessary road trauma and more of us will be sitting at the end of year Christmas functions with people who have suffered through that same road trauma.It is targeting the behaviour, not the person, which will have the greatest effect.

Peter Daly(Christchurch)

The chance to learn from one’s mistakesI recently sat the new CPK Evidence exam and failed. I can accept this, as I am neither the first to fail nor the last. I put in a lot of effort in study for this exam, which was a strain on home life, working around a child’s life, and working full time. I fitted in as much time as I could to study in the lead up to the exam.

The exam itself seemed rather easy, or so I thought. I had two hours to answer some 69 multi choice questions. I finished the exam reasonably quickly and decided to cover up my answers and go through the exam again. I did this and only changed one answer. I was confident of a pass and walked out of the exam happy and was thinking about my future prospects.

On Christmas Eve, while I was on holiday, I found out that I had failed. I was a bit stunned.

The Email I received informing me that my results had been posted on People Soft showed me that at least 50% failed the Evidence exam. That made the result a little easier to swallow. What the Email also stated was that there was no chance of viewing our marked papers. This has frustrated me a lot.

I have to sit this exam again, as will others. But how am I going to know where I went wrong? If I can’t learn from my mistakes, how am I going to correct them? Ultimately, I am destined to make the same mistakes again because I could not see where I went wrong. I think this is unfair.

Under the old exam format it felt like you sat hard exams and felt lucky to pass (my previous statutes exam is an example) instead of this new format where I feel ripped off, as I failed on what seemed a relatively easy exam to sit.

After doing my study and exam, I felt sorry for the members who sat the full CPK with statutes as well and how much extra study they would have to put in. It is hardly a surprise to see more than half fail.

My exams will now expire in 2013. I mention 2013 because the reality is that in Canterbury, where I live, and with 11 years service already, there is no guarantee that I will have a sergeant’s job in five years. The five-year time limit on CPK exams is a joke in Canterbury as my vintage are only now getting a few jobs that are advertised but most are still going to those with longer service.

This five-year limit is perfect for Auckland as job movement is huge there. I have lived in Auckland and worked there but have now made my life in Canterbury and plan never to move. The lifestyle here is unbeatable. I



accept I am bound by what jobs are offered in Canterbury.

This five-year time limit on exams seems to be very focused on Auckland and not considerate to the rest of the country.

To the best of my knowledge, a lawyer for example is still a lawyer after five years and does not have to be re-admitted to the bar. A dentist is still a dentist and still qualified on exams they sat, as are many other skilled people.Surely, if the issue is to keep members up to date with legislation it is then a training issue. Wouldn’t this be implemented on nationwide mandated training days?

Mike McKellow (Rangiora)

Of “I” and “We”No “I” in “team”, the letter said,And I say I agree,Why bother with a uniformFor “I” instead of We?I wore the blue for many years,But now I’ve ‘pulled the pin’;If P.C. means diversityDivide - and you can’t win.Forget that we are not the same,Beliefs are different too.When you are out there fighting crimeThey’re many, you are few.But strength from comrades dressed the sameIs very reassuring;From head to toe, all wearing blue,And discipline ensuring.Forget the different head-dress,It’s not the uniform;Forget the P.C. nonsense,Be proud, for you are sworn.

What next? Police women in burkha?

Lin Moir(Dunedin)

Thanks to the Dog Section,Eagle and maritime crewsI recently had surgery and wanted to say a public thank you to the O/Cs of the Dog Section, the Eagle crew and the maritime crew and their staff who took the time to phone or text and visit bearing gifts. It was appreciated guys and totally unexpected. The ‘black humour’ was expected though...

”Clerkzilla”(Auckland)

A ‘cool’ way of recruitingIt took me a few moments to locate the stack of Rheineck beer.

The coolness that enveloped me caused a flashback of 22 years to when I was a young cop and Rheineck was the beer of choice.

In the chiller, holding my tray, I thought of a young blonde girl, very pretty, in my Figlass Fireball, hopping into the water and taking the waterskis.

I was chuckling to myself when I put the tray down on the counter and the young fella asked me whether I was having a good day.

So I told him about Rheineck, how it had stood the test of time, the blonde in the yellow bikini whom I married and the fact that I was still in

boats and drinking good beer made it doubly attractive. Yes 1986 had been a bloody good year for a young cop.

I could tell he enjoyed my flashback and he told me he wasn’t even born in 1986.

I told him that one day he would be standing in the cooler and he would have his own flashback.

The conversation led to policing. I told him that he should look at joining the Police. Walk-in-coolers are great places for recruiting by all accounts, nearly as cool as Rheineck beer!

Nick Hall(Rheineck connoisseur and part-time recruiter)

A Broad swordThe reintroduction of Tasers seems to me to be more concerned with public and political perception than Police/people protection. After the deliberate delaying of the Broad decision, this is deplorable.

John Casey(Franklin)

Christmas box appreciated This year over Christmas, I was in Timor working for the Police. It was a special day, as we all visited an orphanage which previous contingents adopted and which we proudly continue to support.

Yes I missed my family back home. But I feel very lucky in that I can have regular contact with them, unlike the service personnel from WW1 and WW2 and wars since then, to whom we all owe so much.

I really appreciated the gift box that arrived from the NZ Police Association and the National Executive of the RSA. I opened it, but waited until Christmas to enjoy the many treats within. The gift was more than a box of goods to me because it made my Christmas brighter.

Many thanks to both organisations and members for remembering the New Zealand Defence and Police staff overseas.

Best wishes.

Terry Gibbons(Dili, Timor Leste)

Comms delays causing frustrationI’m a frontline road policing officer in the central North Island, and here are a few of my reflections on our Communications Centres and their service as an ordinary motorist.

During several trips to Auckland over the last few years, I have used the *555 system many times (when I’m off duty, I like to stay that way, so I don’t call frivolously).

At one time, I encountered a truck on the southern motorway, southbound at Greenlane, about five metres off my rear end at 90-100 kph. There was a police motorcycle unit about 50 metres ahead. I rang *555. (I wouldn’t have bothered except there was a Police road policing unit right there.) At Otahuhu, the motorcycle patrol exited, obviously still unaware of anything happening. I still don’t understand why he wasn’t just called up.

In another incident I came across a northbound motorist overtaking on bends, and nearly losing control in roadworks, due to bad driving, about 15 minutes south of Maramarua. So I

call *555 but never saw a Police unit until way up the southern motorway.

Another example: Northbound truck at Maramarua dropping cup-sized rocks onto the road because the tailgate wasn’t closed properly. I rang *555. My wife and I finally got alongside the truck near Pokeno and the driver pulled over. I never saw a Police unit.

(This is not a dig at Police in this area).

These are just some of my experiences as a private motorist. Sadly, there has only been one of many instances, where the result was satisfactory.

While on duty, I had a report of dangerous driving in the immediate area I was working in. Unfortunately, the information was 25 minutes old by the time I got it.

I was still in the same area. The offender and complainant had to drive past me.

In the middle of a weekday afternoon, I was notified of a tree blocking a well-used road. So I travel about 15 kilometres treating it as P1. I find where the tree has been cleared, so call Comms back. The Job was over 45 minutes old when I was notified. Roading contractors hadn’t cleared it because I saw them 20 minutes later still coming to the job after the Police notified them.

I regularly call up for QP/QVR (query person, query vehicle registration) etc, and get told “standby”. So I wait patiently for anything up to 15 minutes. Someone else calls up for the same, or other routine matter and gets an immediate response. This is a regular occurrence, but in fairness, some operators don’t make this mistake.

My point is not to bag Comms operators. I think I can understand the pressure they work under. However, when frontline police officers dealing with an offender are told to “standby”, I don’t believe it’s acceptable to be forgotten about.

The remedy is simple. It’s called a note pad and pencil and as the units are dealt with, cross them off. Or anything else that works.

For those operators who give me good service,and give me the confidence that I am being looked after, you have my thanks.

However, there is something drastically wrong when information is regularly taking too long to reach units in the field.

I suspect this is the main problem from my examples.

It does nothing for our confidence in the system and one can only guess what the public must think of our competence and efficiency.

Frontline police and Comms operators are being let down by an inadequate system and have been for several years.

I have little knowledge of the intricate workings of our Comms centres. But as a customer on the receiving end, there is definitely room for improvement.

Danny Jones(Taupo)

IN REPLY: “A crusty old b%@tard” (Auckland). No name and address on your letter. Points noted.



18

Police 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 777 243

Vice PresidentsStuart Mills (027) 268 9416

Chris Cahill (027) 268 9411

Field Offi cers Auckland District: Stewart Mills (027) 268 9407

Waitemata and Northland Districts: Steve Hawkins (027) 268 9406

Waikato, BOP and Eastern Districts: Graeme McKay (027) 268 9408

Central and Wellington Districts: JJ Taylor (027) 268 9409

Tasman and Canterbury Districts: Dave McKirdy (027) 268 9410

Southern District Dave Steel (027) 268 9427

New Zealand Police Association:

For immediate industrial & legal advice

(on matters that cannot be deferred such as Police

shootings, fatal pursuits or deaths in custody)

ring 0800 TEN NINE (0800 836 6463)

– 24 hour/seven days service

Regional DirectorsRegion One Jug Price Whangaparaoa (027) 268 9419

Region Two Dave Pizzini Counties-Manukau (027) 493 0524

Region Three Mel Ridley Tauranga (027) 268 9414

Region Four Luke Shadbolt Hastings (027) 478 9001

Region Five Ron Lek Wellington (027) 268 9417

Region Six Craig Prior Sydenham (027) 268 9412

Region Seven Tracey Maclennan Invercargill (027) 268 9418

Useful Information & Contacts

Search and Rescue training weekend a roaring successA recent weekend training exercise for Police Search and Rescue (SAR) staff from Tauranga, Whangarei and Auckland saw them join with colleagues from the Air Force Emergency Response Group (Whenuapai), Auckland Land SAR Volunteers, Far North Land SAR Volunteers, Whangarei Land SAR Volunteers and the St John’s Emergency Response Team (SERT).

Approximately 100 people attended the weekend and the Police Association supported the initiative with an array of spot prizes for the after-exercise Trivial Pursuit competition.

Testing skillsThe purpose of the weekend was to test the skills of all Search and Rescue personnel (both volunteers and Police), train people in new roles e.g. management and to do team building between the various groups. One

exercise, which started on the Friday night, involved teams being split to deal with two different scenarios. The exercise commenced at approximately 1630 hours and the teams were stood down for the night around midnight. Participants were up and back into the exercise at approximately 0600 hours on the Saturday, with the ‘lost’ parties being located early Saturday afternoon and their ‘injuries’ being treated. They were then extracted to waiting transport.

DebriefOnce everyone arrived back at SAR Base (Matakana School) a debrief was held about the exercise, which was generally well run. After a short break, dinner was served with the Trivial Pursuit night commencing immediately after dinner. Teams of eight to 10 people sat around tables enjoying themselves and attempting to answer the various

questions that were out to them. Prizes were also awarded for the ugliest shirt and funniest hat. A member from Auckland Land SAR won the ugliest shirt award, while a member of Far North Land SAR won the funniest hat award.

On Sunday, a competition was run between the various groups, which involved navigation, first aid, stretcher moving, etc. Auckland Police SAR won this event and was awarded the Mountain Goat Award, which is to be competed for at each regional SAR exercise.

The importance of upskilling Search and Rescue staff was no more in evidence than throughout the Christmas-New Year period with several searches for missing trampers and mountaineers as well as body recovery operations as a result of fatal accidents.

Warning for police penman “An unknown Picasso smudged the pet shop window overnight with a magic marker. The police dogs got angry over the mess-up at their food supplier,” said a recent statement by the Police in Hameenlinna, southern Finland.

The author of the statement, local police spokesman Sergeant Ilkka Iivari, has used his colourful language for the past few years to lighten up the otherwise gloomy routine of listing the day’s small crimes, according to Stuff.co.nz.

Recently, the Finnish Interior Ministry told Iivari that he had to ‘watch it’.

“I got some guidance. I can keep my

style but there mustn’t be confusion between fact and fiction,” Iivari told Reuters.

Creative licenseAnother one of his statements said: “The pilferer looked himself in the mirror. Unshaved, tired and lusting for nicotine, he decided to procure some supplies at Sairio cornershop”.

Iivari, who is also a creative writing student at the local Open University, said up until now he had only received positive feedback for his verbal resourcefulness.

“The Police can issue statements even

in verse if they want to as long as they adhere to the Government’s policy on public relations,” Marko Luotonen, spokesman for Police affairs at the Interior Ministry told the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.

Luotonen did admit Iivari’s phrasing was a bright spot among public sector jargon, letting Iivari carry on with a word of warning.

In response Iivari said: “You will always find some Eskimos ready to instruct the Congolese on how to cope with heat waves,” Iivari said, citing the Polish satirical poet Stanislaw Jerzy Lec.



February March AprilWAIHEKE ISLAND ........................... Fully booked ..................................................Fully booked ............................................................Fully bookedPAIHIA...................................................................................................................20,22.......................................................................8-9, 26-30STANMORE BAY ............................. 5,8,10,12,22-26 ............................................1-4,10-12,15-17,19,22-27,29-31 ...........................1-3,5-9,20-30AUCKLAND .................................... Fully booked ..................................................22............................................................................2,29-30WHANGAMATA ............................... Fully booked ..................................................12,30-31 .................................................................1-2,9,26-30MT MAUNGANUI ............................ 21-22 ............................................................12,30-31 .................................................................1,3-4,7-9,20,25-30 OHOPE ........................................... 8-9 ................................................................6-7,22-26,29-30 .....................................................1-2,13,16,27-30ROTORUA ...................................... 5,12,19,23 .....................................................16,22-31 ................................................................. 1-2,4,19,26-30TAUPO ........................................... 5,17 ...............................................................3,9-11,15-16,18-19,22-26,30-31 ...........................1-2,6-8,15,19,26-30TURANGI ........................................ 5,8,10-11,15-18,22 .......................................1-5,9-13,16-26,29-31 .............................................1-2,6-9,13-17,19-30NAPIER .......................................... 8-11,16 .........................................................11,16,25,30.............................................................8,14,26-30PARAPARAUMU .............................. Fully booked ..................................................1,3-5,10,15-18 ........................................................6-922-23,27-30GREYTOWN .................................... 9,12,22-25 ....................................................1-5,8,11-12,16-19,22-25,30-31 .............................1-2,5-9,13-16,21,28-30WELLINGTON ................................. 18 ..................................................................9,16,24-25,29-31 ....................................................1,9,22,26-28,30NELSON ......................................... 17 ..................................................................18............................................................................7,13,28-29HANMER SPRINGS ......................... 8,13,22 ..........................................................25-26 ......................................................................19,22-23CHRISTCHURCH ............................. 17,23-24 .......................................................22-23,26 .................................................................1,28-30 TEKAPO ......................................... Fully booked ..................................................3,9-11 .....................................................................2,8,22-23,27-28,30WANAKA ........................................ Fully booked ..................................................8,22-27,31 ..............................................................Fully bookedCROMWELL ................................... Fully booked ..................................................10-12,17-19,24-26,31 ............................................1-2,5,19-20QUEENSTOWN ............................... 16 ..................................................................4,12,19-21,24-26 ....................................................13,18,21,26,29-30TE ANAU ........................................ 27 ..................................................................3,6,9,12-13,15-16,23,26-27,30-31 .........................1-4,20,25-27,30DUNEDIN ....................................... 5,8-10,15-20 .................................................4-5,12,18,24-25,30-31 ...........................................1,3-4,8,13,18-22,25-30

Stop press:

Accidental killing of courier driver an “absolute tragedy”The accidental killing of an innocent bystander during a confrontation with an armed offender on Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway was an “absolute tragedy”, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.

The President, who flew immediately to Auckland following the news that a police round had caused Mr Naitoko’s death, expressed his deepest sympathies to Mr Naitoko’s family. He called on the public to support the police officers involved.

“These officers had no choice but to confront a dangerous, mobile, armed offender, whose drug-fulled rampage simply had to be stopped.

A Police bullet fatally wounded Auckland courier driver Halatau Naitoko on 23 January as officers moved in to prevent the armed carjacking of a light truck. The armed offender had pointed a sawn-off rifle

at police and members of the public as he rampaged across Auckland, and shots had been fired.

“The thoughts of all police officers are with the family of Halatau Naitoko, a young man tragically caught up in a very serious incident,” Mr O’Connor said.

DignityHis family’s grief is something we all share, and the dignity shown by them in the face of such difficult circumstances is extraordinary.”

It was not until an autopsy had been completed on the victim, nearly 24-hours later, that Police were able to confirm that a police officer had fired the fatal shot.

“The delay, the ‘not knowing’ for what seemed like a very long time, was hard on all concerned,” Greg O’Connor said.

“But if there was a positive, it is that it gave the media, and through them the public, space to focus first and foremost on the actions of the offender that led to

this tragedy. Inevitably, once the cause of death was known, all the focus has switched to the Police actions.

Ill-informed comment“Already we have some ill-informed commentators pre-judging the inquiries in a sad but predictable rush to condemn.”

Mr O’Connor stressed the need to remember the seriousness of the circumstances facing police officers who were forced to confront an armed and dangerous man.

“It is important we also give our full support to the police officers involved, who were forced to act and do the best job they could when faced with a very difficult situation. This is a gut-wrenching outcome for the officers who were doing everything they could to protect the public when confronting an armed and dangerous offender.”

ROTORUA POLICE ASSOCIATION

Quadrathon 2009The Rotorua Police annual multisport event is ‘going off’ on Friday the

27TH March 2009. The race briefi ng will be at 1.15pm at the Blue Lake – main beach.

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 TEAM

SWIM 300M* MTB 10kms* RUN 5kms* KAYAK 1000M

This year we will be based at the Water Ski clubrooms on the main beach – (near the playground). Following the event there will be a prize giving with loads of spot prizes

and trophies along with a BBQ at the lake. Please BYO liquid refreshments. For more info contact Karin on 027 233 4553 or Email [email protected]

ENTRY FORM

Team 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: Christine Lunt, Rotorua Police Station, Private Bag RO3044, Rotorua. For entries accepted before the 13th March, a $5 discount per person applies, and will go into a draw to win a prize.

Santa delivers Dad home from the Solomons for Christmas · VOLUME 42 † NUMBER 1 †...

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Transcript of Santa delivers Dad home from the Solomons for Christmas · VOLUME 42 † NUMBER 1 †...