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The Voice of Police

VOLUME 39 NUMBER 2 MARCH 2006

The tragedy
that is P
Q TRANSNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKERS SEE NZ AS EASY TARGET
Q THE WEEK WE LOST TWO OF OUR BEST
Q POLICE AND ASSOCIATION AT ODDS OVER SWORN RETIREMENT OPTIONS
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

NZ Police Association Police News is the magazine of the


New Zealand Police Association and incorporates the New
Zealand Police Journal rst published in 1937.

29 Editor: Steve Plowman


March 2006, Vol. 39, No.2
25 YEARS YOUNG ISSN 1175-9445
Deadline for next issue Friday, March 17, 2006.
Published by the New Zealand Police Association
P.O. Box 12344, Willbank House, 57 Willis Street, Wgtn.
Phone: (04) 496 6800, Facsmile: (04) 471 1309
Email: editor@policeassn.org.nz
Website: www.policeassn.org.nz
Printed by City Print Communications, Wgtn.
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.
30
THE WEEK WE LOST TWO OF OUR BEST
Contents
From the President 27

Police and Association at odds over sworn retirement options 27

CIB survey update 28

US cop recruited to UK police to resign over unarmed status 28

RNZPC to celebrate 25th anniversary 29

Obituaries Paddy Darroch and John Hughes 30/32

Health Watch 33

Government to continue its commitment to Afghanistan 34

Indonesian mega labs highlight co-operation between traffickers 36/38

Are the new Organised Crime Units going to further deplete CIB? 39

Washington State shifts focus to meth users 40


36 Methamphetamine overtakes cocaine as USs biggest problem drug 41
COME LET ME LEAD YOU TO HELL The real cost of methamphetamine 42

Keen on Wine 43

Holiday home availability chart 44

View from the Bottom/Coppers crossword/Memorial Wall 45

Sports News 46/48


Front page: Families against P Gloria Taaka senior
Letters to the Editor 49/51
(left) and protest organiser Mary Cotter, carry the
photos of family members, who had died as a result
of P addiction, into Parliament grounds in the No to
P march last month. There were emotional scenes as Are the new Organised Crime Units
marchers placed photos and lit candles at the foot of
former Premier, Dick Seddons statue. going to further deplete an already
- Photo courtesy of The Dominion Post. stretched CIB? page 39

26 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

the cost of protecting him. That contribution


should then form part of the operational
budget, whether six or 600 officers were
required. It would not be markedly different
The issue is not only the dollar cost to the from our SAP funding arrangement with
taxpayer. It is more the desirability that the Land Transport New Zealand.
public do not receive any less of their usual Police are funded to protect official visitors
service as a result of the special event. and dignitaries, so it would not impact on
that area.
Failing to address this issue now will mean
How many of you, like me, feel a tad and events in Australia, the United Kingdom NZ Police will withdraw more and more
uncomfortable when you see security and North America where there is inevitably from policing public events as our funding
guards at sports events manhandling a significant police presence. The difference becomes more tagged and siloed. As more
pitch invaders and other offenders, who there is that the events do not impact on organisations spring up to fill the void
have criminal intent, using considerable day-to-day policing because the event left by public police, we risk the multi-
amounts of unsanctioned coercive force to organisers pay most of the cost of having jurisdictional nightmare in policing that so
overpower and detain them? police officers present. This is paid to the many overseas countries face.
This was always a police function until, officers through their departments. These So next time a rugby or cricket ground is
it appears without any strategic decision, officers are usually working paid extra invaded, instead of the all in brawl which
Police virtually abandoned the policing of duties, often on their rostered days off. seems to develop now, it would be nice to
public events. The issue is not only the dollar cost to the see professional, constrained police officers
taxpayer. It is more the desirability that the not only dealing with the individuals,
It happened of course, because of the
public do not receive any less of their usual but ensuring those watching understand
unavailability of police officers who,
service as a result of the special event. that such behaviour will result in arrest.
because of staff shortages and increased
Meanwhile, sections and others would not
workloads, could not be freed up for these The recent visit by Bill Clinton is a very be stripped of staff for the operation
special operations. good case. Of course police should be and would be able to continue with
Now, with the exception of arrest groups protecting a high profile ex-US President, everyday policing.
at events like the Wellington Sevens and just as we should be protecting a Swedish
big football matches, the public dont get backpacker. However, his visit was purely
to see police in what can be a very positive a moneymaking exercise for the group
interaction. bringing him to New Zealand, so it makes
This contrasts with big public gatherings sense that they should have contributed to

Police and Association at odds over sworn retirement options


By Megan Wilson, Association who applied to retire after 15 November 8 years service are
Industrial officer 2005 and whose application was entitled to retire and
approved. receive retirement
On 15 November last year, Police
If you fall into one of the above categories, leave.
issued a written directive that effectively
please contact your local Field Officer or Unfortunately, this
stopped sworn members from receiving
alternatively you can contact me at the issue has not been
retirement benefits in accordance with GI
Associations National Office in Wellington. able to be resolved
L395, in circumstances where members
sought voluntary retirement. GI (General (Editors note: Contact details for National and to date has been
Instruction) L395 provides members with office etc are on the inside back page). stymied by delays in Police responding
specific retirement leave entitlements. to Official Information Act requests. As a
Police state that as the GI L395 is premised
consequence, the Association is to initiate
The Police Association does not accept the on members retiring in accordance with the
formal dispute proceedings in order to
NZ Police view that sworn members do requirements of the Police Act 1958 that
clarify the issues in dispute.
not have the right to voluntarily retire from limited the entitlement to those who retired
Police and would like to hear from sworn on medical grounds under section 28 or
members who: voluntarily or compulsorily disengaged under
sections 28C or 28D of the Police Act. Commission of Inquiry
wish to retire;
have applied to retire but have had their This is despite Police previously accepting report date extended
application turned down; or voluntary retirement applications up until The report date for the Commission of
intended to apply to retire but were November 2005. The police response to the Inquiry into Police Conduct has been
advised that they couldnt and as past practice is that they were mistaken as to a extended from 3 March to 31 May 2006
a consequence submitted their members entitlement when a sworn member
due to the volume of submissions received.
resignation. sought to retire voluntarily.
Internal Affairs Minister, Rick Barker, said
We would also like to hear from former The Association does not accept this view. It the Commission had sought and been
sworn members: is our view, that sworn members with at least granted the extension of time.

March 2006 27
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

CIB survey update


By Anna Duncan, Association Policy The Association received an outstanding Survey results will be made available to
Advisor/Analyst response to the survey, with an 80% Police as part of the Associations goal to
participation level. rectify problems facing the CIB - before
As noted in the December issue of Police action is necessitated by an inevitably highly
Broader strategy
News, the New Zealand Police Association publicised system failure. The Association
The CIB survey forms part of the
has become increasingly aware of will also publish results from the survey in
Associations broader strategy to ensure that
problems facing the CIB, particularly in Police News in the coming months.
we are well informed on members issues
the Auckland Metro Districts. and understand the background to emerging The Association is mindful that many of
The Association conducted an in-depth problems affecting police officers and their the issues identified in the CIB survey are
survey of the Auckland Metro Districts work. The survey has produced a wealth not Auckland specific and also affect other
CIB in November 2005 to better inform of valuable data, with many respondents CIBs around the country. If necessary,
us about training, resource and workload commenting at length on problems facing the Association will replicate the survey
issues - from the perspective of officers the CIB, and suggesting potential solutions. in other districts soon.
working at the coalface.

First foreigner recruited to UK police threatens


to resign in protest at UK cops unarmed status
A former Texas police officer, Ben Johnson, celebrated three years ago as But the Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears, told the BBC: I do think that the
the first foreigner to become a British police officer, has caused a storm of resilience of the police officers, in terms of having enough firearms officers,
controversy in the UK by threatening to resign as a protest over UK police is extremely questionable at the moment, and that will need to be properly
officers unarmed status. debated.
Mr Johnson, 34, told the Dallas News that the increasing risk of encountering a Unarmed reputation
gunman, who could render his 18-month-old daughter fatherless, has caused In Garland, Texas, Britains reputation for sending its officers out on the streets
the former Garland (Texas) officer to reconsider his work. unarmed is something of which most of us are aware, said Greg Conley,
Mr Johnson, a 6 4 (1.83m) former paratrooper nicknamed Slim, wrote to the the Assistant Police Chief. Thats certainly a huge national debate here,
Chief Constable at the Thames Valley Police asking to carry a Glock 17 handgun but obviously, American policing is different. He declined to go beyond the
on his routine beat in Reading. comments offered by Mr Johnson but described him as an excellent officer,
His stand caused a media frenzy just prior to Christmas because of his having and we were sorry to see him go.
the unique perspective of having fought crimes on both sides of the Atlantic. Thames Valley Police were, at time of writing, understood to be negotiating to
Family concerns get Mr Johnson to stay, but a change in the gun rule is unlikely.
I have to think of more than just myself now, he said. Now that Im a father, Britains overall crime rate has dropped sharply over the past decade, although
and I have a young daughter, its even more important that I receive the proper official statistics show that violent crime in which weapons are most likely to
training and equipment. Im not afraid to be a police officer. Im just more have been used is the only category on the rise. For 2004-05, violent crime
acutely aware of the fact that training and arms should be integral to that job, involving injury to the victim was up by eight percent from the previous year.
he added. It wasnt my intention to come over here and change the way things are
Mr Johnsons complaint goes to the heart of a national debate about the extent done, Mr. Johnson said, noting his respect for Britains long-standing gun-
to which gun control laws and restraints on the ability of police to respond have control laws and police procedures that emphasize restraint and reason over
given criminals the upper hand. Only in rare instances are civilians permitted to brute force.
own firearms, and 90% of British police carry out their duties unarmed. Power balance
A Thames Valley Police spokesman told the Sunday Times newspaper: These That equation, however, leaves the option of brute force in the hands of the
are his personal views, and he did not discuss them with anyone before going criminal and reduces the response options for police, he said, adding: I had
to the press. thought the British police would be trained and equipped to match the level of
Johnsons remarks came shortly after the death of Sharon Beshenivsky, a police force that they would be up against. Thats not the reality.
officer and mother of three children, who was shot late last year while responding I knew I was coming into an unarmed police forcein all honesty, statistically,
to a burglar-alarm call in Bradford. Mr Johnson cited her death particularly the the chances of a British police officer encountering someone armed on the
fact that she had no weapon and apparently lacked proper training in responding streets are less than in the States. Thats an absolute fact, Mr Johnson
to a break-in as major factors influencing his intended resignation. explained. But the risk still exists. I think the answer is to equip and train them
Criticism to deal with any threat level that may come their way.
What we have is a chief constable; who will never respond to an emergency Mr Johnson described some procedures as lax and a danger to public security.
call; who will never be in harms way, has authorised himself to carry a firearm In one case, Mr Johnson said, he was forced to allow a wanted, attempted-
and yet he doesnt authorise his police officers, who on a daily basis ... face murder suspect to escape because his superiors would not let him, as an
danger. Its a bizarre situation, he said. unarmed officer, arrest a potentially armed suspect. The offender subsequently
escaped while Mr Johnson awaited the arrival of armed officers. It took police
Johnson, who carried a Glock 22 pistol while on duty in Garland, says that
two days to apprehend the offender.
policing is more dangerous in Britain.
Although overall per-capita gun crime is lower in Britain than in the U.S.A, British
Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair, said 90% of British police are
criminals seem far bolder and less fearful of confrontation, injury or punishment,
unarmed, and he has no intention of changing the policy.
Mr Johnson said. He attributed it to the fact that Americans are permitted to
The Police Federation conducted a survey three years ago, in which 80% of guard their homes with guns and would-be burglars know it.
respondents opposed carrying weapons on the beat. A similar survey conducted
Without the deterrent effect of a homeowners gun, he added, theres not that
by the New Zealand Police Association in September last year found that 69%
threat to burglars, so we have a much higher rate of home break-ins [with the
of police officers were opposed to mandatory arming.
occupants present].

28 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

The Royal New Zealand Police College at Porirua.

RNZPC 25th anniversary to be held on 1 April


The 25th anniversary of the Royal New Can you help? you feel would add value to a combined
Zealand Police College will be celebrated Police Museum/RNZPC showcase display?
Do you have photographs or video footage
at its Porirua site on 1 April and a number If you have, please contact Claire Bibby
from your time at Trentham or the RNZPC
of events have been planned to mark the on 04 238 3128, ext 43128, or by Email:
for possible use in a display or publication
milestone. claire.bibby@police.govt.nz
for the anniversary?
The RNZPC was opened by HRH Prince of More details about the anniversary
Photographs can be sent by Email or,
Wales on 1 April 1981. Before that the Police celebrations are available through the Police
alternatively, hard copies will be scanned
College was based at Trentham Military Intranet.
and returned. Do you have any items that
Camp and has had several other homes over
New Zealand Polices 120-year history.
RNZPC Training Commander Super-
intendent Alistair (Olly) Beckett said interest
in the anniversary is high. All sworn staff
who have joined Police in the past 25 years
have trained here and there are a large
number of former and current training staff
with close ties to the college, Mr Beckett said.
The anniversary events include:
A formal dinner for all serving and
former police staff, sworn and non-sworn,
regardless of whether you have ever worked
at the Police College, to be held on the
evening of Thursday, 30 March. Partners
are welcome. Tickets: $45 per person.
A 'mix and mingle' for staff and former
staff of the RNZPC and the Police College
in Trentham to be held on the evening of
Friday, 31 March. Tickets: $15 per person.
A public Open Day to be held on
Saturday, 1 April to showcase the RNZPC
and a wide range of Police activities.
Tickets can be purchased by contacting: Paul
Mears on (04) 238 3237, ext 43237 or by
Email: paul.mears@police.govt.nz or Kay
Douglas on (04) 238 3126, ext 43126 or
by Email: kay.douglas@police.govt.nz

March 2006 29
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

Obituary:

O
n a Wellington morning, as warm as Paddy Darroch himself, police from around the country gathered
to honour one of NZ Polices favourite sons. The capital saw one of its largest funerals for the man who
had touched so many lives with his good grace and humour, qualities, which endeared him to all who
met him. The funeral mass, celebrated at St Marys of the Angels Church in Wellington was attended by no less
than 15 Catholic priests a rare mark of honour and support for the Darroch family, amongst whom was chief
celebrant Paul Darroch, Paddys brother. The tears and laughter flowed in a true celebration of a life well lived.
This was not a funeral for a good man, but for a great man a man who had the common touch, a man who
touched other peoples lives in so many ways. His police colleagues from Wellington Central especially, where
he was a sergeant working in the Prosecutions section, rubbed shoulders with politicians, top police officers,
retired police, judges, lawyers, members of the Wellington rugby community, and family and friends in a moving
ceremony that was a fitting farewell for a much-loved man. In one of several lighter moments, Father Darroch
told mourners that it had taken the Catholic Church only a week to find a new Pope but it was apparently going
to take the New Zealand Police six months to find a new Commissioner.

Patrick (Paddy) Francis Gerard Darroch (1945-2006)


Wellington Centrals intercom is strangely in bringing out the best in people epitomised
quiet these days. The familiar Sergeant Paddy the husband, father, grandfather,
Paddy Darroch, your 10 oclock appointment policeman and friend. If you spent a few
is here... or any other time between eight minutes in Paddys company his love for Beth
and five no longer echoes around the and his family soon became evident.
building. More than 1400 people packed St Mary of
The popular diversion sergeant friend the Angels Church in central Wellington
to many both in and out of the job died for Paddys funeral. Such was his standing
suddenly on 26 January, two months after amongst the judiciary that the courts did not
being diagnosed with a form of leukaemia. sit until the afternoon session.
Sixty-year-old Paddy died just one day The son of a publican, the Darroch family
after clocking up 40 years in the police, joked that it was Paddys dad, Jims job to
25 of which was spent in Prosecutions. A get people into trouble (he was a well-known
Wellingtonian born and bred, his wife and proprietor of Barretts Hotel), Paddys job
childhood sweetheart Beth, son Sean and to arrest them and for his brother Paul, a
daughter Rachael survive him. Catholic priest, to forgive them.
Paddy Darroch.
Educated at St Patricks College in Kilbirnie, Paul, who led the funeral service, later
Paddy joined the police in 1966 and spent all commented that Paddy heard more confessions As young cops both Paddy and Greg were on
his service in Wellington on the beat, in the as a diversions sergeant than he did as a priest. the beach at Seatoun helping rescue survivors
former Taranaki Street inquiry office, and on from the stricken interisland ferry Wahine.
Larger-than-life
general duties in Kilbirnie and Central before I can remember us looking at one another
switching to prosecutions. Never short of a Stories abound about the larger-than-life
and asking if this was really happening,
word, Paddy loved the cut and thrust of the policeman who commanded the respect of
Greg recalls. It seemed inconceivable that
courtroom and prosecuting became his forte. colleagues and offenders alike. Longtime
such a new ship could founder in Wellington
friend and colleague, Inspector Greg Gilpin
Promotion Harbour.
said that Paddy was firm but fair but didnt
Promoted to senior sergeant, his duties take any rubbish from offenders. He says a dear fatty letter rekindled Paddys
included working as a welfare officer, fitness levels. Paddy and colleague John
Gilpin and Darroch had daily contact with each
sectional and control senior before reverting Thurston both took to the streets and entered
their friendship beginning as new constables
in rank to sergeant so he could return to the Rotorua marathon, as a bit of a dare.
when they met at the Holland House barracks.
Prosecutions and make his mark as the They also shared a love of rugby Paddy had Running feats
diversions sergeant. been a promising number eight in his time, Much to Paddys delight he beat John home
Love for his family and friends, his strong playing for Marist, lower grade rep rugby for and with a group of other colleagues including
Catholic faith, his humour, empathy and belief Wellington and for police teams. the likes of Tim Marsters, Pete Thompson,

30 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

Wellington Centrals flag flies at half mast


as a mark of respect for a great bloke,
Paddy Darroch.

Paul Millar, Peter Roose, Graham Sawyer and


Joe Franklin, he went on to run in many more
marathons and harrier events.
In later years, he walked daily over Mt Victoria,
to and from his home in Kilbirnie to Wellington
Central.
In another moment of friendly rivalry, Paddy
took on the slimmer Peter Loveridge over
400 metres at Newtown Park for a $5 bet
and despite appalling weather conditions
and Loveridge being a firm favourite to win,
Paddy came out in front in a respectable 69.3
seconds. Despite his size, Paddy still had a
good deal of pace, no doubt a reflection of his
days as a talented rugby player at St Pats.
Paddy loved to talk, said Greg. He was
genuinely interested in everyone and always
had time for people.
He gave first time offenders a chance, but if
they didnt fulfil their diversion obligations he
was straight onto them in sorting them out.
Many of those he helped were present
at his funeral. Gang members and their
families were among those who sent their
condolences.
Practical jokes Wellington police colleagues lined the steps of St Marys of Angels as the Paddys coffin was
Fond of playing jokes, Paddy sometimes found carried out of the church.
himself on the receiving end of a prank or two.
Great was his consternation when the sofa, into position and Paddys diversion visitors Paddys death has affected all his colleagues,
positioned in the hallway outside his office, could once again wait in comfort! particularly those working in Wellington
disappeared overnight and was replaced by a He was a great believer in the merits of Central. He will be greatly missed - but not
new model made entirely of cardboard boxes. diversion. Diversion gives them another forgotten.
In true police style, Paddy launched an inquiry. chance and nearly all of them take that
-Sources: Inspector Greg Gilpin, The
Weeks passed but no one fessed up. It was chance, he once said in an interview shortly Dominion-Post library, Steve Plowman and
some time before the sofa was spirited back after receiving his 35-year badge. Kaye Calder.

March 2006 31
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

Obituary:

John Rex Hughes (1933-2006)


Theres an old saying that they breed them killer of Swedish tourists Urban Hoglin and Auckland criminal was a regular there. He was
tough in Taranaki and Detective Inspector Heidi Paakkonen in 1989 both resulted in invariably cocky and had a real attitude but
John Rex Hughes (QPM), born in Hawera in successful convictions. He and his team also was somewhat cocooned by his counterparts.
1933, was no exception. investigated the savage point blank shooting One afternoon there were a series of unrelated
Hughes was greatly respected by Police of motelier Rex Bell in Northcote two men arrests throughout the Auckland area with
colleagues throughout New Zealand as a were convicted. considerable publicity ensued. That evening
tough cop who got the job done. He was born He worked on more than 40 other murder - as predicted - the cocky individual was again
to be a detective. investigations and his perfectionist tendencies in Vulcan Lane with his cohorts. He was quite
Aucklands criminal fraternity both loathed and ruthless pursuit of those responsible smug. John Hughes went right up to the group
and respected him no doubt because of his gained him a reputation as a second-to-none - approached the criminal - and produced
penchant for doggedly tracking them down. investigator. about $50 - which was a large amount of
money in those days. He gave it to the man
John died of cancer in Auckland on 1
and thanked him profusely for the information
February, aged 73, after a short illness.
he provided that day. Then John and his team
Johns life was celebrated at the Holy Trinity left. Police werent too sure what became of
Cathedral in Parnell by a large gathering of the crim but suffice to say he left Auckland in
family, friends, politicians, lawyers, judges, a hurry shortly afterward.
prosecutors, colleagues and even the odd
criminal whose collar he had felt during his AOS involvement
33-year career as a police officer. John was a founding member of the Armed
And what a life it was. Offenders Squad (AOS) in 1963 - serving
both in Hamilton and Auckland. He and
Extraordinary police officer his investigation teams were credited with
He was an extraordinary police officer in every cleaning up serious crime within the Auckland
sense of the word. His lengthy police career City area, coinciding with the emergence of
was marked by a determined focus on getting team policing units.
the job done a trait which he brought to Hughes was a patron of the March 1994
cross-country and ultra distance running and recruit wing that graduated from the Royal New
earlier to a distinguished boxing career. He Detective Inspector John Hughes the
Zealand Police College and considered it a
was highly successful at both sports. As a consummate investigator.
great honour as he did the receipt of the QSM
boxer he fought 142 times as an amateur Suspects were said to fear being taken to the (Queens Service Medal) for services to Police.
and captured the NZ middleweight title three 6th floor of Auckland Central Police Station
For all his toughness, John also had a caring,
times between 1955-57, when boxing was known as Johns floor because they
nurturing and compassionate side.
extremely popular. He took up running in 1981 knew they would be in for a grilling from
and at the age of 48 sliced a massive one and Hughes. But the most important aspect of Johns life
a half days off the Sydney-to-Melbourne road was his family - far above policing and far
John was a reluctant retiree from Police in
race record (875 kilometres). He ran in the above his sport. He was extremely proud of
1993. It was hardly surprising. He had given
event three times. In the 1970s he ran the his family and often regaled colleagues with
the best years of his life to policing and he had
420-mile seven-day Auckland to Wellington updates about the lives of his children Michele,
made many lifelong friends in the process.
road race and gave the tireless and legendary Craig and Joanne, and his grandchildren.
He was a positive individual who lived by the
Siegfried Bauer some serious competition. saying: Look sharp, act sharp, be sharp. John Hughes was a man who got the job
In 1976 he was named New Zealand Police done. He had an amazing work ethic and
Joined in 1959 earned the respect of his colleagues for the
Sportsperson of the Year. He was responsible
John joined the police in 1959 in Auckland sheer determination and zeal he brought to
for encouraging, humouring, bullying and
and although he was a Detective Sergeant his work and his life. He was a man who
cajoling scores of police officers to get
in Hamilton in the 1960s, he returned to got results while at the same time taking time
involved with running and to this day many
Auckland as a Detective Senior Sergeant to mentor others. He was a man for whom
will have cause to thank him for the benefits
after a few years and was subsequently others, as it was said in one eulogy, would
running has brought them.
promoted to the rank of Detective Inspector willingly walk over broken glass. And such
Determination in 1985. Auckland CIB staff will always fondly is the legacy he leaves for all those fortunate
He carried that sporting determination into remember him. enough to have known him.
his police work and it paid dividends on major John Hughes had considerable guile as an His wife Mavis, his daughters Michele and
investigations such as the famed Bassett Road investigator and his wily approach to dealing Joanne and son Craig survive John.
machine gun murder case of the early 1960s with criminals was aptly demonstrated in one - Steve Plowman and Assistant
and Operation Stockholm - the hunt for the incident at a Vulcan Lane bar. A notorious Commissioner Peter Marshall.

32 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

greater in number. They respond to dim light, night, colours losing their sharpness or blurring of
determining black, white and peripheral vision. images, you should seek professional assistance
The macula is in the centre of the retina. The from your optician or ophthalmologist
greatest collection of cones is in the macula, Macular Degeneration
giving sharp, clear vision straight ahead.
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is
The eye is filled with a jelly-like substance called
a degenerative disease of the eye affecting
vitreous humour, which is essentially water
the central macula layer of tissue in the retina.
containing a small solid component of collagen
Deterioration is painless, and may result in loss
and other molecules. The viscosity is two to four
of central vision, though peripheral vision remains
times that of water.
Police Health Plan Ltd in conjunction with to some degree.
our Medical Advisors, Medilink, publishes Theres a spectrum of diseases, which may affect
The cases are not fully understood, but triggers
articles on medical issues that affect our the eye, ranging from infections and mechanical
may be genetic, age-related, or due to certain
members. failings to blindness.
medications, hypertension, smoking and obesity.
Eye floaters There is on-going research into whether there is a
The complex world Floaters are dark specks, strands or webs that correlation between diet and ARMD.
of the eye drift through your visual field when you look at There are two recorded types of ARMD, dry and
a light colour, white paper or a light sky. Floaters wet.
Human external interaction is greatly governed
increase in number with age as the vitreous Dry (atrophic) is due to ageing/degeneration of the
by two of our seven senses sight and sound.
humour shrinks. Time causes the vitreous humour retina. As the tissue thins, deposits of pigmented
The eyes are like a camera, which takes constant
to liquefy and the vitreous collagen to condense, debris collect in the retina. They scatter under
snap-shots of our environment, thereby allowing us
forming clumps of gel. These clumps are seen the macula gradually distorting the central
to define where we are, and helping us go about
as floaters. They generally drift down gradually vision. The cause of the pigment collection is not
our daily activities.
and settle out of the visual field. Floaters are part entirely understood but its thought to be related to
The eye is a complicated organ. It consists of of the ageing process but can occur at a young metabolism or poor circulation.
three layers:- age. If your floaters noticeably increase in number
or are accompanied by flashing lights you should Wet (neovascular) macular degeneration is caused
The tough outer layer or sclerotic coat is the
seek professional advice. when the blood vessels from the choroid layer
white of the eye, except in the front where
deteriorate with age, and new vessels develop to
the transparent cornea admits light to a focal
point. It is protected from dust and kept moist Cataracts repair the circulation. These vessels are immature
Hidden behind the iris and the pupil of the eye and frail and rupture easily. The rupture leads to
by tears.
is the lens. This is a clear capsule of water and bleeding, that leaks through the tissue layers and
The middle layer or choriod coat is pigmented.
protein that focuses light on the retina to create may permanently damage the photoreceptor cells.
The iris is part of this coat, which determines
an image. This is a less common form of ARMD but is more
our eye colour. The opening in the centre of
aggressive. The rate of progression and extent
the iris is the pupil, which filters light to the Cataracts form when the lens clouds because
of visual loss varies from individual to individual.
retina. The pupil functions like the shutter of a the protein clumps together. Conditions such
ARMD is characterised by shadowed fuzzy
camera. as cataracts are not transferred between
central vision. Straight lines, like your view
The retina is the innermost layer and consists of eyes and may develop in one eye only.
of a power pole, become distorted. If you
seven layers of cells. This paper thin screen Traumatic injury, certain medications, diabetes,
notice any of these symptoms, assessment by
contains the light receptors, photoreceptors, smoking, ultra violet light and heavy drinking
your optician or ophthalmologist is essential.
cones and rods coupled with an intricate nerve are some of the many causes. Diet may be a
If you require assistance and/or additional
supply. Together they form images. The cones contributing factor.
information please Email: helenb@medilink.co.nz
and rods are not evenly distributed through the Cataract development rates vary from individual oliver@medilink.co.nz
retina. The cones respond to bright light, and to individual. If you notice increased glare in the
Medilink Limited 2005
determine colour and fine detail. The rods are sunlight or from vehicle headlights while driving at

Seven-year-old decides its time to get his licence


Eager to get his drivers licence, a to the steering wheel, Laverette said. we actually watched him put on his turn
seven-year-old boy in Shelbyville, Whenever hed brake, he would pick signal and turn. And we could see when
Tennessee (USA) put on his seat belt and himself up with his left foot and stomp on he went past that he had a seat belt on,
remembered to use his turn signal, as he the brake with his right. she said. Then to come find out it was a
took his parents pickup truck out for a The boy narrowly avoided several collisions. child, I was really shocked, she added.
spin, leading police on a slow pursuit It could have been very serious, Laverette
around town. said.
Officers initially thought they were
chasing a drunk driver.
The seven-mile chase ended when the boy Have you moved recently?
drove home and parked. The boy said that If you have or perhaps youre about to, please
He was weaving all over the road. He the reason he took the vehicle was because let us know so we can update your records.
couldnt stay in his lane, Officer Josh he wanted to get his licence. You can do this by:
Laverette told Associated Press. writing to us at PO Box 12-344;
Nine years too early to take the test, the boy calling on freephone 0800 500 122;
What they found instead was a barely was charged with driving without a licence, faxing us on (04) 496 6819; or
four-foot-tall second-grader. eluding police and leaving the scene of an Emailing us at: membership@policeassn.
accident. org.nz.
Vertically challenged You need to let us know your membership
He was so short he had to sit up close A witness said: It blew my mind, because number, new address and if youre a serving
member - your new station.

March 2006 33
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

Government firm
on continuing
its commitment
to Afghanistan
New Zealand is almost certain to continue its commitment in
Afghanistan along current levels.
Defence Minister Phil Goff told an international conference
on Afghanistan in London recently that Cabinet was looking
at a positive continuation of its current commitment in
Afghanistan.
Cabinet was due to consider the matter as this issue was going
to press.
While a major increase in the level of military personnel has been
ruled out, Mr Goff said New Zealands contribution to Afghanistan Defence Minister Phil Goff.
remains a significant element in our long-term commitment to were important milestones, but significant challenges remain.
building a more secure international environment. There is still a need to improve the security situation, build strong
As well as Defence Force and SAS (Special Air Services) personnel, institutions, implement development projects and deal with
New Zealand has three police officers in Bamyan province, unemployment, narcotics and corruption, he said.
leading the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Bamyan, The international community must continue to help the Afghan
which involves the training of police officers. government and people overcome these challenges, he added.
In response to United Nations Security Council resolutions (in
Reconstruction work
2001), New Zealand was one of the first countries to send military
forces to Afghanistan as part of the international campaign against Mr Goff alluded to recent reconstruction work, which included
terrorism. rehabilitation and provision of roads and bridges, and construction
of district police stations and provision of police vehicles. He said
NZ personnel that these projects contribute to long-term stability and future
Four years later, hundreds of our Defence Force personnel have growth.
served in Afghanistan and over $130 million has been invested New Zealand police are training and mentoring Afghan police
in military and development assistance. New Zealand remains officers in Bamyan, as an effective police force is critical to restoring
committed to assisting Afghanistan to meet its development law and order, protecting human rights and maintaining security,
needs and ensure that its security contributes to the stability of he said.
the wider international community, Mr Goff said. New Zealand commits itself to continuing to work with
Mr Goff told Police News that Afghanistan had come a long way in Afghanistan to create a safe and secure country and meet its
a short time. Successful presidential and parliamentary elections ongoing development needs, Mr Goff said.

Recovery operation
Doug and Archie get their dinghy The two officers roped the dinghy in and
Katikati-based Senior Constable Archie Grant aluminium dinghy floating merrily on its way down Doug decided to row it to the nearest jetty but
had a call recently from a concerned member the river towards the sea. The boat, complete with unbeknown to him, Archie had rung the reporter
of the public, who had reported seeing an empty a Seagull motor, contained fishing rods and oars. from the Katikati Advertiser about the incident.
Initially, there was some She duly arrived, camera in hand, in the obvious
fear that the occupant or hope that Doug might end up in the drink while
occupants may have been getting out of the dinghy and thereby provide
thrown out of the boat and her with a possible award-winning photo.
been in danger of drowning It was reported in Katikati that this might well have
but this proved not to be the been the case had a CPNZ (Community Patrols
case. of New Zealand) volunteers granddaughter not
Senior Constable Doug been there to lend a hand as Doug attempted to
Henry, a Highway Patrol alight from the boat to the jetty - as the dinghy
Officer, who had made a was evidently intent on heading in the opposite
brief stop at the station direction!
in his round of duties, Police News sources confirm that Doug did a
joined Archie in his efforts sterling job all round in the rowing department.
to retrieve the craft. They Such was his prowess with the oars that there
found the dinghy entangled were even good natured suggestions that he may
in low-lying tree branches have missed his calling in life and should be trying
Senior Constable Dough Henry shows his prowess with the oars. hanging over the riverbank. out for the NZ eights rowing squad.
- Photo courtesy of the Katikati Advertiser

34 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

New vehicle an
eye-opener
Gwinnett Sheriff, Butch Conway, has received
a new vehicle that makes the biggest, baddest
Humvee look wimpish, according to a recent
report in the Gwinnett News, a Georgia, USA-
based newspaper.
Conwayss new vehicle is camouflage-
coloured, with a 283 cubic inch V-8, a top
speed of 40 mph and a 110-gallon gas tank. It
gets about three miles to a gallon.
Original equipment included one .50-calibre
machine gun, a 7.62 mm machine gun and
infrared night vision capability. It seats four
and weighs 15,093 pounds (6,846 kilograms)
- and it floats. (The .50-calibre gun has been
replaced with a nonfiring replica.)
Full restored
NOT TO BE MESSED WITH: The M1 14 armoured command and reconnaisance vehicle
The vehicle is a fully restored 1965 M1 14
manufactured by Cadillac. - Photo courtesy of Eaglhorse.com
armoured command and reconnaissance
vehicle built by Cadillac.
Its former owner, Ben Cowart II of Norcross,
has donated it to the Sheriffs Department for
More creative answers from S.A.T students
use in tactical situations such as officer rescues Youll remember that in the December issue of Police News we brought you some rather creative SAT
and to provide go-anywhere capability during (Scholastic Aptitude Tests) answers from a group of 16-year-old students in South Africa. Heres a
few more from the same questionnaire. You have to admit that despite not being in the mark-scoring
natural disasters.
category they do have a certain cleverness about them all the same:
Ive had a lot of fun with it. I think everybody
should have a tank at least once, Cowart Q: Name a major disease associated with Q. Give the meaning of the term Caesarian
cigarettes. Section
said.
A: Premature death. A. The caesarian section is a district in Rome.
Cowart, 40, is a developer by trade, but Q: How can you delay milk turning sour? Q: What is a seizure?
branched into the military vehicle business A: Keep it in the cow. A: A Roman Emperor.
two years ago when he had the chance to Q: How are the main parts of the body Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches
purchase surplus Humvees. categorized? (e.g. abdomen). puberty?
A: The body is consisted into three parts - the A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks
Company formed
brainium, the borax and the abdominal forward to adultery.
All of a sudden Cowart was running Military cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the Q: What is a terminal illness?
Vehicle Specialties, which restores and borax contains the heart and lungs and the A: When you are sick at the airport.
customizes Humvees. abdominal cavity contains the five bowels, Q: Give an example of a fungus. What is a
A, E, I, O and U. characteristic feature?
About a year ago, a customer swapped the M1 Q: What is the Fibula?
14 for one of the Humvees. The big vehicle is A: Mushrooms. They always grow in damp
A: A small lie. places and so they look like umbrellas.
fully restored, right down to the 1st Cavalry Q: What does varicose mean? Q: What does the word benign mean?
Division markings. A: Nearby. A: Benign is what you will be after you be
Its a good piece of equipment, Sheriff Q: What is the most common form of birth eight.
Conway told the newspaper. It can be used control? Q: What is a turbine?
by us, the Police Department or the Fire A: Most people prevent contraption by wearing a A: Something an Arab wears on his head.
Department. condominium.

Were you in the 12th


Dobbs Wing?
The12th Dobbs Recruit Wing entered the NZ
When constabulary dutys to be done, the policemans lot is not a happy one. Police College at Trentham Camp on the 7th of
September 1959, and if there is sufficient interest
- Sir W. S. Gilbert (1836-1911). from members of that wing in a reunion, one will
be held in Christchurch in the near future.
I want to see you shoot the way you shout.
Would interested members please advise either
- Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt (1858-1919). of the following people if they wish to be part of a
reunion: Graeme Pierson, 17 Arncliff Street,
If quitters never win and winners never quitwhat fool came up with: Christchurch; Email: og.pierson@xtra.co.nz or
Quit while youre ahead. GrahamGoodall,44BlueGumPlace,Christchurch;
Email: graham.goodall@xtra.co.nz
- Anonymous.

March 2006 35
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

New Zealand
seen as a
softmarket by
transnational
crime syndicates

Rock crystal meth and meth pipe.

Indonesian mega labs highlight


co-operation between drug traffickers
By Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News On our backdoor step
Early indications are that the labs were producing drugs for the
The discovery of two methamphetamine- American and Australian markets. The intelligence officer said that some
manufacturing plants in Indonesia, recently, has of the product could have been headed for New Zealand, given that it
was virtually on our backdoor step.
highlighted the sophisticated co-operation between
Customs officials have told Police News that New Zealands sub-culture
international drug traffickers and the risk these was seen by international drug cartels as a growing drug market
operations pose to New Zealand - as vast quantities and a recent United Nations Drug Report bore this out listing New
Zealand behind only Thailand and Australia in terms of the usage of
of the drug flood the market.
amphetamines (speed, methamphetamine and Ecstacy).

S
imilar super labs have also been Transnational crime syndicates from Asia, Eastern
discovered in Fiji, the Phillipines and Europe, Africa, Malaysia, Israel, mainland China
Malaysia of recent times. The product from Say if we were looking at
and the Middle East see New Zealand as a soft
the Fiji lab was destined for the USA, Australia and a seizure rate as high as
touch in that drug penalties here are more lenient
New Zealand, according to American officials. 20% and I tend to think than in their home countries where traffickers
When Indonesian police arrested 12 people at thats probably way over face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Eighty
a huge drug-manufacturing factory in Serang the top and thats one- percent of the largest drug seizures last year
recently, 45 kilometres from the Indonesia capital fifth of what is coming into were the domain of organised transnational crime
of Jakarta, they found locals, Dutch, French and the country, then we really gangs.
Hong Kong nationals, Taiwanese, and meth cooks have some issues. Recently, three Sydney residents were charged
from mainland China. - Detective Inspector Don Allan, with allegedly attempting to import half a
A NZ Police drug intelligence officer, who viewed NZ Police O/C National Bureau of kilogramn of liquid cocaine concealed in perfume
the lab, told Police News that the sophisticated Criminal Intelligence. bottles into New Zealand. The bottles were
operation, which he termed a mega lab, had discovered at Auckland International Airport as
100 kilograms of crystal meth (ice) drying when he was there. Shortly a result of a joint Customs and Auckland Police Drug Squad operation.
afterward, Indonesian police discovered an even bigger operation with 200 Police News understands two of those arrested were brothers from
kilograms of product ready for distribution as well as large quantities of Colombia. All three face charges of importing a Class A controlled drug,
MDMA (Ecstacy). Meth is known as shabu shabu in Indonesia. possession of a Class A controlled drug for supply and attempting to

36 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

export a Class A controlled drug. Four years ago, border seizures of


cocaine were virtually unheard of Customs seizing just four grams in
2001 - by 2004 that had risen dramatically to a record 17.64 kilograms.
Last year seven kilograms were seized.
New Zealand Customs Service Manager for Drug Investigations, Simon
Williamson, said the cocaine was probably destined for Australia. This
latest interception proves that New Zealand continues to be used as
a stop over/transit point for cocaine shipments destined for Australia.
Drug trafficking syndicates are continually evolving more and more
sophisticated methods to evade detection for drug shipments, and this
is yet another example of this, said Mr Williamson.
Successes
Police and Customs thwarted a large-scale importation of ephedrine
from Mainland China in March 2004. An Asian syndicate was
attempting to import a tonne of ephedrine, capable of making 700
kilograms of meth. Rock crystal methamphetamine.
Indonesian police said the cartel running the meth factory in Serang was
producing up to one million pills/tablets a week. Police estimated that
the factory could output meth with a street value of $600 million a year.
The plant was registered as a cable factory and covered an area of four
hectares. Indonesian Police Chief, General Sutanto, said that the level
of production at the lab made it the third largest Ecstasy manufacturing
operation ever discovered. Police had seized 62.4 tonnes of precursors for
making methamphetamine and 6.7 tonnes for making Ecstasy.
Police also seized 150 kg (330 pounds) of ready-to-use crystal
methamphetamines. Samples had already been sent to buyers in Hong
Kong.
Pseudoephedrine tablets used as precursors in the manufacture
The discovery of the lab has further highlighted the sophisticated nature
of methamphetmine.
of international drug cartels, which are mirroring the cross-agency
approach taken by law enforcement agencies in their war on drugs.
Detective Inspector Don Allan, O/C National Bureau of Criminal
Intelligence for the NZ Police, told Police News that there was evidence
that international crime syndicates were working with organised crime
gangs, OMCGs (Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs) and ethnic gangs to further
their distribution networks in New Zealand. Estimates of the drug trade
in this industry put it at a $1 billion industry. By comparison, the annual
Police budget for last year was set at $943.8 million.
Deal with anyone
Unlike OMCGs and ethnic gangs where inter-gang rivalry has, to some
extent, limited their growth the transnational crime syndicates will deal
with anyone locally provided the result is the same and the bulk of the
profits come back to them.
Whats coming through is that the international partnerships are
being developed. They will get a cook from China, an importer from
somewhere else and a moneyman from another country. So what they
are doing is forming business entities, using whatever resource they can
get to get it off the ground, Allan said. He also said that the networks A large bag of crystal meth ready for distribution in smaller
international law enforcement agencies were coming across now deal bags. - Photos courtesy USDEA.
were across a whole spectrum of nationalities and he would be very
operations. They are often well removed from the factories and launder
surprised indeed, given New Zealanders entrepreneurial skills, if there
money through legitimate business enterprises.
wasnt another Mr Asia in there somewhere. (Editors note: Terry
Despite Indonesias tough line on drugs, including the death penalty,
Clark, a New Zealander, was known as Mr Asia during the late
many foreign nationals have been arrested for trafficking or possession
1970s when he ran one of the biggest drug networks in the world).
in recent years. The Bali Nine, as they were dubbed by the media a
The big players group of young Australians charged with trying to smuggled heroin from
International law enforcement agencies are finding it increasingly hard Bali into Australia were all given life sentences while the masterminds
to convict those responsible for funding such huge drug manufacturing behind the plot have been sentenced to death by firing squad.
March 2006 37
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

Drug trafficking syndicates are continually evolving more


and more sophisticated methods to evade detection for drug
shipments, and this is yet another example of this.
- New Zealand Customs Service Manager for Drug Investigations,
Simon Williamson, referring to the seizure of half a kilogram
of liquid cocaine (concealed in the perfume bottles pictured
opposite) at Auckland international Airport recently.
- Photo courtesy NZ Customs.

New Zealand Customs and Police have recently stopped some large-scale Fuelling other crimes
meth importations notably the seizure of 8.1 kilograms in Wellington, Drug Squad and Intelligence officers say that meth is at the heart of a
which had a street value of $8 million New Zealands biggest bust to date. multitude of other crimes such as car thefts, property crimes, fraud and
Other significant seizures have been made in Auckland, Christchurch and burglaries, to name but a few. These crimes become the domain of addicts
Wellington. One operation was dealing over $100,000 of meth a week. who lack the incomes of the middle-class user.
To put this in perspective, the total of all border seizures of crystal meth for On a global scale, transnational crime syndicates are known to be involved
2005 was 11.8 kilograms. Organised crime syndicates are clearly becoming in terrorism, intellectual property theft, trafficking in drugs, arms and people,
bolder in their efforts to import larger quantities of the drug in to New insurance and computer fraud, piracy, bribery and corruption of public
Zealand. officials and the trade of human body parts.
Tip of the iceberg? Demand and huge profit margins are the motivating factors driving the crime
Customs and Police admit that they may be only getting the tip of the syndicates to import drugs into New Zealand. In Asia, a gram of crystal meth
iceberg in relation to the amount of precursors and ready-made meth being is manufactured for the equivalent of $4.20 (NZ) and will be sold on the
imported. street for as little as $50 (NZ) while here it can sell for between $800 (NZ)
(usually $100 a point with 10 points to the gram; but when buying a gram
A senior Customs official, spoken to by Police News, estimated that Customs
the price would usually be discounted).
and Police were responsible for stopping somewhere between seven and
20% of all importations. American drug agency sources told Police News that the most lucrative
places for Asian drug cartels to ply their trade in meth are Hawaii and Guam,
Detective Inspector Don Allan says of the seizure rate: Say if we were
where they are getting double the price available in mainland USA, where
looking at a seizure rate as high as 20% and I tend to think thats probably
the drug is usually cut to around 38% purity.
way over the top and thats one-fifth of what is coming into the country,
then we really have some issues. International response
The demand for ampethamines knows no bounds, as is evidenced by the In order to try and stop the prolific trade developing in countries along
fact that in the last six years clan lab busts have risen from just nine to a the Pacific Rim, the US State Department has been sponsoring top drug
high of 204 last year. Some are only kitchen-sink type operations, which enforcement officials from Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and other Pacific
have a small output capacity and Police News understands that Police are nations to travel to the United States to discuss strategies for dealing with
investigating the possibility of differentiating between clan labs based on a the problem. Police News understands that US officials are working closely
labs capacity. with mainland Chinese officials also.
Senior police officers say that while meth/P has a high media profile Paul Smith, Professor of transnational security issues at the Asia Pacific
because of the high profile murder cases and mega violence associated Center for Security Studies, calls the burgeoning problem of transnational
with it, society should not lose sight of the fact that alcohol abuse accounts syndicates targeting Pacific countries as the devils dilemma.
for some 70% of interaction with police. Allan agrees: Im not suggesting It is always a potential problem because we have a huge market for this
for one second that we dont have major problems with P but there is a (ice) like we all know, Smith said. He said that as police became more
tendency to forget that our major problem as a society is alcohol, but the effective at closing down local clan labs they might inadvertently create more
difference is that alcohol is accepted in society. of a market for the imported variety (of ice) and thats the devils dilemma
that we have, he added.

Sheriffs Office returns property after 29 years Just recently, Sheriff Frank Denning made a
decision to purge the property rooms of old items
You know the one about Police always getting now of Toronto, left behind property including
and return property to their rightful owners. The
their man? $23.87 in US currency, a silver dollar which was
hunt for John Bayles began. After some good
Well, one Toronto resident has had his faith over 100 years old, several foreign coins, and
detective work by property clerks Robert Johnston
in human nature restored after having his lost some commemorative coins.
and Mel Soper, Mr Bayles was located in Canada
property returned to him 29 years after he Sheriffs deputies took the items to the Johnson and through an evaluation process, which
misplaced it. County Sheriffs office and logged them into the included him specifically identifying several of the
In 1977, John Bayles of Mission, Kansas and stations lost property office. coins, he was reunited with his goods.

38 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

Are the new Organised Crime Units Come let me lead you to Hell
going to further deplete stretched CIB? The poem below was penned by a young women meth addict as
she sat in jail, awaiting sentencing on drug charges. On being
By Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News released, she went back to using the drug that owned her. She
NZ Police has recently expanded its response to organised crime by setting was found dead shortly after.
up Organised Crime Units in Hawkes Bay, Nelson and possibly Bay of
Plenty the first time that provincial centres have had such dedicated I destroy homes and tear families apart,
resources. I take your children, and thats just the start.
The units have been funded by extra money allocated in last years Police Im more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold.
budget. The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
Police Association President Greg OConnor told Police News that while it If you need me, remember Im easily found,
was timely for Police to be putting more resources into the battle against I live all around you - in schools and in town.
organised crime the risk was that the new units might further deplete an
I live with the rich; I live with the poor,
already depleted CIB by creating even more ring-fenced positions.
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
This could create a similar scenario to when section staff end up doing
vastly increased workloads because staff have been ring-fenced into other Im made in a lab, but not like you think.
areas, Mr OConnor said. There must be account taken of the huge I can be made under the kitchen sink.
reactive factor which is often left out of the policing equation. We need a In your childs closet and even in the woods.
good pool of experienced investigators to be able to respond to homicides, If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
rapes and robberies, otherwise we run the risk of losing public confidence
and credibility. I have many names, but theres one you know best.
Im sure youve heard of me, my name is Crystal Meth.
Depletion of CIB
My power is awesome; try me youll see.
There is a risk of depleting the available pool of officers if we continually
But if you do, you may never break free.
ring-fence staff into specialist areas without addressing the underyling need
for more staff to fill the positions they have left, Mr OConnor added. Just try me once and I might let you go,
The specialist nature of organised crime investigations has, historically, Try me twice, and Ill own your soul.
been the domain of the CIB. But with CIB resources stretched, the capacity When I possess you, youll steal and youll lie,
of the Police to respond by using detectives for what are time-consuming You do what you have to - just to get high.
organised crime investigations has been limited.
The crimes youll commit for my narcotic charms,
Senior detectives and Drug Squad officers say that the writing has been on will be worth the pleasure youll feel in your arms.
the wall for sometime about the foothold organised crime would cement
due to policing having to be prioritised because of limited resources. Youll lie to your mother; youll steal from your dad,
The Hawkes Bay unit will have four investigators and be based at the when you see their tears, you should feel sad.
district HQ in Napier. A Senior Sergeant will head the unit. But youll forget your morals and how you were raised,
Illicit drug detection Ill be your conscience, Ill teach you my ways.
The Nelson-based unit was recently instituted to crack down on organised I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
crime in Marlborough, Nelson and the West Coast. Five detectives will I turn people from God, and separate friends.
work in the OCU focused mainly on detecting the manufacture and Ill take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
distribution of illicit drugs in the Tasman district. Ill be with you always - right by your side.
Police are struggling to attract investigators into the CIB, resulting in huge Youll give up everything - your family, your home,
workloads for detectives. Police have acknowledged that there is no easy
your friends, your money; then youll be alone.
answer to the problem.
Historically, detectives came from people in their 20s, who had fewer Ill take and take, till you have nothing more to give.
family commitments. But in the last decade that demographic has changed When Im finished with you, youll be lucky to live.
dramatically with 50% of those employed by Police now being over 30 If you try me be warned - this is no game.
years of age a rise of 20% since 1996. If given the chance, Ill drive you insane.
One applicant five positions Ill ravish your body; Ill control your mind,
Bay of Plenty is a case in point, which highlights problems around Ill own you completely; your soul will be mine.
ringfencing. Bay of Plenty had advertised for five positions related to the The nightmares Ill give you while lying in bed,
setitng up of a Rotorua-based Organised Crime Unit but, at time of writing, the voices youll hear, from inside your head.
Police News sources indicated that there had been only one applicant.
The sweats, the shakes; the visions youll see,
One detective said: We have the Head Hunters moving in and dealing
in Tauranga and we are hearing stories of intimidation and businesses I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
being signed over to gangs for P-related debts. Yet, we havent the staff But then its too late, and youll know in your heart,
to deal with these issues because for years it has been placed in the too that you are mine, and we shall not part.
hard basket. Now they want to set up units to deal with the problem
Youll regret that you tried me; they always do,
by ring-fencing and there just arent the detectives available to deal with
but you came to me, not I to you.
kidnappings, rapes, homicides and the time-intensive investigations
around organised crime. You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
Detectives from various districts around the country also say that the but you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
onus of proof that judges now require before they will convict for drug You could have said No, and just walked away,
dealing is also creating backlogs. We now have to prove commerciality, If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
that commercial intent is there and its got to the stage where you almost
have to find the dealer with the money on them before some judges will Ill be your master; youll be my slave,
convict. Previously, youd get a guy with say 50 to 100 cannabis plants Ill even go with you to your grave.
and theyd be done for cultivation, now judges are a bit more reluctant Now that you have met me, what will you do?
to do that unless you can catch the offender with a big wad of money or Will you try me or not? Its all up to you.
unaccounted monies in their bank accounts. So that level of asset proof
is placing extra strain on our resources, one detective said, echoing the I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
sentiments expressed by several others to Police News. Come take my hand, let me lead you to Hell.

March 2006 39
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Attorney-General, Washington.

Washington State shifts focus to


target methamphetamine users
After years of targeting home-based methamphetamine per year for drug enforcement. Meth users
are proportionally higher in rural regions,
laboratories, Washington State and law enforcement officials and some Washington counties dont have
are shifting focus, taking aim at meth addicts themselves. federally funded task forces.
In total, McKennas meth push will cost the
Washington has for many years ranked near off the highly addictive stimulant, according to state around $10 million per year, said policy
the top of the states for the number of meth McKenna. director Chris Johnson.
labs found annually. It is harder to treat a meth addiction than it is Research shows that meth addicts are often
Now, Washington Attorney-General Rob to treat an addiction for cocaine or heroin or repeat offenders and they are a burden to
McKenna, along with a 26-member task force other hard drugs, McKenna said. Someone victims, the court system, the environment,
known as Operation: Allied Against Meth, who comes out of jail or prison addicted to the state and law enforcement. McKenna also
is backing legislation that focuses on longer meth will go right back to their old behaviours. noted that meth is the single largest driver of
prison sentences and emphasises substance Therefore, treatment is an essential foster care cases in the state.
abuse treatment. component. McKennas proposals will also provide more
Our jails and prisons are filling up with people In tandem with the new measures will be a tools to assist in the cleanup of contaminated
who have been convicted of meth offences treatment pilot project specifically for meth meth labs.
and offences related to their meth addiction, users. About 100 new treatment beds would Restrictions
McKenna told Associated Press, citing a be established.
Under a law that went into effect on 1 October
Spokane survey that determined that 93% of To target meth addicts in all facets of life, the 2005, stores must keep cold and allergy
inmates convicted of felony property crimes bill would re-enact Washingtons Drug-Free medications behind the counter, and clerks
were meth users. Work Place standards, which expired in 2001. must check a customers identification to
Longer sentences That legislation compensates employers for ensure that they are at least 18.
keeping employees off drugs.
The measure would lengthen the penalties of Since last July, customers have been limited
meth offenders by requiring sentences to be Focus on rural counties to purchasing two meth-producing precursor
served consecutively. Longer sentences will Additionally, the state will make rural counties products in a 24-hour period. Since New
allow the state adequate time to wean addicts a priority, providing more than $1 million Years Day, store clerks have started keeping

40 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

track of who is purchasing the products in order to help law


enforcement officials identify repeat buyers. It is harder to treat a meth
The number of reported meth labs has dropped by about addiction than it is to treat an
50 percent in the last six years, according to McKenna. addiction for cocaine or heroin or
But its important to understand that reducing the number other hard drugs. Someone who
of meth labs is not the same as reducing the amount of meth comes out of jail or prison addicted
use, he told Associated Press. to meth will go right back to their
About 75% of Washingtons methamphetamine comes old behaviours. Therefore, treatment
from outside state borders. To curb that trend, the Attorney is an essential component.
General is working with Idaho and Oregon to establish a - Washington State Attorney-General
multi-state initiative to target the destructive drug. Rob McKenna.

Meth overtakes cocaine as the biggest


problem drug in the United States
Methamphetamine has overtaken cocaine as the biggest drug problem in the US, according
to a major crime survey across 45 states.
A survey of 500 law enforcement agencies found meth-related arrests had
gone up over the past three years in 87% of the 45 states in which the poll
was conducted. Sixty-two percent reported increases in laboratory seizures.
Fifty-eight percent said methamphetamine was their largest drug problem.
Nineteen percent said cocaine was, 17 percent said marijuana and three
percent said heroin.
Seventy percent of counties reported increases in robberies and burglaries
because of methamphetamine; 62 percent reported increases in domestic
violence; 53 percent reported an increase in assaults; and 27 reported an
increase in identity theft.
Methamphetamine abuse was reported as particularly bad in rural areas.
It is easy to produce using chemicals found on farms, and the homemade
labs are harder to detect in rural areas.
Detainees
Half of the counties surveyed said 20% of people
in their jails were there because of meth-related
crimes. In some areas it accounted for more
than half of those detained and law enforcement
officials say burglaries, domestic violence and
assaults have increased because of it.
Children also suffer - from neglect and abuse of
addicted parents or carers, and from the negative
side effects of the drug being produced in their
homes.
The problem started in the western US, but
it is moving east - and it now has what the
Association of County Governments calls a
devastating effect on communities nationwide.
The officials have been pleading with lawmakers
to restore financing for an $804 million drug-
fighting program that the group said had been
proposed for elimination in the 2006 Federal
Budget, and said the Bush administration
had focused its drug-fighting efforts too
much on marijuana and not enough on Cocaine (pictured above with the familiar Scorpion logo), once Americas drug of choice,
methamphetamine. has been replaced by methamphetamine (pictured at top) as the USAs most abused drug.
- Sources: The National Ledger and - Photos courtesy of US Drug Enforcement Agency.
New York Times.
March 2006 41
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

The real cost of methamphetamine


Methamphetamine addiction doesnt only destroy the lives of its abusers like most
addictions it has far reaching effects for those close to the addict. Angela, a bright, intelligent
28-year-old, spoken to recently by Police News, is one such person. Here is her story of how
methamphetamine affected her life through her involvement with a meth addict:
Meth has broken my heart and robbed me of the love of my life. It has I later found out that he was two-timing me
destroyed my friend and soulmate. John and I met when we were just with an ex-girlfriend.
teenagers. We used to travel to school together and gradually a friendship That was the final straw.
grew. We both had parents with addiction problems - Johns Mum was a I packed up his things and delivered them to
his mothers house. Occasionally, he would
longtime drug addict and my father was a chronic alcoholic. This mutual,
ring, usually when he was spinning out. As
shared pain brought us together. tough as it was, I eventually learned to just
hang up.
We swore to the moon and stars that we that he was getting three meals a day and so
would never end up like that. he would have a few comforts of home. Trail of debts
Lost contact I reasoned that I could save him from himself. John left a trail of debts behind him, many of
I was terribly wrong. which I am still paying off. The only thing I am
After a few years, our respective families
I reckon he slept solidly for the first 10 days grateful for is that we never had kids together,
moved to Hamilton and Wellington and we lost
while he started a detoxing regime. With as I wouldnt want to have put them through
contact. About three years ago we met again
proper food and rest he started looking like his what I have endured.
at a wedding and we rekindled our earlier
relationship. This eventually led to a romance old self. Meth destroys relationships, jobs and lives.
between us. So many nights I have wasted, crying over
After a while, I learned that John was using him, being angry with him and trying to clean
After a while, I learned that up after him. Meth addicts arent only users
ice. He seemed to be in control of the
John was using ice. He of the drug they are users of people too. They
situation and he reassured me that he was
only an occasional user. He said the drug seemed to be in control of the are unreliable schemers, who are self-centred
made him relaxed at the end of a hard week. situation and he reassured and focussed only on their next hit. It took me
The alarm bells should have been ringing for me that he was only an a long time to realise this and to own up to my
me then and there but I trusted him and I occasional user. own foolishness.
loved him. John said he only used meth about Finally, I realised that he was not my
once every two to three months. I believed responsibility. John was an adult and needed
him. I shouldnt have. to act as one. He needed to take responsibility
Last year, he got himself a steady job again
John moved into a flat and I soon learned that for his own choices, his own actions and his
and we made plans for our future together.
his flatties were also meth users. He lost his own life. It took a long time to realise that in
We even talked about starting a family. He
job and went on the dole. With less money order for my own self-preservation I could
seemed to be on the straight and narrow at
coming in and an increasing habit, John do no more. He has chosen addiction and
last and I loved him all the more for having
turned to selling small amounts of the drug. the poverty, misery and heartbreak it causes
apparently beaten his demons.
- over me and that hurts me greatly.
Over several months, his appearance became Just when I thought he had put that world
dishevelled, he would stay up all night; his But I am moving beyond the hurt and the
behind him, John started using again with a
hygiene standards suffered greatly and his blame and the loss of a person I once
workmate. They were both discovered using at
appearance became gaunt. The flat was little considered my soulmate. I have seen meth
work and were dismissed.
more than a doss-house. There was hardly a claim the life of an intelligent, warm, caring
Like the fool I was, I tried to save him again, and formerly responsible human being. John
stick of furniture in the place and the whole
not realising that the only person who could is not dead but he may as well be for his life
emphasis of his and his flatmates lives
really save John was John. Like most is a train wreck.
seemed to revolve around drugs and their
addicts he lied to and manipulated everyone
associated paraphernalia pipes, empty deal My message is simple if you are involved
around him. He became self-obsessed and
bags, butane lighters, you name it, they had it. with a meth addict get out. It will rob them
eventually I discovered he had stolen $3000
of their life, so make sure it doesnt rob you of
Detox regime from our joint bank account.
yours too.
I managed to persuade John to leave. I When I confronted him about it, he eventually Footnote: Angelas name has been changed
thought that the best solution for him was to moved out and back to his mothers house. for this article in order to protect her
move in with me, so at least I could make sure We agreed to try our relationship again but identity.

42 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

Smurfs rule well, not quite


Memo to robbers: If you disguise yourself as a Smurf, make sure you wipe behind
your ears afterwards.
Police in Anchorage, Alaska said a man painted his face blue and tried to rob a
hotel, but was arrested when officers later spotted residual stains on his neck,
ears and forehead that hadnt washed off, according to a report by Associated
Press.
Police put out a description of the suspect: a man in his early 20s, thin, with short by Ricky Collins
blonde hair wearing a puffy red coat like a ski jacket and a blue face.
The description sounded familiar to local police officer, Kevin McDonald. Champion Aromatics
In world terms, New Zealand is a very small
Earlier disturbance
producer of wine. Our total production amounts
One day earlier, he had responded to a call of a disturbance at a different hotel. He to around 0.2 percent of all wine produced
spoke to a young man with short blonde hair who was wearing a puffy red coat.
across the globe annually. However, for such
McDonald and Sergeant Chris Sims drove to that hotel and spoke to the desk a small player we certainly make an impact,
clerk. Twenty minutes after the robbery call, the suspect appeared. winning awards at many international wine
The officers found a Mr Clark, resplendant in blue face paint. It was a clue, one shows.
officer said bemusedly. So was the blue ink on his fingertips.
While New Zealand winemakers are generally getting more enthusiastic
Police believe Clark ran from the Super 8, washed his face somewhere and walked
about Pinot Noir, international recognition still tends to focus on our
to the other hotel, where he was checked in. Blue stain, however, was prominent
aromatic wines, Sauvignon Blanc in particular. Its interesting to have
on his ears, neck and throat.
a look at the New Zealand wines, which are doing well internationally
Bingo hall blotter recently. One of the most respected international reviewers of wine is a
Police obtained a search warrant for Clarks room. They recovered a knife sheath UK based magazine called Decanter. They recently held their annual world
and an ink blotter. The blotters are commonly used in bingo halls for stamping wine awards, in which they singled out 31 trophy winners from over 5500
cards. wine entries.
He appears to have cut it open and emptied the contents into an ice bucket, a Staggeringly, New Zealand wines won four of the 31 trophies, with
police spokesman said. He painted himself up good. aromatic whites clearly standing out as our strength. The 2004
Police photographed Clark with the blue stains in place. Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc won the Sauvignon Blanc
under 10 ($27.36 NZ) trophy, while the 2004 Saint Clair Wairau
This man has a conscience Reserve Sauvignon Blanc won the over 10 trophy. The 2004
German police were amazed and amused when a pensioner turned himself in Johanneshof Cellars Marlborough Gerwurztraminer won the over
for a crime he committed 80 years ago. 10 Aromatic White trophy, and interestingly the 2000 Morton Estate
Helmut Bleibtreu told officers at Herne in the Ruhr region of Germany he had Coniglio Chardonnay picked up the trophy for best Chardonnay
suffered from a guilty conscience ever since planting a firecracker on the local over 10. Traditionally, French White Burgundy wines clean up the
railway line in 1926. Chardonnay trophies, but their latest entries to this competition were quite
He said it was the only bad thing he had ever done and asked what his disappointing, with new world wines outshining them. Endorsement of our
punishment would be. wines at this level is a clear indication that New Zealand is making some
The officers told him the statute of limitations for that crime had passed - and of the best aromatic whites in the world. Here are a few notes about New
in any case the offence had never been reported. Zealand aromatic whites that Ive enjoyed recently.
They cautioned Mr Bleibtreu not to do it again, according to a recent report Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (RRP $24):
in The Australian.
This Marlborough producer has a strong focus
on Sauvignon Blanc and strives to produce
Shape up or youre down the the best examples of this variety in the world.
road in Northern Utah Based on Decanters recent awards they are
Many Northern Utah law enforcement agencies have implemented rules to hitting the mark. This new release really
ensure officers stay in tip-top shape throughout their careers. stood out for me as a quality wine. While it
Not passing the tests can result in termination of employment. Davis County has those classic concentrated aromas and
Sheriff Bud Cox says 10% of his officers could lose their jobs if they fail the flavours of redcurrants and passionfruit, it
agencys five-part fitness test. also has a steely minerality to it that adds
But officials enforcing the rules say meeting physical fitness standards is complexity. This is a wine to wow guests who
more than fair and is a matter of safety, for the public and the officers. appreciate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Most professions come back and look at the basic standards and say: Can Corbans Private Bin Hawkes Bay Gerwurztraminer 2004 (RRP $22):
you still do it? says Ogden Police Chief, Jon Greiner. I should point out that I love Gerwurztraminer, so I can be a little biased
The Utah Highway Patrol requires its rookies to pass fitness tests every six when it comes to this variety. However, this was just delicious. It has
months for the first 18 months on the job. But it doesnt stop there. Troopers floral aromas with Turkish delight and lychee flavours coming through.
must meet physical fitness standards to be promoted and administrators There is a touch of spiciness to it and a slightly sweet finish. What stands
must pass the annual test or be replaced. out for me is the harmonious balance that this wine has. It is a very stylish
wine.
Pining for Ella? Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (RRP $24):
They take adultery very seriously in the Pinellas County Police Department in This wine has only just been released and to be fair is still settling down
Florida it is now a disciplinary offence. in the bottle. However, it is already developing into a standout example
The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office is cracking down on their own in relation to of Pinot Gris. It has that slightly viscous texture that Pinot Gris can show,
cheating spouses. excellent balance and the apricot and peach flavours linger on. The 11.3
grams of residual sugar leave you with a nice sweetish aftertaste, and it is
After learning of several cases of philandering by officers, Sheriff Jim Coats has
missing that overt heat that some New Zealand Pinot Gris can show. This
told officers that they will face disciplinary procedures if they are caught having
affairs with other officers. Pinella County already has a GI (General Instruction), is a style of Pinot Gris that I really enjoy.
which forbids police officers from having relationships with each other.
March 2006 43
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

Police marked the 120th anniversary of NZ Police with a rousing haka in Parliament grounds last month. Celebrations also marked the
50th anniversary of the police dog section and the 75th anniversary of the NZ Police pipe band.
- Photo courtesy of Wellington Police Forensic Photography.

153 US police died in the line of duty last year armour and less lethal weaponry such as the
Taser, according to the two groups.
One hundred and fifty three police officers, including officers last year. Another 60 died in shootings, Excluding the 234 officers killed in the Sept 11
four women, were killed in the line of duty in the including firearms training accidents. Physical- terrorist attacks in New York, 160 officers have
United States during 2005, one less than in 2004, related incidents, including heart attacks and been killed each year on average over the past
according to an Associated Press report. heat stroke, accounted for 20 more deaths. Other decade. The annual average was 220 through
The figures continued a downward trend in police deaths included two fatalities in a helicopter crash, the 1970s.
officer fatalities in the last 30 years, although there one in a bomb-related incident, one in a stabbing,
There are an estimated 800,000 state, federal
has been a 40% increase in traffic related deaths two in drownings and three in falls.
and local police officers in the United States,
in that time. Body armour and Tasers according to the most recent available numbers
Traffic-related accidents claimed the lives of 62 Death rates have reduced since the advent of body from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

HOLIDAY HOME AVAILABILITY


for bookings see: www.policeassn.org.nz

March April May


PAIHIA............................................ 14 ..................................................................8,10,24-26,30 .........................................................1-4,7-9,15-16,16-17,21-25,27,28-29
STANMORE BAY ............................. 7-9,16,19,20-22,26-30,31 ............................2-6,6-9,10-13,17-19,22-26,27,30 ..........................1-11,14-31
AUCKLAND .................................... 26-30 ............................................................2,7-8,17,30 .............................................................1-3,8-11,14-16,17-18,21-31
WHANGAMATA ............................... Not available ..................................................10-13,17,27, ...........................................................3-4,7-11,15-18,21-25,28-31
MT MAUNGANUI ............................ Not available ..................................................4,6-7,9,20,28,30 .....................................................1-4,7-14,14-31
OHOPE........................................... 13-16,19,28-30 .............................................5,17,30....................................................................1-12,14-31
ROTORUA ...................................... 7,12-13,14-15,19-23,28-30 ..........................2-6,10-11,12-13,26-27,30......................................1-5,7-17,18,20-31
TAUPO ........................................... 7,13,20,21-22,...............................................3-6,10,13,21,27 ......................................................1-4,7-11,15-19,21-31
TURANGI ........................................ 8-9,12-15,18,20-23,26-31 ............................1-6,9-13,17,22-23,25-30........................................1-12,14-31
NAPIER .......................................... 17,20,26,29-31 .............................................30............................................................................1-4,7-11,17-18,21-25,29-31
PARAPARAUMU .............................. 7-9,26-29 ......................................................6-7,26-30................................................................1-4,8-11,14-31
GREYTOWN.................................... 13-14,21 .......................................................5-6,9-11,13,............................................................1-4,7-11,15-18,21-25,28-31
WELLINGTON ................................. 20-22,23,25,29 .............................................2,5,13,23.................................................................3-4,8-10,14,21-23,28-31
NELSON......................................... 17 ..................................................................3,11.........................................................................7-31
HANMER SPRINGS ......................... 8,12 ...............................................................6,27.........................................................................2-4,8-9,14-18,21-26,29-31
CHRISTCHURCH ............................. 12,24,30 ........................................................6,10-13,30 ..............................................................1-11,14-20,27-31
TEKAPO ......................................... 17,20 .............................................................3-5,9,12-13,30........................................................1-4,8-11,14,16-18,21-26,28-31
WANAKA ........................................ 7-8,13-14,30 .................................................3-4,10,26-27,29-30 ................................................1-4,7-31
CROMWELL ................................... Not available ..................................................22,30.......................................................................1-4,7-9,14-18,21-25,28-31
QUEENSTOWN ............................... Not available ..................................................Not available ............................................................24
TE ANAU ........................................ 5,28 ...............................................................1,4-6,9,12,21,24-26,28-29 .....................................2-8,10-25,27-31
DUNEDIN ....................................... 9,16,20,22,27,29 ...........................................2,11,17....................................................................1,4,7-10,15-20,23,25,28-31

44 March 2006
This column is written by a frontline I think the air up top is obviously thinner and perhaps that accounts for some
police officer. It does not
represent the views or policies of of the decision-making.
the Police Association.
Brides-in-waiting
Still a couple of months before the Brides-in-waiting, and the rest of us,
find out who the new Commander-in-Chief will be. I wonder what odds they
would be giving at the TAB if they ran a book on it? No matter who gets the
comfy chair from Aunty Helen, no doubt we will see a new looking top table
The big pay out and a new direction that will eventually filter down to us at the sharp end.
yeah right! Mind you, if we are going to get those new Taser thingies to give us a bit more
Well do you really think its coming to a town near you? I mean we have protection it shows some at the table are eating their greens and thinking
already been promised another 1000 frontliners over the next three years to about our welfare.
boost the thin blue line, which really is a Godsend. The nurses and teachers
have done well (and rightly so) over the last couple of years, so maybe its our
Dont dream its over
turn! Anyone waiting for those infamous Tui words yet? Neil and Tim Finn were on the button with this one. I mean to say; I see that
meth trend (quote, unquote) just wont go away. The Bay boys and gals
Actually, Im a bit of an optimist as it looks like us lot with the FTO tag are
lock up a turkey that went horribly wayward on the stuff and committed
going to be able to keep it when we jump to being an NCO. Its supposed
some terrible stuff and the Capital Kids made a seizure that even got the
to encourage us to take the big step and reward all that responsibility you
Jaffas attention!
have when you are running the ship! Food for thought I guess but I know
it hasnt gone down well with me mates in the Feds, who are screaming Goes to show we cant let our guard down team and we continue to be the
for recruits in the demon arena. Another opinion is that it undermines those best juggling act in town, dealing with road policing, violence, drugs, burgs,
already promoted. Perhaps this is another example of divide and conquer. domis and all that other stuff to ensure we continue to live in Gods Own (yep
Some say it will set the standard for others but how many years have we been that even includes you northern folks).
hearing that baloney.
Same old, same old
Dividing the cake Red and black time you lot, so make sure ya Sky subs are paid. I never get
Mind you, funny how some things just get done. Me sources tell me that our bored with our lot trouncing everything in sight and knowing that the only
education facility are still upping peoples pay bands to keep them on the team better in town is the Thin Blue Line!
team, when they see fit. Imagine if they did that for us all when a vacancy
wasnt going to be filled or someone intended to depart. I also hear the Cake
Tin team is not immune from handing out a bit of extra cake to substitute one
of the unwanted team. But only in an HR world of course!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Clues: 9 10
Across: Down:
1. Glory (4) 1. Of scientific evidential value or just
3. Five roughen and blend to create a state conifers? (8)
after a hard night (8) 2. Entitle (5) 11
9. Readers mixed up slightly to what they may 4. Still for sale (6)
do to understand (7) 5. Scatters slug pellets for burglars tool 12
10. Hung out or maybe broadcasted (5) (12)
11. Becoming used to a custom or habitat (12) 6. Piazza (7) 13 14 15
13. Motivate some sort of violent action (6) 7. Hitch (4)
15. To argue is to blackout perhaps (6) 8. Most women want decent ones (12) 16
17. Thousand politicians may cause arguable 12. A seconder muddled up as to what is
overtones (12) accepted (8) 17 18
20. Fathers (5) 14. Useful for photographers (7)
21. Inquires into deaths (7) 16. Cold dangly things (6) 19
22. Appraised someone (8) 18. Small amount of cannabis? (5)
23. Sell (4) 19. Continent (4) 20 21

January/February answers:
Across: 11. Pie 18. Costume Down: 6. Perpendicular
1. Scales 12. Wrap 19. Egotistical 1. Search warrant 7. Citizenship 22 23
4. Scrimp 13. Pen 20. Tempts 2. Amphetamine 9. Experienced
8. Approximate 14. Arid 21. Trader 3. Evoked 15. Accost
10. Evening 17. RSI 5. Charge 16. Guitar

We remember Who passed away


MATEHAERE Kingi James 18-Jan-06 Member Hamilton
ONEILL Catherine 25-Jan-06 Widow of member Dannevirke
CORBETT Raewyn Avery 1-Feb-06 Wife of member Thames
MILES Ronald 2-Feb-06 Retired member Christchurch
HAY Harold 13-Feb-06 Widower of member Waikanae
BENNIE James Alexander Wadell 22-Feb-06 Retired member Christchurch

March 2006 45
POLICE COUNCIL OF SPORT

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

The walking (rugby) wounded

Ah, the joys of pre-season rugby. Association President Greg OConnor (right) and Inspector John (JJ) Johnston (Police Council of Sport,
Chairman) found themselves on the injury bench while playing in a Wairarapa charity rugby encounter recently. JJ injured his arm and Greg
was nursing a broken bone in his foot. - Photo courtesy of Susan Nikolaison.

Coleman and Cromb show rivals National Darts


clean pair of heels in triathlon Tournament
Sam Coleman (Open Men) and Donalda Cromb Ee with Sarah Waugh a further three minutes
in Kaikoura
(Open Women) were impressive winners of their
respective divisions in the Wellington Police
back in third spot. from 17-19 March
Ben Cornelius convincingly won the Masters
Triathlon Championships held at Makaraka Point Men (30-39 years) division in a time of 1.12.29 The NZ Police National Darts Tournament will
on 29 January. while Dion Blair (1.16.59) and Shane Rongonui be held from 17-19 March in Kaikoura.
Coleman, with a time of 1 hour 15 minutes and (1.18.58) filled the minor placings. The Masters Anyone interested in attending the tournament
51 seconds, was well clear of second-placed Men (40-plus) division saw Glen Turner win with please contact Jude Gray or Rod Reid at the
Andrew Coleman (1.23.14) while Cromb had an a superb effort in 1.09.16. Kaikoura Police on (03) 319 5038 or by Email
even more impressive winning margin when she First home in the Police teams event were at: judith.gray@police.govt.nz
completed the 750 metres swim, 20 kilometres Three Non-Blondes in 1.11.21 followed by CAT or roderick.reid@police.govt.nz
bike ride and 5 kms run in 1.20.59, to finish just (1.14.21) and Are We There Yet? Who finished Competition is open to current and past members,
under 20 minutes clear of runner-up Cynthia Van third in 1.26.43. sworn and non-sworn and their partners.

Visit www.policeassn.org.nz for updated contact details for the Police Council of Sport management committee,
District Sports Ofcers and the latest schedule of events.

46 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

Nominations sought for Police


Council of Sport awards
Nominations are now being sought for the 2005 PCoS (Police Council of Sport) sports awards.
These are awarded to Police athletes who attained high levels of sporting achievements in the previous year. There are
three awards presented each year for Administrator (this includes managers, coaches or behind-the-scenes workers),
for Official or Referee and the Police Association Sportsperson of the Year.
All nominations are presented to a committee, which includes members of both the Council of Sport and the Police
Association. When considering the Official and Sportsperson nominations, consideration is only given to achievements
for the appropriate year whilst all previous history is looked at for the Administrator, although priority is given to the
previous year. If you wish to nominate someone please fill out the form below and send it to: Alison Murray, PCoS,
RNZPC, Private Bag 50906, Porirua.
Nicola Lindley, last years NZ Police Association Sportsperson of the Year, receives her trophy from former Police Association vice-
president, Geoff Smith.

Freedom of
speech in the
NOMINATION FORM
NEW ZEALAND POLICE COUNCIL OF SPORT (Inc)
land of the free?
A federal judge in Houston recently ordered
Sports Awards 2005 the Houston Police Department to refrain from
Please indicate the award this nomination refers to: attempts to gag an outspoken officer who
New Zealand Police Association NZ Police Sportsperson of the Year criticised the departments pursuit policy.
New Zealand Police Referee/Umpire of the Year The order came a day after Thomas Nixon was
New Zealand Police Sports Administrator of the Year suspended for 15 days for writing a column
in a local publication that compared inner-city
Nominee Details:
residents to rats and rated the mental stability
Surname: of women in inverse proportion to the number of
First Name: cats they own.
Rank: QID: U.S. District Judge David Hittner issued a
Station: temporary restraining order forbidding any
violation of Nixons constitutional right to comment
PCoS Member: Yes / No (please circle)
as a private citizen.
Nominees signature: A police spokesman said the department would
not comment until the citys legal department had
Proposer Details:
been served with the order, according to a report
Surname: in The Houston Chronicle.
First Name: Brett Ligon, an attorney with the Houston Police
Rank: QID: Officers Union, said Nixon would seek to make
Station: Hittners order permanent.

Proposers signature:
Gag order
Union attorney Chad Hoffman filed a lawsuit
Nominees list of achievements and sporting highlights:
on Nixons behalf, accusing police officials of
(1 Dec 2004 to 30 Nov 2005 - include all regional, national and international achievements)
retaliating against him after he complained
publicly that the HPDs high-speed chase policy
endangers people by failing to allow officers to
Service to the Community: stop suspects by using a ramming technique.
(in a few brief sentences comment on sporting involvement in the community) Nixon, a patrol officer for 10 years, told the court
that his right to free speech had been violated by
a gag order by Police Chief Harold Hurtt.
Nixon made his complaint to several news outlets
Other information (optional): after a January 19 chase that ended in a head-on
(in a few brief sentences comment on why this person should receive the award) collision with a car containing two women and an
infant.
One woman suffered minor injuries.
Please attach additional pages if required and any other supporting material including current sporting The department responded by opening an Internal
curriculum vitae. Affairs investigation. Nixon was subsequently
Checklist: assigned to desk duty.
Form signed by nominee and nominator. Last year the Houston Police Department issued
Current sporting curriculum vitae attached. a memorandum to all the states police officers
telling them to refrain from criticising the
To be received by Police Council of Sport by 30th April 2006. department.

March 2006 47
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

PLANNING
SWIM 300m
Police Association Quadrathon 2006
MOUNTAIN BIKE 9km RUN 5km KAYAK 1000m
FOR YOUR
Emphasis is on participation, sportsmanship, entertainment, and survival. Your placing
is incidental, but will be recorded, and outstanding feats will be celebrated.
VENUE: Blue Lake, Rotorua. (On the beach at the rear of Blue Lake below lookout and
LIFE AFTER
TIME:
between Blue and Green Lake).
Race briefing at 1330 hrs. Race start 1345 hrs.
DATE: Friday, 24 March 2006
WORK?
Categories
Individual. Are you a member of the GSF
Two-person team, (Teams can be any gender mix).
or the PSS?
Four-person team (Teams can be any gender mix).
Cost
$10 per person OR if you are a member of the Police Council of Sport its FREE If you are, it is important you
(Council of Sport is sponsoring all member participants) understand your choices. The
Trophies in some categories and spot prizes. financial decisions you make
With local Police numbers dwindling, the age-old practice of securing ring-ins is now officially today can have a major effect
sanctioned.
on your lifestyle in the future.
Following the event, there will be a prizegiving with refreshments and finger food available in the
Rotorua Police Club (top floor) Rotorua Police Station around 1600 hours.
Please detach and complete entry form and deliver to Christine Lunt, Police Station, Private Bag Getting advice on how to
RO3044, Rotorua, making cheques payable to: Rotorua Police Quadrathon 92 before Monday, maximise your Police Super
20 March 2006. (For more info contact Chrissy Lunt on 3499525 or christine.lunt@police. entitlement is essential.
govt.nz DDI 75725)
Please detach entry form below and send to Christine by closing date:
For a free initial consultation,
Entry form for Police Association Quadrathon. speak to a Police Financial
Category: Please circle category and gender where appropriate. Planner today.
Individual M / F. Two Person M / F / Mixed. Four Person M / F / Mixed.
Police
Council of Sport Member
1. Swimmer: Y/N
2. Mountain Biker: Y/N
3. Runner: Y/N
4. Kayaker: Y/N
Team Name:

Economy way ahead in survey of NZs most 0800 ON BEAT


important problem; crime/violence second
Public concerns about crime and violence (8.3% rating) have remained at a ranking of the countrys second 0800 662 328
most important problem, with the economy now firmly entrenched in the public mind as the countrys most
serious problem, according to the January 2006 UMR Research nationwide omnibus survey for December. The
survey questioned 750 New Zealanders over the age of 18, asking respondents to rank what they considered
the most important problem facing the country. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.6%.
Concerns about the economy have risen sharply to 26.4% with education at 6.6% ranking third.
What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?
MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM - TOP 5
40

35

30

ECONOMY: 26.4%
25

20

15

10
Your future. Our focus.
CRIME AND
VIOLENCE: 8.3%
EDUCATION: 6.6%
RACE RELATIONS:
5 5.8%
HEALTHCARE:
5.4%

0
Jan-02
Mar-02
Apr-02
May-02
Jun-02
Lt Aug 02

Oct-02
Sep-02

Nov-02
Dec-02
Jan-03
Feb-03
Mar-03
Apr-03
May-03
Jun-03
Jul-03
Aug-03
Sep-03
Oct-03
Nov-03
Dec-03
Jan-04
Feb-04
Mar-04
Apr-04
May-04
Jun-04
Jul-04
Aug-04
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Oct-04
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Aug-05
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Nov-05
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Jan-06

48 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

Write it here! Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Signed letters are preferred, but in all cases the writers 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: editor@policeassn.org.nz or
write it to the Editor at PO Box 12344, Wellington. Letters under 400 words are preferred.

Police and the gang culture of law enforcement MC members being duck mentality. The reality that many people
discovered associating or partying with in Gang Intel have persisted in and continue to
We were deeply concerned to read in the
OMCGs, or attending their events. It is perpetuate these types of unfounded assumptions
December issue of Police News the article
inevitable that this would happen here, is both alarming and disappointing. Here are
inviting your members to join the Blue
given the similarities in lifestyle that both of some points for reflection on those raised by the
Knights Motorcycle Club.
these groups value. This situation will lead letter writers:
With the recent stance that the Association has to opportunities for gang members to bribe Patches: No one in the Blue Knights is required
taken against gangs, does it now support an and corrupt those law enforcement members. to wear any back patch or vest as a condition
organisation that seeks to emulate a criminal OMCGs are always looking for ways to of membership. They are entirely optional.
gang? infiltrate the Police, as we have seen on a What if the outlaws started wearing shoulder
Although those advocating the formation of the number of occasions. patches? Are police departments going to
group in New Zealand would argue otherwise, We don't have a problem with motorcyclists, stop wearing them? We shouldnt let what the
the similarities between the Blue Knights MC genuine B.E.A.Rs (British, European and outlaws do dictate what we choose to do.
and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) are American racing enthusiasts), people who Structure: We have an international and
striking. They include: have watched The Worlds Fastest Indian regional structure and office holders, just like
the wearing of a three-piece patch; more than once, or Police social clubs. We any law-abiding organisation. It helps to provide
national and international structure and have considerable concern with regard to leadership, accountability and basic composition.
office holders positions; Police members who want to wear the three- I dont see how this would even remotely be
piece patch and seem to prefer the outlaw considered criteria for identifying outlaw groups.
terminology;
biker culture to that of the Police.
events such as poker runs and charity runs Terminology: I am not aware of any terminology
We are surprised that the Association supports we use that is not used by most any law-abiding
aiming to gain public support;
or endorses the formation of a Blue Knights MC group. I dont use any terminology at Blue
secrecy; chapter in New Zealand, given the potential Knights events that I do not openly use at work
enforcing discipline and obedience to the for such a group to damage the reputation of as a police officer.
group; us all. If the Blue Knights MC or other LEMCs
Charity events: Yes, we have given millions
oppression of females. become entrenched here, they will have the
of dollars and tens of thousands of man-hours
potential to not only compromise Police
Law enforcement motorcycle clubs (LEMCs) to true charity organisations. As an OMCG
and Association efforts against gangs, but to
have been around for many years. The Blue investigator, I am aware this is something the
provide gangs the opportunity to compromise
Knights MC has previously had New Zealand bad guys have done of late, as a ruse to gain
and infiltrate the Police.
members. Other clubs internationally include public support or improve their image. The Blue
the Wild Pigs MC, the Defenders MC, the The idea of forming a group of NZ Police who Knights have been doing good works for over 30
Punishers MC, the Renegade Pigs MC, the share an interest in motorcycling has obvious years. Most of that charity money goes toward
Untouchables MC and the Reguladores MC. merits and benefits. Why then, join and police survivors (widows and orphans of slain
These groups vary in terms of their propensity finance an international group whose image police officers) and other fraternal charities
for violence, their association with OMCGs mirrors that of outlaw motorcycle gangs? that are close to our hearts. Charity starts at
and their treatment of women, but share Warren Olsson home. Our charity starts with causes that affect
many common characteristics. Many of their Mike Watkins our brotherhood of law enforcement, as well as
patches depict skulls, wings and weapons, (Wellington) disabled children, battered women, and various
imitating those of OMCGs. Why would police programs, to help our struggling communities.
Mark Howard, past President of the California
officers want to glorify the image of gangs or We are not going to stop participating in
Blue Knights International Law Enforcement
aspire to copy the lifestyle and structure of a worthy charities just because the outlaws hold
Motorcycle Club, a 20-year police officer and
criminal group? a bogus toy run once a year.
a member of the Northern California Outlaw
Most notable is the willingness of Blue Knights Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association Secrecy: This is a new one to me. I have
members, internationally, to wear a patch with and the California Homicide Investigators never known the Blue Knights to be a secret
a central symbol and top and bottom rockers, or Association responds: club or to hold any type of secrets (other than
'colours' as they are known both within OMCGs most personal addresses and home telephone
I am saddened to see well-meaning professionals,
and Blue Knights chapters. The three-piece numbers). Our minutes are published regularly,
cut of the same cloth as I, expose their unbridled
patch is internationally recognised as a criminal we have a quarterly international newsletter,
ignorance in an area with which I am so
gang symbol. Most members of the public will and most of our chapters have public websites.
thoroughly familiar.
not know the difference between a Blue Knight We are an open book. . .
What concerns me is that many of the so-called
member or an OMCG member - the Blue Knights Enforcing discipline and obedience: We are
striking similarities or criterion listed could
will simply be seen as another motorcycle gang. an organisation of police officers, active and
easily be used to contrast most any military
The New Zealand Police has taken enough blows retired. We have our problems and have had our
(and paramilitary) organisations as well as
to our reputation in recent times without being share of bad apples over the years, just like any
all police departments and law enforcement
labelled as gang members as well. Despite the police department with thousands of members.
agencies. Structure, terminology, secrecy,
view of some within the Police, we are not 'the We have rules to enforce discipline and we hold
enforcing discipline, oppression of females
biggest gang in the country'. We must be seen to a high standard and a minor infraction that
when you start painting in broad strokes, you
to be professional and beyond reproach at all could lead to a letter of reprimand within most
really need to be careful that you dont start
times. any police agency could easily lead to dismissal
painting yourself and those around you. It is all
There have been many instances worldwide from our club, and has.
too easy to stereotype and use the looks-like-a-

March 2006 49
PoliceNews The Voice of Police

The oppression of females: Okay, I have to admit; about these matters. Your letter and the response make the law by which society abides. The New
I had to laugh at that one. Where do you guys from Mark Howard raises an even larger issue Zealand Police, a civil servant and employee of
get this stuff? Immediately I think of Ellen Smit of how much influence the Police administration the government enforces those laws.
and Connie Flanagan, who happen to be two of should have on what individual police officers do The New Zealand Police have a duty to
the finest, most intelligent and articulate women in their own time if those interests do not bring enforce these laws in a fair and non-prejudicial
I have ever known. Connie recently retired as a the Police service into disrepute. No doubt that manner. We do not have a choice about which
Police Captain in Dover, Ohio, and is the current may be of interest to other readers and we would laws we wish to abide by and those we wish
International President of the Blue Knights. I welcome their comments. to ignore. That is not what the government
believe Ellen Smit is currently a senior criminal intended.
investigator for the CFIA in Ontario, Canada. She Next Commissioner needs to
For Police management to set this sort of
was the very first woman elected to the position rethink staff allocations precedent of ignoring government legislation
of Blue Knights International President, some In 2005, the Police Association campaigned raises very interesting questions.
12 years ago. It is worth mentioning that Connie through its Fund the Frontline initiative
was elected in a landslide and has held nearly Can we as officers on the street now pick
for an increase in sworn police numbers,
every office up the ranks to her current position. and choose which laws we wish to enforce
seeking parity with comparable overseas
I am certain that these women would agree that simply because we may not agree with them
enforcement agencies. While this was a well-
by-and-large, the Blue Knights have been more or because they might be a little too expensive
directed and considered approach, I would
accepting of women than most police agencies. to enforce?
ask if the same logic exists within the Polices
We dont dress like thugs or act like thugs. There own management? My challenge to the new Should Police management be squandering
are those that think or believe anyone that rides a Commissioner is to nationally distribute staff public money that has been budgeted by the
motorcycle is somehow a thug or a criminal. according to the volume of crime reported government for law enforcement to pay for
rather than on some historical, geographical legal fees opposing government legislation?
And lastly, this whole discussion brings up five
issues of concern to me: or population basis. Successive Commisioners Which senior manager will be held accountable
have failed to tackle this hot potato, resulting once the dust has settled and we have won our
1. While it may be better to be safe than sorry,
in an uneven distribution of the workload. battle for the enforcement of the Holidays Act,
we cant keep labeling cops as criminals when
One needs to look no further than for making the decision to squander hundreds
they have done nothing unlawful, and expect
Christchurchs recently advertised vacancy of thousands of dollars paying legal fees which
people (both inside and outside our agencies)
for a Detective/DC, which resulted in a flood could have been put to better use fighting
to believe in and rely upon the integrity of our
of applicants (all of which were accepted) crime?
intelligence gathering.
from the Auckland region to demonstrate the In an era where resources are stretched does
2. One should consider that it might be a good
inequity that currently exists. this decision point to wise managerial decision-
thing that law-abiding police officers (that
However, there seems little hope of this making, or the stubborn one up-man-ship of
happen to enjoy the safe and legal hobby
problem being addressed when the same individuals?
of recreational motorcycling) have an
organisation to participate in that they know problem cannot or will not be addressed Tim Traviss
and can trust will not ever knowingly allow within a district, as exists in North Shore- Auckland
any criminal among their ranks. Waitakere. While Detectives from the North
Shore are being used to temporarily fill Who really brought
3. We all need to start focusing our energy on
unfilled positions within Waitakere, nothing discredit to Police?
fighting the real bad guys and quit pointing
is being done to redress the imbalance between A colleague recently showed me her adverse
fingers and starting fires within our ranks.
total staff numbers and the amount of crime report she received from the acting District
This debate benefits no one but the bad guys.
reported. Commander in relation to four Email images
4. The Blue Knights need to work harder to
The likes of South Auckland have been under- linked to her identity between February 2003
educate the public and other officers (and
resourced too long and someone has to stand and September 2004 after she refused to
their agencies) as to who they are and what
up and make some hard decisions. With a accept the alternative resolution process.
they truly represent.
1000 new positions in the pipeline, lets hope These images show a set of testicles in a
5. Those in Law Enforcement that have the new Commissioner is up for it. vice (Australian Tax Department), a set of
misgivings about the Blue Knights
Peter Litherland superimposed penises attached to a male (Mad
International Law Enforcement Motorcycle
(Waitakere) Cow disease), a set of genitals wearing a pair
Club should actively take steps to properly
of glasses (Groucho Marx) and 10 reasons to
study and investigate the organisation Squandering of Police funds quit drinking (persons in various drunken
objectively and without undue bias, before
I read with dismay in the Police News, states not too unfamiliar to the writer). Pretty
proclaiming or arguing them to be even
December 2005, page 242 that the police humourous tame stuff really, considering the
remotely like any OMCG (and in all fairness,
administration are seeking leave to appeal a real images we see in our Police careers.
if it is the case, after they conclude their
assumptions or suspicions were incorrect, decision by the Employment Court that would My colleague has been adjudged guilty of
they should swallow their pride and make an enforce a current employment law awarding disgraceful conduct. Shes been advised that
honest and forthright effort to communicate Police members time and a half for working the report will remain on her personal file for
their findings to others in the Gang Intel public holidays much like the rest of New four years. Shes been told she impugned the
community, as vigourously as they would Zealand. reputation of the Police service and discredited
have trumpeted any findings to the contrary). It is interesting that an individual or group of herself and her colleagues.
Police News Editor Steve Plowman also senior managers within the New Zealand Police For the record, the writer and the rest of
responds: Just to clarify. The notice, which feel that they have the right to effectively pick her CIB colleagues do not believe she has
appeared in the December Police News, asking if and choose which laws that they wish to abide impugned the reputation of the Police nor
police officers who were motorcycle enthusiasts by, and those that they wish to simply ignore. discredited herself or her colleagues.
would be interested in joining the Blue Knights, is I also find it interesting that these managers feel On the other hand, however, in my opinion
in no way an endorsement by the Police Association so at ease squandering public money fighting it is the Police administration and anyone else
of the Blue Knights. Police News publishes a this cause. I would estimate at least $100,000 responsible for Operation Insight that have
variety of notices (about reunions, sports notices, in legal fees has been paid thus far appealing impugned the reputation of the Police and
history projects, surveys etc), which we feel a decision, which the Police Management has discredited themselves with their holier than
may be of interest to our members (who have already lost. thou witch-hunt. If only such resources and
a wide variety of interests) and it is for them to The New Zealand Government who is an elected effort could be put into investigating serious
investigate the facts and make their own decisions representation of the populace of this country, crime but given the prosecution rate and

50 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association

investigative abilities shown during Operation I was convinced that my employers and my Personally, I would have thought that a 10 minute
Insight, perhaps the public is better off if those union were trying to retain good experienced dressing down, with an overhead showing the
members just stick to the trivial stuff. staff. Perhaps I was wrong, but I do not think appropriate GIs relating to the use of Email
I suggest that perhaps the administration pick so. explained fully, along with the endorsement
up a real file with real offenders rather than I can offer no solutions to this quandary. Im of a contract stipulating that they were not to
pandering to political correctness. Finally, can not an expert in that field. I look to the Police misuse the Email system again, would have been
I also suggest that those halo-bearing sandal administration and the Association to sort this sufficient. In my eyes, this would have been able
wearers responsible for this debacle, cut this out. to be completed within an hour and would be a
article out and place it on their own personal show of strong, positive leadership.
There will be others in the same boat. I did not
files indefinitely! realise that I was missing out on a pay rise for As it is, I came away from the eight-hour
Jason McIntosh over two and a half years. Check your pay slip workshop with a feeling that none of the
(Henderson) now. Is that why we no longer get them? important issues, which needed addressing,
i.e. a full explanation of the relevant GIs and a
This issue will only get worse over the next
Incremental payment anomalies few years. I can see some long serving and
distinction drawn as to what is acceptable and
Recently, the administration touted the new what is not, were dealt with in any way.
experienced staff choosing to leave rather than
system of rewarding officers who perform to not be rewarded for their loyalty and dedication. Finally, I feel I should also add that the potentially
a satisfactory level by an incremental payment Not every police officer wants to, or will be, objectionable: Bulldogs Training Camp image
on the anniversary of your joining. This promoted. Some of us choose to serve our that I and at least six others allegedly forwarded
seemed to be a fair and equitable method for community by staying on the frontline. to others was finally classified by the Chief
those who do a good job and stay in the job, Censor as not being objectionable and, in fact,
Are we to be ignored?
also known as loyalty. I believed that this was described as satirical humour.
was a very good way to hold on to people with Graeme Hammond
Mark Riddell
much-needed, valuable experience. (Te Kuiti)
(Auckland)
I believed it was so good that I expressly set out The cost of Operation
to ensure I was up to date with all my training,
Insight workshops
so that I would receive the increment, having
served over 20 years. Perhaps the millions of dollars spent on
My joining date passed. No worries. My
Operation Insight were warranted. NZ Police womens
employers were a little slow but I trust them. However, after recently completing the final Soccer initiative
phase of my punishment via a day long
Ten weeks later, no increase. Amanda Cole is looking at organising the
workshop, I would have to question whether
So I phone Human Resources. Yes, it is confirmed
selection of a NZ Police womens soccer team
these particular costs can be justified. to play in an initial one-off event later this year.
that I am up to date to date with my training.
To those that havent been to the workshop, Those who are interested in playing in this team
Yes, my anniversary date has just passed. Yes, I
here is a brief breakdown: should have experience at either a competitive
should qualify. They dont know why it hasnt or semi-competitive level. It is expected that
happened. Wait, there is something odd here, (1) To date there have been over 20
workshops throughout the country. there will be many members who will want
you havent had a pay increase since February to be involved. These members should email
2003. (2) The groups are small. At the one I Amanda by way of Lotus Notes and include
Oh, just a moment, I see now, you are at the attended there were 12 people present. a brief summary of their playing experience by
ceiling for your level. No increment for you, (3) They involve three senior persons from 16 April 2006.
you earn too much, sorry. Not even a lump sum the Office of the Commissioner. It is also hoped that enough players will be
payment, like the old days. (4) Two psychologists, from an external eager to participate in the World Police and
I asked how I could secure another pay increase business, provide the workshops. Fire Games in Adelaide 2007, again contact
of any kind. The answer was to seek promotion Amanda for details.
(5) The workshops are delivered at secret
or go into Youth Aid or CIB - in other words, go non-Police venues. [A sumptuous meal is
up a band or two. provided] Need sports uniforms?
What worries me is this: I now no longer have My very conservative estimate of each of these The Council of Sport is cleaning out the closet.
any reason to try to do a professional job, apart workshops would be in excess of $10,000 Council Secretary, Ally Murray, has several
from my own professional pride in my ability each. This adds up well to well over $200,000 sets of uniforms and some surplus sporting
to do so. I will not receive any bouquets, only nationwide. equipment. If you are involved in a Police
brickbats from politicians on down through to sports team and could use further equipment
Surely, this money could have been put to better give Ally a ring on extension 43139 or at
the media, and even some of my own fellow
use. councilofsport@xtra.co.nz
officers.

Useful Information & Contacts


Association and Police Welfare Fund: Police Network 44446 Website www.policeassn.org.nz
Immediate industrial & legal advice Freephone 0800 500 122 Police Home Loans 0800 800 808
0800 TEN NINE (0800 836 6463) (only for Police Health Plan/Staffpac Insurance Police Credit Union 0800 429 000
matters that cannot be deferred such as Police Quotes & information 0800 500 122 or (04) 472 9645
or Fax (04) 496 6819 Credit Union www.policecu.org.nz
shootings, fatal pursuits or deaths in custody).
Staffpac claims 0800 110 088 GSF information 0800 654 731
All enquiries (04) 496 6800 PSS information 0800 777 243

Vice Presidents Regional Directors


Stuart Mills (027) 268 9416 Region One Steve Hawkins Whangaparoa (027) 268 9419
Richard Middleton (027) 268 9411 Region Two Mark Leys Papatoetoe (027) 268 9413
Field Ofcers Region Three Mel Ridley Tauranga (027) 268 9414
Northland and Auckland Districts: Stewart Mills (027) 268 9407 Region Four Chris Cahill Napier (027) 268 9415
Waikato, BOP and Eastern Districts: Eric Newman (027) 268 9408 Region Five Ron Lek Wellington (027) 268 9417
Central and Wellington Districts: JJ Taylor (027) 268 9409 Region Six Craig Prior Sumner (027) 268 9412
Tasman, Canterbury and Southern Districts: Dave McKirdy (027) 268 9410 Region Seven Dave Steel North Dunedin (027) 268 9418

March 2006 51
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