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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
Health Watch 33
Are the new Organised Crime Units going to further deplete CIB? 39
Keen on Wine 43
26 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association
March 2006 27
PoliceNews The Voice of Police
28 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association
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.
30 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association
March 2006 31
PoliceNews The Voice of Police
Obituary:
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
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.
March 2006 35
PoliceNews The Voice of Police
New Zealand
seen as a
softmarket by
transnational
crime syndicates
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
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
40 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association
42 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association
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.
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
March 2006 45
POLICE COUNCIL OF SPORT
To contact the Police Council of Sport, call Alison Murray at the RNZPC. Ph: (04) 238-3139
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.
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
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:
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
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48 March 2006
Ne w Zealand Police Association
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.
March 2006 51
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