Blueprint

Issue 31, December 2010

A breath
of fresh Eyre
Eyre and Western LSA

Electronic
Control Devices:
A new tactical option
Crime Gangs Task Force:
Breaking the cycle
of organised crime

 Neighbourhood Policing Teams  tackling alcohol-related crime 

 “In the most recent
© South Australia Police

Material from this publication may

be reproduced with the approval
of the Officer in Charge, Corporate
Communication Branch, and provided
survey 85.2 per cent
appropriate acknowledgment
accompanies each reproduction. of people expressed
The official magazine of South Australia Police their confidence in
issue 31 • DECEMber 2010 police. This ranked
SAPOL first in
C o n t e n ts
> from the effort in tackling serious and organised the country. ”
Editor
crime is having a positive impact on the
community.
While focusing on community safety,
officers must also be aware of the

2
dangers inherent with their profession,
such as conflict management scenarios
involving an armed offender. The
REGIONAL PROFILE:
introduction of Electronic Control
EYRE AND WESTERN LSA
Devices now provides officers with a
new tactical option for dealing with
such high risk situations.
Summer represents a hectic period
for policing with the festive season and

10
NEW INITIATIVES:
numerous events requiring a visible
police presence. The Dog Operations
Unit often takes the lead at major events
with detector dogs playing a crucial role.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL
DEVICES I n compiling my first Blueprint as
Publications Editor I have been
impressed by the passion, energy and
It’s also an opportune time for SAPOL
to re-affirm its strong commitment
to tackling alcohol-related crime and
Commissioner's Foreword
dedication shown by so many across the antisocial behaviour through ongoing
organisation and have enjoyed being initiatives such as Operation Unite.

13
exposed to a broad range of policing Special thanks to Superintendent
issues.
P
Brad Flaherty and his friendly team at
As a married father of two young Port Lincoln in the Eyre and Western Community confidence erceptions of safety and Law and order, police and Gaining the trust and
security have a bearing justice issues are of high public confidence of the community
COMMUNITY children, I have a strong appreciation LSA for their valuable time and in police in South on the way individuals and interest and daily people are requires three things:
ENGAGEMENT: of SAPOL’s role in ensuring the safety wonderful hospitality during our visit.
NEIGHBOURHOOD and security of the South Australian Thanks also to SAPOL Photographer Australia is at an communities function. These exposed to these stories in the • delivering services which are
perceptions are just as significant media, both from here and in tune with, or responsive to,
POLICING TEAMS community. This objective is achieved in Adam Romanowski for his spectacular extremely high level. as actual levels of crime and around the world. Unfortunately, the community’s needs and
various ways, with a strong, committed photographs of the LSA and to his
team effort required across all areas colleagues Kerry Mills, Ian Myers and In the most recent public disorder, and confidence at times, the media do not expectations
in police will often influence accurately present these stories. • engaging the community, so
of SAPOL. Andrew Challen for their contribution to survey 85.2 per cent that police are communicating
Crime prevention and community this edition. understanding and attitudes This is compounded by those
safety are common themes across of people expressed towards community safety. who have a vested interest in with, and listening to the

16
many initiatives. The introduction of
Neighbourhood Policing Teams is a
positive strategy to engage with local
CRIME trend:
Crime gangs
communities and reduce the fear and
incidents of crime. On a different level,
the Crime Gangs Task Force’s ongoing
24 ISSN 1448-1855
Editor: Mathew Rodda
Editorial Team: Superintendent Peter
CURRENT Harvey, Karina Loxton and Mathew Rodda.
OPERATIONS: Designed & Printed by:
OPERATION UNITE Graphic Print Group
Photos: Adam Romanowski, Kerry Mills,
Ian Myers, Andrew Challen, Jarrad Day (Port
Lincoln Times), Country Fire Service.
Blueprint is produced quarterly by
I look forward to continuing the
excellent work of my predecessor their confidence in Confidence in police is also raising issues in a misleading way feedback
Vanessa Wilson and working with you critical in determining the and seek to undermine public • acting “fairly”, by being
all to ensure Blueprint remains an police. This ranked relationship people have confidence. inclusive and enforcing the
informative and engaging publication. SAPOL first in the with police. Couple this situation with the law impartially, respectfully
Police depend on the fact that people are entertained and fairly.
•
M AT H E W R O D D A country, and is a community for support in by crime fiction, and frequently Community confidence
position which we preventing and responding to people do not have a real ratings are the ultimate measure
crime and other community understanding of the reality of police professionalism and
frequently enjoy. Of all
Views and opinions expressed by contributors within this safety issues. Without community of crime. service delivery, and we should
publication are not necessarily those of the South Australia the ways of evaluating support we would not be very This state of affairs was recently be very proud of the ratings
Police, the Commissioner of Police or the Government of
South Australia. Articles, photographs, letters and other police performance, effective in supplying the services borne out by an Australian we receive. This is a collective
contributions are welcome from every SAPOL employee. required of us. For these reasons, Institute of Criminology study measure, one which everyone
Photographs and text displayed or written within this community confidence building community confidence which showed that 90 per cent contributes to.
book may contain names or images of people who are
now deceased. Some Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island is the most important. is a key strategy for police. of people in Australia had an On this note, it is an opportune
communities may be distressed by seeing images or reading Police operate in a very inaccurate perception of real time to thank everyone in SAPOL
about a community member who has passed away.
challenging environment and crime levels. for their contributions over 2010,
Cover there are significant barriers to Clearly this situation creates and to wish all of you a safe and

28
Corporate Communication Branch, Police SAPOL photographer Adam providing the community an difficulties for police and cannot enjoyable 2011.
Headquarters, GPO Box 1539, Adelaide 5001 Romanowski took this photo
Internal Postcode: 123 of Eyre and Western LSA accurate picture, especially on easily be changed. Proactive
Tel: 08 8204 2971 – Fax: 08 8463 3722 Community Constable Allan crime and police operations. media management is essential,
Email: dlpolicegazette@police.sa.gov.au Miller at Mallee Park Football
EVENTS: Club in Port Lincoln. but more importantly it
NATIONAL POLICE
This publication is produced on paper from sustainable
reinforces the need for us to • MAL HYDE, COMMISSIONER
REMEMBRANCE DAY forests and printed using environmentally friendly ensure that we operate in a
vegetable based inks by Graphic Print Group. way which builds community
confidence.

BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 1

 > REGIONAL PROFIL E

A breath of Eyre and Western

LOCAL SERVICE AREA
fresh Eyre Ranging from rugged coastal environments through to vast deserts,
Eyre and Western LSA is home to stunning landscapes, national parks,
Yalata

“The relaxed lifestyle, abundant wildlife and a tantalising smorgasbord of seafood.

surfing, diving and fishing
Penong
Ceduna
Wirrulla

Streaky Bay
Poochera
Minnipa
Wudinna
Whyalla
are fantastic. There are Following the merger
of Mid-West and West
T he stark contrast between
the pristine blue waters
surrounding the Peninsula and
beautiful beaches and
Kimba

Coast LSAs in July

Eyre and Western LSA
Elliston Lock the dense rugged bushland
Cowell
highlights both the beauty and
2009, the Eyre and
incredible desert right
Cleve

danger of this distinctive region.

Western LSA is now
Cummins
While the coastal expanse
on your doorstep.”
Tumby Bay

provides copious opportunities

Port Lincoln
the second largest
in South Australia,
spanning 254 000
square kilometres
and featuring 2000
kilometres of coastline.
[ OPPOSITE PAGE: Scenic view of Port
Lincoln’s Boston Bay.
OPPOSITE PAGE (inset): Map showing
police stations in the Eyre and
Western LSA.
ABOVE: Senior Constable First Class
Stephen Fitzgerald speaking with
a young member of the local
community.
TOP RIGHT: Community Constable
Allan Miller and Senior Sergeant
First Class Mick Walsh near Port
Lincoln National Park.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Constables Cathryn
Mattsson and Paul Ahlin policing
the Port Lincoln beachfront. ]
for swimming, fishing or even
cage diving with Great White
Sharks, the threat of bushfires is a
constant concern in the warmer
months, particularly in and
around Port Lincoln.
“The relaxed lifestyle, surfing,
diving and fishing are fantastic.
There are beautiful beaches and
incredible desert right on your
doorstep,” said Senior Sergeant
Tom Rieniets, 39, who has spent
the past two years in Ceduna
with his wife and two young
children, after a 13-year career
with Special Tasks and Rescue
(STAR) Group.
“The LSA has a great
community feel which makes
policing more enjoyable and
rewarding,” he said.
The LSA is home to about
70 000 residents who are served
by 151 sworn members and
11 non-sworn members based
in 17 police stations across the
LSA. The LSA is unique in that
it features three major regional
centres, being Whyalla, Port
Lincoln and Ceduna, all of
which are completely different
in culture, population and
demographics.
Port Lincoln is relatively
affluent with a focus on
agriculture, primary industries
and tuna fishing; Whyalla is
a predominantly blue-collar
steel producing town while
Ceduna is an agricultural hub
with expanding mining and
aquaculture industries.
The LSA has a large “Being the Operations
indigenous population and is Inspector in this LSA presents a
home to diverse locations, many number of challenges, mostly
of which have vibrant local brought about by the sheer
communities. distance between stations
In March 2010, Inspector Scott matched with the need to
Denny, 37, his wife and three constantly travel between areas
young children packed their and be a part of the staff and
bags and headed to Whyalla communities in each area,” the
for his first country posting as Inspector said, having travelled
Operations Inspector for Eyre over 35 000 kilometres in his first
and Western LSA. nine months.
“The move has proven to be
an exciting and life changing
experience which comes with
absolutely no regrets,” he said.
With a population of around
23 000 and over 300 days of
sunshine per year, Whyalla is a
desirable policing destination.
“The opportunities to explore
the countryside are endless,
with the ocean and some of the
best snapper fishing in South
Australia right in front of you,
Port Lincoln and the fantastic
West Coast only several hours
away, and the Flinders Ranges
only an hour to the north-east,”
Inspector Denny said.

2 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010 BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 3

 > REGIONAL PROFILE: E yre an d We s tern L S A

LEADERSHIP
After an extensive career
including roles as Officer in
Charge of Firearms Branch,
“A constant community “We’ve been focusing on [ MAIN PHOTO: Officer in Charge
policing style is required as Cleve, Cowell and Kimba due to of Eyre and Western LSA,
people see you as a leader the high fatality rate in the last Superintendent Brad Flaherty at
Winters Hill in Port Lincoln.

IN THE LSA
Superintendent Brad
Flaherty has maintained
a close association with
Port Lincoln, headquarters
of the Eyre and Western
LSA, since starting
his career there as a
Probationary Constable
in the late 1970s.
Operations Manager Adelaide
LSA, relieving Commander in
South Coast LSA, and stints
with STAR Group and as an
instructor at the Academy, 53-
year old Superintendent Flaherty
returned to Port Lincoln as
Officer in Charge of the LSA
in April 2007.
The Superintendent, who
celebrates 35 years of service
in January 2011, loves the
challenge of policing an LSA with
such diverse communities.
“You’re closer to the
community and can achieve a
level of satisfaction that is often
missing in metropolitan areas.
I get a great kick out of walking
down the street and talking
to people in the community,”
Superintendent Flaherty said.
and have an expectation of
performance and standards,
whether you’re working or not.”
Superintendent Flaherty’s
positive leadership style,
approachable manner and
dedication to duty have
endeared him to both colleagues
and the local community.
His work constantly sees him
confronted with challenges,
particularly reducing the road
toll in the LSA. “Fatal accidents
involving cars and trucks and
single vehicle rollovers are
common, with many due to
speed and not wearing seatbelts,”
Superintendent Flaherty said.
12-18 months.”
Dealing with shipwrecks, OPPOSITE PAGE (inset):
major oil spills, train derailments Concerned locals look on as a
and searches for missing or bushfire threatens Port Lincoln. ]
injured people are regular tasks
across the LSA.
Policing also focuses
on the large indigenous
community within the LSA,
with a coordinated approach to
providing support services and
developing strong links.
“There is a lot of pride in
the indigenous community,
with many issues having been
resolved in the past 30 years,”
Superintendent Flaherty said.
“Our community constables
take on a leadership role within
the indigenous community and
work closely with community
leaders.”

tower of strength
S uperintendent Flaherty
has experienced two
major bushfires that have
threatened Port Lincoln’s
14 000 residents. On both
occasions he acted decisively
and calmly as incident
commander to prevent
catastrophe and loss of life.
"The success was due to
a magnificent collaborative
effort from the Country
Fire Service (CFS), State
Emergency Services (SES)
and SAPOL,” he said.
The Superintendent was
instrumental in establishing
the Emergency Observation
Tower at Winters Hill which
opened in November 2009 to
provide an early warning of
bushfires in Port Lincoln.
“I’ve been hard at it for the
past four years developing
a professional and
knowledgeable emergency
services team,” he said.
A constant reduction in
crime is another highlight of
Superintendent Flaherty’s
time at the helm, which he
has thoroughly enjoyed.
“Eyre and Western LSA
presents as a professional
organisation that does its job
well, is prominent as a leader
in the community, and the
team works hard and love
what they do,” he said.

4 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010 BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 5

 > REGIONAL PROFILE: E yre an d We s tern L S A
CATASTROPHIC
FIRE DANGER
The sheer terror of the
catastrophic bushfire that
F or the fourth time in eight
years and second time in
12 months, a bushfire had
burned the western side terrorised the people of Port
Lincoln. Known locally as the
of Port Lincoln on ‘Christmas bushfire’, the inferno
23 December 2009 destroyed 14 houses and a large
quantity of sheds and vehicles
is still etched in but thankfully no lives were lost.
Superintendent Brad Superintendent Flaherty and
Senior Constable First Class Dave
Flaherty’s memory. McDonald were the first on the
“In my career I’ve been scene near Winters Hill around
1.00 pm when the fire started
in scary places and seen in stifling 35 degree conditions.
horrible things but I’ve It quickly took hold in 30 knot
never been as scared winds, and moved at exceptional
speed, burning all in its path for
as when confronted about eight kilometres on the
with the bushfire; it was western side of the township.
A south-westerly wind
absolutely terrifying,” then changed the direction
he said. of the blaze back towards the
more established residential
areas of Port Lincoln. “At that
[ ABOVE: The December 2009 bushfire
wreaks havoc on Port Lincoln.
MAIN PHOTO: A police vehicle warns
locals of the impending fire danger. ]
6 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010
point we thought we would
lose the whole town,” recalled
Superintendent Flaherty.
By mid-afternoon the main
township of Port Lincoln was
cut off with intense fires burning
to the north, west and south of
the town. Officers were not only
required to focus energies on
safety of the community but also
had to concern themselves with
their own family’s safety.
Senior Sergeant First Class
Mick Walsh worried about the
threat of fire engulfing his family
home at Winters Hill. “It was hard
to concentrate until I knew my
family and house were safe; the
flames got within 200 metres
of my property,” the Operations
Sergeant said.
“In my career I’ve been in scary places and seen horrible
things but I’ve never been as scared as when confronted
with the bushfire; it was absolutely terrifying.”
A COORDINATED
RESPONSE
SAPOL displayed a
professional approach to
the bushfire response, with
numerous resources recalled
to work in operational and
administrative support roles.
A Police Forward Command
Post was established at Port
Lincoln Police Station, with
Superintendent Flaherty as Zone
Emergency Coordinator and a
police liaison officer and incident
commander working closely
with the CFS.
SAPOL members from Port
Lincoln and nearby outstations
spent more than eight hours
directing traffic, evacuating
residents, acting as intelligence
gatherers for CFS/MFS command
groups and established an
evacuation and recovery centre.
“Police were leaders in the
response to the welfare and
recovery of victims. We visited
all places affected by bushfire
that night, assessed damage
and checked on the welfare
of victims, including those in
hospitals,” Senior Sergeant First
Class Walsh said. “We took the
lead to ensure the recovery
centre was established.”
working together to protect
the community
A new state-of-the-art
emergency services
precinct will enable the CFS,
MFS and SES to respond
more effectively to major
Senior Constable First Class
McDonald has been involved
in the emergency response to
all four fires that have ravaged
Port Lincoln and surrounding
areas in recent years. The Acting
Sergeant on the day of the
‘Christmas bushfire’ believes the
blaze provided some valuable
lessons for dealing with a
future bushfire.
“Fire kits are now kept in
all police vehicles during fire
danger season and the new
emergency services precinct will
[ Sergeant Ashley Traeger
provide better communications and CFS Regional Officer
and facilities for a coordinated John Probert discuss an
response,” he said. emergency response at the
“On days of extreme fire risk Emergency Services Centre in
Port Lincoln, and below,
we provide a Nomad patrol
outside the new facility. ]
with a designated officer solely
focused on the role all day. We
also visit suspected arsonists
during fire danger season and
support the CFS in their bushfire
awareness campaigns.”
The precinct acts as a high
level incident management
hub for SAPOL to work
with emergency services in
coordinating responses to
major incidents.
“The new facility has all the
IT capabilities, contingencies
and communications
we need in a bushfire
situation thereby improving
operational effectiveness,”
CFS Regional Officer John
Probert said. “It will further
incidents. The multi-million enhance the close working
dollar facility replaced the relationship between the CFS
previous SES headquarters and SAPOL and strengthen
which was destroyed in the our team effort in protecting
December 2009 bushfire. the local community.”
BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 7
 > REGIONAL PROFILE: E yre an d We s tern L S A

THAT SINKING FEELING ACTIVE IN THE

The sinking of the
$20 million Apollo S tuna
vessel after a collision
with the 69 000 tonnes
bulk grain carrier, Grand
Rodosi, emphasises the
importance of water
policing in the LSA.
“The region would have lost its capacity for
grain exports if the Grand Rodosi had hit
the wharf instead of the Apollo.”
[ MAIN PHOTO: The moment of
impact as the Apollo S tuna vessel
feels the full force of the Grand
Rodosi. Photo courtesy Jarrad Day
and Port Lincoln Times.
TOP RIGHT: A boat washed up
on rocks south of Port Lincoln. ]
T he incident, which occurred
on 8 October 2010 at
Brennan’s Wharf in Port Lincoln’s
Boston Bay, highlighted the
effective working relationship
between the SES, MFS,
government agencies and the
Eyre and Western LSA.
“Our response comprised
establishment of command
at the wharf, containment
of oil and fuel leakage and a
coordination role, with MFS
attending to the wrecked boat
and SES looking after the oil spill,”
Superintendent Flaherty said.
“The Apollo was hit hard at
about five knots and sunk within
12 minutes so it’s lucky no-one
was on board. The region would
have lost its capacity for grain
exports if the Grand Rodosi
had hit the wharf instead of the
Apollo.”
The rugged coastline of the
LSA is responsible for frequent
search and rescue missions.
“We often get large fishing
vessels breaking their moorings
Development Officer Jack Johncock
and washing up on the bay at
Proper Beach on stormy days,”
Superintendent Flaherty said.
“We also have a lot of marine
type rescues where we work
in conjunction with the SES to
retrieve broken down or wrecked
boats and rescue people.”
[ opposite page (top right):
Community Constable Allan
Miller with Indigenous Sports
at Mallee Park Football Club.
opposite page (centre right):
Senior Sergeant First Class Graham
Schaedel shows his bias towards
lawn bowls. ]
LOCAL COMMUNITY
Community Constable Allan Miller, 28, is a member of one of the main
indigenous family groups in Port Lincoln. The father of three works closely with
the local indigenous community through his lifelong playing involvement with
the successful Mallee Park Football Club, a renowned breeding ground for AFL
footballers such as Byron Pickett and the Burgoyne brothers.
“T
he LSA has a large The 52-year old is active within invaluable to police work.
indigenous population so the local community as an avid “People regularly pass
it’s important that community member of Port Lincoln Bowling on information in a social
constables take on a leadership Club and is also heavily involved environment as they don’t want
role within the community,” said with the SAPOL Bowling Club, to be seen at the local police
Community Constable Miller, where his lawn bowls prowess station. This information often
who has spent three years in his has contributed to regular team helps to put the jigsaw together
current role. success over the past 20 years. and solve crimes,” he said. “I think
“It was not my goal to work Senior Sergeant First Class it’s important that police have a
as a police officer but the Schaedel believes strong links representation in all aspects of
indigenous community asked with the local community are the community.”
me to join. I love what I do
and hope it encourages other
indigenous people to consider a
career in policing.”
Community Constable Miller
will soon undertake an intensive
bridging course to realise his
career ambition of becoming a
constable. “This will not only be
a positive move personally, but
will also open up a community
constable role in Port Lincoln for
another indigenous community
member,” he said.
Senior Sergeant First Class
Graham Schaedel, or “Shades”
as he’s affectionately known,
has spent 22 years in the Eyre
and Western LSA, including a
decade-long stint at Streaky
Bay and five years as Officer
[ Community Constable Allan Miller
in Charge at Ceduna. He is liaising with a member of the local
passionate about the west coast, indigenous community. ]
its lifestyle and the community.

state first for whyalla

W hyalla has become the
first South Australian
location to implement a lock-
out of all licensed premises.
For a 12-month trial period
effective 1 December 2010,
licensed premises will be
subjected to a standard lock-
out time of 1.00 am, with
patrons not allowed entry
after this time, although
premises can still trade to
their licensed closing time.
This ground-breaking
initiative to combat alcohol-
fuelled crime is the result of a
collaborative effort from local
police, licensed premises and
the Licensing Enforcement
Branch.
“It has been a culture for
many years in Whyalla that
people drink at home and
then venture out well after
midnight. They then drink
to excess before closing
time, often resulting in fights
and property damage when
they make their way home,”
Inspector Denny said.
“The lock-out strategy
provides premises with a
better way of regulating
crowds, stops people from
pub crawling between
premises after 1.00 am and
positively impacts on the
local drinking culture.”


8 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010 BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 9

 > new ini tiat i ve s

ELECTRONIC
CONTROL DEVICES:

A NEW
TACTICAL
OPTION
South Australian police
officers have a new
ECD s were first trialled in
a restricted capacity
across Local Service Areas (LSAs)
“An ECD is a tactical option
that can only be used to safely
resolve a high risk situation
Someone struck by an ECD
experiences stimulation of
their sensory nerves and motor
tactical option when in 2009, with a limited expansion where a person is armed with nerves, resulting in strong
in 2009 and 2010 prior to the a weapon and such action is involuntary muscle contractions.
dealing with high major rollout. Special Tasks necessary to prevent serious The Taser brand ECD fires two
risk situations after and Rescue (STAR) Group has injury or death to any person,” small dart-like electrodes, which
been using ECDs since May Inspector Nairn said. stay connected to the main unit
the purchase and 2002. As of November 2010, by conductive wire as they are
procurement of 300 general duties uniformed patrol HOW DOES AN ECD propelled by small compressed
personnel had access to 101 nitrogen charges similar to
Taser brand Electronic ECDs across metropolitan LSAs. WORK? some air gun or paintball marker
Control Devices (ECDs). ECDs will be carried by two- An ECD is an electroshock propellants.
person patrols thereby providing The pain experienced
The first phase of the them with an additional tactical
weapon that uses electrical
depends on the part of the
current to disrupt voluntary
ECDs will be rolled option when responding to, and control of muscles. Its body hit, with the shoulder,
out by the end of May resolving, high risk incidents manufacturer, Taser International, below the rib cage, and the
involving an armed person. calls the effects ‘neuromuscular hip the preferred sites. Risks
2011, with around 2100 ECD Project Manager, incapacitation’ and the device’s depend on the health of the
officers to be trained Inspector Matt Nairn says that mechanism ‘Electro-Muscular individual subjected to the shock
ECDs provide officers with a Disruption (EMD) technology’. and whether they have any
in their appropriate wider range of options in conflict underlying medical conditions.
“An ECD is a tactical deployment. management scenarios, where a
suspect is armed.
“Officers have strict
instructions to immediately
option that can “It can minimise the need for
officers to resort to other, more
assess the health of the person
incapacitated by the ECD and
only be used to lethal options for disarming and
arresting suspects,” he said.
administer first aid as soon as
practicable,” Inspector Nairn said.
safely resolve a
high risk situation
where a person
is armed with a
weapon and such
action is necessary [ OPPOSITE PAGE: Senior Constable
David Leigh deploys an ECD. “To use an ECD, an officer must be currently IMOST
to prevent serious TOP: The moment an ECD is
discharged, with the light indicating
qualified, be performing duties in a two-person
injury or death Taser Cam is filming the incident. uniformed patrol and have successfully completed
to any person.” the approved ECD training program.”
RIGHT: The impact of ECD probes
on an armed offender’s body. ]

10 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010 BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 11

 > new initiat iv es : ele c t roni c control d e vi c es
“We have very strict guidelines in place as the device can only be
used for resolving high risk incidents where a person is armed
with a weapon. Other state jurisdictions have lower thresholds.”
RIGOROUS
TRAINING
Around 2100 general
duties officers are expected
to be trained in the correct
deployment of ECDs by the
end of May 2011. A team of
eight trainers (from operational
positions) are conducting
one-day training sessions at
Thebarton Barracks and in main
stations within each country
LSA. Each trainer has completed
a four-day intensive theory and
practical-based course at the
Police Academy, conducted by
Master Taser Instructors who
have been trained by Taser
International.
The rigorous one-day
training course is evenly
divided between theory and
practical components, with
each participant required to
successfully complete both a
written and practical assessment.
Trainer, Senior Constable Tim
McGregor is a strong advocate
of the strict guidelines for
competency in the ECD training
course. “To use an ECD, an
officer must be currently IMOST
qualified, be performing duties in
a two-person uniformed patrol
and have successfully completed
and passed the approved ECD
training program,” he said.
12 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010
[ An armed offender being ‘laser painted’. ]
Fellow trainer, Senior
Constable Janine Jones has
used an ECD in an operational
setting to subdue an offender
and believes the device is an
excellent addition to the tactical
options available.
“The rigorous training
supports SAPOL’s operational
safety philosophies and
principles and ensures officers
are well-prepared to deal with
high risk situations,” she said.
“SAPOL has purchased the
very best gear available, which
is a positive development as on
many occasions over my 20-year
career an ECD could have saved
lives and stopped offenders,”
Senior Constable McGregor said.
HIGHEST
THRESHOLD IN
AUSTRALIA
ECD use in Australian law
enforcement varies across
all states and territories, with
general duties officers authorised
to operate the device in NSW,
Queensland, WA and the
Northern Territory. In Tasmania,
ECDs are used only by the
Special Operations Group, while
the Critical Incident Response
Team and Special Operations
Group have exclusive access to
the device in Victoria, although
a 12-month trial is currently
being conducted among general
duties officers in regional areas.
ECDs are only issued to specialist
tactical teams in the Australian
Federal Police.
South Australia has the
highest threshold for ECD
deployment in Australia. “We
have very strict guidelines in
place as the device can only
be used for resolving high risk
incidents where a person is
armed with a weapon. Other
state jurisdictions have lower
thresholds,” Inspector Nairn said.
ECDs were used 68 times in
the period from 16 February
2009 (commencement of
SAPOL’s first ECD trial) to 30
November 2010. This included
30 incidents where the individual
was ‘laser painted’ (when the red
dot is pointed at their body but
ECD not discharged), 12 cases
where the ECD was displayed
only and 16 actual discharges.
“ECDs frequently contribute
to a quick, effective and safe
resolution of incidents. The mere
sight of an ECD is often enough
to resolve a conflict when the
ECD is taken from its holster,”
Inspector Nairn said.
> C OMMUNI TY ENGAGEMEN T
Increasing
community
engagement and
reducing crime are
just two of the key
aims of the new
Neighbourhood
Policing Teams
[ Senior Constable First
Class Michelle Hollis (NPTs) deployed in
interacting with a young
community member in the Elizabeth and
the Elizabeth LSA. ] South Coast Local
Service Areas.
I ntroduced in August 2010 for
an initial 12-month period,
each NPT consists of a supervisor
and four neighbourhood
police officers, who are each
responsible and accountable for
a selected suburb.
Chief Superintendent
Paul Dickson said team
members focus on community
“There has been a high
engagement to address local
number of safe resolutions of
high risk incidents through laser
crime and antisocial behaviour,
painting, where an offender has
given up after being verbally
“Local residents particularly hoon driving, house
break-ins and property damage.
warned about the ECD and had
the red dot pointed on their
are accepting of “A key engagement strategy
is the increased visibility of
body.”
Each ECD has an inbuilt video
the concept and uniformed officers in areas where
the community congregates,
camera and audio recording think it’s fantastic such as shopping centres, parks
and public meetings,” he said.
facility known as Taser Cam,
which is activated when the that they have “We also promote the SAPOL
website which lists each officer’s
device is armed and is able to
record up to 1.5 hours of video a direct point contact details and provides
detailed feedback on reported
and audio. This enables viewing
of the situation leading up to of contact if the incidents within the specific
suburbs.”
need arises.”
and during the device's use.
The devices also feature an NPTs also work in close
infra-red recording capability partnership with local councils,
to allow for the same level of education providers and
oversight for night-time patrols government agencies such as SA
and all light conditions. Health and Housing SA.
“Policing cannot solve every
“SAPOL regularly audits all
community safety problem
COMMUNITY
audio and video, with each
device in the LSA audited once a so it’s important to work with
month to ensure it complies with stakeholders who have the
the General Order,” Inspector resources and ability to make
Nairn said. a difference and provide the
ENGAGEMENT
leadership to ensure that the
community safety of a particular

neighbourhood is improved,”
Chief Superintendent
Dickson said.
THROUGH POLICING TEAMS “Neighbourhood policing
officers dig deeper to find the
causational factors such as
unemployment and mental
health issues and identify
appropriate agencies to assist.”
BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 13
 > COMMUNI TY ENGAGEMENT : Neig h b ourh oo d polic ing t eam s
“It was great seeing the Neighbourhood policing
officers are community leaders
police and residents and draw upon their experiences
as a communicator, negotiator,
interacting and working investigator and problem
side by side.”
solver. “To be an effective
neighbourhood policing
officer you need to be a good
operational police officer and
have excellent problem solving
skills,” Chief Superintendent
Dickson said.
“It’s about being operational
and enforcing the law within the
community while at the same
time identifying as a strong
leader how you can reduce the
fear of crime in the community,
then using your influence as
a leader to work with other
partners to assist in achieving
the overall aim.”
“A key engagement strategy is the increased visibility of
uniformed officers in areas where the community congregates
such as shopping centres, parks and public meetings.”
POPULAR IN THE
SOUTH
“The local community love us,”
so says Sergeant Andy Minnis
who supervises the South Coast
Neighbourhood Policing Team,
which covers Hackham West,
Huntfield Heights, Seaford and
Seaford Rise.
“People who would not
normally feel confident in
approaching police officers are
now passing on information and
reporting crimes; people in our
communities are feeling safer as
a result of our activities,” Sergeant
Minnis said.
“We have developed close
mutually beneficial working
relationships with Onkaparinga
Council and government
agencies such as Housing SA
and DECS to help resolve the
causational factors for crimes.”
Senior Constable Heath Suskin
has been actively involved in
promoting the initiative through
local schools, businesses and
community events in
Hackham West.
“At a recent community BBQ
residents voiced their concerns
about crime and behavioural
issues occurring in the vicinity
of Stella Court at Hackham West,”
he recalled.
14 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010
“Neighbourhood officers
conducted a safety audit of
the area and then worked with
Housing SA and Onkaparinga
Council to implement a number
of changes to pathways, fencing
and signage which has improved
community safety.”
The NPT has also achieved
strong results in Seaford and
surrounding areas, with a
decrease in graffiti crime and
reduction in the number of
incidents involving property
damage and unruly behaviour of
patrons near a local hotel.
Richard Schirmer from
the City of Onkaparinga has
worked closely with the NPT on
community projects at Hackham
West.
“It was great seeing the
police and residents interacting
and working side by side at a
planting day and barbecue at
Stella Court,” he said.
“I have certainly noticed an
increase in police presence at
community events. This builds
the vital trust and rapport that
creates a healthy relationship
between police and the local
community they serve.”
PERSONAL STYLE 2500 people, thereby providing
a wonderful opportunity to
OF POLICING IN THE promote the initiative and
NORTH interact with members of the
local community and agencies
Senior Constable First Class
that service the area.
Michelle Hollis is supervisor
“A Munno Para West resident
for the Elizabeth LSA
said that he had already met
Neighbourhood Policing Team,
his local NPT officer when he
which represents Davoren Park,
was issued a speeding fine; he
Munno Para, Smithfield and
was unhappy with the fine but
Smithfield Plains. She believes
thought it was great that we
the NPTs provide a more
were out there in the suburb
personal style of policing than
targeting hoon driving and
patrols.
speeding,” Senior Constable First
“As the neighbourhood
Class Hollis said.
policing officer builds up a
“Local residents are accepting
rapport with members of their
of the concept and think it’s
community they take a personal
fantastic that they have a direct
interest in trying to assist with
point of contact if the need
any issues that may arise, so
arises.”
instead of just dealing with the
offence or issue at the time, more

time can be allocated in trying to
deal with the underlying issues
to prevent the problem arising,”
she said.
“This not only gives the officer
[ OPPOSITE PAGE: Constable
a sense of satisfaction but the
David Thoirs discusses the
members of the community feel
burning issues with the local
more confident in reporting any community at the opening of a
problems, knowing that their new BMX track at Davoren Park.
concerns are being heard and
TOP: Senior Constable Heath
dealt with.” Suskin, Sergeant Andy Minnis
The Elizabeth NPT recently and Senior Constable
attended a community fun Daniel McLuskey at Seaford
day which attracted around Shopping Centre. ]
BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 15
 > C R IME TREND

CRIME GANGS
[ The impact of a car bombing at Enfield in
March 2010. Articles from The Advertiser. ]

“The activities of criminal

gangs are inherently
violent and dangerous to
society, with a number of
TASK FORCE gun battles, stabbings and
bashings occurring in public
places over many years.”
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF
SERIOUS AND ORGANISED CRIME
Since its inception in November 2007, the Crime Gangs
Task Force has played a significant role in disrupting and
dismantling organised crime groups at both a state and
national level.
The Task Force works closely with all areas Detective Superintendent
Des Bray says the Task Force
of SAPOL to conduct targeted and reactive is at the forefront of SAPOL’s
investigations into the criminal and antisocial effort to stamp out organised
activities of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) crime involving bikies and
improve public safety.
and other gangs involved in organised crime. “The best results are
achieved by us engaging with

“D ue to their overt and

violent nature bikies
will always be the focus of the
Task Force, however we also
police street gangs and feeder-
type gangs that support the
bikies,” said Detective Inspector
Steve Taylor, a veteran of the
Operation Titan and Avatar
the rest of SAPOL and other law
enforcement agencies, getting
everybody on board and
initiatives to combat working together,” he said.
organised crime.

NATIONAL adopted nationally,” Detective of organised criminal activities.

outlaw motorcycle gangs RESPONSE
The Crime Gangs Task
Force works closely with
Inspector Taylor said.
The unit participates in
the national OMCG forum,
comprising the heads of gang
“We share intelligence and
operational information and
have undertaken successful
joint investigations with

O utlaw Motorcycle Gangs

(OMCGs) represent a
serious threat to the South
Australian community
through their organised
criminal activities and violent
and destructive acts.
Currently, 36 OMCGs are
operating in Australia, with
nearly 4000 members and
thousands of associates
and supporters. Several
clubs are expanding their
influence in rural and
regional towns. Their
influence in the criminal
community continues to
grow, with their main sources
of income being extortion,
money laundering, dealing
in illicit drugs, firearms and
trafficking stolen goods.
“Bikies are like a melanoma
– a little dot on the surface
but as soon as you start to
scratch underneath you
discover how broad they go
and the more you dig, the
more you find,” Detective
Inspector Taylor said.
“Generally, if you’re going
to be a bikie, you’ll have a
pedigree in crime.”
The activities of criminal
gangs are inherently violent
and dangerous to society,
with a number of gun battles,
stabbings and bashings
occurring in public places
over many years.
“Today, being a member
of an OMCG is no longer
just about motorbikes; it’s
about generating power
and money, and plenty of it,”
jurisdictions across Australia
to enhance communication
and coordination between
Detective Superintendent agencies, and strengthen their
Bray said. “Bikies are different commitment and resources
to most other organised in tackling criminal gangs at a
crime groups as their state and national level.
inherent characteristics mean The Task Force is highly
they don’t keep a low profile regarded on a national level.
and are likely to offend “We have had secondments
across a whole range of areas and exchange programs with
from traffic and behavioural other states which enables us
offences to the most serious to observe how they operate
categories of crime.” and learn from them and vice
versa. We have supplied our
operating methodologies to
them, some of which have been
task forces (or equivalent) in
each state and other agencies
that have a role in investigating
bikies.
“We participate in a video
hook up once every two
months and meet face-to-face
twice a year. It’s about improving
communication across state
agencies and enhancing
operational effectiveness in
all jurisdictions,” Detective
Superintendent Bray said.
The Crime Gangs Task Force
has played an integral role in
fostering a cooperative national
approach to reduce the impact
other states, " Detective
Superintendent Bray said.
"South Australia has
hosted and participated in
national gang conferences
that have improved the way
jurisdictions investigate crimes
with reluctant witnesses,
how we prosecute those
matters and how we manage
those witnesses,” he said.
“We also liaise with overseas
jurisdictions regarding bikies
internationally.”

16 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010 BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 17

 > CRIME TREND : crime gangs
“In its four years of operation, the Crime Gangs Task Force has seized
over 200 firearms and $1.25 million in cash, made almost 800
arrests, and prevented around 110 000 street deals of illicit drugs.”
LEGAL
FRAMEWORK
Introduced in February 2008,
the Serious and Organised Crime
(Control) Act 2008 (SOCCA)
gave the Attorney General the
power to make a declaration
in relation to an organisation if
amongst other things members
of the organisation associate
for the purpose of organising,
planning, facilitating, supporting
or engaging in serious criminal
activity. The legislation also
enabled courts to place
control orders on persons who
were members of a declared
organisation, and ban them from
associating with other members.
After an appeal against a
control order by two OMCG
members, the law was rejected
in the Full Court in September
2009. In November 2010, the
High Court rejected the State
Government’s appeal, ruling
the control order provision
compromised the independence
of the Magistrates Court.
“We knew there would be
a strong challenge to anti-
association laws but it’s not
unusual for challenges to be
raised against new legislation,”
Detective Superintendent Bray
said.
“The best way forward is to
see how new legislation can
18 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010
again be considered and just as
importantly, continue to use the
existing laws that are relevant
and available.”
“The reason bikies are fighting
these laws so fiercely is they
know that this type of legislation
will be successful in destroying
their criminal organisations,”
Detective Superintendent
Bray said.
“Having the new laws
hanging over their head has
already contributed to improved
community safety. It has forced
bikies to modify their behaviour
and reduce public violence in an
effort to avoid bad publicity as
they try to improve their public
image.”
Most other states either have
similar legislation or are in the
process of developing it, with
New Zealand also considering
comparable laws. Once Victoria
introduces its bikie task force
in 2011, every state in Australia
will have a specific strategy
and particular group of police
allocated to targeting bikies.
“Nationally every state is
looking at all the ways they
can interfere with the business
of organised crime, to arrest
offenders and make the
environment they operate in
very hostile so that nothing
they do is easy,” Detective
Superintendent Bray said.
SEIZING THE
INITIATIVE
In its four years of operation,
the Crime Gangs Task Force
has seized over 200 firearms
and $1.25 million in cash,
made almost 800 arrests, and
prevented around 110 000 street
deals of illicit drugs.
The unit conducts hundreds
of raids each year and frequently
launches operations targeting
organised crime.
Operation Suppress was
launched in February 2010 as an
ongoing strategy to quell the
escalating violence between the
Hells Angels and New Boys street
gang, which featured a series of
violent public incidents such as
drive-by shootings, stabbings,
vicious assaults and a failed
bombing.
The operation involved a huge
number of raids, resulting in over
60 arrests for offences ranging
from attempted murder, violent
affray, serious assault and drug
trafficking.
“We took every opportunity
we had to intervene and stop
violence from occurring,”
Detective Inspector Taylor said.
The Task Force has also
achieved significant success
in reducing the reluctance of
witnesses and victims to report
incidents and give evidence.
Legislative changes have
assisted, with the introduction of
the presumption against bail and
vulnerable witness legislation,
which allows witnesses to not
appear in the same court as the
offender.
“It’s now much easier to obtain
information and at present
we have more gang members
charged with blackmail offences
than ever before,” Detective
Superintendent Bray said.
The Crime Gangs Task Force
has developed specific strategies
to increase witness cooperation
and ensure their ongoing safety.
“We go to quite extraordinary
lengths to ensure the safety
of victims and witnesses and
mount successful investigations
and prosecutions against those
who are attempting to dissuade
our witnesses,” Detective
Inspector Taylor said.
“This has resulted in a
significant change in attitude
amongst witnesses and victims
of bikie-related crime as they’ve
seen what we’re capable of
doing in terms of arresting and
prosecuting them.”
The success of Operation
Diffuse highlights the
effectiveness of this approach.
The operation was launched
to protect an individual who
had been the victim of a series
of extortions and vicious
assaults from a senior OMCG
member. After learning of the
formal police investigation, the
gang member allegedly put
strategies in place to intimidate
and dissuade the witness.
NEVER A DULL
MOMENT
Detective Sergeant Heath
Lienert is one of over 40
staff who undertake a series
of diverse roles including
detective, general duties and
traffic.
“It can be challenging
and unpredictable due to
the nature of people we’re
working on but the long hours
are very rewarding when we
get a positive result,” said the
Sergeant, an inaugural member
of the Crime Gangs Task Force.
“We deal with a whole raft
of offending and support
other branches in their
investigations.”
“The operation seconded
staff from various sections and
resulted in a series of arrests;
the presumption against bail
allowed us to keep people in
custody for a lengthy period
of time,” Detective Inspector
Taylor said.
“It became apparent to
the OMCG network what
we’re capable of and had a
positive effect on reducing
the level of threats to victims.
It demonstrated that we will
be relentless in our pursuit of
offenders who commit these
offences, and that they will end
up in prison.”
One OMCG currently has 11
of their 41 members in prison
(either sentenced or remanded
in custody) and many others
awaiting trial on charges
that may result in a term of
imprisonment.
“This is a significant outcome
which has a positive impact
on the entire community,”
Detective Superintendent Bray
said.
Constable John Bernardo is
one of four motorcycle traffic
officers in the Crime Gangs Task
Force. He considers it to be the
most unique area in SAPOL.
“You have so many people
contributing at different levels
working together without
friction or animosity. It’s a
well managed area that works
successfully as a team,” he said.
“There’s great structure
and we get a lot of choice
in what we can do. We’re
always encouraged to
have a crack, with plenty of
support available,” Constable
Bernardo said. “There’s never
a dull moment, with each day
presenting new challenges.”
Detective Inspector Taylor
says the work performed by
the Task Force is often complex
but always interesting. “We
understand that for some
people the thought of focusing
on organised crime groups is
a matter of personal concern,
[ Main PHOTO: Detective
Superintendent Des Bray looks
on as Adelaide Crows coach Neil
Craig discusses the importance
of developing cohesive and
successful teams at a recent
national OMCG forum.
OPPOSITE PAGE: A range of the
illegal activities performed by
organised crime gangs. ]
however once they come here
they find it’s a great place to
work because it covers just
about every ambit of policing
and organised crime,” Detective
Inspector Taylor said.
“You’re investigating drugs,
firearms, money laundering,
extortions, serious violent
assaults plus dealing with
street level public disorder,
implementing liquor barring
and firearms prohibition
orders on bikies, so it gives you
everything.”
Crime Gangs Task Force is an
exceptional training ground for
officers seeking to learn new
skills, or seeking a detective or
supervisory position, with many
former members successful in
gaining a promotion or transfer
to a posting of their choice.
“It’s a great place for a
uniformed officer to come for a
short time and launch into a CIB
career, beneficial for detectives
who work in specialised crime
areas and good for those
seeking promotion as they get
developmental opportunities
across a range of dimensions,”
Detective Superintendent
Bray said.
Sergeant Annette Alvey
has just returned to State
Intelligence Branch after a
three-year placement in the
Task Force.
“I gained valuable experience
in the more protracted
investigations that you
wouldn’t normally get involved
in from an intel perspective,”
she said.
“The diverse challenges and
opportunities have prepared
me well for future promotional
opportunities.”

BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 19
 > Team Profile

“Police dogs are used throughout

the state for tracking, searching,
criminal apprehension and
detecting drugs, explosives
and firearms.”

DOG
[ Members of the Dog Operations Unit: Senior Constable First Class As many offenders have discovered over the years, “Police dog teams were screened and examined for
Neil Stevenson, Senior Constable First Class Anthony Potter, Sergeant involved at the recent Schoolies defects and contraband, usually
Darryn Conroy and Senior Constable First Class Simon Rosenhahn police dogs can be a highly effective arm of law- event at Victor Harbor and with a dog and its handler
with their police dogs. ] enforcement. The Dog Operations Unit has been will be in high demand over covering both sides of a major
the next few months with highway,” said Superintendent
an integral part of SAPOL operations since 1974,

OPERATIONS
upcoming music festivals and James Blandford, Officer in
with highly trained German Shepherd and Labrador major events.” Charge, Far North LSA.
Retriever dogs and their handlers providing valuable The Far North LSA utilises “The dogs also assist with
the Dog Operations Unit drug raids of premises, licensed
support to operational police. in a number of drug transit premises screening and
operations aimed at disrupting screening pre-entry lines at
“P olice dogs are used Marie Kluzek, who achieved
a career highlight when she
the transportation of drugs major events.”

TAKE THE LEAD

throughout the state for
tracking, searching, criminal
apprehension and detecting
drugs, explosives and firearms,”
said Senior Sergeant Jane-
through the area.
became Operations Manager “These are generally two-day
of the Dog Operations Unit in operations where all vehicles
July 2010. are stopped, driver tested,

20 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010 BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 21

 > Team Profile : d og opera tions Unit
“The dog is a great
asset for tracking and
can quell antisocial and
hostile reactions to police
by its sheer presence,”
Superintendent Blandford
said. “The teams usually
come up on a night
shift and assist us with
criminals who use the
night to mask their
activities. Often they’re
young agile offenders
who quickly slip away
into the surrounding
scrubland if given half
an opportunity.”
a handler’s best friend
22 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010
"The dogs are worth their
weight in gold and we’re
always impressed by the
professionalism, energy and
desire of both handler and dog
to provide positive outcomes,”
Superintendent Blandford
said. “Their desire to provide a
comprehensive service across
the state is greatly appreciated.”
E ach dog lives at the home
of its handler and becomes
a member of the family.
Senior Constable First Class
Neil Stevenson has worked
operationally with Police Dog
Riggs for just over two of the
10 years he has spent with the
Dog Operations Unit.
“The partnership between
handler and dog is crucial
to the success of our work
Dogged
determination
After 18 years with the Dog
Operations Unit, Sergeant
Darryn Conroy still finds his role
enjoyable and rewarding.
“Everyday is different as our
roles can vary operationally,” he
said. “I organise and supervise
training for our general purpose,
drug dog and explosive dog
teams, which is challenging as it
must replicate what dog teams
would realistically encounter
operationally.”
According to Sergeant Conroy,
dogs play an important role
in law enforcement as their
natural instincts and abilities
cannot be replicated by modern
technology.
“They have the scenting ability
to find hidden or lost people,
and uncover articles related to
the crime scene,” he said.
“Police Dog Mack recently
caught an offender hiding in a
factory after we received reports
of copper piping being stolen;
his methodical search took a
fraction of the time it would have
taken officers.”
Training worth
every scent
General dogs (German
Shepherds) are normally
retired at 7-8 years and
detector dogs (Labradors) at
8-9 years depending on their
health and wellbeing. The
Dog Operations Unit sources
new canine candidates from
public donations, interstate
police dog breeding programs,
Australian Customs and the local
Puppy Development Program,
which plays an integral role in
socialising the dogs in a variety
of environments.
together. We train and work
as a team, which develops
trust and understanding
for working in stressful,
hazardous and often rapidly
changing situations,” he said.
“The unique talents of
police dogs make them vital
partners in the fight against
crime.”

“We often seek enthusiastic
and active people who are
willing to open their homes to
care for and develop puppies
from the age of eight weeks
to 16 months of age,” Senior
Sergeant Kluzek said.
“At 16 months the dogs are
returned to the Dog Operations
Unit where they undertake a
14-week General Purpose Dog
Course, involving training in
searching techniques, tracking,
obedience and criminal
apprehension.”
In August, two German
Shepherd puppies, Oscar and
Nero, became the newest
recruits in the unit after being
the second set of puppies
acquired from the Queensland
Police Dog Breeding Program. In
the same month, Police Dog Ariel
graduated from the intensive
General Purpose Dog Course
to join her fellow 11 German
Shepherds, three specialist drug
detector Labradors and two
specialist explosive and firearm
detector Labradors in the Dog
Operations Unit.
“Characteristics we look for
in operational dogs include
health, temperament, size and
trainability, however not all dogs
will be suitable and some don’t
pass the course,” Senior Sergeant
Kluzek said.
 and skills required.
[ TOP LEFT: Senior Sergeant
Jane-Marie Kluzek leading her
experienced and committed team.
CENTRE LEFT: A police dog leaps
into action.
CENTRE RIGHT: An example of the
rigorous training undertaken
by the Dog Operations Unit at
Thebarton Barracks.
BOTTOM LEFT: Senior Constable First
Class Neil Stevenson with PD Riggs. ]
> N ew Ini tiati v es
STRONG
CASE
FOR APPEALING COURSE
It was judgement day at
Fenwick Hall on 24 September
as 13 officers became the
first graduates of the new
Prosecutor Training Course.
A sense of justice prevailed as
the hard work and long hours
of study over a challenging
21-week period finally paid off.
C
ommissioner Hyde, senior
SAPOL representatives,
invited guests, relatives and
friends were all on hand to
witness the crowning moment
in the officers’ careers.
The new course is part of
the Prosecutor Advocacy and
Education Program, replacing
the previous seven-week
scheme. It aims to better
serve the needs of today’s
prosecutors by providing
a stronger emphasis on a
practical, hands-on approach
enabling the student
prosecutor to develop a solid
foundation in the knowledge
According to Sergeant Bryan
Morden from the Training,
Leadership and Business
Continuity Section, Prosecution
Services Branch, the course
provides a contemporary
approach to the attraction,
training and retention of
prosecutors within SAPOL.
[ Senior Constable First Class Chris Kummerow
outside Elizabeth Magistrates' Court.
INSET: Senior Constable Rebecca Symons receives the Frank McAvaney
APM Academic Excellence Award from Commissioner Mal Hyde. ]
“Students spend 10 weeks in
classroom-based training and a
further 11 weeks at a worksite
placement within a Criminal
Justice Section, allowing them
to consolidate their learning
and gain valuable practical
experience,” he said.
“The course provides a
logical, progressive building of
knowledge with a strong focus
on the core prosecutor skills of
advocacy, courtroom craft and
evidentiary aids to proof.”
A highlight of the graduation
ceremony was the presentation
of the W.F. Johns Prosecutor
Proficiency Trophy to Senior
Constable First Class Chris
Kummerow and the Frank
McAvaney APM Academic
Excellence Award to Senior
Constable Rebecca Symons.
For Senior Constable First
Class Kummerow, balancing the
competing priorities of family
life and study was a constant
challenge.
“Being a father to a young
daughter and also studying
Law at university presented
some challenges as the course
was time consuming and
involved plenty of study,” he
said. “However I enjoyed the
challenge as I’ve always had
a keen interest in becoming a
prosecutor.”
Senior Constable First Class
Kummerow, now employed as a
Prosecutor within the Elizabeth
Criminal Justice Section,
enjoyed the new course format,
particularly the practical
exposure within the Criminal
Justice Section, and believes
the course will significantly
benefit SAPOL.
“It’s important for SAPOL
to have highly trained police
prosecutors and further build
on the expertise of existing
prosecutors who are highly
regarded in the courts,” he said.
The next Prosecutor Training
Course commences in mid-
February, with a large number
of applicants already showing
keen interest.
“Applicants will undergo
a rigorous screening process
involving online training, a two-
week work placement within
a Criminal Justice Section and
attend a selection day to assess
their suitability for the position,”
Sergeant Morden said.
“Once accepted into the
course your career path is
full of opportunities, and as a
prosecutor, you know you are
playing an important role in
the criminal justice system,”
Senior Constable First Class
Kummerow said.

BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 23
 > C URREN T OPERATI O NS [ Senior Constable Trevor Hood and Probationary
Constable Wes Usher keep an eye on activity in Hindley Street. ]
“There is a strong relationship
between late night trading,
alcohol misuse, offending
and antisocial behaviour in
Adelaide’s night-time economy.”
A strong and focused police
presence flooded the
streets of major entertainment
precincts in every state and
territory on two weekends in
September and December in
a united approach to reducing
alcohol-related crime, violence
and antisocial behaviour.
Operation Unite saw
additional officers target
Hindley Street and other
popular drinking spots in the
Adelaide CBD, with operational
support from areas including
Special Tasks and Rescue
(STAR) Group, Mounted
Operations Unit, Licensing
Enforcement Branch and
Eastern Adelaide LSA Traffic
Enforcement Section.
SOBER REALITY OF
ALCOHOL-RELATED
CRIME
“Operations such as Unite and Safe Streets tackle the
complex issue of alcohol and ensure an increased level
of community safety.”
24 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010
The December operation
involved a high visibility of
policing with 140 police officers
on each of the two nights
taking action against alcohol-
fuelled crime. There were 59
arrests, 104 people fined for
behavioural offences and 29
reports for drink driving.
Chief Inspector Kym Thomas,
Officer in Charge, Operations
Section, Eastern Adelaide LSA
said the success of the last two
Operation Unite initiatives was
due to the highly visible police
presence and rapid response.
“The strong police presence
had a positive impact on
crowd behaviour as it allowed
more detections and early
intervention, which reduced
the risk of people becoming a
victim or offender later on in
the night,” he said.
Operation Unite is part of
a broader ongoing response
to alcohol-related crime and
antisocial behaviour in the
Adelaide CBD.
“Operations such as Unite
and Safe Streets tackle the
complex issue of alcohol and
ensure an increased level
of community safety,” Chief
Inspector Thomas said.
“This is particularly important
during summer months, which
is seasonally a busier time for
policing with the festive period
and a number of events in
the CBD.”
Probationary Constable
Angus Clark experienced
Operation Unite first-hand
and strongly believes it’s a
worthwhile initiative. “It was a
well-coordinated response to
disorderly behaviour in the city
and was positively received by
the public,” he said.
BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 25
 > CURREN T OP ERAT IONS : opera tion unite
Alcohol-related
issues in the
Adelaide CBD
Superintendent John
Thomas, Officer in Charge,
Eastern Adelaide LSA,
is concerned about the
substantial increase in the
availability of alcohol in the
Adelaide CBD in recent years,
and the associated issues of
cut-price drink promotions,
serving intoxicated persons,
current liquor licensing
legislation and 24-hour trading.
“There is a strong
relationship between late
night trading, alcohol misuse,
offending and antisocial
behaviour in Adelaide’s night-
time economy,” he said.
“This significantly affects
the demands on policing,
emergency services and health
services and diverts those
resources from other areas of
the community.”
Studies clearly show a link
between the availability of
alcohol and violence, with
Australian and international
research providing compelling
evidence of a relationship
between extended trading
hours and a high density
of alcohol outlets and their
adverse impact on alcohol-
related social problems.
“People have a big night at
licensed premises and then end
up on the streets intoxicated,
vulnerable and maybe
aggressive, often resulting in
ambulance officers taking them
to hospital or us locking them
up in the cells for the night,”
Superintendent Thomas said.
sobering statistics
• SAPOL data indicates that proportion of offences
in 2008-09 in the Adelaide against the person were
CBD, 58 per cent of alcohol-related compared
victim-reported crime was to the rest of the state (62
alcohol-related. per cent versus 41 per cent).
• In 2008-09, 65 per cent of • In South Australia
apprehensions for both between 1996 and 2009,
serious and minor assault the number of liquor
in the Adelaide CBD were licences increased by 60
alcohol-related; this figure per cent.
rose to 76 per cent for • Alcohol-related crime
disorderly or offensive is estimated to cost
behaviour offences. Australia $7.1 billion with
• In 2008-09 in the Adelaide $750 million alone spent
CBD, a significantly larger on policing.1
1. Donnelly, Scott, Poynton, Weatherburn, Shanahan and Hansen (2007) 2. Donnelly, Poynton, Weatherburn, Bamford and Nottage (2006)
26 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010
“While the presence and
visibility of police during
Operation Unite and Safe
Streets contributes to the safety
of persons in the city, long-
term effectiveness will only
be achieved by tackling the
causal factors of alcohol-related
behaviour to reduce the risk,
and create a safer environment
for everyone,” he said.
There is an overwhelmingly
strong link between alcohol
misuse and offending in the
Adelaide CBD with an increase
in many categories of offences
in the area in recent years.
“Alcohol-related antisocial
behaviour is a significant
challenge that is being faced
everywhere,” Superintendent
Thomas said.
“Tackling it requires a
unified approach from police,
Adelaide City Council and other
government agencies, as well
as by licensees themselves.”
• A 2006 study revealed
that areas with a large
cluster of licensed venues
have higher crime rates
and experienced almost
twice as many alcohol-
related problems.2
• Research into alcohol-
related crime in 2007
showed that 40 per
cent of people detained
by police attributed
their offence to alcohol
consumption.1
“The practical training provided by
CBD policing
model
A centralised policing model
for the CBD was implemented
on 1 July 2010, with the CBD
now a distinct policing district
featuring seven patrol teams
undertaking duties at both
Grenfell Street and Hindley
Street patrol bases.
Superintendent John
Thomas believes the new
policing model has significantly
improved the presence and
visibility of police at times of
peak demand in the CBD.
“The level of coordination is
better than before with greater
flexibility in terms of staffing
and the ability to put people
into areas where and when
they’re needed,” he said.
“It enables a more proactive
approach to all operations and
has increased available police
resources when most needed.”
Well-known local hotel
proprietor Rod Rose says an
increased police presence is
the key to having a successful
entertainment precinct.
“I have always encouraged
management and staff at our
hotels to provide as much
assistance to police as possible,”
Mr Rose said.
“We have worked with police
for the last 15 years to ensure
the safety of our patrons and
welcome any efforts to limit
disorderly behaviour and
enforce dry zones.”
 Howard said.
[ TOP: Probationary
Constables Wes Usher and
Angus Clark monitor CCTV
footage of the Adelaide CBD. ]
> Crime Preven tion
SAPOL has been very well received by
hotel staff as trainers have experience
in responding to armed robberies in the
hotel industry and understand what
employees are subjected to.
PREVENTION
Businesses are being armed with a new weapon to help prevent crime. The recently launched Armed Robbery
Prevention Kit is the result of extensive consultation with Local Service Area (LSA) Crime Prevention Sections,
the Australian Hotels Association (SA) and other key stakeholder groups.
T
he kit is a comprehensive
package containing stickers,
a 'temporarily closed' sign,
suspect description forms and
a 'CODE A' sign displaying the
steps for staff to stay safe during
an armed robbery. It is provided
to businesses once they have
participated in a 45-minute
face-to-face training session
delivered by their LSA Crime
Prevention Section. The training
session reflects the information
contained in the kit and
discusses strategies to reduce
armed robbery including design
of premises, cash handling, CCTV
and what to do in the event of
an armed robbery.
Senior Sergeant Joanne
Howard, State Coordinator of
the State Crime Prevention
Branch says the kit has been well
received by key industries.
“The largest uptake has been
from hotels with gaming rooms
but we have also seen a positive
response from service stations,
supermarkets, DVD stores and
Australia Post,” Senior Sergeant
“We are committed to working
in partnership with the business
community to prevent crime and
reduce the fear of crime.”
”
IS BETTER THAN THE CRIME
A recent spate of armed AHA (SA) strongly encourages “The practical training
robberies targeting hotel gaming its members to access the kit provided by SAPOL has been
rooms, post offices and service and have heavily promoted its very well received by hotel staff
stations has emphasised the benefits in industry publications. as trainers have experience in
necessity of the kit and training. “The application of the CODE responding to armed robberies
“Every time there’s an A principles are particularly in the hotel industry and
armed robbery, the LSA Crime important in assisting staff to understand what employees are
Prevention Section conducts respond to an armed robbery,” subjected to,” he said.
an environmental design audit said Manager of Industrial
which includes hotel design, Relations and Human Resources, 
location of safes, use of CCTV Trevor Evans.
and advises how the business
can improve crime prevention
measures and security, with the
Armed Robbery Prevention Kit
training being a key component,”
Senior Sergeant Howard said.
Senior Sergeant Trevor
Jenkins from Operation
Counteract believes the kit
is a valuable resource for the
business community.
“The kit reinforces the key
messages we consistently
communicate to businesses
such as Australia Post, banks,
hotels, clubs and the retail sector.
It will be a useful resource
when representing SAPOL at
information sessions and both
state and national forums,”
he said.
BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 27
 > events

“National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity to

acknowledge the dangers of our profession, reflect upon the
sacrifices made by dedicated officers and focus on the challenges
that lie ahead.”
APY Lands The official party then went The large gathering sat “National Police Remembrance
on to visit the final resting places in silent reflection as Police Day is an opportunity to
service of Community Constable Andy Chaplain Brenton Daulby acknowledge the dangers of
The serene Dinnertime Hill Daeger at Mimili Cemetery, and conducted the moving service our profession, reflect upon the
set the scene as the Far North Police Aides Yangki (Tjampu) and paid tribute to the 61 sacrifices made by dedicated

HONOURING
[ An officer lays a wreath at the
Wall of Remembrance during the
Police Academy service.
Below: The large gathering
at Fort Largs pay their respects
LSA hosted His Excellency Rear
Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSR
RANR, Mrs Elizabeth Scarce,
Commissioner Mal Hyde, Mrs
Marcia Hyde and Group Captain
Reg Carruthers at a special
Smithi, Munti Smith and Kevin
Katjatji at Fregon Cemetery.
Gathered at the cemeteries
were proud family and friends
who watched on as His
Excellency and Commissioner
dedicated police officers who
made the ultimate sacrifice while
serving South Australia.
The sense of loss was evident
as families, friends and former
colleagues laid wreaths at
officers and focus on the
challenges that lie ahead,” said
Inspector Peter Crouch, who
performed Master of Ceremonies
duties at the service.
“It makes us appreciate the

THE FALLEN
to those who made
National Police Remembrance
the ultimate sacrifice. ]
Day memorial service held
on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara
Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.
The service honoured SAPOL’s
fallen community constables and
police aides by acknowledging
their valuable contribution
Each year across Australia and the to policing in their local
communities.
South-west Pacific we observe National Police officers and community
Police Remembrance Day by holding constables were joined by
former Aboriginal police aides
a service on 29 September, the feast Adrian Intjalki, Pepai Carroll,
day of Saint Michael, the patron saint Stanley Douglas, Ronnie Brumby,
David Curly and Robert Stevens
of police. This year, SAPOL joined to commemorate the fallen.
with government officials, families and Police Chaplain Reverend
Dianna Bartlett delivered the
friends to commemorate this day in opening prayer and called the
several locations across the state. roll of honour, paying tribute
to officers who have given
the Wall of Remembrance,
Hyde paid their respects and laid friendship and loyalty of our
wreaths on behalf of SAPOL and accompanied by the stirring colleagues and reinforces the
the South Australian community. sounds of the SAPOL band. importance of values such as
Commissioner Hyde was integrity, trust and respect
honoured to be involved. “It in policing.”
was a time of reflection and
recognition of the standing 
these four men had in their
communities and their role
in assisting to shape SAPOL’s
current community constable
program and policing of the
APY Lands,” he said.
Police Academy
service
The overcast skies above
the historic Fort Largs Police
Academy provided a fitting
backdrop to this solemn
occasion as SAPOL and the

T he Murray Mallee LSA held a
memorial service at Banrock
Station, where the first South
Australian police officers lost
their lives on duty; while the
Governor of South Australia
and Commissioner Hyde
commemorated the day in the
APY Lands for the first time, and
the Police Academy at Fort Largs
hosted the traditional service.
the ultimate sacrifice for their
community joined together
community.
to remember, honour and say
Commissioner Hyde paid [ Police and the local community join together to commemorate
'thank you' to the dedicated men
homage to all police officers the APY Lands’ fallen community constables and police aides.
and women whose lives have
killed in the execution of
been cut short while performing TOP: Police Chaplain Reverend Dianna Bartlett delivering the memorial
their duties and in doing so service at Dinnertime Hill in the APY Lands. ]
their duty as a police officer.
acknowledged the inherent
risks of policing.

28 B L U E P R I N T D E C E M B E R 2010 BLUEPRINT DECEMBER 2010 29

[ Senior Constable First Class
Jeffrey Wight with PD Dani. ]

GPO Box 1539

Adelaide SA 5001
www.police.sa.gov.au