Nov 2000 Volume 81 Number 11 "serving the protectors"
NEW PASA COMMITTEE MEMBER

Tom Scheffler lasted only a week as an apprentice plumber before joining SAPOL more than 28 years ago. He had left Enfield High School without matriculating and began his police career at Fort Largs.

Posted to Para Hills after graduating in 1974, Scheffler revelled in shiftwork, which allowed him time to surf on weekdays off at Yorks and Cactus.

With six months off in 1976, he toured Europe but returned to work at Prospect police station which, among other areas, covered Enfield and Gepps Cross.

He later worked at Holden Hill patrols before joining Port Adelaide Traffic where, every pay day, officers headed to the Exeter Hotel for that police-style social interaction.

But mixing with local detectives soon sparked his interest in criminal investigation work and brought about his next posting - Port Adelaide CIB. He later served at the Drug Squad before a stint with Career Guidance in 1988.

“I gave myself some career guidance and went to the police academy as an instructor,” he says. “The young recruits were absolute champions, and natural motivators to staff.

“After a short stint back at Port Adelaide CIB I was off to Port Lincoln (CIB), where I still am today.”

Married to Carol and a father of two, Scheffler, 46, says of his life as a police officer that he has never looked back. “I’ve had an enjoyable career,” he says, “and I find the job only gets better. I have had some disappointments, but also many opportunities.”

One of Scheffler’s greatest rewards, however, was his recent election to the Police Association of SA executive committee. In light of association support he received throughout his own career, he now relishes the opportunity to support other officers through his new position.

SCHEFFLER’S KEY ISSUES

• Relief members for all country and metropolitan staff, particularly when members take extended leave such as maternity/paternity.
• Review of rents - for new members who transfer to the country - to align costs with previous rates.
• Retention of fleets for managers.
• Reviews of rank structures within operational areas, including more opportunities for career paths in sections such as patrols, traffic and investigation units.
• Reimbursement of legal fees spent on members by PASA.
• Practical and functional police premises, including staff parking and security.
• Ability to top up superannuation benefits.
• Review of travel allowances to include a hardship or overnight allowance.
• Increase in wages and staffing.

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