Nov 2000 Volume 81 Number 11 "serving the protectors"

Dear Andy

Due to my retirement from SAPOL effective July 17, 2000, I hereby tender my resignation from the Police Association.

For a number of years members retiring or resigning from SAPOL have utilized the Police Journal to voice their concerns about the relationship between management and rank and file members. It is patently obvious that that relationship, rather than improving, is deteriorating further as each month passes. Sadly, that course will continue unless issues such as low morale, understaffing and lack of recognition are confronted and rectified.

The senior executive group must recognize that the men and women under their command are SAPOL’s greatest asset and deserve to be treated as such. A positive start would be for the Commissioner and other members of the SEG to visit local service areas, branches and sections personally to hear members’ concerns first hand and with an open mind.

SEG members are the leaders of this police service, but to lead effectively they must earn the respect and admiration of their subordinates. At present they are regarded by a large number of patrol officers and investigators as faceless administrators. To alter that perception they need to leave the comfort zone of ninth-floor Flinders Street and display a genuine interest in at least the working lives of the members they command. Take for example Major-General Peter Cosgrove and the manner in which he conducted himself with his troops in East Timor. He was so universally admired and respected that any person under his command would have walked through a brick wall for him. Not many rank and file members of SAPOL would walk through a sheet of soggy cardboard for their leaders.

If a sincere attempt is made to address the above mentioned issues SAPOL will benefit in many ways, not least the retention of years of experience and expertise now lost when members retire earlier than they otherwise would.

All the best to members in the years ahead.

Alan Langridge
Senior Constable 2802/6
Licensing and Gaming

Dear Peter

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association effective July 26, 2000, due to my retirement from SAPOL. Over the years, especially the last few, I have read and wondered what I would write when it came my term. Was I going to talk about the frustrations many of us have felt, how things could and should be improved etc, etc? I have decided not to say anything, as I was told shortly prior to my retirement “it wasn’t my concern any more” and I know that whatever I did say would make no difference. In the 29 years, eight months I have served in various areas and I would like to thank all the police officers with whom I have worked, especially the members of the Victims of Crime Branch (the best officers any one could have worked with).

I will be retiring as president of Police Legacy at the AGM in October, 2000, as I believe that a serving member should hold that office. For those who know me, you will know that I can never resist a plug for something that I believe in, and Legacy was one of those, so here it comes - if you are not members of Legacy, please join up immediately.

Due to my involvement with the Women’s Branch I gained a good insight into PASA, its dedication to all members and the many issues of concern. I thank the association executive and staff for their untiring efforts.

Life with SAPOL had its ups and downs, good and bad times, but I would not have missed it for quids and I now move on and continue with my involvement with the IPA (International Police Association) the German Club, organizing the Schützenfest, Victim Support Service and, of course, some travelling (makes one wonder how I had time to go to work). So I say thanks and all the best to you all (you know who you are) for your support, assistance, friendship and camaraderie over the years.

All the best for the future

Yours in friendship
Elke Pfau
Ex-Detective Senior Sergeant
Victims of Crime Branch

Peter

Please accept this letter as my resignation from the Police Association, to be effective September 20, 2000.

During the last weeks leading to my retirement, I have read many letters of resignation of other now ex-members. There have been topics positive and negative stating or giving a point of view some of which I can associate with, but in my case I intend leaving on a cheerful note.

It was me who chose a career as a police officer. I enjoyed it and now I leave with the good memories of all the colleagues with whom I have met and worked over those many years, the laughs, good times, the positives and some of the negatives.

I wish the Police Association good fortune for the future in its endeavour to maintain the best of conditions for those who choose SAPOL as a career.

The ride has come to an end. It’s time for me to get off.

Roger Grillett
Mt Barker
Hills Murray LSA

Dear Pete and Andy

Please accept this letter as my resignation from the Police Association due to my resignation from SAPOL, my last day of service being September 28, 2000. Well folk the time has come. It’s been great. I’ve enjoyed the thrills and spills. My puppet Alister is thinking about pulling the plug also. I wish you all the best in the future.

Peter Marr
Senior Constable
1718/7

Dear Peter and team

Please accept this letter as my resignation from the Police Association due to my retirement.

My last day of service will be Wednesday, October 4, 2000.

I acknowledge the efforts of the Police Association and ask that you keep up the good work.

I wish all members of the SA police department the very best in their chosen careers.

I have enjoyed my 37-year career. There were some low times but, in the main, I have enjoyed myself and would do it all over again.

Yours sincerely

Mick Sharp
Detective Sergeant
1738/9
Adelaide Investigations

The secretary

I hereby tender my resignation from the Police Association due to my retirement, my last day of service being October 4, 2000.

Bob Lenton

Dear Sir

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association on October 8, 2000, my last day of service.

Kind regards
Peter Semple

Dear Peter

Due to my retirement, please accept my resignation from the Police Association. My last day of service will be October 11, 2000.

Allow me to take this opportunity to pass on my thanks concerning all you have done for members in the past in regard to pay and conditions.

May I use this medium to thank all those members, still remaining, with whom I have had contact for an enjoyable experience and I wish you all the very best for the future.

To the Tea Tree Gully team within the Holden Hill LSA, based at Para Hills, from whom I am departing, keep up the good work and remember my motto: Don’t lose “site” of the spherical matters.

Steve Mahomet
Sergeant 1746/6
Tea Tree Gully Patrols

Dear Peter

Please accept this letter as my resignation from the Police Association as a result of my resignation from the police department, effective October 15, 2000.

I have accepted a graduate position with the Auditor-General’s Department and pursue a new challenge which will hopefully fulfill long time ambitions and aspirations.

I thank the department for my study leave and providing me with the opportunities I have now.

Best wishes to all members, especially those I had the pleasure to work with at Unley sub-division and Licensing and Gaming Advice Section.

Yours sincerely
Brad Champness

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