August 2001 Volume 82 Number 8 "serving the protectors"

No attempt to belittle

I read with some concern Craig Stevens’ letter to the editor titled Hard Slog to Attain a Law Degree (The Readout, Police Journal, July 2001). Craig’s letter was in response to the article, Why Cops Become Lawyers (Police Journal, May 2001), in which I was one of the three subjects interviewed.

I too had some concerns relating to how my comments were perceived and wish to take this opportunity to clarify any possible misconceptions that have arisen.

Comments made in relation to a law degree being “not hard at all” were certainly not made in an attempt to belittle the achievements of those having attained the qualification. It was more to encourage those members who are thinking of taking that path but refraining due to a belief that they may not possess the necessary academic capacity. Whilst some may not possess the necessary intellect, most would. I also qualified this to the interviewer, Brett Williams (which he reported in the article), commenting that regardless of any intellectual capabilities, difficulties associated with obtaining any tertiary qualification are magnified by other factors, depending on the student’s stage of life. I was lucky enough to have no commitments (either family or financial) at the time I left the job to pursue my qualifications, and I have nothing but admiration for those who have achieved what they have, juggling study, family, a mortgage, and fulltime employment.

In relation to levels of salary, Brett queried whether I thought money was a factor in police officers deciding to make the transition. I conceded that for me it was a large factor, not because of the short-term gains, more the long term. My point was merely that a police officer is restricted in potential earnings, regardless of rank. A lawyer is not. A lawyer does not work to an industrial award or an enterprise agreement in most instances. The figures quoted were in response to a question Brett asked regarding potential earnings of lawyers, especially in the eastern states, where salaries are dramatically higher. Whether those salaries are achieved by being a partner in a large national or international firm, a Queen’s counsel, or a partner in a small to mid-range firm is neither here nor there. That is the potential of the qualification and is dependent on a range of factors. I wouldn’t insult the readers’ intelligence by expecting them to believe it was the norm, especially in the short term.

I was lucky enough to enter law at a comfortable level due to my prior experience in the industrial relations arena and my work with industry bodies in both SA and the NT. Whilst this may not be the norm, surely one doesn’t go into the law, or any other professional field, with a view of short-term gain. If a police officer decides to go into the law, or any other profession with a long-term view, early financial sacrifices should pay dividends in the long run.

Quality of life is about making choices that suit an individual’s particular needs. To do this though, a person needs to have options. A law degree is just one tertiary qualification that can provide those options. Whether it suits a particular individual’s situation is not for me to decide.

Hope this clears up any “romantic notions”.

Nick Healy

Has nothing changed?

Dear Andy

First of all, congratulations to Peter Alexander for his award of the Australian Police Medal. He deserves it for his work with the Police Association of SA, and his support of its members - a definite voice in the wilderness.

For all the seemingly disparaging remarks directed towards women police officers - and keeping in mind the article by PASA committee member, Bernadette Zimmermann - nothing much seems to have changed in over 20 years with attitudes.

I am referring to the days when the women police officers wore plain clothes, spent most of their working days in the office (except for enquiries) required for juvenile females, and being regarded as auxiliary office staff.

The days of Miss Hall at Port Adelaide police station, and one incident I can recall when Miss Hall thought I was “one of her girls”. All I was there for was to wait for my then junior constable to come off his shift. She was a respected icon down in that area. She put the fear of God into me at the time.

All I can say without being an authority is that the female officers are not stupid and fully realize what they are letting themselves in for when they join SAPOL.

Apart from this, they are well educated, fit and equal to any male counterpart, whom they can match anytime. One could perhaps say that, if they did not like the heat they should leave the kitchen. If they can capably apply themselves to the career they have chosen, then the “know-alls” should keep their mouths shut.

As well, may I just observe that the report of the Police Association of SA presenting a cheque for $5,000 to charity levels the playing field, and I guess there would not be any disdain or discrimination directed towards the women in this instance.

I was gratified and appreciative of our local boys this week, when I caught three thoughtless, ignorant males nicking wood from our woodpile (no wonder the wood heap was diminishing in size rather quickly). We were reluctant to report them, but then decided that perhaps a warning or caution may suffice, as we considered stealing from pensioners was a bit low and cowardly.

One of our local gendarmes arrived within 15 minutes and sorted it out - he spoke to the lads involved. Result? An apology. So I have to retract partly my statement from last month’s The Readout when I wrote that people did not report minor infringements as they didn’t think a response would be considered necessary.

Rox Rosey
Victor Harbor

Memorable dinner

Dear Andy

I congratulate Peter Alexander and his family on his receipt of the Australian Police Medal. This achievement was most deserved through many years of distinguished police service as well as valued assistance to police officers through his role as president of our association. Well done.

I would like also to thank the Police Association and Police Credit Union for a fantastic retirement function at the Hilton Hotel on Friday evening, June 22. It was a most memorable occasion, well planned, a great venue and delicious meal. We all reminisced over our respective adventures in the department in what was a brilliant function to say farewell to our many workmates. Special thanks to all those involved.

I was also proud and privileged to be a part of the association when I read how money was donated to the blanket appeal to assist those most in need in the community. Although various sections of the department raise money for many and varied worthy causes it is most pleasing to see money raised for those in desperate circumstances. This initiative brings much credit to the police service.

Best wishes
John Wallace APM

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