September 2001 Volume 82 Number 9 "serving the protectors"

UN reunion

Dear Sir

South Australia has been chosen to host the 10th National UNCIVPOL Reunion.

The 2002 reunion - which, incidentally, marks the 20th anniversary since the South Australia Police championed the national gathering in 1982 - will be held from November 6 - 11 in Adelaide.

Further details may be gained by writing to the Secretary, UNCIVPOL Club (SA), Wally Trenorden, 2 Wilma St, Salisbury East, 5109.

Yours sincerely
Peter Magerl
President

Pleased with invitation

Andy

I was delighted to receive an invitation to join the retired members’ group of the Police Association of South Australia.

I was reminded of the feeling I had when resigning from the Police Association in 1983.

Other retired members have told me of the same sense of loss when having to sever ties with the association that has accomplished so much.

It doesn’t seem so long ago that four weeks’ annual leave, three days off a fortnight, no paid overtime, no penalty rates and an inadequate uniform allowance were the conditions we worked under.

It amazes me to hear that there are still a few officers who refuse to join the association as a matter of principle, while that principle does not inhibit their acceptance of hard-fought-for, improved conditions.

Anyway, the opportunity of renewing ties is much appreciated, and my thanks to the innovators of the scheme.

Yours faithfully
Jack Testrow
Retired Police Officer

Black day for SAPOL

Andy

I refer to The Readout letter by Pip McGowan (Recognize cops’ credentials, July 2001) about SAPOL not recognizing members’ skills and qualifications.

I write this letter on Friday, July 13, which I and many others consider a black day for SAPOL. It is today that we lose a very knowledgeable, capable, well-respected and dedicated member, Senior Sergeant Robyn Filmer (Adelaide Intelligence Unit).

Robyn is one of only two in SAPOL with huge knowledge in criminal profiling. After participating in many courses, including the Criminal Investigative Analysis Understudy Program (profiling) through the FBI, ABCI and SAPOL, she is leaving SAPOL to pursue her commitment, which includes this field, by joining Customs.

It was a long, hard decision to leave a 20-year career, but SAPOL would not allow her to use her expertise in profiling, unless they needed it and it suited them. She did a large amount of profiling for SAPOL but, sadly, in her own time.

In 1999, she won the Adelaide Intel Senior Sergeant position. She was a very well respected “boss”, the unit members were very sad to lose her, and it was long faces all round today at her farewell.

Profiling is an extremely successful tool in assisting in the apprehension of criminals, and many police jurisdictions have recognized this and are increasing their resources in this field. Sadly, SAPOL is not. One must be left to wonder, with only one experienced and highly qualified profiler left in SAPOL, is it only a matter of time before she is poached by another agency to pursue something she loves and is dedicated and competent in doing?

As Pip McGowan accurately wrote, SAPOL must recognize members’ skills before we lose all our experienced and dedicated officers. LSAs are already experiencing difficulties by having an abundance of junior members and no one to train and supervise them. I recall, recently a patrol sergeant only had three probationary constables (recently graduated) on his patrol team one afternoon shift and no one to supervise them. The comment was: “My only choice is to put them in a car all together and between the three of them, they’ll work it out!” Repeat that to their families when something goes horribly wrong.

Last year, SAPOL lost numerous experienced members to high-profile positions in government departments who were willing to use and appreciate their experience. How many more skilled professionals do we have to lose?

I think I can speak for all when I wish Robyn all the very best, and it is obvious to state, SAPOL has lost but Customs has gained tremendously. Good luck, Robyn.

Julie Worthley

Tough job in East Timor

Andy

I am trying to let people know about SAPOL members currently serving in East Timor.

We currently have five members scattered around East Timor doing peacekeeping duties, with some also teaching the locals about all aspects of policing, from community policing to investigations (even how to drive).

Normally, the peacekeepers have a roster of about 30 days on, five off, however, due to the upcoming elections (around early September), the five currently over there have to work straight through until after the elections. This works out to be about 65 days straight before any days off. As you can imagine, this would be hard on our guys.

I regularly write, ring, e-mail and send packages of non-perishable items over there, however, I’m sure the five of them would appreciate more people writing to them, letting them know what’s happening here.

Prior to this contingent leaving, I sent their Timor mailing address out to several people who knew some of these members on the members’ behalf (so that if they received any letter from these people it would be a nice surprise). Sadly, however, so far these people haven’t taken up the opportunity to write.

All mail to them if free. If anyone wants to send any packages over, they just have to weigh less than 20kg and you need a customs declaration form stuck to the package (you get them from your post office).

The five members over there now (and listed in the Police Gazette, issue 10, May 16, 2001) are: Senior Sergeant Don Barrett (Elizabeth), Sergeant Paul Mitchell (Millicent) and Senior Constables Tim Dodds (Henley Beach), Barry Weir (Traffic Intelligence) and Allan Huggins (Transit Services).

If you wish to write to them, the address is:
SAPOL (ID number, rank, initials and surname)
AustCivPol
HQ UNTAET
AFP05
International Mail Centre
Sydney NSW 2890

I’m sure the guys would be very happy and grateful to hear from anyone.

Thank you
Annette Gilbert
Senior Constable 1801/0
Far North Intelligence Section

Grateful for project

Dear Andy

I am writing to express my thanks to PASA for allowing me to participate in this year’s Anna Stewart Memorial Project.

The Anna Stewart Memorial Project is an annual event held over two weeks for women involved in unionism. Anna Stewart was a major force from the mid-1970s to the 1980s in Australian unionism. For women in the paid workforce, she was instrumental in achieving benefits such as maternity leave, equal pay for equal work and sexual harassment policy. As a result, she inspired many women to join unions.

This year’s South Australian project involved 20 women from around the State from varying unions - both blue and white collar (I am still unsure where policing fits in this definition) - discussing issues surrounding women in unionism.

We had four days together in which numerous guest speakers invoked thought on how women juggled paid and unpaid work, and social and family responsibilities. We also learned about the changing face of women workers, the legislation that aims to protect us and women in unionism generally.

During those days, I was able to reflect on how lucky we (PASA members) are to enjoy over 99 per cent membership - and what that brings us. Likewise, I was able to hear the challenges facing other unions and how they impact on PASA.

The other six days were spent with PASA. It certainly was an exciting time in the office with discussions just beginning with the employer re EBIII. However, I also gained an insight about the day-to-day running of PASA and the Police Journal and some of the grievances members bring to you on a daily basis.

Without wanting to sound corny, I was impressed by the diligent, professional and empathetic way the full-time staff at PASA conducted themselves. I am also grateful for being made to feel welcome. While I was involved in many current PASA issues, I was pleased to see PASA is also striving for conditions regarding women members - family-friendly industrial conditions, recognizing and aiming to redress the over-representation of women in lower ranks and, importantly, the retention of women in SAPOL.

Last, I thank the Women’s Branch for nominating me, and SAPOL for allowing me to attend. While I have been a PASA member since 1990 and a delegate since 2000, what I learnt on the course was invaluable. As such, I encourage other women members to become actively involved in PASA by attending Women’s Branch meetings, their local branch meetings or even consider nominating as a delegate.

Narelle Kameniar
Adelaide LSA

So proud

Dear Andy

Congratulations to the organizers of Bluey Day. An outstanding success, may I venture to say the best yet! I knew that Commissioner Mal Hyde would have a taker somewhere to donate $50,000. That will boost the funds for cancer research etc and great to see. Feel so proud of you all.

Rox Rosey
Victor Harbor

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