December 2002 Volume 83 Number 12
"serving the protectors"
| December 2002 Volume 83 Number 12 "serving the protectors" |
|
|
|
|
Members of the worldwide police family understand their culture well. They know it to be steeped in the principles of unstinting support, loyalty and benevolence. But who of those outside the family can ever really hope to grasp the culture? And, if only few can aspire to an understanding of the culture, how does one explain it to the rest?
Examples of the way a culture manifests itself probably make the best illustration. And it seems appropriate that so many examples of the police culture at work should emerge in the lead-up to this Christmas.
Consider three cases in point in this very issue of the Police Journal.
Some Holden Hill detectives – most with their own family commitments and responsibilities – chose to do all within their power to help the Bali bombing victims (Detectives pitch in for Bali victims). That choice meant the sacrifice of their own time to organize a fundraiser for people they did not even know.
When husband-and-wife police officers, John and Hélène Delandelles, from Queensland found themselves homeless in Adelaide with premature twins, their SA counterparts came to the rescue (Police babes saved in SA). There existed no chance that other members of the police family would leave them without accommodation.
And in the most inspiring case, police officers throughout the department have rallied to aid their seriously ill colleague, Detective Michael Nasalik (His toughest-ever challenge). A fundraising effort at Sturt CIB had, within weeks, brought in more than $10,000. The support so overwhelmed Detective Nasalik that he approached the Police Journal to tell his story, in the hope that it might convey his deeply heart-felt gratitude.
One can look back even farther, to the efforts of the Police Federation of Australia in raising almost $130,000 for the families of the US officers lost on Sept 11.
As well, the Police Association donated $1,000 to the Amanda Blair organized appeal on SAFM on the motion of its delegates at their annual meeting.
Some of the less enlightened like to take the occasional swipe at the police culture, and suggest it as blameworthy for that which ails the occupation. In reality, the culture is blameworthy for nothing, except the compassion, relief and hope it brings to those within – and, indeed, without – the family.
Part-time Port Adelaide police officer and highly-ranked international triathlete, Matt Stephens, represented Australia in Iron Man Florida last month.
Competing against the world’s best, and in extremely trying conditions, he crossed the finish line in eighth place.
He revealed to the Police Journal last month that this would be his fourth triathlon for 2002. Given that Iron Man triathletes would normally compete in only two events per year, Stephens can be duly proud of his achievement.
|
||||||||||
|
The Police Journal Online is an
official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is
published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001 The Police Association of South Australia sustance |