Dear Andy

There has been much publicity about the Victor Harbor/Adelaide road, and well there should be. Each fortnight we drive to Mt Compass, and each time we strike utter idiots either driving south or north.

We struck a beauty last trip. A late-model black Lancer (registration number noted), which passed us as though we were stranding still – we were doing 95 in the 100km/h section.

From passing on the inside to tailgating he did, until he could race away. Then, heading north before the strawberry farm and just out of Compass, he took off passing on double lines. If that wasn’t bad enough, he then took off passing again on double lines on a bend.

The car in front of us pulled over and stopped, from shock we think.

The sensible, careful driver will comply with the 100km/h limit, or any speed. However, with idiots like we struck, it wouldn’t matter how careful one drives – there will always be someone who must go faster and take chances.

An accident waiting to happen but, worse still, how many road-safety-conscious drivers would he take with him?
Rox Rosey
Victor Harbor

Dear Andy

Once again, congratulations to Brett Williams on his story (Suburban shootout) in the June Police Journal regarding the Matt De Sira and Mal Racz incident at Brompton.

Once again, this raises the continued issue of SAPOL members not having adequate protection against the odds. We all know how lucky these two guys were that Nylander’s shots missed by a couple of centimetres – both may well have been killed.

Many months on we still have to go out and buy our own body armour for when the unexpected occurs. I always thought that an employer had a duty of care. Obviously SAPOL doesn’t.

I have raised the issue of body armour time and time again with Andy, and I know he has the same feelings as I do. Is it going to take one of us to get blown away before the department and government act, and supply us with adequate protection?

I had a mate in the USA who sent me the following in respect to an incident that occurred with three of his officers a couple of days ago: “Goes to show what adequate protection can do for you. Yes, it can save your life.”

No wonder now a lot of members are getting things placed in their wills for loved ones to take action against the employer in case an incident like this occurs to them.
Ian Lockwood

Dear Sir

A very interesting and informative article (Suburban shootout, Police Journal, June 2003).

I have met both, Senior Constable Racz and Senior Constable De Sira through previous employment as an LPO in SA.

I have also “managed” the offender, Harry Nylander, within the SA Government correctional system prior to becoming a constable with the NT Police Department.

I am aware of the complexities associated with Mr Nylander. Snr Constables Racz and De Sira were placed in an unenviable situation with a very dangerous individual.

I hope both officers are recuperating from their ordeal; their communities need them.

I found your article to be interesting, honest and informative.
Const Andrew McCrea, 2198
Alice Springs, Northern Territory