Parallels with the clergy
I read with interest about the way many police officers continue
to dedicate themselves when off duty with a view to making our community
a better place (Cops off-duty givers, Editorial, June 2004). It highlights
the fact that many men and women go into the police force in order
to serve the community, and so that continued service outside of working
hours is a natural outcome of their dedication.
I write this letter because I want to affirm such dedication for
the good of humanity. As a police chaplain and a minister in a church,
I am aware of the many parallels in our work – of course, there are
many differences also.
The similarities are in promoting and working towards making our
communities better places to live in, about caring for people. The
church is about supporting community by bringing good into people’s
lives, though unfortunately there are a few, as in the police force,
who tarnish the image.
However, it is not for me to stand in judgement on anyone, because
but by the grace of God go I. Anarchy would rule if people of good
will, be it in the police force or the church, didn’t go that extra
mile in doing good.
I, too, hope that society appreciates the dedication of the many
police officers who do make a difference. May God bless you as you
go about this important work of serving the community.
Sandra Webb
Police Chaplain for Salisbury
No “boss-bashing” exercise
Dear Sir
Thank you for publishing my previous letter (Old guns, impractical
uniform, April 2004). I also thank all the members who agreed
with me in relation to these issues, especially Trent Cox and Alex
Copeland.
I would like to clear up a few issues raised by these people. Expressing
my thoughts on the matter was not a "boss-bashing" exercise, and I
had no intention of offending any of them.
Actually, I have a great deal of respect for commissioned officers.
I am also aware that some commissioned officers do not only chase
the occasional crook, they also utilize the same equipment as we do.
I had no intention of making any hard and fast rules, and should
have not alienated any members in my letter. I would like to explain
my rationale in this matter, however. It may make the matter a little
clearer.
The biggest stakeholders in the uniform/belt issue are the patrol
and operational members. It is from this area we have the most injuries
directly attributed to the belts. As the biggest stakeholders, operational
members should have the greatest amount of input, without the detraction
of budgetary constraints.
Patrols do have a wide and varied experience pool which can be drawn
upon, and this is not to denigrate any experience of the commissioned
officers, nor should it negate any consultation with them.
This appears consistent with the Future Directions Strategy, 2003,
Key Management Area, Valuing our people. By devolving such a responsibility
to operational members, we meet the objective: To value our people,
their knowledge and skills, and to maximise their ability to contribute
to SAPOL'S service delivery. It also moves toward the Priority
Action: Enhance operational safety standards and practices.
It is obvious that any good outcomes that benefit operational members
would be embraced by the commissioned officers.
My aim in writing the original letter was to open debate on this
matter, which it has done. I have told people who have expressed support
for my comments to write to you, thereby demonstrating support for
this issue, as action on this matter is long overdue.
Regards
Malcolm Racz
Simple matter of money
Dear Editor
I have read with interest a number of articles in the Police
Journal over the past 18 months or so, in relation to uniforms,
equipment belts, caps, firearms and numerous other articles used in
day-to-day front-line policing.
Most of these articles focus on the impracticalities of current equipment
and make suggestions of alternatives or replacements and the like.
I am in full agreement with the suggestion of most of these articles,
and I am sure that even the powers that be have a wish list in relation
to most operational equipment. Sadly, all these issues – as important
and relevant as they may be – all come down to the simple matter of
money.
Coming from a UK police force, I have seen a number of differences
between my previous force and SAPOL. No doubt most, if not all officers
(of every rank in SAPOL), realize that SAPOL is under-funded, or it
certainly appears that way. I am sure that a number of ideas tabled
would get further within SAPOL if there was the money available to
support such additional projects. As it is, getting hold of replacement
items of our current uniform is hard enough, let alone considering
a new uniform altogether.
The reason behind such tight funding seems to be more of a mystery
to most. Perhaps it is due to the costs of such high levels of recruiting
at present, although it could be a myriad of things. I think if SAPOL
made its financial situation more transparent to its members, perhaps
we might all be a little more understanding of the situation.
In the meantime, I, like many of my colleagues, continue to dream
of SAPOL policing equipment being updated and improved.
Mark Davies
Constable 7482/7
Holden Hill Patrols
