December 1998 Volume 79 Number 12 "serving the protectors"
Editorial
By Andy Dunn (editor@pasa.asn.au)

How Should Police Officers See Internal Investigations?

Might it be that, sufficient evidence of the misery and total devastation suffered by police officers as a result of false accusations and emotionally brutal investigations, hasn’t been presented to Deputy Commissioner Neil McKenzie?

Only this year, the Police Journal featured first-hand accounts of the soul-destroying anguish endured not only by police officers but also their families - all as a result of protracted, immoral and unnecessary investigations. But perhaps McKenzie didn’t peruse the Police Journal this year.

And, perhaps that’s why he’s told the Eastern Courier Messenger that “police officers should have confidence that the investigation of complaints is a thorough process” and “should not be regarded with suspicion” (11.11.98).

Would those so intensely traumatized by the police complaints system agree with McKenzie?

Senior Constable Allan Vilcins was the victim of a totally concocted story by, of all people, a Police Complaints Authority employee. He was accused of aggression and belligerence during a telephone call but tape-recorded the conversation and was cleared.

Constable Jackie McDonald was falsely accused of kicking a violent, blood-spitting prisoner in the Elizabeth police cells. She was totally exonerated by the same video-tape evidence with which authorities sought to convict her.

Constable Gary Batty stood falsely accused of assaulting a violent offender who had abducted a woman at gunpoint. He was cleared by video-tape evidence in exactly the same way as McDonald.

Before these innocent, hard-working police officers’ good names were cleared, however, they collectively suffered YEARS of torment.

And they’re supposed to regard investigations without suspicion?

If they viewed them with anything but contempt, they wouldn’t be human.

There must be a complaints process - but one which is fair and transparent.

The Attorney-General must, as a matter of urgency, legislate amendments to the Police (Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings) Act in accordance with Iris Stevens’ recommendations.

Only then will McKenzie’s comments be appropriate.

From Sport Comes PR

South Australia’s police enjoy a proud history of involvement in top-level sports. Only in recent years, police have featured in AFL and SANFL football and State cricket.

But as Ken Cunningham asserted in Police Work? Not for KG, their future involvement may be in doubt. Bearing the strain of combining two highly demanding occupations has, sadly, diminished the number of police competitors.

One would hope, however, that SAPOL will recognize the extraordinary PR benefits to be gained from its employees’ participation in elite competitions.

It would also be hoped that, once so recognized, support and not ultimatums will follow.