May 1999 Volume 80 Number 6 "serving the protectors"
Straight to the Point
By Trevor Haskell

Congratulations

The Rotary Police Officer of the Year was awarded to Rick O’Dea for his great work in establishing the Errappa training facility. Rick was supported by many in the local area and they have developed ideas into positive outcomes for many who have used the facility.

I have heard good feedback from within and outside of SAPOL on the way the facility was created and run. Well done, Rick and the team.

Bemused 1

Many police officers are involved in their communities around the State. The amount of time and energy that is expended is great. I still get a bit irked when I hear of abuse stories around claims for overtime to enable bona fide Neighbourhood Watch work. Some managers are quite obviously becoming confused by the introduction of time off in lieu. They cannot seem to grasp the concept of free choice. They go the blackmail line: “You can work the hours but only if you take time in lieu.” Wrong in my view.

I understand the process should go:

Worker’s question: “Can I work overtime for... (state reason)?”

Manager’s response: “Yes” or “No.” (If no, end of story. If yes, continue.)

Worker’s response: “I will take it as paid overtime” or “I will take it as time in lieu.”

Perhaps someone at Focus could do a flow chart for those not quite grasping the difficult concept.

Bemused 2

Given that so much good community work is done by police officers I wonder if the recorded messages at some LSAs might be amended. They might provide information on how to provide positive feedback when good service has been provided, instead of one LSA’s recorded message which informs callers how to make a complaint against police officers.

It is interesting being on hold and listening to how to make a complaint about the service one is about to receive. Almost a potential self-fulfilling prophesy.

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