December 1999 Volume 80 Number 12 "serving the protectors"

Citizens Sympathetic

Andy

Any intrusion of weapons into our community is a step back from civil society - whether it is an armed hold up at Kurralta Park, an ambush in Wright Street or the bizarre incident on Marion Road.

With regard to that last incident, please let the officers concerned know that the thoughts, hopes and prayers of many citizens are with them, and their families.

At the risk of jumping to judgement, I get the feeling that the individual concerned manipulated the situation in order to force the issue. This is probably the most selfish and nasty method of death as it forces an innocent and unwilling person to perform the fatal act. A similar situation exists with train drivers and the people who suicide by jumping in front of them. It might be useful to compare notes with the Public Transport Union on dealing with this sort of experience (if you haven’t already).

Regards
Gerard McEwen
Glandore

Neale Family’s Thanks

Dear Andy

We would like you to convey through the Police Journal our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following:

• The people who called and rang David during his illness (it meant a great deal to David), there were far too many to thank individually so please accept this as our thanks.
• The assistance given to us in organising such a special service for David on his service in the Police Association of South Australia and SAPOL.
• The executive of the association for its comfort, support and assistance to myself, Lorey and Clint at such a painful and stressful time. This support will never be forgotten.
• The many interstate and overseas visitors who came to pay their last respects to David.
• The numerous members and friends who have given and sent their condolences.
• Last but not least, the care, compassion and assistance given to us by Greg O’Neill.

Once again, on behalf of David’s family we thank you.

Avis, Lorey and Clint
David Neale
alias Precious

Police Help For Sick Children

The Editor

I thank Adelaide Investigations for the donation of $561 which is the first donation towards the Women’s and Children’s Hospital entertainment rooms.

As you are no doubt aware, I co-ordinate a community policing initiative at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital called Police Link. This initiative is basically the “Schools Program” in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, as many of the youngsters in the hospital suffer from chronic illness and, as such, often miss out on visits to their schools by those SAPOL members who conduct these programs.

The program also aims to provide development to SAPOL members, particularly for probationary constables who have a compulsory community policing component as part of their Probationary Constable Development Program.

A part of this initiative has also included youngsters from the Adolescent Ward and CanTeen coming into Hindley Street two to three times a year for a breakfast at McDonald’s and then to Tilt on Hindley to play video games. All this is donated by the businesses involved.

The senior paediatrician of the Adolescent Ward, Dr Richard Cockington, suggested a games room for the Adolescent Ward. Dr Cockington explained that positive experience and entertainment that distracted youngsters from the negative side of their illness was most important for recovery and/or long term survival. I have accepted this project, along with one for the Boylan Ward, as a Police Link project. The games rooms will have computer video games such as flight simulators, driving simulators and the like. Air hockey is also popular and will be made available.

Any SAPOL members who conduct any fundraising in the future - such as minor lotteries or charity golf days and so on - are asked to consider this project. The Women’s and Children’s Hospital services the whole of South Australia. All contributors will be recognized by being named on a plaque placed in each games room. We will need to raise at least $60,000 with on-going maintenance costs. Any SAPOL members who wish to be involved at the coalface are also welcome.

Any inquiries can be directed to me.

Kevin Beinke
Sergeant 254/2
Hindley Street Police (62)
E-mail: binks@picknowl.com.au

Drain On Police Pension

How many Police Credit Union members who are now retired, as I am, will no longer be able to use another agency to withdraw their police pension.

It is apparent that no consultation whatever, took place with members prior to arrangements with Australia Post for us to use their Giro Post facilities to withdraw our police pension at a charge/cost of $2.50 per transaction.

To me, who withdraws cash weekly for household expenses, this is a charge of $10 per month out of my police pension to draw it.

Oh yes, I can use an ATM but no thanks. There is no personal security in the street and I for one do not want some dirty, snotty-nosed individual on drugs looking over my shoulder while I am doing business.

I have been told I can go to the Police Credit Union at Marion. Tell me why should I go to the expense of having to travel there from Hackham.

In this computerized age just where is the problem in still using the agency at Christies Beach?

Brain Allen
Hackham West

Interrupted Meal Breaks

Dear Andy

Please find my thoughts on a simple change to the current award to improve members conditions and welfare. It is mainly intended to improve the health and welfare aspect of shiftworkers’ lives.

Currently the award provides for an unbroken meal break of not less than 30 minutes and not more than 60 minutes. If the meal break is interrupted, another meal break of 30 minutes may be taken or alternatively 30 minutes of overtime paid. Please don’t quote me as being exact on the wording.

With the current patrol system and staffing levels we are experiencing I have noticed an increase in the number of times patrols are called out from a meal break to attend taskings. This impacts on the quality and quantity of food consumed. Half eaten meals are thrown away, previously reheated food can only be reheated so many times before it is inedible. Our members are either wasting previously prepared meals, throwing away purchased hot meals and then either going hungry, or obtaining another meal.

Shiftwork in itself is not good for our health, poor nutrition due to missed meals and poor quality food (due to being reheated again and again) and eating at odd times is also not good for our health. Providing one meal, discarding it and purchasing another at a later stage is not healthy for the wallet either.

I would suggest that a change to the award so that it has the current provision with the inclusion of something similar to “if the nominated meal break is not able to be taken for the full 30 minute period due to being recalled to duty then 30 minutes of overtime shall be paid.”

This overtime would financially recompense members for the expense incurred in obtaining secondary meals and would place financial encumbrances on supervisors in recalling members to duty during a meal. It would also financially offset health problems due to poor eating habits/practices in the workplace.

Better rostering practices, better staffing would alleviate the likelihood of patrols being recalled during a meal break. It would appear those things are unlikely to occur in the short term. Perhaps hitting the hip pocket will protect our members and ease some of the strain for those at the coalface.

Regards
Alan Huggins

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