The Police Magazine February 2010

RECOVER, REBUILD, REMEMBER How is moving forward after the tragedy of Black Saturday. PRINT POST APPROVED 349018/00079

Plu s > SEARCH AND RESCUE > TRUE CRIME > COLLISION COURSE INSIDE february 10

Recruit of Policea t ke on Robots lead Paddling on 12| the year 22| the highways 26| response 28| the Murray Rgulse ar … Oddo Sp ts …05 Out & about …10 Picture This …19 From the archives …30 from the chief commissioner inbox L feTTERS rom members of the COMMUNITY THANKS TIMELY FINE public can be submitted for We write to express the deep I wish to thank Mildura Traffic publication and preference appreciation of the services Management Unit’s Senior will be given to letters of extended to the Sikh community Constable Narelle Kolpin. less than 150 words. Names, by Detective Leading Senior You probably do not often get addresses and telephone Constable Robert Moreton of thanked for booking someone numbers must be included. the Security Intelligence Group. – but thank you. Det Ldg Sen Const Moreton has Your understanding was and is Letters may be edited by been extremely helpful over the much appreciated. Police Life. Only the name and past nine years, since starting his We all probably need to take on suburb will be published, portfolio as the desk officer for less and slow down. If there is such unless the writer requests the Indian community. a thing as a ‘fine in time’, I got it. otherwise. Submit letters to: I found it impressive that he has [email protected] shown a genuine sincere interest in NINA PASCOE or Inbox, Police Life, PO Box 415, his month marks the first the Sikh community, resulting in him MILDURA , victoria, 3005. anniversary of the devastating acquiring a wealth of knowledge on T our community issues and culture. ALTONA’S ADVOCATE Black Saturday bushfires. become a fan He has shown commitment and I would like to compliment In this edition of Police Life, of police life enthusiasm in dealing with all the actions of Senior Constable police reflect on the tragic events on facebook. cases he has been involved in and George Kokkoris of Altona North of last February and share stories I am aware of several instances police station. of how their local communities where he has been responsible for As victims of a recent burglary, are rebuilding and recovering resolving community issues and George kept us informed of the from the fires, which claimed promoting harmony. relevant happenings of the case, the lives of 173 people. I have been advised that Det Ldg was always polite, professional and These stories are testament Sen Const Moreton has transferred personable. We felt that George to the community spirit and the to the Counter Terrorism team. While cared about our welfare and case. dedication, determination and saddened by this, I feel reassured He was at all times thorough, compassion of the Victorians that his skills will be contributing to thoughtful and professional. This who have banded together to making Victoria safer. is our first time dealing with the help support each other through police and we are pleased to say the crisis and into the future. SATNAM SINGH PABLA that George made it much easier I have been personally inspired PRESIDENT, SINGH SABHA to cope. by this demonstration of human SPORTS CLUB strength and unity, which I have SOPHIE LOVELAND witnessed time and again during NEWPORT my many visits to fire-affected areas across the state over the past 12 months. It is this spirit in the face of adversity that defines who we are Police Life is produced by the Strategic Communications Unit, Media & Corporate cover: TRAGEDY REMEMBERED as Australians. We are there for Communications Department, Victoria Police, PO Box 415, Melbourne, 3005. Police tell of how far each other when the chips are Fax: 9247 5982, Email: [email protected] their communities have come since last year’s down and we care about our Editor Maria Carnovale Journalist Mark Tesoriero Black Saturday bushfires. neighbours and our mates. Graphic Design Vetro Design Pty Ltd Subscriptions 9247 6894 Photograph: Shane Bell. Poster: HIGH AND LOW This issue of Police Life is a ISSN 0032-2598L Crown Copyright in the state of Victoria. For permission to reprint The Search and Rescue tribute to that great Aussie spirit. any part of this magazine, contact the editor. Opinions expressed are not necessarily Squad tackles all terrains. those of Victoria Police. Photograph: Shane Bell. Simon Overland, APM

02 February 2010 POLICELIFE making news FOR the latest police news VISIT www.vicpolicenews.com.au

Campaignextinguishes

arson .01

One year after bushfires ravaged On the one-year anniversary of the fires Victoria Police and Crime parts of Victoria, a campaign has been Stoppers Victoria launched the launched to target arsonists and Extinguish Arson Campaign. Phoenix Taskforce’s Detective Crime Stoppers Victoria prevent a similar tragedy. Superintendent Paul Hollowood executive director Peter Sprott said the campaign encouraged said there were particular types the community to be conscious of information the community he Black Saturday bushfires of their surroundings and report should report. Twere indiscriminate. Wealthy suspected arson-related activity “If you live or work in a fire-prone Editorial MELISSA HEAGNEY or poor, young or old, the people to Crime Stoppers. area, you may be aware of people PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF affected were varied. However, they “We want the community to be HERALD AND WEEKLY TIMES who are often seen at the scene of all had one thing in common – their courageous and come forward fires or show an intense interest in desire to catch those responsible. with information, particularly About half of the major fires what is happening. Or you may be Extinguish arson information that can help us that took hold in Victoria on aware of a vehicle or person seen .01 police look for clues at the prevent arson before it occurs,” in the vicinity of a bushfire just scene of bushfires in the 7 February are being treated Det Supt Hollowood said. Black Saturday aftermath. before it started,” he said. by investigators as suspicious, “We’re asking people to report “We all have to play our part in possibly started by arsonists. any information they may have, stopping arsonists.” So far, the Phoenix Taskforce no matter how insignificant they Editor’s note: Read about how has made inroads in their think it may be, to stop arsonists police have supported fire-affected investigations, but as well as in their tracks. communities on page 6. catching those responsible, “Fires have an absolutely police are focusing on making devastating effect on lives. They sure the community is not placed destroy homes, decimate wildlife at risk again. and in the worst-case scenarios, kill men, women and children. If you have information about “Arson is a serious crime so arson-related crime, contact " We’re asking people to report any information our plea is this – if you’ve seen Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com. something or know something – au on the Internet. they may have, no matter how insignificant they have the courage to say something.” think it may be, to stop arsonists in their tracks."

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 03 small talk

voxpoP bookreview What have you learnt from last year’s Black Saturday bushfires? L eading Senior Constable Ron Brown FIRESTORM: Kinglake police That nowhere is safe from a bushfire. I thought that Kinglake would be one of the safest places with how Black Saturday's wet it is normally. Tragedy

Saturday, 7 February, 2009 started like most Constable Mark Williams other Victorian summer Saturdays, sunny and Kinglake police with a light breeze. I learnt a greater compassion for people’s suffering, especially those who were affected by such events. owever this day was to turn into a day of national grieving as the country H was faced with the reality that 173 people perished in an inferno described as ‘hell on earth’. Firestorm: Black Saturday’s Tragedy is an account of the events of Black Saturday compiled by a committee of parents and friends of Glenvale School, Lilydale. L eading Senior Constable Dean Maguire The book follows the tragedy that captured the world in a suburb State Highway Patrol in Corio by suburb report, graphic images of devastated Victorian bushland, How ferocious and deadly it can be in extreme surrounded by personal anecdotes of the day that claimed many lives weather conditions. Go early. It is not worth your and homes. life or your family’s to hang around. Victoria Police’s involvement on the day is highlighted as well as the role of other emergency services that assisted in saving as much as possible from the fires. To purchase a copy of the book, visit www.blacksaturdayfirestorm.com. au on the Internet. All profits from sales will be donated to the Country Fire Authority. equipmentshowcase

policefact search powers were enhanced D ID You last month giving police the ability to create a designated KNOW area and, without warrant, Integrated ? search people in that area and Operational seize any detected weapons. Equipment Vests QUICKSTATS

P woLICE iLL have more protection than ever before following the introduction of world- HOLIDAY class ballistic vests. TRAFFIC BLITZ he light-weight Integrated provide members with a heightened TOperational Equipment Vests degree of comfort and safety. provide an unprecedented level of “Police often find themselves in protection from various firearms volatile situations and come into and edged weapons. contact with people armed with P eoLICE d tected almost The vests are personally-tailored knives and firearms,” he said. “The vests will provide all 30,000 traffic offences to members and contain equipment Off eNCES included: pouches for handcuffs, a radio, police with a high level of ballistic during Operation and spike protection, increasing Aegis over the 2009–10 1837 speeding offences additional ammunition, baton and 2107 mobile phone offences Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray. confidence and feelings of safety Christmas and New amongst our members.” 2176 seat belt offences Chief Commissioner Simon Year period from 18 1058 unlicensed drivers Overland said the vests would More than 8500 vests will be distributed to members this year. December to 3 January. 576 disqualified drivers

04 February 2010 POLICELIFE behindthebadge

CAMERON CAINE

RANK Senior Constable Age 38 GRADUATED 1999

DUTIES … I work at Kinglake police station. I attend all sorts of situations from domestic disputes right through to traffic management. We do a bit of work with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria in relation to patrolling the forest, managing campers, four-wheel drivers and deer hunting in the area. Before working at Kinglake … I did a year at Reservoir and Seymour police stations. I have also done temporary duties at Pyalong, Yea and Kilmore. I was one of the original police members stationed at Kinglake police station when it opened its doors six years ago. One of the challenges I face is … Knowing everyone in the town. I have played football for Kinglake since 1994 and now I am president of the club. It can also work in a positive light because I have a lot of mates in the town and always know that if I go out on a job alone that I have the respect and trust of the locals. In the future … I am happy staying at Kinglake. I think it is important for people in a small country town to know their police and have the members remain if the community is happy. There is a good bond between residents and police here so I would like to stay as long as possible. Editor’s note: It has been an eventful year for Sen Const Caine. Since the Black Saturday bushfires, he used his role as president of the Kinglake Football Club to help raise $200,000 for the local community. He was also nominated for Australian of the Year, making it to the final four of Victoria’s Local Hero category.

So h rt drive “If my father had been alive today As reported in the Herald Sun in One wrong turn led a man across he’d be 80 and if he was in the same December, the man pointed a gun a state border and 600 kilometres situation as Eric, I’d be very grateful at the teller and demanded money ODD away from his destination. to the policeman that helped him before fleeing. out,” Ldg Sen Const Smith said. The Traffic Drug and Alcohol “It was a little unbelievable. He was Section’s Leading Senior Constable actually jovial, which is scary. He Clayton Smith was stopped at Media Superstar explained that he was robbing the SPOT a service station on the Princes bank because Santa had to pay his Even the presence of the Chief elves,” witness Richlyn Jones said. Freeway near Avalon, when he Commissioner did not deter an was approached by 80-year-old offender from trying to escape Police are investigating. Eric Steward. police in December. “Can you speak to my wife?” Chief Commissioner Simon FRUITY FIND Mr Steward asked and handed Overland was fielding questions him a mobile phone. Burglary is mouth-watering work, from journalists about a public apparently. “I’m a bit lost.” order operation outside Flinders After carrying out a spree of After speaking to Clare Steward, Ldg Street Railway Station when a man suspected of stealing a motorcycle burglaries in the Heidelberg area Sen Const Smith realised just how last year, an offender could not off-course her husband had strayed. ran by, only metres away, chased by other police. resist the temptation of a kiwi fruit The Navy serviceman had on one victim’s bench. The Victoria Police Media Unit’s left Yass, north of Canberra, The offender took a bite of it and at 7.15am to buy the morning Senior Constable Marty Beveridge joined the chase and helped left the half-eaten fruit on the newspaper and was kitchen bench. expected to return tackle the man, who was wearing a shortly. motorcycle helmet, to the ground. Later, Heidelberg police station’s Leading Senior Constable Lisa Nine hours and Fairweather went about collecting more than 600 STEALING SEASON evidence at the scene and collected kilometres A man dressed in a Santa suit a swab of DNA from the kiwi fruit. later, he had was not listening to children’s crossed the The DNA linked the offender to wishes when he robbed a bank more than 20 other burglaries. Victorian before Christmas. border and nearly reached The man entered the SunTrust Melbourne. Bank in Nashville, Tennessee in the suit complete with hat, beard and Police escorted moustache. Mr Steward to nearby Sunshine police station.

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 05 CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY one YEARON

From the ashes

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06 February 2010 POLICELIFE RECOVERY ROAD .01 Despite losing most of the 400 buildings and houses in town, Marysville is slowly getting back on its feet. .02 Senior Constable Frank McGowan looks out over the regenerating forest towards Lake Mountain.

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editorial MARK TESORIERO photographY ANDREW HENSHAW

The Black Saturday bushfires will forever be burnt in the “There was a strong respect between the people in the town and Australian psyche as one of the most devastating events the police before, but I guess it’s a of our time. Marysville and Kinglake – two Victorian towns bit more now,” Sen Const Collyer, who has worked in Marysville for hailed for their beauty and charm – are now remembered the past seven years, said. as places of tragedy rather than tranquillity. Police Life’s “No one is going around the town and talking about what they Mark Tesoriero visited the iconic townships to follow did during the fires. their paths to recovery one year later. “It’s just accepted that everyone did what they had to and we’re all just moving on.” Given the huge devastation t is like a ghost town in to buildings and houses around Marysville today. I “There’s just a bit more town, some locals have chosen Snaking through the scenic community work now.” to move on. Black Spur Drive and down to the This type of community work “There are people scattered main street, it seems like we are has taken on all forms for the throughout the town now with the only motorists on the road. Marysville members since the fires. some in the village and others that Stopping for directions to the Sen Const Collyer said members bought properties in peripheral Marysville police station, it is tried to attend meetings and Any search for the Marysville cities,” Sen Const Collyer said. difficult to find a business that lectures held in the town to stay police station in town is fruitless – “Some people have gone and will is open along the once heavily- informed of issues relating to the site at the corner of Murchison never come back, while there are populated Murchison Road. the bushfires and its aftermath. and Pack roads was completely others that will never leave. After hot weather in the past “We also try to liaise with destroyed during the fires. “As a result of what has week, this particular day in the central hub and essential A temporary police station happened there has been a small December has been declared services that they have in the has been established about 10 influx of people who have bought a total fire ban. village,” he said. kilometres down Buxton-Marysville and moved in to the area as well.” While some remaining “We liaise with the people Road in neighbouring Buxton. The displacement of so many businesses have closed for there and talk about potential Sharing a site with the local residents has also led to the summer, it is apparent after problems that may arise.” Country Fire Authority (CFA), the creation of a temporary housing speaking to locals that many These measures, in addition Marysville members work out of estate opposite the Marysville have heeded the weather to the efforts of police during two portable sheds by the roadside. Golf Course. warning and left town. and after the Black Saturday One of the sheds, which is now Dubbed ‘The Village’ by locals, Bushfires had struck Marysville fires, has endeared the townsfolk used for storage, was used as a the site is a collection of about before, but it was the devastating to its police. temporary police station on the 50 portable housing units and inferno last year on 7 February The heroism of Marysville’s former site in Marysville until the caravans for those who lost their that changed life in this popular members, particularly in saving move to Buxton in May last year. homes during the fires. tourist town. more than 200 people sheltering Plans are in place to build a Thirty-four people lost from flames at the local football police station at Marysville and their lives that day, and most oval, has been well documented. of the town’s 400 buildings is expected to be completed by were destroyed. the end of the year. Bushland encompassing the Despite the current location, town, including along the many Senior Constable Peter Collyer popular walking tracks around said it was “business as usual” The heroism of Marysville’s members, Stevenson Falls, is no longer there. in the quiet town. The area is bereft of natural “Apart from where we are, it foliage, apart from the green ferns is just a normal police station particularly in saving more than 200 people and shrubs that defiantly sprout up for us,” the Buxton resident said. from the scorched earth. “None of the core general sheltering from flames at the local football oval, The hillside resembles a thinning policing duties we’ve done in hairline with its natural cover of the past have changed. has been well documented. leaves removed, leaving only a “We still have the normal scatter of burnt trunks. call-outs to situations such as domestic disputes, road accidents and the like.

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 07 one YEARON

Leading Senior Constable Ron "There’s been a lot more foot patrolling and just Brown said members had tried to make themselves more available talking to people and guiding them through their to the community. “We’ve made an effort to keep the door open as long as we can disputes and issues." for people who need documents certified to access the various Temporary fencing surrounds kinds of help and grants that are properties under construction as available,” he said. the noise of nail guns and power Senior Constable Frank “There’s been a lot more foot saws pierces the afternoon air. McGowan, who started working at patrolling and just talking to In Pine Ridge Road, a Marysville police station in May, people and guiding them through thoroughfare along which many said some issues had flared from their disputes and issues.” lives were lost, one man carefully living in such close quarters. Although subtle, signs of lays a foundation of bricks at one “Suddenly we’ve got a new little regrowth are evident throughout building site. area to patrol for the potential the town. A faint smell of burnt trees still problems that arise from having The main street is reasonably hangs in the air – a constant so many people living so close Kinglake police station’s vibrant with the local pub, reminder of the horror that together. But, it hasn’t been too Constable Mark Williams said post office, bakery, café and engulfed this small road. bad so far,” he said. the official clean-up of the town supermarket untouched by Const Williams said the “You obviously have the potential and its surrounding areas finished the fires. town had showed remarkable there for noise complaints, alcohol- in late August. resolve since Black Saturday and related offences and domestics “We struggled to get builders was confident it would remain and we’re just starting to see a few up here during the winter months throughout the rebuilding process. of these.” but we’re just starting to see places “There have been times when But some normality is returning go up with the first house finished naturally people have fallen to the town. about a few weeks back,” he said down but the community has Construction has been slow over in December. helped them get back on their the winter months but is starting to The mood in town is festive with feet,” he said. progress with buildings springing the Kinglake police station and “Everyone has been through up sporadically across town. other shops along Whittlesea- a hell of a lot but they keep A supermarket was opened in Kinglake Road decorated in pulling themselves back up December, while a petrol station Christmas tinsel. and getting on with life.” was under construction when But, memories of last February’s Police Life visited. fires are never far away. Similar progress is being made During Police Life’s visit, on in Kinglake, another fire-affected another hot December afternoon, town about 60 kilometres west the shriek of the CFA’s sirens filled of Marysville. the air as two trucks raced east Const Williams said the town had showed Forty-five people were killed and towards a grass fire out of town. hundreds of homes destroyed in You could almost hear the town remarkable resolve since Black Saturday Kinglake and Kinglake West during hold its breath. the bushfires. “That’s something we haven’t and was confident it would remain It was one of the hardest hit really done since the bushfires, we towns in the state and, along with try not to put the bells and whistles Marysville, became synonymous on,” Const Williams said. throughout the rebuilding process. with the grief and tragedy “If we go out on a job we’ll put the associated with Black Saturday. lights on but rarely the sirens.” There are other subtle changes that Kinglake members have introduced around town.

08 February 2010 POLICELIFE fire regrowth V ictoria’s tragedy .03 Constable Mark Williams is amid the regrowth in The bushfires that struck in January and February of last year Kinglake’s fire-affected area. devastated many other towns across Victoria. Communities in Gippsland’s Latrobe Valley between Darlimurla and Boolarra were affected in the week leading up to Black Saturday from blazes that ravaged the Strzelecki Ranges. On Black Saturday, fires were first reported at Kilmore before spreading to neighbouring communities such as Kinglake, Marysville, St Andrews, Narbethong, Strathewen and Flowerdale. Towns including Steels Creek, Humevale, Wandong, Callignee and Koornalla were also struck. Fires were also sparked in areas around Bendigo, Redesdale, Bunyip, Beechworth and Dargo.

19 16 10 4 13 17 9 6 12 5 8 20 11 1 15 7 2 14 18 3

ae r as EfFECted 1 Darlimurla 8 Narbethong 15 Koornalla 2 Boolarra 9 Strathewen 16 Bendigo 3 Strzelecki Ranges 10 Flowerdale 17 Redesdale 4 Kilmore 11 Steels Creek 18 Bunyip 5 Kinglake 12 Humevale 19 Beechworth 6 Marysville 13 Wandong 20 Dargo 7 St Andrews 14 Callignee

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www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 09 CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

Churchill police station

N aMED aFTER former British Prime Minister Sir Winston “Residents are starting to get the idea and have cleaned Churchill, this Latrobe Valley town is home to the ‘big cigar’ themselves up.” and Hazelwood Power Station. Police Life’s Mark Tesoriero Along with the Loy Yang Power Station, in nearby Traralgon, headed down the Princes Freeway and discovered there was Hazelwood supplies power for more to Churchill than cigars and electricity. the majority of Victoria. As climate change gains prominence both nationally and editorial MARK TESORIERO “If someone’s being a bit grumpy “It’s a slice of the city in the globally, the coal producing plant photography ANDREW HENSHAW we have a joke with them and tell country,” he said. has become a target for activists. them straight away to snap out of “We tend to have some quite There were a number of it, and they do.” serious assaults and aggravated protests last year, including one Morale is high among the troops burglaries, so we’ve taken a tough that attracted more than 100 here is a good vibe in the – and it needs to be. approach to policing the area.” demonstrators on 13 September. TChurchill watch house. Churchill is one of the busiest The members ran a series of Twenty-two protesters were It is the day after the Christmas 16-hour stations in the state. campaigns last year, targeting arrested and those who had party and the banter is still flowing Nestled in Victoria’s Latrobe traffic and public order offences. chained themselves to equipment freely around the police station. Valley, the area is near 24-hour One particular campaign – had to be freed by the Search and The wise cracks continue as the police stations at Morwell, Moe Operation Tweety – has proved Rescue Squad. team poses for a Christmas photo and Traralgon. successful in removing unlicensed The presence of the power and reminisce about the previous Infrastructure such as the and impaired drivers. station led to the construction of evening’s dinner. Hazelwood Power Station, “We work in conjunction with the Hazelwood Pondage, a close Officer in charge Sergeant Peter Hazelwood Pondage and Monash VicRoads and the Sheriff’s Office to 300-hectare body of water Allan, known to his colleagues as University campus ensure the and will road block a particular used to cool the turbines at the ‘Woody’, chuckles at the quips. Churchill team remains alert. area, pull up cars and trucks, power station. “We’ve all worked together for Senior Constable David Staple conduct roadworthy and warrant The pondage is popular a few years now and have a good said Churchill was a “unique place checks, and preliminary breath with bathers and water skiers, working relationship,” he said. to work”. tests,” Sgt Allan said. leading to additional patrols by “They’re a good bunch of blokes Churchill members during peak and work well together. holiday periods.

10 February 2010 POLICELIFE Warragul Trafalgar Moe Traralgon WESTERN PORT Morwell M1

A440 Loch Churchill Mirboo North Boolarra Korumburra Phillip A420 Island Leongatha

San Remo A440 Division 3

B460 B460 Wonthaggi Meeniyan Inverloch Foster Toora A440

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Churchill .01 The Hazelwood Power Station, and accompanying pondage keep Churchill’s crew on its toes. .02 Sgt Allan speaks to a local. .03 A vacant property catches the eye of police. .04 Churchill police work with Monash University staff to ensure a safe campus. .05 Churchill police ran a series of traffic operations last year. .06 Vandals have targeted this derelict hotel. .07 Churchill was not spared from last summer’s bushfires, which engulfed much of the Latrobe Valley. .01 .04 .05

Dense bushland surrounding Two of the 11 people that died the town and an unpredictable in the Gippsland fires perished in climate also prove challenging. Churchill. Bushfires are an accepted reality. It is still a sensitive topic around During last year’s devastating town with one local man charged Victorian bushfires, the town and with arson causing death, and its surrounds were hit hard. intentionally or recklessly causing In the week leading up to the a bushfire. Black Saturday fires, the Churchill It is an eerie feeling standing members were busy with blazes at Jelleffs Outlet, the site where raging in Gippsland, particularly investigators believe the Churchill around Boolarra, Mirboo North blaze started. and Delburn. What was once a beautifully lush Sen Const Staple said that just valley is now a graveyard of burnt .06 as one fire was extinguished, more trees. Most are burnt from top to erupted around the outskirts of bottom with blackened trunks Churchill, Callignee, Jeeralang sprouting out of the scorched earth. Junction and Hazelwood North. But, there are signs of “The Friday (before Black regeneration with grassland Saturday) was our first real pause and ferns starting to redecorate from the fires and with the weather the valley. conditions forecasted for the “It’s a pretty resilient area and following day, we knew anything some of the locals that had lost could happen,” he said. properties are rebuilding and “So there really wasn’t much of a getting on with life,” Sgt Allan said. break in between. “Most people here love living in “We went from one fire to ‘The Valley’ and will be here for a another and finished on the Sunday while yet.” going through the whole area and assessing what houses had been destroyed and what other damage had occurred.” .07

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 11 Recruit of the year VALUING OUR PEOPLE .01 Constable Rebecca Amiridis won the Recruit of the Year award after being nominated by her peers.

R eservoir’s “There are a few people who come into the police station after car accidents or similar incidents. They get flustered and don’t know how to relay it to us. I just pick up on words and try to explain things to them.” One of the initiatives leading to leading Const Amiridis’ multicultural award was her involvement at an Elder’s Forum, where emerging community members get together with police. “The elder’s forum is for a specific group of people who have come to and are finding it hard to assimilate because lady they don’t understand the culture and values here,” she said. “They ask us a lot of questions about policing and we talk about Constable Rebecca Amiridis dreamed of being a the diversion programs we have in place. policewoman from a young age. Now, in her early “It’s more of a learning years of policing, she is showing the state’s newest curve for them to realise that we are different to the police australians that they too can make their dreams in their country and to learn come true. about our laws. “In some cultures, men don’t “She was of Lebanese descent. understand what constitutes She said she was having problems violence, so we explain it in a with her sons and wanted to kill very basic form to help them herself,” Const Amiridis said. understand financial and “I told her my name and that I “I was born in Australia. My emotional abuse better.” mum has an Italian background editorial MARIA CARNOVALE came from a similar background After receiving prestigious PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW HENSHAW and I was once a handful for my and my dad came here from awards in her first year as a parents, but things get better as Greece at the age of 10.” policewoman, the former Army the kids get older. After that, she At Reservoir police station, cadet is still modest. t is 10.30pm on a cold May night. seemed to calm down. She just where she will spend her first two “I can run very fast,” she says. IConstable Rebecca Amiridis puts needed someone to talk to.” years of policing, Const Amiridis’ And, with aspirations to become on her blue uniform for her first The woman is not the only background is held in high regard. a policewoman from a young age, nightshift. She has only clipped person Const Amiridis has The Reservoir police service area Const Amiridis is running ahead on her gun belt on a few occasions made an impact on. is diverse. A large population of and achieving her goals. and is still getting accustomed to In her short time as a police Europeans migrated to the area “I was always interested in its size. member, almost 18 months, in the 1950s and it is also home policing. I read a lot of crime The night begins quietly. Const Const Amiridis has made an to an Aboriginal population and books and I’ve always had a Amiridis sits in the passenger impression on many people, emerging communities, including good impression of police seat of the police car as it patrols including her peers. immigrants from Africa. from a young age,” she said. Melbourne’s north and her partner At the end of her training period “I think my background helps “I’d like to become a detective takes her through the dark streets at the Victoria Police Academy, she because I can kind of understand and continue working with of Reservoir. The police radio was named Recruit of the Year and, where they’re coming from,” Const multicultural groups. It’s always sounds. A woman is threatening only days earlier, was presented Amiridis said. nice to have that link with the to jump in front of a train at a with the Police and Community “My grandparents tell me stories community. Sometimes you can nearby railway station. Multicultural Advisory Committee's about how they found it hard when forget or become sour in this job The two members arrive at Probationary Constable Award. they came here so it’s a bit easier because you’re always dealing the station in minutes – the first It is a big step for someone for me to relate to other people in with the bad stuff. police on the scene. who grew up feeling like she did the same situation.” “But, when you help somebody Const Amiridis approaches not fit in. Being able to speak a second you go home feeling better at the the woman and tries to comfort “I come from a family that language has also proven helpful. end of the day.” her. The woman tells her about has had to go through some her situation. struggles,” she said.

12 February 2010 POLICELIFE At Reservoir police station, where she will spend her first two years of policing, Const Amiridis’ background is held in high regard. .01

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 13 A SAFER VICTORIA

Tides and

heighin their stride ts

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14 February 2010 POLICELIFE HARSH CONDITIONS .01 The Search and Rescue Squad tackles rough terrain to search for missing people and recover evidence. .02 The 20 highly-skilled members perform regular training exercises for underwater and bush searches.

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From deep water to dizzying heights, the Victoria Police His climbing partner lowered the man down another 12 metres Search and Rescue Squad is up for the challenge. to a ledge, and provided first aid, but was unable to lower him to the ground due to the injuries and their Today, the squad consists of position on an overhanging cliff. 20 highly-skilled members who SARS members climbed to the are specifically trained to save the ledge, stabilised the man and lives of others in the most adverse, lowered him to the ground by diverse and remote situations. stretcher. They then carried him As the sun dawns on a new through rugged terrain for three editorial ALISON NOONAN day, members arrive at their “The members apply best hours to a waiting vehicle. PHOTOGRAPHY SHANE BELL Williamstown headquarters practice to their search The squad’s Acting Senior never knowing what is in store. methodologies and we are Sergeant James Bate said Officer in charge of the SARS continually abreast of SAR although even the most and the Water Police, Inspector developments around the world.” experienced rock climbers t is pitch black and the water is Stephen Guilmartin, said more Winter is the peak time for encountered accidents, people Iicy cold. than 45 per cent of the squad’s snow search and rescues, so needed to be better prepared. Edging slowly along the muddy jobs were underwater search SARS members are proficient in “It’s better if they are adequately floor, outstretched hands push operations, whether it be mountaineering, navigation, cliff prepared, so it’s less likely that through branches, fish and spare crawling along the bottom of a rescue and airborne operations. things go wrong,” he said. tyres, while the tug of a rope from dam, scouring waterways for drugs, A Port Melbourne rock climber “In this instance the man could above provides a guide through discarded weapons or stolen is all too familiar with the myriad have shown better judgement the murky water. property, or searching the sea of services provided by the squad about the protection he had and Suddenly, the hands find what bed for the bodies of accidental after being rescued by the SARS should have selected a climb they have been searching for. drowning victims. four times last year. suited to his skill level.” It is a grisly discovery in the As well as working with other depths of a watery grave, but emergency response squads, SARS one that will reunite a mother provides the necessary equipment with her missing son and perhaps "They operate in hazardous physical environments, to tackle an array of jobs, including help solve a cold case murder. a dive operations vehicle, four- From diving into the deepest, but never lose sight of the need for vigilance, their wheel-drive vehicles carrying darkest water to search for bodies, a full complement of recovery to repelling cliff faces and scaling equipment, over snow vehicles, mountain tops to retrieve missing safety and the safety of others." two boats, cliff rescue and bushwalkers, every day is different climbing equipment, snow, for the members of the Search and diving and bushwalking gear, and Rescue Squad (SARS). “The Water Police are experts A failed attempt to sea kayak underwater sonar equipment. The squad was established in in marine SAR in addition to their to Tasmania, an unsuccessful It is for this very reason the 1957 after several unsuccessful patrol and enforcement roles, so effort to rescue the same kayak squad boasts the best collection searches for missing people in both squads work together and from Wilson’s Promontory, a winter of boots in Victoria Police. remote areas. use their expertise for different rescue at Mt Buller and then a fall Dozens of pairs of hiking and Initially the crew consisted of five situations,” he said. while rock climbing, saw him come cross country boots, ski boots, men whose role was to control and “All members of the SARS are to recognise members of the SARS rubber boots and wetsuit boots, coordinate bush searches, as well commercial divers and trained in by name. just to name a few, can be found as perform general policing duties. scuba and surface supply diving.” On a fine spring day in November at the squad’s office. However, in 1958 members Insp Guilmartin said members 2008, the man and his friend set A/Sen Sgt Bate said while the were trained in diving by the Royal were also trained as search out on a 140 metre climb at The job may appear glamorous on the Australian Navy and became coordinators to look for missing Fortress in the Grampians, when surface, it was not always the case. responsible for underwater bushwalkers, which took up disaster struck and he fell 12 “We work hard,” he said. searches, including the search 25 per cent of the 300 incidents metres, injuring his lower back, “We deal with a lot of cold, and recovery of deceased people, SARS responded to in 2008. pelvis and both ankles. wet and miserable conditions, stolen property, weapons, court “They operate in hazardous but I wouldn’t want to work evidence and motor vehicles. physical environments, but never anywhere else.” lose sight of the need for vigilance, their safety and the safety of others,” he said.

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 15 POSTER

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R ecord low for state road toll .01

290 is the lowest number of deaths recorded on Victoria’s for drink-driving, speeding, using a mobile phone while driving or roads, but also the number of people who will not celebrate hoon behaviour. their next birthday as a result of road trauma. “We stepped up our visibility on the roads and have had really good results, but, it’s important that perations Aegis, Ardent motorists and pedestrians don’t Oand Remove All Impaired become complacent,” Mr Lay said. Editorial MARIA CARNOVALE Drivers (RAID) are the police proud of the police commitment “There are people who continue PHOTOGRAPHY SHANE BELL campaigns that contributed to to reducing the road toll, but to do the wrong thing on our the lowest-ever road toll since disappointed that so many lives roads and they will continue records began in 1952. were still lost. to be targeted this year.” D eath tOLL But, it is not something to “These people have died The year began with traffic .01 Last year’s road toll was the celebrate. While Victoria achieved lowest since records began in unnecessarily on Victorian operations including Operation 1952. It was also the first time its lowest road toll, 290 families roads while countless others Dionysos, which ran over the two record-low road tolls have were mourning the loss of their have suffered serious injuries been set in consecutive years. Australia Day weekend, cracking The 2008 road toll was 303. loved ones. in road crashes,” he said. down on drink driving. Sixteen people also died “All it takes is a moment of lost Mr Lay said police would during the Christmas and New Year concentration or carelessness to continue to do all they could to period, leaving their families to kill someone. ensure people did not endanger celebrate without them. “We had a number of really their own lives and the lives of Deputy Commissioner (Road successful campaigns during others, but said there was only Policing) Ken Lay said he was 2009 and I think we are making so much police could do. inroads into changing the behaviour “No matter how much police of Victorian drivers. The low road warn drivers about the risks of toll is a reflection of this.” speeding and being alcohol or "No matter how much police warn drivers about Operations Aegis, Ardent, drug-affected, it’s up to the RAID and the nation-wide individual to make sure they are the risks of speeding and being alcohol or drug- Operation Unite were held last responsible on the roads.” year, focusing on a variety of Editor’s note: See page 22 and affected, it’s up to the individual to make sure they aspects of road safety. 24 for more about how police are The operations resulted in working to reduce the road toll. are responsible on the roads." thousands of drivers being nabbed

18 February 2010 POLICELIFE picture this .01 photography PATRICK NYGREN

I have experienced first-hand the hard work and dedication of the Blue Ribbon Foundation in Once this was activated, it was By Frank Eyre, a 75-year-old former recognising police who have lost absolutely magnificent. police reservist and father of slain their lives while on duty, so I wanted My older son is a policeman in to give my thanks. Cobram. He thought I was crazy. policeman, Damian Eyre. The foundation means a lot to I think Damian would have been me. It was founded after my son, rapt to hear about the jump. He Constable Damian Eyre, and his was a bit like me, with no fear. was apprehensive about I had read my star sign a few partner Constable Stephen Tynan While I didn’t reach my goal of “I boarding the plane for my days earlier and it said that I were shot and killed in Walsh Street, $10,000, I raised about $8000. I first skydive last year on Saturday, shouldn’t take any risks. I didn’t South Yarra on 12 October, 1988. have donated the money to the Eyre 19 December. I hate aeroplanes. listen to that advice. It has been 21 years since Tynan Emergency Department at the But, once I was in the air, I realised I decided to do the jump in Damian’s death and I think this Goulburn Valley Hospital, which was there was no turning back and memory of my son, Damian, more was a good way to keep his memory named in honour of the two boys. made the leap. than a year ago when I watched alive while raising money for a The money will go towards Shepparton police station’s good cause. purchasing better equipment Sergeant Peter Law do it to When I first jumped out of the to save lives. raise $5000 for the Blue Ribbon plane in tandem with Wodonga This year, we hope to get 50 Foundation. police station’s Senior Constable police together for Drop-A-Cop FREE FALL While watching Peter jump I said Neil Hobbs, I was terrified. We to skydive and raise $1000 each .01 Frank Eyre’s tandem dive with ‘I’ll do that next year for $10,000’. The somersaulted through the air and for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. Wodonga police station’s Senior challenge was set. There was no Constable Neil Hobbs, is a were in freefall for 9000 feet before Maybe I will take the leap moment he will not forget. backing out. the large parachute was activated. again next year…”

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 19 S EX SELLS

The brothel had been running Lt us , greed and pride were all sins committed by illegal for what police believe was about brothel operator, Shao Li. four months. Advertisements about the business were published in editorial MARIA CARNOVALE ergeant Ilias Iliadis was seen It took only four weeks for local newspapers, promoting its Sentering a brothel on a summer police to gather evidence about massage and relaxation services, evening in November 2008. Li’s illegal brothel in Victoria’s and word of mouth had spread He was observed leaving not northern suburb of Coburg. about its ‘extra’ services. long after followed by another “We received an initial complaint “It was very busy,” Sgt Iliadis said. police member and Shao Li, who and started surveillance straight “But you will find that those was about to be charged with a away,” Sgt Iliadis, a senior constable kinds of places are busy because number of offences relating at Brunswick police station at the of their prices. An hour service at to running an illegal brothel. time, said. the brothel was about $80 whereas an hour service at a legal brothel is around $200. “We intercepted about 70 people "It was obvious to me that he was taking advantage of women who coming out of the business in a total of 20 hours.” Statements from those seen were in a bad spot, so he would convince them to provide sexual leaving the premises were taken, proving that sexual services were services so that he could make money." being offered and allowing police

20 February 2010 POLICELIFE " A lot of the illegal ones have unprotected sex, .02 so there could be HIV or diseases like hepatitis being transmitted."

“He then tried to bribe the sergeant as well, with dinner and money, asking us to let him operate for two more months.” Li was arrested again, charged with attempting to bribe a public official, living off the earnings of prostitution, operating as an unlicensed sexual service provider .03 and possessing proceeds of crime. ILLEGAL BROTHELS “The Prostitution Control Act also .01 Police performed surveillance Patrons told police they were protects the women. All brothels on the illegal brothel, speaking ushered into bedrooms where need to have an intercom system to 70 people in 20 hours. they were massaged and offered or some sort of alarm in the rooms .02 Police located and shut down sexual services by women. so that if the woman is in trouble the brothel run by Li. “The men were embarrassed she can contact someone and get .03 Massage services were advertised in local newspapers. about it. They had just come out assistance,” Sgt Iliadis said. of there and here were two police “There was nothing like this tapping them on the shoulder. The at Li’s premises. There was just main concern from the men was a little office in the front and the that their families would find out, rest was bedrooms. There were no but their statements were crucial safeguards for the women and no in determining that Li knew the safeguards for the clients.” sexual services were being offered,” The illegal immigrants were Sgt Iliadis said. taken to a detention centre where When police raided the premises they would await deportation. on Thursday, 13 November with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police, Department of .01 Immigration, Consumer Affairs and "He then tried to bribe the sergeant as well, with local council representatives, they found more than they expected. Two of the women at the brothel dinner and money, asking us to let him operate to issue Li with a warning that all were found to be illegal immigrants sexual services must stop. and were taken into the custody for two more months." “Brothels need to have a council of Immigration. permit and they need to be licensed “Li was taken to the police under the Prostitution Control Act,” station, interviewed and bailed,” “Li was friendly towards us, “Some people may argue that it’s Sgt Iliadis said. Sgt Iliadis said. but he was a manipulator,” a victimless crime, but when you “To be a legalised brothel, there “Part of his bail conditions were Sgt Iliadis said. start finding sex slavery or illegal are certain regulations you must that he was not to re-attend the “It was obvious to me that immigrants, it is something follow. One of the main ones is that, premises unless he had express he was taking advantage of that needs to be addressed,” as the owner and the licensee of consent from me.” women who were in a bad spot. Sgt Iliadis said. the premises, you must ensure that The next day, as Sgt Iliadis He would convince them to “The women in this case were any person working there is free passed by, he found the business provide sexual services so being exploited because of their of any diseases, as per the state’s was up and running again. that he could make money. circumstances. Harm Minimisation Strategy. “He had asked me if he could go “There was no evidence to “There’s a lot of money in “A lot of the illegal ones have and clean the shop and I told him suggest that he physically treated the business.” unprotected sex, so there could he could, but that was all he could them badly, but, mentally he was be HIV or diseases like hepatitis do there. When I entered, I found taking advantage of them and being transmitted.” there was a client in one of the financially as well.” In the days after police issued rooms with a woman and both were Li plead guilty to the offences the warning, the brothel was fully naked.” last year in September and was placed under surveillance for But, Li would not go quietly. sentenced to six months’ jail. Some a second time and found to be “He said that if I turned a cash and assets were also seized. operating again. blind eye, I could have some free services,” Sgt Iliadis said.

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 21 A SAFER VICTORIA

L ife is a highway Po L lICE iFE spent a day on the road with t is a sunny day at Newport Park Suddenly a motorcycle hoons Iin Williamstown. past, heading down Douglas Parade members of the newly-formed State State Highway Patrol members towards the West Gate Bridge. Highway Patrol. have gathered for an informal The woman is jolted and the briefing of the traffic issues they members spring into action. plan to target today. “Get in the car!” Sergeant Russell editorial ANGELA MICHAELSON Garing yells. photography ANDREW HENSHAW Their attention lapses for a moment, while a woman and her Leading senior constables Dean small child walk past them. Maguire and Dave Winton react first, jumping into an unmarked Timeline vehicle to intercept the bike.

HIGH WAY GUARDS 12.30pm 1.45pm 3pm .01 State Highway Patrol was Sen Sgt Scott holds a quick briefing at the start of Log book enforcement is an important way for Ldg Sen Const Ivan Bosnajak provides a visible the shift. Although based at Corio police station, police to tackle truck driver fatigue and encourage police presence as he patrols Williamstown’s launched in December last year, the unit deploys around the state. Today they are safe driving practices. streets. Members undertake additional training to as an intelligence-based road targeting road users in Sunshine. become solo specialists. unit replacing Regional Traffic Tasking Units (RTTU).

22 February 2010 POLICELIFE “It’s about education and enforcement,” Ldg Sen Const Winton explains. This includes targeting speeding “Most drivers will do the right metro and country road users, thing. However, there are some drunk or drug drivers and unsafe that need the fear of being caught. or irresponsible road behaviour. That’s where we come in, we can Other areas of focus include go to the trouble areas and provide improving heavy vehicle safety that extra police capacity.” through enforcement and deploying The State Highway Patrol It is now Ldg Sen Const Maguire’s specially-trained solo members members are trained in drug turn to be in the spotlight. Literally. to engage with and educate the testing and will take part in Hoping to follow Ldg Sen Const motorcycle community. operations focusing on removing Winton who has gone back to Ldg Sen Const Maguire In December last year, the drug-affected motorists from the Sunshine police station, he faces accelerates to close the gap. Regional Traffic Tasking Units, roads. They also have the ability the Police Life photographer’s Less than a minute later it including the Corio team, became to drug test drivers at any time. flash for one last time. Cars stream is all over. part of the State Highway Patrol, Another addition to the past on the Western Freeway, With the sulking rider off the a move met with support from unit’s equipment kit is state-of- slowing down, no doubt to have a bike and sitting on a nearby the members. the-art compact speed detectors quick look at the reluctant model retaining wall, Ldg Sen Const Under the model, as well as received last year, ahead of a demonstrating the traditional Winton grabs a digital camera targeting offences in their local force-wide rollout. speed radar. from the glove box and heads area, they can now join force with Keen to demonstrate the With the photographer finally over to take a photograph of the other State Highway Patrol units capabilities of the radar, the happy, Ldg Sen Const Maguire motorbike for evidence. He receives for statewide blitzes. members head to West Gate Bridge. gladly gets back on the road and an earful of abuse before issuing “It’s an exciting time to be Their route takes them past a promptly detects a ute travelling the young man an infringement working in traffic,” officer in charge tragic memorial. 20 kilometres over the speed limit. notice for speeding and driving Senior Sergeant Ken Scott said. In silent tribute to the senseless The switch is flicked and the with an obscured licence plate. “It may not seem all that death of four teenage boys in 2007, unmarked car’s lights and siren Back in the car he lets out different on the surface, but flowers, cards and ribbons are come to life. a chuckle. believe me this change is massed against a fence on the Like the first intercept, it does “Bet the kid doesn’t try that fantastic for Victoria Police West Gate Freeway. While drag not take long for the ute to pull again,” he said. members and the community. racing in Altona North, the boys over. Ldg Sen Const Maguire Welcome to life on the road as “We’re now part of a 120-member lost control of the car, a Holden heads over to deal with the driver, part of the State Highway Patrol. squad. We can go where the Commodore, striking a tree and who is already out of the car, The members of the Corio unit, intelligence tells us, targeting bursting into flames on the excuses ready. comprising a senior sergeant, two hot spots across the state and evening of 10 December. Twenty minutes later, with it sergeants and 10 leading senior hitting them hard.” It is a sober reminder of the all settled and the paperwork constables, are passionate about “It’s true,” Ldg Sen Const Maguire importance of the State Highway complete, Ldg Sen Const Maguire road policing. pipes in. Patrol in reducing road trauma. starts to laugh. With a mix of marked and “A couple of weeks ago we were While making up only 13 per cent “Did you hear what he said unmarked police cars and in Bendigo helping the Epping State of all licensed drivers in Victoria, to me?” motorbike solos in the unit’s fleet, Highway Patrol Unit with Operation young drivers account for nearly “Apparently I was the one who they conduct a wide range of traffic Unite. We never could have done one third of driver deaths. Of got him last time – two years ago, enforcement activities in support of that before.” these, 74 per cent are male. just down the road from here!” local Traffic Management Units and By strategically deploying the It seems that despite all the organisational strategic priorities. marked vehicles to enforce speed change recently, some things compliance and the unmarked will always stay the same. cars for seatbelt and driver Under the model, as well as targeting offences in distraction enforcement, the their local area, they can now join force with other unit aims to lower these figures. State Highway Patrol units for statewide blitzes.

3.30pm 5pm 6.45pm 8pm Sgt Garing checks the licence of a learner rider. A motorbike rider has obscured his bike’s licence Ldg Sen Const Maguire deals with a driver who was Enforcing speed limits is critical to reducing road “Engaging with the motorcycle community is crucial plate. This is commonly carried out by riders to avoid 24 kilometres over the speed limit and not wearing trauma with evidence showing that speeding to changing rider behaviour,” Sgt Garing, a solo speed detection. This rider is issued with a fine. a seatbelt. “Hopefully, next time that guy hops in a contributes to at least 30 per cent of road deaths specialist with more than 30 years’ experience, said. car he’ll remember this and buckle up,” he said. in Victoria each year. “A lot of what we see, like not wearing safety gear, isn’t illegal, it’s just stupid.”

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 23 COLLISION COURSE A SAFER victoria .01 Assessors watch as police take control of the scene. .02 A scenario of a road crash allowed police and other emergency services to test their learning.

Collision course A piLOT rOAD-crash investigation course is working to Coroner, road law experts, media professionals and past and present reduce road trauma by ensuring reckless drivers are members of the Major Collision accountable for their actions. Investigation Unit. “The course aims to get traffic police looking at why a serious collision has occurred,” he said. editorial ANNA ERBREDERIS The police members’ actions will “For example, let’s say a truck photography TIM ARCH reflect the past four days they have has barrelled through a red light spent in the classroom studying and crashed heavily into a car serious collision investigation. “Police must locate and attend passing through an intersection They are first at the crash, followed to any victims at the scene of leaving a passenger with a serious he scene is intense. One car rests by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade a crash together with other brain injury. Toff the road heavily damaged, (MFB) and a St John’s Ambulance emergency services, as well as “Looking at this accident on its two occupants, a mother and crew, who take part in the scenario managing a number of other face value, the truck’s driver daughter, screaming for assistance. for training. Assessors are watching factors,” Sen Sgt Barry said. could be charged with careless A second car is metres away parked every move as the police take “Police really get one shot at driving by running the red light. on the side of the road, its male control of the scene. They must examining a crime scene, and when “But we want members to driver out of the vehicle pacing attend to the victims and ensure it’s on a busy road, in peak hour, the investigate deeper and ask why nervously around the scene in a their removal from the vehicle pressure can be enormous.” the driver ran the light. daze. Even for the Victoria Police working with the ambulance As part of the scenario a “It may have been that he or she members who rush onto the scene, crew and fire brigade, as well cameraman and journalists push was trying to write in their logbook it is hard to believe this is a mock as managing a potential crime the boundaries of where they while driving, and this negligence scenario for their Primary Collision scene with encroaching media should be and rubber-neckers would constitute a more serious Investigation Course (PCIC). and bystanders. Then, they must congregate around the scene charge of conduct endangering life. Everything about the crash scene establish what has in fact occurred. causing a headache for the “The overall aim of this course has been put together to resemble All this with the pressure of members. Once the injured have is to reduce the incidence of road reality, from the victims’ injuries, motorists piling up, pushing been treated, the police begin to trauma by ensuring people who which have been created by the for the road to be re-opened. identify witnesses and examine the are being reckless on our roads Academy of Make-up, to the crash Senior Sergeant Mick Barry, evidence. The nervous driver swears face appropriate charges with vehicles from Sims Metals Group who designed the PCIC, said he did nothing wrong, but his tyre strong supporting evidence, and Insurance Australia Group, police face a difficult job when marks indicate a different story. which accurately reflect the and the streetscape at the Victoria they arrive at a serious collision. Sen Sgt Barry said the pilot Police Driver Training Complex five-day course teaches Traffic severity of the incident. in Attwood. Management Unit members “The consequences must how to thoroughly investigate reflect the crime.” serious collisions where a criminal Deputy Commissioner of Road " Police must locate and attend to any victims offence may have taken place. The Policing and PCIC sponsor Ken Lay classes involve collision scene said Victoria Police was committed investigation, environmental to reducing the road toll and at the scene of a crash together with other investigation, interview techniques, serious injuries across Victoria. crime scene photography, road emergency services, as well as managing a trauma support services and vehicle examination. Speciality number of other factors." instructors include the State

24 February 2010 POLICELIFE “ Police are working harder than .01 ever to reduce road trauma through targeted campaigns, booze and drug buses, speed cameras and radar equipment,” Mr Lay said. “With courses such as PCIC, the consequences are higher than ever for reckless drivers on our roads.” Mr Lay said the course was Sen Sgt Barry, who manages increasing the skills of traffic the course with Sergeant Andrew police across the state. Wharmby and John Mirgiannis, “Arming our members with strong said his team also runs a three-day investigation skills empowers them course for sergeants and above. to take action against dangerous “Both the five-day course for drivers who have caused serious constables and senior constables collisions,” he said. and the three-day course ran “We want all Victorians to be as pilots last year and are being safe on our roads and police will reviewed by the Victoria Police be doing all they can to make this Education Department,” he said. a reality, but there is only so much “Our feedback has been positive we can do. We need the community and we hope that once the course to take action as well.” has been assessed we can roll it out further.”

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www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 25 .01

26 February 2010 POLICELIFE Remote access .01 With the ability to attach equipment, the OzBot removes the need for police to be put in danger. .02 The robot is designed to get cameras into a hazardous area and relay the vision back to police.

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Victoria Police has been using we need to pick up an item, we would be able to feel its density,” robotics for almost 20 years. Its latest the sergeant said. technological gadgets are rolling The BRU’s OzBot robot is used mainly as an observational into action, better than ever. platform. Watch the OzBot in action “We’re responsible for safety at www.vicpolicenews. involving bombs and explosives com.au/bluetube on “We went through a number of anywhere in Victoria and assist the Internet. different revisions and came to with military, commercial or what we’ve got now, which is really improvised explosives,” the tailor-made to policing needs.” “We were called there to try to editorial MARIA CARNOVALE BRU’s sergeant said. Four years later, after five work out what it was. The robot PHOTOGRAPHY SHANE BELL “We have a number of robot prototypes and countless platforms that have manipulator was used initially to get eyes on improvements, the 18 kilogram arms and can carry tools and the pallet and then just sat back robots with hand-held controllers to watch while the other robots t has a name. It can take weapons and deploy explosives, were completed. did their tasks of cutting, entry, instructions, is agile and quick. but they are the hands-on robots. I The three OzBots are used by the dismantling and pulling apart It can climb up and down stairs The OzBot is used as a third eye, Special Operations Group (SOG), the packages. and needs constant attention looking from a different angle, Force Response Unit (FRU) and “Fortunately, it was nothing and feedback. giving us stand-off distance Bomb Response Unit (BRU) in their dangerous.” It seems the only thing missing from something.” day-to-day operations. At the BRU, robots are used in is an opposable thumb. In high-risk situations, the A sergeant at the BRU said about 99 per cent of jobs they are OzBot is one of Victoria Police’s SOG and FRU use the robots to the partnership with Deakin had called to, meaning members must greatest assets. It goes where no keep police out of danger when allowed them to create a user- be fully trained to use all of the humans dare – under cars, into dealing with an armed offender. friendly robot. robots’ functions. the room with an armed offender The robots can be sent into “We spent a lot of time with the “We do all of our training and next to a suspicious package. a building for reconnaissance, university and had a lot of input into in-house, which is specific to It is fearless. to communicate with a suspect the OzBot. Some of the technical our role,” the BRU sergeant said. Last year, three OzBot robots inside a house or building and aspects that have been employed “You can’t see the robot when were purchased by Victoria Police to get information about what is on the machine have come directly it is moving out of range so you after a research project with happening inside. from members of the BRU,” he said. have a one-dimensional view from Deakin University’s engineering “It gives a greater degree of “Deakin would supply us with a one camera and things look very department. safety to our members who are machine, which we would assess different on the screen, so you’ve Deakin University researcher operating at arms length. They for a few months and come up got to try to interpret terrain and James Mullins began the OzBot can gather intelligence without with improvements to make it be careful not to flip it. project with police in 2005 to being exposed to the risk,” the more user-friendly for police and “It needs a fair bit of hands-on develop a number of prototypes. BRU sergeant said. in other security environments.” training to get familiar with how “We thought we could do “We can also attach chemical, Members of the BRU are also to use it.” something locally and drive costs biological and radiological working with Deakin’s Haptic A leading senior constable down and keep the development in equipment detectors on it and that technology to develop a robotic at the BRU has been using the Australia,” he said. information will be sent back to us. arm that can grip items. “It is built quite flat so it can get robots throughout his seven “It’s something that we’ve been under a car and look underneath years at the BRU. looking at integrating with the cars, and get into tighter spaces “All of our robots are used for OzBot. When we have jobs where that our other robots with arms different purposes. Some of them can’t get into. have arms and pincers for picking “The three robots are identical up objects, so we train with them Hazardous materials so, if it’s needed, they can all about once per week. work together on different radio “We had a hand in designing this T he Bomb Response Unit’s (BRU) officer in charge said every precaution frequencies at the one incident.” one, so it is very suited to our role. should be taken if hazardous materials are found. Recently, OzBot helped “We use it as a means of “It is not uncommon for people to discover something at home or at a police diffuse a situation where observation, to bring objects to deceased estate and bring it into a police station in a shoe box,” he said. explosives were detected at a other robots and to film what’s “It might be old detonators or deteriorated explosives and war grenades. Port Melbourne dock. happening with the other robots. They could be very dangerous and could result in the police station being “There was a suspicious pallet “Once we’ve had the robot go in cordoned off. that was going onto one of the and get vision back to us, we know “The best thing to do is contact your local police station for advice. We ships and the detectors brought what we’re up against,” he said. recommend people leave it as they have found it and make sure no one else can get to it until police arrive.” up a reading of it containing explosives,” the BRU member said.

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 27 CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY

U p the river, with apaddle

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28 February 2010 POLICELIFE REST TIME .01 Members of the Blues and Brothers team paddle their way to day three’s finish line at Echuca. .02 police from across the state paired up with teenagers to tackle the 404km Murray Marathon.

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While most relaxed over the Christmas break, a group of Joining them is the Operations Coordination Department’s Victoria Police members and youth from across the state Sergeant Stuart Morris. accepted the challenge of a lifetime. Paddle 404 kilometres, Along with colleagues from the Aboriginal Advisory Unit, Sgt Morris in five days, on one river. Police Life’s Mark Tesoriero has paddled each day with one of dropped in on the group as it neared the finish line. the Koori youth from the team. This year he also brought along his son, Lachlan, 10, who paddled an 8km stretch with A regular in the Blues and Koori community member Neva Brothers team each year, Sen Atkinson on day three. Const Power will paddle the first “The trip started off with most leg tomorrow – a 15km stretch of the young people pretty shy departing at 7am. around us but as they got more “Yeah I’m looking forward to it,” The enthusiasm and spirit among competitors is infectious. comfortable, they’ve started talking editorial MARK TESORIERO he said. Support crews, competitors and a lot more and asking questions PHOTOGRAPHY SHANE BELL “Getting it out of the way about policing,” Sgt Morris said. early is always good for the body family gather on the banks at each check-point to encourage home “It’s great to see those barriers and it should be the cooler part being broken down and the youth he bodies around the campsite of the day.” weary paddlers. There are cheers and applause seeing us as more than just Tare weary. The Murray Marathon began in someone in a uniform. It is about 8pm, but from 1969 after a group of 10 friends as crews come into sight and swap participants. “We hope that will continue the body language among the got together to raise $250 for the and if they have a problem in the group, bedtime does not seem Australian Red Cross. Children play in the water, while others enjoy the sun on the banks future, they can approach us or too far away. Since then, the event has grown other police for help.” The group has just completed to become one the biggest paddling as the vessels pass through. Standing on the bank, eagerly Koori community member day three of the VicSuper Murray events in Australia, with more than John Bell, scheduled for a 15km Marathon and is relaxing at its 750 competitors and 3000 support awaiting a crew transfer, is Echuca police’s Leading Senior Constable leg the next morning, said the campsite at Picnic Point, about crew participating each year. event was more than just a race 60kilometres north of Echuca. The event starts on 27 December Bernie Cowley. Ldg Sen Const Cowley is part of for participants. Since departing from Yarrawonga at Yarrawonga, passing through “The competitors have to spend two days ago, this group has towns such as Tocumwal, Picnic the Inland Outriggers – a collection of adults and children that also up to two hours in a kayak with paddled 256km down Victoria’s Point, Echuca and Torrumbarry someone they don’t know,” he said. iconic Murray River in two, double- before concluding on 31 December includes leading senior constables Anthony Kavanagh and Rodney Pell. “They can’t stop and get out. seat kayaks. at Swan Hill. They have to do it together. Called Blues and Brothers, this Each day is divided into “I’d never done this before so I really didn’t know what to expect,” “There’s nothing better team is a collection of Victoria stages varying in distance than coming into a checkpoint Police members and Koori youth from eight to 25km. Ldg Sen Const Cowley said. “The children involved have after paddling 22km together from areas such as Dandenong, Some participants paddle the and knowing that you’ve really Heywood, Ballarat and Echuca. entire stretch, while most teams been fantastic. They’ve been really energetic and enthusiastic achieved something.” It is organised by former Victoria compete in the relay event and The noise is deafening moments Police member and now executive change at the four designated during some pretty tough days on the water.” later as the last of the Blues and officer of the Grampians Regional checkpoints set up each day. Brothers kayaks rounds the final Aboriginal Justice Advisory The occasion is as much a Echuca police station’s Leading Senior Constable Rod Clark bend towards the finish line. Committee, Merv Atkinson. competitive event as it is social, They are not leading the race Despite completing a stage with teams camping together paddled the entire event in a one-man craft. or even contending for a podium each day, Horsham police’s Senior at caravan parks along the finish, but they might as well be. Constable Les Power is looking Murray River. Further up the river, at the day’s finish mark at Echuca, the They cross the line, raising excited about the next day’s their paddles and fists in the air. challenge. Blues and Brothers support crew wades in the water waiting for The smiles on their faces say their teammates. it all.

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 29 from the archives

A piece of our past As he approached the scene he saw a man running with a suitcase and handbag. He pursued the man for some distance until the man turned and opened fire on him. n Tuesday, 17 January, 1928 “A loud report rang out, and I The next morning Sen Const th l is smal tin allowed OSenior Constable Archibald fell to the ground as if I had been MacKenzie was back on duty Sen Const MacKenzie to Herbert MacKenzie was shot at struck in the solar plexus,” Sen sporting a circular bruise with a narrowly escape death. by an unknown person in St Kilda. Const MacKenzie told the Truth bullet mark plainly visible. Incredulously, he escaped serious newspaper afterwards. Sen Const MacKenzie retired injury, thanks to a tin of cough The would-be assassin’s bullet from Victoria Police in 1941 after editorial LYNDALL ZUREK drops sitting comfortably in his made direct contact with the tiny nearly 40 years of service. photography ben edwards shirt pocket. cough-drop tin in his pocket and It is not known if the shooter The incident began early in the ricocheted into his stomach. was captured. NEAR MISS night when Jean Evans, a tourist Sen Const MacKenzie and .01 Fragments of the bullet that from Scotland, was approached by Ms Evans were taken to hospital hit Senior Constable Archibald .01 Herbert MacKenzie remain in a man as she exited a telephone and received treatment for the small tin container that booth. She initially thought she their injuries. saved his life. knew the man who accompanied her to a Salvation Army hostel. During their walk she realised that she did not know him and continued to her friend’s house alone. As she left her friend’s house some time later, she was confronted by the man again. They walked across the road together and, as they passed a secluded area, the man produced a gun and demanded Ms Evans hand over her personal belongings. Some 400 yards away at the St Kilda Police Depot, Sen Const MacKenzie was organising tickets for a police picnic, when he heard a woman’s screams and sprinted in their direction.

30 February 2010 POLICELIFE What was happening in Police Life 30 years ago?

olice cadets assisted Cartoon P workers from the Royal connections Victorian Institute for the Blind on their outdoor activity camp at Falls Creek. n the past, humorous The camps were run to Icartoons regularly assist with the rehabilitation appeared in Police Life. of the blind and involved the This cartoon featured cadets participating in social in the April 1970 edition and bush orienteering and shows a young boy activities. approaching a police The cadets also member after mistaking performed duties the vehicle’s siren for an across the state ice cream vehicle. within various police stations as part of their Victoria Police training.

www.police.vic.gov.au/policelife POLICELIFE February 2010 31 2010 C Alendar OFEVEN TS February Police Life out

July 4 – 11 Naidoc Week

March 17 – 23 Cultural Diversity Week

August Police Life out

September 18 – 28 Royal Melbourne Show 29 – National Police Remembrance Day April Police Life out 10 – 18 National Youth Week

May

October Police Life out Community Safety Month June Police Life out 20 – 26 Drug Action Week

November 25 – White Ribbon Day

December Police Life out