The Voice of Police

The Voice of Police

Shiftwork and what you need to know about coping with it

n Government to look at law relatinG to the carriaGe of knivesn honiara children’s ward to benefit from kiwi kindnessn PaPakura officer attributes srba with savinG his life

VOLUME 43 • NUMBER 2 • MaRch 2010

PoliceNews The Voice of Police

march 201030

NZ Police Association Police News is the magazine of the new Zealand Police association and incorporates the new Zealand Police Journal first published in 1937.

March 2010, Vol. 43, No.2

issn 1175-9445

deadline for next issue monday, march 15, 2010.

Published by the new Zealand Police association P.o. box 12344, willbank house, 57 willis street, wellington. Phone: (04) 496 6800, facsmile: (04) 471 1309

editor: steve Plowman

email: [email protected]

website: www.policeassn.org.nz

Printed by city Print communications, wellington.

opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the association.

COPYRIGHT: nZPa Police News must not be reproduced in part or as a whole without the formal consent of the copyright holder – the new Zealand Police association.

Contents

• Frontpage:Shiftworkcanbearealdragifyoudon’tgetthatbodyclockorganisedproperly,eattherightfoodsandgettherightamountsofexerciseandrest.Inthismonth’sissueweconsulttheexpertsandbringyoutheirbesttipsonhowtocopewithshiftworkandhowyoucanputyourlifeinbetterbalanceasaresult.

-PhotoscourtesyofIstockphoto.comandSampyseeds.

The minders – a day in the life of the Diplomatic Protection Service – p34

The key To kindness

33

key’s minders

34

key compeTiTor

46

The Voice of Police

VOLUME 43 • NUMBER 2 • MaRch 2010

key ingredienTs

38

From the President 31

Government to look at changes to knife laws 32

Police fundraising brings fresh coat to Honiara Hospital children’s ward 33

A day in the life of – The Diplomatic Protection Service 34/5

Brain teaser 36

NZPA employee does peacekeeping stint in the Sinai 36

50th reunion for the class of 1960 37

Non-sworn Group Life insurance offer expires 12 April 37

What you can do to stop the shiftwork ‘blues’ 38/41

Keeping cellphones out of prisons 41

Understanding sleep and shiftwork 42

Holiday home availability/Bruce’s new ride 43

The Prophet and the Policeman – book review 44

Papakura police officer attributes SRBA with saving his life 44

View from the bottom/Memorial Wall/Quotes of the month 45

Sports News 46/49

Thai police officer honoured by NZ colleagues 50

How to save money on your banking/Home insurance offer 51

Keen on wine/Copper’s crossword 52

Letters to the Editor/Useful information and contacts 53/55

New Zealand Police Association

31march 2010

assaults on police – time for a combined strategy I write this following a weekend where four of us were seriously assaulted carrying out our job.

Also, we are under fire following two separate crash deaths of fleeing criminals, where police officers had attempted to prevent their offending. I hesitate to say pursuits because that immediately implies police contributed to the deaths, which is rubbish; the fleeing driver’s attempts to avoid police were solely responsible.

It is obvious that the authorities’ and media’s reaction to the deaths following

Police Health Plan and ACC

police officers; they have a go, either verbally, or increasingly physically.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) recently criticised police for ‘instigating’ a pursuit of a speeding stolen car, which crashed, injuring a member of the public.

Notwithstanding there were some policy breaches just before the crash, publicly criticising police for even beginning the pursuit only encourages offenders to have a go.

There will be all sorts of quick fix solutions proffered to stop the assaults. Only a combined strategy involving the Government, Police and all in the Justice sector including the IPCA and judiciary, designed to make criminals realise there are serious consequences for ‘having a go’ at police, from low level abuse upwards, will make policing safer.

Let’s face it, if the public don’t believe police can protect themselves, how can we expect them to believe we can protect them.

In recent months Police Health Plan, like other health insurers, has seen an increasing number of requests for surgical procedures that have either been declined by ACC (or CRM and the like) or alternatively seeking co-payment for surgical procedures associated with injuries incurred by a member.

Put simply, the request is for Police Health Plan to fund procedures ACC has either declined or to share the costs of a surgical procedure with ACC to restore the health and well-being of a member more quickly than waiting for ACC to fully fund the procedure.

In terms of co-payment for a procedure, Police Health Plan will decline any such request. From an insurance perspective it is, in our

view and that of other insurers, not the responsibility of the insurer to make such payments, which should be fully funded by ACC.

Where the request is to fund a declined procedure, which we believe should be funded by ACC, we will work with the member to try to get the denial reversed. Ultimately, if this does not occur, PHP will work with the member and external experts and may fund the procedure. Where this occurs, we then work with the member and formally review the refusal by ACC to fund. Over the past 12 months we have recovered over $50,000 from ACC through the review process and have a number of other cases we are challenging.

It is important that all members understand the need for Police Health Plan to take a rigorous approach to this

issue. Making co-payments or fully funding procedures and treatments we believe should be covered by ACC reduces their costs, and those of the employer, where there is a work-related injury, at the expense of the insurer. This in turn impacts on claim and premium costs. Members are reminded they already pay a premium to ACC through payroll deduction (1.7% of earnings) and motor vehicle registration costs. An expectation Police Health Plan will meet accident-related costs is effectively paying a double premium.

Members impacted by the more stringent approach taken by ACC (and alternative providers) in terms of surgical procedures and treatments should contact Police Health Plan (Freephone: 0800 500 122) in the first instance for advice and assistance.

failure to stop incidents contributes significantly to the increased tendency for criminals to ‘have a go’ at police when confronted.

Most young lawbreakers use vehicles. They are all well aware that police officers will be forced to back off if they ‘have a go’. We get offenders complaining that police officers should have pulled out from following them as they, the offenders, were driving too fast.

It is not surprising that the same attitude is applied when they are confronted by

It is obvious that the authorities’ and media’s reaction to the deaths following failure to stop incidents contributes significantly to the increased tendency for criminals to ‘have a go’ at police when confronted.

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Govt to look at changes to law relating to the carriage of knives By Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News

Justice Raynor Asher said, during the sentencing for the murder of 26-year-old Daryl Graydon, that it may be time for Parliament to reconsider the laws that make it an offence for someone to carry a knife without reasonable excuse. Mr Graydon was stabbed to death during an altercation with two men in Howick in 2007. One man was found guilty of murder, the other convicted of manslaughter. Both men were granted name suppression.

Worrying trendJudge Andrew Becroft predicted that the trend of young people carrying knives, which had caused such problems in Australia and Britain, was “almost certainly” going to become an issue in New Zealand too. Judge Becroft told a youth mentoring conference in Mangere last month: “We (judges) are concerned that assaults with a weapon have increased and you have to be concerned at what may well be an increasingly important phenomenon of youth offending in the future.

Judge Becroft suggested that young people were carrying knives for self-defence.

Mr Power announced shortly afterward that he had asked Ministry of Justice officials to look at the law.

“I’m conscious these issues have been looked at in the United Kingdom so it’s timely New Zealand looks at them too.

Sending a message“We need to make sure our laws are sending a message to young people that it’s totally unacceptable to have knives in public places and that there will be consequences if this happens.

“I have asked officials to look at the laws regarding the possession of knives and

offensive weapons, and expect to have a report by the end of the month.

“If our existing laws need toughening, then I’ll look at that,” he said.

Police Association President Greg O’Connor told Police News: “If you talk to kids around the country, they will tell you that everyone wants to have a go at everyone else. Basically, it’s about bullying – and anything like carrying knives just ramps up the extent of the intimidation and the threat associated with bullying.”

PenaltiesThe Crimes Act (s202A) makes it an offence to carry a knife in a public place without reasonable excuse. A person convicted under this section could face up to two years in prison. Section 202B allows police to search a person where an officer has “reasonable grounds to believe” that a person is carrying an offensive weapon. The Search and Surveillance Bill, currently before Parliament, will transfer sections 202A and 202B and lower the threshold so that police officers can search on the basis of “reasonable grounds to suspect.”

The Summary Offences Act (s13A) provides for a penalty of up to three months in prison or a fine of up to $2,000 for possession of a knife in a public place without reasonable excuse.

Police officers spoken to by Police News say they have confiscated knives from children in their early teens.

Riots genesis for law changePolice originally sought a strengthening of the law as far back as 1979, following the Moerewa (Northland) riots, which involved a violent confrontation between the Black Power and Storm Trooper gangs. Several police officers

Justice Minister Simon Power has ordered the Ministry of Justice

to prepare a report concerning knife possession laws after leading

judges, including High Court judge Justice Raynor Asher and

Prinicipal Youth Court judge Andrew Becroft, made comments about

the incidence of young people committing crimes with knives.

were injured, a Police van set alight, and a fire engine destroyed. Eventually 25 gang members were convicted on charges including causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.

As a result, Police were given new powers to search the occupants of any vehicle in which it was suspected offensive weapons might be present.

The New Zealand Herald reported recently that a knife was brandished in a classroom and students who had been threatened had to use chairs to put themselves beyond the reach of the offender.

12-year-old arrrestedA 12-year-old boy was recently arrested in connection with his part in a knife attack in Palmerston North central. Pahiatua man Richard Sargent, 22, was stabbed in the incident. The boy could not be charged because of his age and was referred to Child Youth and Family. Mr Sargent was set upon by a group of youths and was punched and kicked to the ground before being stabbed.

One of the most cowardly attacks in recent years was the vicious assault last year on 85-year-old war veteran Eric Brady. Mr Brady was violently pulled from his car and beaten up as he was leaving the Papatoetoe RSA. He suffered serious facial injuries, including a broken jaw, cracked cheekbones, bruising and swelling, and the loss of some teeth. The assailant had a knife but had originally run off after Mr Brady sounded the horn, returning shortly afterward and viciously assaulting the elderly man.

An 18-year-old Manukau man was arrested and is facing charges of aggravated robbery and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.


33march 2010

Tourists attackedIn an incident in 2008, six tourists were subject to an unprovoked attack in Christchurch, which resulted in them suffering knife wounds and broken bones. Figures quoted at the time showed that since 1999 Christchurch had experienced a 23% rise in intimidation and threats, a 26% increase in grievous assaults, and a 43% increase in serious assaults.

There were just over 1,300 assaults with weapons committed by youths aged 16 and under nationwide in the five years up until 2008. Fifteen years ago the average assault rate by the same group

was 87 offences a year. By 2008, the year for which the latest statistics are available – there had been a 200% increase to an average of 261 attacks a year.

Teenage malesThose carrying knives are mainly young teenage males. Some researchers suggest that this may be as a result of an increase in youth gangs and the fact that knives can be attained very easily. Others link violent television programmes and the ease with which young children can access violent video games as being contributing factors in the de-sensitisation of youth to violent crime.

Anecdotal evidence from police officers suggests that more young women are resorting to using knives in street attacks.

A spike in reported knife attacks on police officers several years ago led to a successful campaign by the Police Association to issue all police officers with stab-resistant body armour.

In several incidents in the interim they have saved police officers from serious injury or death. (See page 44 ‘Papakura officer attributes SRBA with saving his life).

Children’s ward at Honiara Hospital to get fresh coat of paint due to Wgtn Police staff The children’s ward at Honiara Hospital in the Solomons is about to get a makeover thanks to the efforts of Senior Constable Dean Gifford from the Wellington Metro Crime Unit, other Wellington Police staff and Resene Paint.

An office “whip around” a few years ago and some pencils that were bought with the money as a result has now blossomed into a major fundraising initiative after Gifford appeared on TV1’s Close Up programme. The latest shipment will be the sixth shipment that Gifford has organised in the last few years.

For the latest shipment, Resene Paints donated 600 litres of paint for the big paint job and this includes a large box of coloured test pots for tinting and doing murals. The rest of the paint will be used around the rest of the hospital and then any left over will be shipped to outer islands to paint buildings there. Brushes and rollers were kindly donated by PAL and the Haydn Brush Company.

Soccer ballsNike New Zealand heard of the initiative and decided to come to the party with a collection of soccer balls while Bluestar Logistics of Petone provided 54,000 pencils.

Whittaker’s Chocolate (not the company that changed the recipe and got off side with their customers) also provided 400 peanut slabs from their Porirua factory.

Cleaning products such as bars of soap, liquid soap, tooth brushes and tooth paste were also among the shipment while items of clean clothing were

donated by Police staff members, and members of the public chimed in with books.

At time of writing, the goods were due to be transported to Auckland by Owens Transport and flown to Honiara by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

• WellingtonPolicestaffwiththe600litresofpaintheadedforamakeoverofthechildren’shospitalinHoniara,SolomonIslands.Picturedfromlefttorightare:DeanGifford,HamishBlackburn,WarwickMcKee,GrantFergussonandMichaelFischerallfromtheWellingtonMetroCrimeUnit.

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A day in the life of theDIPLOMATIC PROTECTIONSERVICE By Deb Stringer, Communications Assistant

They may bear witness to some of the most important moments in history, shadow VIPs and frequently

travel to distant lands but the members of the New Zealand Police Diplomatic Protection Service (DPS)

are the first to admit their job is anything but glamorous.

“I think a common misconception about us is that we do nothing and stay in flash hotels,” Senior Sergeant Marc May explained to Police News. In reality though this is simply not the case. Most of the work undertaken by the squad is completed behind the scenes - out of the public eye.

“When people see us standing next to the Prime Minister or Prince William, they are only seeing a fraction of what our job entails, which can leave them with a fragmented view of what we do.

“Naturally we want people to know there is a lot more to our job than that,” Mr May said.

Taking responsibilityThe DPS provides close protection for the New Zealand Prime Minister, the Governor- General, other members of Parliament, the Diplomatic Corps, the Judiciary, foreign Governments VIPs, Heads of State and foreign VIPs.”

Mr May said international law and Police National Headquarters dictated decisions around who was afforded the squad’s services.

Membership detailsThere are 34 DPS members in New Zealand. These members are supported by nationally qualified part-time protection staff as well as a full-time VIP Protection Squad based in Auckland.

To secure a spot on the DPS, serving police officers must complete extensive training in close protection theory; firearms and defensive driving training, unarmed combat, physical training, and advanced first aid.

All protection officers cross-train as Advance Officers and security car drivers, and senior DPS members eventually graduate to the role of Close Protection Team Leader.

Inspector Terry ONeill, o/c of the DPS said that DPS members continue to upskill throughout their career.

Skills requiredMr May said possessing an above average ability in driving and the use of firearms was definitely an advantage for anyone interested in becoming a DPS member.

Self confidence, excellent communication skills, intelligence and being a team player are also desired qualities.

“People who are good under pressure and think fast on their feet, do well in this kind of job,” Mr May said.

Got it coveredBefore any VIP visit, the DPS conducts a security site survey of all venues, accommodation and routes which will be used during the VIP’s visit.

WorkingasateamisanimportantpartoftheDiplomaticProtectionServiceactivities.

TheDPSkeeptabsonPrimeMinisterJohnKeyandPrinceWilliaminWellington.

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During this time, all venues must be visited and security plans created for each place, which means many meetings with all the various agencies involved.

“Thorough planning, excellent communication and teamwork is very important during this process,” Mr May said.

“Protection staff will be on hand well before the VIP’s first engagement of the day and will not retire until the VIP is tucked up in bed.”

Overnight security arrangements will be in place and the team will remain on immediate stand-by throughout the operation, Mr May told Police News.

The good partsOne of the best things about being a DPS member was seeing the world from a point of view few people ever got to see, Mr May said.

“Because you are working so closely with the VIP you get to see the human face of the people you’re protecting. Sometimes this is a privilege, other times it is not, however you always have to remain professional.

“More often than not though, the people are pretty good to deal with”, he said

Another highlight for Mr May throughout his career as a DPS member has been the overseas travel involved.

“All members travel overseas and because our team travels with the Prime Minister wherever he goes, we have been everywhere from Africa to war zones.”

Mr May also recently completed a “royal hat trick of sorts” after working beside Prince William during his visit.

“I worked beside Prince Charles in 1994 and the Queen in 1990, so working alongside Prince William while he was here was pretty special,” he said.

Being challengedMore challenging aspects of the job include working extremely long hours, ever increasing operational commitments and widespread general ignorance of the role and responsibilities of the DPS, Mr May said.

“During a VIP escort currently it is common for DPS members to work 110-hours plus a week.

“It’s not easy but it is necessary if we want our operations to be a complete success,” Mr May said.

Room for growthFollowing the September 11 attacks New Zealand Police responded by acting to mitigate the risk to our Prime Minister and Governor-General when they travel overseas. This has meant more overseas travel for DPS members.

New Zealand’s growing profile on the world stage has also meant an increase in international VIPs who need protection while visiting New Zealand.

Mr May believed these increases would continue.

“As our job continues to grow some of the jobs we did in the early days, such as accommodation security and the driving of the pilot cars during a VIP visit, have now been delegated to district police.”

The early daysThe DPS was formed in the mid-1970s after a number of terrorist incidents overseas.

It was established by the New Zealand Police to meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, and the United Nations Convention on International Protected Persons, which deal with the safety and security of foreign diplomats.

ADPSmemberkeepsthelinesofcommunicationgoingduringPrinceWilliam’srecentvisit.- Photos courtesy of the Wellington Police Forensic Photography.

Try our 5 minute quizOkay, morning or afternoon tea break has arrived. You have your cuppa in hand and you and your colleagues could do with a quick brain workout. So appoint your quizmaster and have a go at these questions. The answers are under the quiz (upside down, no peeking!).

Okay, morning or afternoon tea break has arrived. You have your cuppa in hand and you and your colleagues could do with a quick brain workout. So appoint your quizmaster and have a go at these questions. The answers are under the quiz (upside down, no peeking!).

1. in law, what term translates from the Latin meaning elsewhere?

2. What is Alurophobia?

3. What is mercury also known as?

4. What is the longest nerve in the human body?

5. What are the devil’s bones?

6. What is the largest island in the mediterranean?

7. What is the principle export of Jamaica?

8. in what sports do players take long and short corners?

9. Which new Zealand town is home to a man-made aquatic park, named Lake hood?

10. Who is the mp for Wellington central?

Scoring: 0-2 – Hmmn, room for significant improvement (perhaps next month). 3-5 Not bad, better luck next time. 6-7 – Good effort. 8 – Very good. 9 – Excellent. 10 – Wipe your nose, take a bow and go to the top of the class Einstein.

Answers: 1. Alibi. 2. Fear of cats. 3. Quick Silver. 4. Sciatic nerve. 5. Dice. 6. Sicily. 7. Sugar. 8 Hockey. 9. Ashburton. 10. Grant Robertson.

march 2010


36

NZ Police Association employee does peacekeeping stint in the SinaiBy Deb Stringer, Communications Assistant

New Zealand Police Association (NZPA) employee, Shane Parker, has been living a double life for 24 years.

Yet the full-time IT manager/part-time territorial soldier says he couldn’t be happier.

“It’s a bit of a balancing act juggling two jobs plus family and various other commitments. However, with careful planning, most events can be managed around reserve training,” he said.

Good supportRecently, Shane’s job as a territorial soldier saw him travel to the Sinai desert to take part in a seven-month operation.

He said the once in a lifetime experience would not have been possible without the support of his full-time employers the NZPA and the Police and Families Credit Union (PFCU).

“Support from your employer in getting leave without pay (LWOP) is critical and I was lucky enough to get this. Naturally, support from your family is also important,” he said.

Language barriersWhile in the desert, Staff Sergeant Parker’s main objective was to train all Remote Site Commanders (who observe and report on Israel and Eygpt’s activities) and conducting snap inspections of the Remote Sites to ensure they were operationally effective. This was no easy feat, as not only did he have to contend with 43 degree-plus temperatures but some soldiers did not speak or understand any English.

Despite this Shane said many new friends were made during his deployment.

HighlightsOther highlights of the trip included climbing Mt Sinai, diving with sharks, visiting the pyramids and honouring the Kiwis who had died in North Africa over the past 100 years.

He also enjoyed working with equipment and weapons not seen in New Zealand. This included flying in Blackhawk helicopters, driving armoured Humvees and firing M-60 machine guns.

Shane said the challenges friends and the chance to make a real difference were all things that kept up his commitment to being a part-time soldier.

“I am motivated to serve (in the Army) for many more years,” he said.

• RiflerangepracticewithanM-60mediummachinegun.

• ShaneParker,theoneminushishat,picturedwithsomeoftheColombianArmycontingentpostedtotheSinaiforpeacekeepingduties.

• DespitetheirbesteffortstheNewZealandandAustraliancontingentareontheirwaytolosingthetug-of-wartotheFijians.

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50th reunion for the class of 1960

• Twenty-fivemembersoftheD.GBallcadetwingattendedtheir50threunion,whichwasheldinTaupoinJanuary.Backrow(lefttoright):RonGarrod,JohnSubritzky(Rackham),JohnHill,RayWatchman,OwenJacobson,GaryLambert,TomJordan,DougScott,LionelBeattie,DaveMcEwen,GeoffDowney,LesWebster.Middlerow(lefttoright):AndyCarrucan,LionelGraham,RexRohan,FergusPickens,BillLaney,StewartMcGregor,JohnRobinson,RossDawson,ElliotKhan,RoyNixon,BarryDavies.Front:StuartInnes,BobHowell.

By Deb Stringer, Communications Assistant

Taking a trip down memory lane became a reality for 25 members of the D.G Ball Cadet Wing when they attended their 50th reunion in January. D.G.Ball, the Wing Patron, was a Director of Police Training.

Sadly, eight of the original intake had since died but the remaining 31 were all contacted – despite some having moved to Australia and one to Seattle, Washington State, USA.

The original intake saw 39 young men – mainly 17 and 18-year-olds trained as police officers at the Police Training School at Trentham in 1960. There were two 16-year-olds in the intake too. By graduation time only 30 of the original 39 remained.

The Trentham training facility consisted of a group of converted Army barracks, which were built between 1914 and 1918 for use during the First World War. The huts were divided into a headquarters, classrooms, and general amenities (pool room, photography room, ‘tuck shop’). There were huts for recruits doing a 13-week course and two huts provided for cadet accommodation. There was also a live in ‘House Sergeant’ in each of the cadets’ accommodation huts.

Harsh conditionsThe recruit’s sleeping quarters were described as “cramped” by reunion organiser, Bill Laney. There was no heating.

“To say it was cold in winter would be an understatement. However, the school did provide us with three blankets, although only one was allowed on your bed during inspection,” Mr Laney told Police News.

Meal times ignited another bone of contention – meals were generally considered by the recruits to be very average indeed - as did the basic ablution blocks, which hadn’t seen any improvements since being built some 40-odd years earlier.

Good timesDespite the seemingly harsh conditions, Mr Laney said it was the friendships, which were forged during their stay at Police Training School, which stood the test of time.

“They were very special times with very special people and I will never forget any one of them.

“The fun, the humour, the laughter, the camaraderie, the things that you may only experience once in a lifetime: these are the things we reminisced about during the reunion. It was such a fantastic time,” Mr Laney said.

First reunion in 40 years The January reunion was only the second the Wing had held – a 10th anniversary reunion was held and attracted 24 of the 30 original graduates.

Mr Laney said that in those intervening 40 years he had always dreamt of making a second reunion happen. He joked it was a bit like the Martin Luther “I have a dream” experience for him and eventually he made it come to fruition – 50 years to the day of the graduation.

• ISTHEFUTUREINTAUPO?PolicewerereallyupwiththetimeswhenseenpatrollingontheseniftySegwaysduringtheRoundLakeTaupoCycleChallengelatelastyear.Bythereactionofotherpolicestaff,thesecouldbeawelcomeadditiononthewishlistforVotePoliceinthenextBudgetround.

- Photo courtesy of Heather Mickelson.

No medical declaration for non-sworn insurance cover offer until 12 April Non-sworn Association members, who are not members of the Police Welfare Fund, are reminded that they have until 12 April to join the group Police Life Insurance scheme and gain the benefits from the recently negotiated increases in cover.

No medical declaration will be required during this period*.

This offer is not open to those members who have previously been offered cover with terms and members will need to join the Police Welfare Fund and Police Health Plan in order to take up this offer. The new benefits took effect from the 1st February 2010.

Contact the member services centre on 0800 500 122 (police network extension 44446) for more details.

*Normal medical underwriting will apply to PHP membership.

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march 2010

What you can do to stop the shiftwork ‘blues’Whether you work nights, earlies or lates, chances are that at some

point while you are at work you will have experienced fatigue.

While most people experience tiredness at work at one time or

another, it can be a real problem for shiftworkers and shiftwork is

an integral part of policing.

Smart eating is a big help in reducing the risk of fatigue by boosting your energy levels.

This means:

• A healthy diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables;

• Cutting back on your intake of sugar, salt and saturated fat; and

• Keeping yourself ‘tuned-up’ by combining certain food and drinks at particular times of your day, thereby managing your blood sugar levels.

Body clockThe basic problem with shiftwork is that you sometimes have to work when it’s normal to be sleeping, which can upset your natural (circadian) sleep rhythms. Our internal body clock is designed to help us be alert during the day and then sleep at night. Working shifts means that the body requires energy at times that it expects to be resting, which makes it more difficult for us to be able to digest food at night and to produce energy at the right time for night work.

When added to the other things going on in our lives, e.g. family stress, a sleeping disorder or the effects of certain medications, working shifts can just add to the problem of fatigue or tiredness.

Reducing fatigueThere are ways however, to reduce the chance of being affected by fatigue - and watching what and when you eat is one of them.

Here are some of the common signs of fatigue:

• Daydreaming, slow reaction times;

• Increased risk-taking;

• Poor communication;

• Poor judgement of distance or time;

• Sore or tired eyes, blurred vision;

• Nodding off for a fraction of a second;

• Impatience, restlessness, irritability; and

• Taking safety shortcuts such as not bothering to wear safety equipment.

Because fatigue affects your ability to work safely, it has a huge impact on your safety and performance. Feeling tired affects your reaction time, your judgement of what is or isn’t dangerous and your decision-making.

It is common for people in this situation not to realise they are over tired and therefore underestimate the effect of fatigue on their performance.

For more information on what causes fatigue and a range of ideas for avoiding or managing the problem, have a look at the workplace fatigue pages on the Acc website (www.acc.co.nz).

Avoiding the blood sugar ‘blues’You’ve no doubt heard of blood sugar but many people do not realise how it can affect your safety and performance. Blood sugar is the body’s main source of energy and how high or low it is at any time will affect how you feel.

Low blood sugar can cause shakiness, anxiety, excessive sweating and heart palpitations. High blood sugar can cause feelings of fatigue – i.e. there is more sugar in the body than can be used for energy. Obviously it makes sense to keep your blood sugar levels steady, without spikes or dips. Your blood sugar levels depend on how much glucose you have in your body. You can keep your levels steady by making the right decisions about the kinds of glucose-containing foods you eat.

The glucose factorLots of foods provide glucose for the body – some of them are better than others. e.g. some carbohydrates such as wholegrain bread, pasta and certain types of rice are

good because they provide a steady release of glucose into the body. Foods with lots of added sugar are usually higher in glucose but while they give you an energy burst, they will end up making you feel tired later on.

To keep your blood sugar levels steady it helps to know how quickly energy is released from different food. This is what the Glycemic Index (GI) is useful for – it ranks food based on the immediate effect on blood sugar levels.

• Foods with a high GI cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly which means your body has to work hard to bring its sugar levels back to normal.

• Foods with a low GI allow your blood sugar levels to rise gradually and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Foods containing fibre will help with this, too.

To find out more details about gi and healthy eating, have a look at The home of the glycemic index - The University of sydney (www.glycemicindex.com) or check out http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/glycemicfoodchart.htm for more information or google “glycemic index”.

Cut back on sugarAlthough sugar makes the food we eat taste sweet it contains energy without vitamin and mineral value. To avoid adding extra energy to your diet and inches to your waistline, here are some tips on cutting back on sugar:

• Eat porridge or untoasted muesli rather than sweetened processed cereals;

• Check the labels on muesli bars and other snack bars, some are much higher in sugar than others;

• Drink plain or mineral water instead of fizzy or energy drinks, that contain lots of sugar.

• Choose a piece of fruit instead of lollies or other confectionary; and

• Plain yoghurt with chopped-up fruit or a fruit yoghurt is a healthy dessert..

Timing is everythingEating certain foods at certain times can help you fight fatigue and allow for improved concentration and reaction time.

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protein: Protein rich foods contain tyrosine, an amino acid that stimulates brain chemicals to help you feel more alert. It’s important to choose low fat protein foods because high fat protein foods take longer to digest (this is especially important when these foods are eaten late at night when digestion naturally slows down).

carbohydrates: Carbohydrate based foods provide energy for everyday tasks and also

help to create serotonin, a brain chemical that allows you to feel less irritable and more able to focus.

When you eat a small meal containing about 120g of lean protein food with about a cup of certain slow releasing carbohydrates you will be ‘powered up’ to perform at your best without feeling sluggish.

Carbohydrates not only help you to focus, the same slow releasing carbohydrates can also help you to rest and sleep more effectively as well. Choosing a slow releasing, carbohydrate rich meal a few hours before you need to sleep promotes steady blood sugar levels – this will help you stay asleep.

Serving sizesIf you eat the right types of food but eat too much of them, you won’t get the best results. The ‘right’ serving size is different for different food groups and for different bodies.

To find out more details see the new Zealand healthy Food guide – healthy eating guide serving-size at www.healthyfood.co.nz

The secret to good digestionIf you work shifts you may suffer from stomach pain, bloating, constipation and other digestive problems. This is most likely because it may be hard for you to eat at regular times. To help reduce these problems, here are some good eating habits to put in place:

• The golden rule is to eat little and often. It’s hard for your body to digest larger quantities of food eaten in one sitting;

• Have several small meal breaks during a long shift rather than a single long one;

• Don’t skip meals, especially before you start work;

• Avoid having a large meal near the time you go to bed as your body will be so busy digesting it you could find it difficult to sleep;

• Heavy meals can often leave you uncomfortably full, or cause heartburn and other indigestion problems, which can also make it difficult to get to sleep; and

• Fill up on fibre - high fibre foods help to keep everything you eat moving right along through your bowels. If you eat regular amounts of plant-based foods (like wholegrain cereals and breads plus lots of fruits and vegetables), all of which contain lots of fibre, you’ll keep digestion problems and constipation at bay. This has to be good news whether you’re on a long shift at work or at home.

Try to include more fibre in what you eat on a daily basis:• Top up your breakfast cereal or muesli

with fresh or stewed fruit;

• Enjoy lots of fresh fruit – whatever is in season;

• Eat a jacket potato or potatoes with the skin on, rather than peeled potatoes;

Gooddietisanabsoluteessentialfordealingwithshiftwork. Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com and Shorrocks.

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• Eat wholegrain bread, or if you prefer white bread, try one with high fibre.

• Buy a bran muffin or wholemeal scone for morning tea;

• Choose a pie made with wholemeal pastry;

• Snack on chopped celery and carrot and/or raw unsalted nuts;

• Add lettuce, tomato, carrot, avocado, capsicum and beetroot to your sandwiches; and

• Eat brown rice or pasta whenever possible, or mix brown and white rice/pasta together.

Cut back on fatty foodsEveryone needs a bit of fat in his or her diet; it adds flavour to food but most importantly it helps repair the body. Most of us eat way more than we need. To reduce your fat intake:

• Swap to low-fat or trim milk;

• Trim excess fat from your meat;

• Buy lower fat cheese, e.g. Edam, Mozzarella or cottage cheese;

• Fry less – and bake, grill and steam more;

• Snack on a low-fat yoghurt;

• Eat tuna in wholemeal bread sandwiches;

• Instead of cheese, try hummus on crackers; and

• Cook with olive oil, avocado oil, or, even better, rice bran oil, instead of butter.

Biscuits, cakes, pies and sausage rolls are nice for an occasional treat but they’re full of sugar and fat. It’s good to get in the habit of reading the labels on the packaging so you can keep tabs on what you’re eating. If it doesn’t have a label, think about what’s likely to be in it and whether it is good for you!

Water – so good for youRefreshing, cooling, flushing, cleaning - water does it all!

Everyone needs to drink enough water to keep his or her body working well. Not drinking enough water adds to fatigue. Get in the habit of drinking a glass or two of water first thing, and keep topping up throughout your day. A good rule of thumb is to drink 200-300ml of fluid at every meal and snack - so at least six glasses a day.

• Don’t wait to feel thirsty - keep sipping to stay alert;

• Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. To avoid overeating, drink water before a meal;

• Many fruit and vegetables contain water. Eating them can help increase your intake of water but you will still need to drink at least six glasses to make sure you have enough; and

• Always keep a bottle or jug of fresh water handy. It is preferable to drink from glass rather than plastic anyway for health and recycling reasons.

How to know if you’re drinking enough waterGet in the habit of checking out the colour of your urine. If it’s pale yellow you’ve probably had enough water that day but if it’s strongly coloured (i.e. dark yellow), then you are not drinking enough and are not properly hydrated.

Caffeine – what goes up must come downMost of us like a quick caffeine fix to keep us going during a long day but too much is not good for the body. You’ve probably noticed that while a coffee, cola or energy drink gives you a bit of a lift; it’s usually followed by a dip in energy. If you have too much caffeine, that lift just stops happening and you start to feel really tired. So it’s best to limit these kinds of drinks to fewer than 300 mgs of caffeine a day. They also don’t help you fight fatigue; they just mask it for a short while. Too much caffeine reduces not just the amount of sleep you are getting, but also the quality.

Below are some figures on the approximate amount of caffeine (millligrams) in various food and drinks. note: This a guide only as the amount of caffeine may vary from brand to brand.

Coffee per cup Caffeine (mg)Instant coffee 75 mgPlunger 100 - 300Espresso/cappuccino 100 - 150Decaffeinated 3-5

Tea per cup Caffeine (mg)Brown ‘gum boot’ tea (five minute brew) 50

Brown ‘gum boot’ (one minute brew) 9-33Green tea (Chinese) 30-50

Soft drinks per 330 can Caffeine (mg)Energy drinks 30-160Cola 32Lemonade type drinks nil

Other favourite drinks Caffeine (mg)Milo nilHot chocolate 5-7Herbal infusions nil

Getting organisedThe key to eating foods that help you stay alert and avoid fatigue is being organised with your shopping. Aim to have the ‘right’ foods handy by planning when and where you’ll do your shopping, and getting it done well before you want to eat.

As mentioned earlier, shiftworkers should eat little and often rather than having one big meal during or after a shift. Being organised about buying your food will help you stick to this plan.

When supermarket shopping:• Look at your work schedule for the

coming week and plan what you’ll eat at work and what you’ll eat at home;

• Once you’ve decided on what you want to eat, make a list of what you’ll need to have in the house and what you’ll buy to take to work;

• Buy enough seasonal fruit and veges to keep you going for a few days;

• Eat before you go to the supermarket – you’ll be less tempted to buy unhealthy snack foods;

• Read food labels so you know exactly what you’re eating; and

• If possible, use the kitchen facilities at your place of work when you’re working night shifts to prepare simple, healthy snacks.

To help you remember which foods are best, check out the healthy Food guide (www.healthyfood.co.nz)

Sleep • fatigue • food – and how they interactIf you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, your body is likely to produce more of a hormone that will make you extra hungry and less of one that suppresses your appetite. In other words, if you’re tired your brain starts telling your body to eat – especially foods that are starchy, sweet and high in carbohydrates. If this goes on for too

Shiftworkers should eat little and often rather than having one big meal during or after a shift. Being organised about buying your food will help

you stick to this plan.

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long you’ll eat too much of the wrong foods. This will result in blood sugar highs and lows, plus you’ll put on weight and generally lack energy.

Smart food for shiftworkersIf your shift means you need to sleep in the mornings or during the daytime, the meal you eat before you go to bed should contain plenty of carbohydrates. These are good foods:

• Cereal/porridge;• Toast;• Fruit; and• Rice.

When you’ve woken up after a morning or daytime sleep, eat a main meal of the day, which should be a mixture of protein and carbohydrates to help you wake up and give you energy for the rest of the day and into the night.

• Lean meat, such as chicken and fish;• Pasta;• Vegetables;• Dairy products, eggs and low-fat cheese;• Yoghurt;

• Breakfast drinks or fruit smoothies; and• Fruit (its natural sugar it will give you an

energy boost).

When you’re working nights, eat a protein snack from time to time to help keep you alert. Fresh fruit is also good as it has lots of fibre to help your digestion processes as well as natural sugars to give you an energy boost.

• Nuts (mixed, raw and unsalted);• Dried fruit;• Lean meat;• Wholegrain bread sandwiches;• Use spreads with the ‘heart tick’;• Breakfast drinks or fruit smoothies, low-

If you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, your body is likely to produce more of a hormone that will make you extra hungry and less

of one that suppresses your appetite.

fat yoghurt drinks, water;• Beans on wholegrain toast;• Eggs (poached, boiled, omelette); and• Fresh fruit.

If you don’t have time to prepare a snack before you go to work at night, buy one of the healthier options from a petrol station or take-away place on the way to work, such as:

• Breakfast drinks;• Fruit smoothies;• Pies made with wholemeal pastry;• Fresh fruit;• Wholegrain bread sandwiches;• Low-fat or reduced sugar biscuits - look

for the NZ Heart Foundation ‘Pick the tick’; and

• Wholemeal scones and muffins.

Police News wishes to thank shiftwork.co.nz for their assistance in producing this article and the information contained in it. more information on shiftwork is available on their website at shiftwork.co.nz

The ongoing battle to keep cell phones out of prisonsThey may be called ‘cell’ phones but they aren’t meant to be in prison cells for the use of criminals.

Now collaboration between Police and the Prison Service in the UK is successfully tackling the problem of mobile phones being smuggled into Horfield Prison in Bristol, according to an article in Police Professional magazine.

The introduction of a new screening device called a ‘Boss chair’ has made it possible for officers at the prison to detect metallic objects, including SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards and mobile phones, on prisoners as they enter the building.

SmugglingPrisoners smuggle the phones into prison by secreting them inside their bodies and then use them to continue their criminal activity from inside.

Between March and August 2009, 13 mobile phones were seized from prisoners at Horfield and four people have already had additional time added to their prison sentences as a result. Other offenders have received alternative punishments or are awaiting sentencing.

NZ Corrections Department Chief Executive, Barry Matthews, told Police News that Corrections have been using various types of detection equipment to locate cell phones smuggled into prison. In some instances metal detectors are used while other devices detect the phone’s radio signal.

LimitationsMr Matthews said that both had limitations and the use of one phone by prisoners and multiple SIM cards added to the problem.

“The miniaturiastion of electronics and the move away from metal components makes them harder to find. When I joined Corrections I quickly came to the view that the best way to counter the threat of prisoners having mobile phones was to make them electronically inoperable within our prisons. We now have low-level jammers in all our prisons. The jammers disrupt the uplink and down link transmissions (within the prison perimeter) so the phones can’t connect to the cellular arrays, which connect to the telephone exchanges,” Mr Matthews said.

Changing technology (3G phones) and new providers mean that Corrections has to constantly recalibrate its equipment. However, Mr Matthews said that the system “generally works well”.

New Zealand is one of the few countries to successfully deploy cell phone jamming in all its prisons.

• BarryMatthews,ChiefExecutiveoftheCorrectionsDepartment.

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Did we land….?In a survey of airline pilots in the USA recently, one pilot wrote that he had unfortunately “hammered” his plane into the runway really hard.

The airline had a policy, which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a “Thanks for flying our airline.” The pilot reported that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in

the eye, thinking that someone would make a smart comment.

All but one little old lady walking with a cane had left the aircraft without comment when she said: ”Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Why, no, Ma’am,” said the pilot. “What is it?”

The little old lady said: “Did we land, or were we shot down?”

9.75% pa

Understanding sleep and shiftworkBy Deb Stringer, Communications Assistant

Experts say a ‘textbook’ night’s sleep consists of seven to eight hours sleep.

However, getting the recommended amount of sleep, especially when rostered to work shifts, can be difficult to achieve.

Dr Sarah Jay from the Sleep/Wake Research Centre at Massey University addressed the Police Association’s Annual Conference late last year about understanding sleep and shiftwork, and offered some tips on how to best manage sleep patterns when working in this environment.

Regulating sleepDr Jay outlined two factors, which regulate sleep: the sleep homeostat and the body clock.

Dr Jay described the sleep homeostat as our need to sleep. “Basically, the less we sleep the harder it is to resist.”

The other regulator, the body clock, was in charge of our physiological and behavioural processes, including sleep, she said.

“Our circadian clock is synchronised to 24-hours by external cues such as sunlight and work patterns.”

Fighting against natureDr Jay said due to these two factors working shifts meant your body was fighting against its natural rhythm.

This meant over the course of completing a number of rostered shifts, workers could accumulate “sleep debt”.

“Because you are trying to sleep when your body is primed to be awake, this could mean it is harder for you to obtain the recommended amount of sleep,” she said.

Cause and effectAccumulation of “sleep debt” as a result of shift work can lead to a number of short-term and long-term consequences.

Short-term effects include sleepiness, feelings of isolation and poor diet choices.

Long-term effects include gastrointestinal complaints, cardiovascular complaints, depression, exacerbation of pre-existing illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and epileptic seizures), menstrual changes and fertility complications.

Some research even suggests prolonged sleep deprivation can have links to cancer, Dr Jay said.

Taking responsibilityAccording to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 2003, fatigue is viewed as an occupational hazard.

Therefore, it is an employer’s duty to ensure rosters give workers adequate time to recover between shifts and between rosters/schedules. Employees, in turn, must report fit for work and behave safely in the workplace.

Dr Jay outlined a number of strategies shiftworkers could adopt to best manage their sleeping patterns.

Coping strategiesThese include keeping track of your sleep, utilising sleeping opportunities, recognising signs and symptoms of fatigue in yourself and colleagues, and incorporating fatigue countermeasures such as taking a break, working in pairs, having a nap or task reallocation.

Dr Jay did stress though, that incorporating countermeasures was only a temporary solution and should not be used as a substitute for sleep.

She also recommended short naps as research has shown this can improve alertness for a few hours.

“Of course it would be great if you could get the recommended amount of sleep, but in reality some sleep is better than none.”


43march 2010

• OamarupoliceofficerBruceDow,whoservesasPoliceAssociationConferencedelegate,treasurerandsecretaryinthearea,iswellknownforhisaward-winninghandlebarmoustacheandapenchantforridingpenny-farthingcycles.ItseemsThe Oamaru Daily MailrecentlycaughtupwithBrucetryingthe“nextgeneration”ofbikeoutforsizeinthecentreofOamaru.Hisusualpenny-farthingisdwarfedalongsidethe‘new’version,barelymeasuringasbigasthemonster’sfrontwheel.OnewonderswhetherBrucemightbeliningupforatrade-in?

- Photo courtesy of The Oamaru Daily Mail.

March April MayPaihia............................................ 22 ..................................................................18-21,26-27 ............................................................4-6,10-12,24-28,30-31stanmore baY ............................. 11,15-18,21,25 .............................................1,18-22,25-30 .........................................................1-13,16-31auckland .................................... 25 ..................................................................................................................................................2,5-6,10-13,16-21,24-27waiheke island ........................... 26-28 ............................................................23............................................................................9-11,16,19-20,23-27,30-31whanGamata ............................... 22-23,31 .......................................................28-29 ......................................................................2-7,9-13,16-20,23-31mt maunGanui ............................ 28,31 .............................................................1,20-22,25,27-29 ....................................................2,4-5,7,9-13,16-20,23-31ohoPe ........................................... 10,21-23,28-31 .............................................1,12-13,20-21,25-27,30 .........................................3-5,9-31rotorua ...................................... 9-10,14-18,22-23,25,27-29 ..........................1,18-22,25-29 .........................................................2-6,9-14,16-20,23-31tauPo ........................................... 16,18,30 ........................................................18,20-21,23,25-29 ..................................................3-6,9-13,16-20,23-31turanGi ........................................ 10,17-18,20-26,28-31 ..................................1-4,14-16,18-22,25-29 ...........................................1-14,17-31naPier .......................................... 28-29 ............................................................1..............................................................................3-6,9-13,16-20,23-27,30-31ParaParaumu .............................. 14 ..................................................................5,8,22, .....................................................................2,4-5,10-13,16-28GreYtown .................................... 8,14,17-18,22,24-25,31 ................................1,14-15,18-22,25-29 ..............................................2-6,10-13,16-20,23-27,30-31wellinGton ................................. 8,15,27 ..........................................................8,22,25-26 ..............................................................3,5,12,20,24-25,30nelson ......................................... 14,21-23 .......................................................11,25-26 .................................................................2-3,9,11,13-14,16-21,23-31hanmer sPrinGs ......................... 21 ..................................................................fully booked ............................................................12,16,27christchurch ............................. 25 ..................................................................17-19,25 .................................................................4,11,16,25-27,30-31akaroa ......................................... 15,22,30 ........................................................19,21,29..................................................................2,4-6,11-13,19-20,30-31tekaPo ......................................... 23 ..................................................................1,18,28....................................................................6,9,23-26wanaka ........................................ fully booked ..................................................18,22,25,28.............................................................2-3,5-7,9-12,16-18,22-24,29-31cromwell ................................... 1,10,13 ..........................................................15,19,29..................................................................4,9-13,16-28 Queenstown ............................... fully booked ..................................................1,5-8,29 ..................................................................3,6,25-26,30-31te anau ........................................ 7-8,10,24-25,28-29,31 .................................1,5,7-8,21-22,25-28 ...............................................1-6,9-12,16-31dunedin ....................................... 7,9,24 ............................................................11,18-20,26-27 .......................................................3-6,9-13,16-18,21,24,27-31

march 2010


44

The Prophet and the PolicemanBy mark derbycraig potton publishingreview by peter hayesI spotted this book at Unity Books, Wellington’s, if not New Zealand’s, best bookshop. I knew of Commissioner John Cullen’s first response to the creation of a Police Association in New Zealand and, as my father built the first road into Maungapohatu in the early 1960s, I had to read it.

The book tells the story of two New Zealanders

Stop Press:

Papakura officer attributes SRBA with saving his lifeSergeant Alan Nash is thanking his lucky stars that he had his stab-resistant vest on when an offender in Papakura recently attempted to stab him during a domestic violence callout. The vest deflected the blow and the offender was eventually subdued and arrested.

Police News understands that four officers were despatched to the scene and found a man in the kitchen of a house with two kitchen knives in his hands. Officers said the man became aggressive and started waving the knives around in the direction of the officers.

Pepper spraySergeant Noel Atkinson directed the man to put the knife down but he refused and advanced on Sergeant Atkinson. Constable Shane Grant then deployed pepper spray and the man exited the back door of the property, where he met Sergeant Alan Nash. The man then thrust the knife at Sergent Nash striking his vest in the right

hand side of his chest, causing the knife to slide up towards Mr Nash’s neck.

A struggle ensued and the pair ended up on the ground with the man still in possession of both knives. The man then got to his feet and attempted to stab all four officers present, eventually being overpowered when the officers resorted to using their batons to help apprehend him.

Nash, who has been on the job for 10 years, is in no doubt the vest probably saved his life.

Push for SRBAThe Police Association pushed for all officers to be issued with SRBA vests after a reported spike in attempted stabbing of officers several years ago. Police initially balked at the plan because of the cost involved but eventually sought and received additional funding from the Labour Government for the outfitting of all frontline police officers.

Counties-Manukau police were the first to receive the vests in a 2006 roll-out. A gradual nationwide roll-out followed but it had teething problems associated with ill-fitting vests.

Several police officers have attributed the body armour with having saved them from serious injury or death, when coming into contact with violent offenders armed with weapons.

A South Auckland man is facing serious charges of male assaults female, two counts of threatening to kill, four counts of assaulting a person with a stabbing/cutting instrument (the officers involved) and contravention of a protection order. Footnote: The South Auckland incident has since been followed by vicious assaults on a Tuakau officer and an Oamaru officer, which left both officers with serious injuries. Two officers were also attacked in Palmerston North.The Tuakau officer was attacked by up to 15 youths while trying to break up a fight between two students and shortly afterward an Oamaru officer was hospitalised after being viciously attacked by three men at a drink-drive checkpoint.

whose lives collided in 1916, creating a conflict which represents the lowest point in race relations in the history of the NZ Police to date.

Cullen was a hard uncompromising Irish farm worker who had served in the Irish Constabulary before coming to New Zealand. He was the first Commissioner to rise through the ranks and he demanded absolute obedience from his men. If you disagreed with him the consequences were grim, as Constable Smith of Auckland found out. When Constable Smith attempted to set up a Police Association he was subsequently and permanently dispatched to Greymouth. All Constable Smith and his supporters were asking for was an extra shilling (.10c) per day and to be able to sit down to have meals on duty. It took another 20 years before others dared putting their heads up again; such was the fear of police officers “associating”.

Rua Kenana called himself the Maori Messiah and the “son” of Te Kooti, who had hidden in the misty mountains and valleys of the Ureweras for many years in the 1870’s.

The Tangata Whenua of the Ureweras are Te Mana Motuhake O Tuhoe. Tuhoe had not signed the Treaty of Waitangi and had fought hard for a separate Tuhoe nation. A battle that continues to this day.

Rua emerged out of this battle for sovereignty with a vision for his Maori followers. Rua directed his energies into gathering the people and trying to make it possible for them to live and work together. He collected many assets and then sold them using the collective wealth for communal projects and he purchased seed and distributed food supplies in difficult times. Rua was a divisive leader, but was

also an inspirational leader for a substantially dispossessed people who needed a vision. Despite this he also had critics, Maui Pomare and Elsdon Best amongst them.

His devoted followers (over 600 at times) began to concern the Government of the day. Although Rua met with Ministers and the Prime Minister, that concern steadily grew. This came to a head when his pacifist teachings clashed with conscription during the Great War (1914-1918).

Cullen, as Commissioner of Police, was called in to sort this matter out once and for all. In 1916 Cullen personally led a party of approximately 80 police officers into Maungapohatu, Rua’s “city of God”, in the central Ureweras to arrest Rua for treason and outstanding warrants. The expedition was an unmitigated disaster, with two local Maori shot and killed, but Rua was finally arrested and taken back to Auckland to stand trial. However, as the warrants were served on a Sunday the whole legal process was invalidated and virtually all of the charges were thrown out. The Supreme Court trial went on for months and apart from “morally” resisting arrest he was found not guilty of all other charges. He was sentenced to 18 months hard labour. This sentence proved controversial and even the jury later publicly protested that the sentence was too harsh.

This book entwines the separate threads of these very different personalities into a very readable book. Anyone who reads it will understand a little more about the reaction of Maori, in particular Tuhoe, to the recent raids in this area of New Zealand. There are no scars here; there are still some very raw wounds that will take generations to heal.

Recommended reading.


45march 2010

Well, it looks like summer has finally arrived, which is a good thing because the rumour doing the rounds down here is that the new duty jackets we’ve been waiting for since Robbie was in charge will only be issued to new recruits.

The story is apparently that the districts have to front up the cash to outfit those of us already doing the job. Given the squeeze on money, apparently that isn’t going to happen. Now I’m pleased we’re looking after the new guys and girls but the last time I checked I don’t think that the winter southerly differentiates who it effects on the basis of service.

While we’re on the subject of uniform, we’re starting to wonder if the new trousers we’ve been promised are ever going to turn up. One fella down here was wondering if the hold up was because the committee at the Castle couldn’t agree on how many legs the trousers should have.

Don’t like to put the boot into the folks at the Castle because I know they’re doing their best...but I can’t do it without hurting myself given that they won’t issue safety footwear either!

File upWell, I had my CIB mates give me a hand with a file back before Christmas. What a fiasco that one was.

Laid myself an indictable charge on a baddie who needed to be taken out of circulation for a bit of cooling off.

I was about to head off on my leave when the boys told me I had to have the file prepped before I could go - something about a new committal process, filing of formal written statements.

I said: “What”? Give me my marked car and an ION (Infringement Offence Notice) book any day of the week.

Gotta say, I have nothing but admiration for them Feds and the files they have to prep every day. Seems like the new legislation bought in to help un-clog the courts from deposition hearings has just put more time pressure on. Tighter deadlines, less remand dates... you know the deal.

Well, got me file done but hope some brain cells get put into sorting the system out. Way I see it, one day soon a file that someone’s put a whole lot of effort into is gonna get chucked out cos it got stuck in the logjam.

This column is written by a frontline police officer. It does not represent the

views or policies of the Police Association.

HiccoughI’m hearing that there’s some extra pressure going on the Road Policing Managers of late. Recently an ex-VIP was delayed while stopped for a CBT (Compulsory Breath Testing) checkpoint.

Well, the ex-VIP wanted to see a very important game and was only delayed for a short time due to there being no breath test, however this still caused him to get his knickers in a twist.

Sadly the ex-VIP called on a friendly current-VIP at PNHQ who then called on the local RPM (Road Policing Manager) who was called to account for delaying said ex-VIP.

GAG (Get A Grip!)

What’s the world coming to when an ex-VIP gets to interfere with SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)? Next they’ll be calling us a state of Australia.

New FrontierI’ve been out at the new firearms training, getting my re-cert and was interested in the new levels of training - the 1, 2 and 3.

Lots of new terms also, house clearing, active shooters. All these things are meant to help us frontliners be better skilled and resourced to protect life and property. A good thing I say...

Here’s a weird one though. The grapevine tells me the Auckland frontline aren’t wearing any empty holsters while riding squad car. Looks scruffy, they’ve been told.

Aawwgghhh, you gotta be kidding!

Here we are, all trained up and ready for action, but are told having a pistol holster prepped on your duty belt and ready to go is scruffy! Since when did the frontline become Project Runway?

ReshuffleHave heard rumours that big changes are afoot at the College, with lots of people having to reapply for their jobs (shades of the Cook Islands). The grand plan sounds a good one, I just hope they keep the right people to make it work because the best plan in the world won’t ever work if you haven’t got the talent - if you don’t believe me just ask my old mate Robbie Deans.

Make sure you take the chance to take some leave and spend time with the family while the sun’s out. It’ll keep the bean counters happy and give you time to appreciate how good the Crusaders are as they start another winning Super 14 season on our new park. (Editor’s note: Well apart from a wee 41 – 20 ‘hiccough’ against the Reds recently)

See ya!

MeMorial wallOur sympathies to all our members’ families for those who have passed away in recent months…We remember… Who passed away…

southbY wayne Grant retired member 23-nov-09 rangiora

Gulliver sydney davis widow of member 27-nov-09 hawera

Goldstone thomas charles retired member 3-Jan-10 Palmerston north

reYnolds harold desmond retired member 4-Jan-10 Paraparaumu

latham marlene beverley widow of member 18-Jan-10 new Plymouth

osheo rex cornelius retired member 8-feb-10 auckland

teo fuatino leigh (ebony) spouse of member 8-feb-10 Papatoetoe, akld

wilkinson brian retired member 12-feb-10 Paihia

“I am not one of those who need to be prodded. In fact, if anything, I am the prod.”

- winston churchill, british Prime minister during world war ii.

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal;

nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

- thomas Jefferson (3rd us President).

“All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of

their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are

dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.”

- t.e. lawrence, famed british army officer, better known as lawrence of arabia).

46 march 2010

To contact the Police council of Sport, call alison Murray at the RNZPc. Ph: (04) 238-3139

Police council of SPort

Visit www.policeassn.org.nz for updated contact details for the police council of sport management committee,

district sports officers and the latest schedule of events.

Founder of North Island bowls tournament has only missed one event in 28 years For 28 years retired and serving officers from around the North Island have descended on Hawera to play bowls and raise money for charity.

In all of those years the founder of the event, Leith Miles, who is now 84, has only missed one competition.

Mr Miles initiated the event with colleagues Bill Stewart and the late Tom Carley when he was Area Commander at Hawera.

Sponsored by the local community, 32 teams come together, often in bizarre costumes, in a two-day ‘social’ challenge. All proceeds go to local charities.

Every team must have at least one serving, retired or former Police member.

TrophiesThe top 16 play to win the Leith Miles Challenge Shield and the rest compete for the consolation Egmont Cup.

Leith, who joined Hawera Police in 1996 and stayed there until his retirement in 1985, said: “We have teams from Whangarei, Wellington and Masterton; it’s a great chance for us oldies to catch up. We just pray for good weather and have been really lucky over the years.”

The only year that Leith didn’t play was in 2004 when he had to undergo surgery but he was fighting fit again the following year.

Mark “Bart” Crawshaw now organises and competes in the iconic annual event. Proceeds from the latest competition, which was held in December, were split between South Taranaki Victim Support and Riding for the Disabled.

Long service to NZ PoliceLeith Miles was born and raised in Marton. He joined the Police in 1946 and was posted to Wanganui/Whanganui in 1947. He was promoted to sergeant and served in Auckland in 1955 and went back to Wanganui/Whanganui the following year. He spent some time as officer-in-charge of the Marton station and in 1961 was promoted to senior sergeant and moved to Wellington Central. He then served in Hawera between 1966 and 1985 before retiring. He still lives in the town. In 1980 he was presented with a specially carved Pare (door lintel) as a mark of appreciation from the local community. His retirement function featured a special civic concert, attended by 350 people including four Hawera mayors.

• BillStewart,LeithMilesandMark‘Bart’CrawshawwiththeLeithMilesChallengeShield.

47


march 2010

• LeithMilesinactiononthegreen.

Nominations sought for NZ Police sports awardsIt’s that time of year again and the Police Council of Sport (PCOS) is calling for nominations for the New Zealand Police sports awards.

Within Police we have a number of highly successful sports people and administrators and this is your opportunity to give them some of the recognition they deserve.

Some current members have achieved national recognition in their codes and the PCOS believes they deserve to be celebrated.

A nomination form can be downloaded from the Police Sports website at http://www.policesport.org.nz/

If you are nominating someone for one of the three categories you need to complete a nomination form, attaching a sporting CV listing the nominee’s sporting achievements between 1 December 2008 and 30 December 2009.

The nomination form and CV needs to be in the hands of the National Secretary by the 30th April 2010.

Nominations are called for people in the following categories:

Administrator of the year: These are the people who work hard in the background such as coaches or managers. They often go unrecognised and this is your chance to show you appreciate their efforts.

official of the year: We have a number of Police involved in refereeing and umpiring across a number of codes and whilst we’re often quick to criticise them we don’t tend to give them the credit they deserve. This is your chance to recognise the valuable work they put in.

police Association sportsperson of the year: This award is for the most outstanding nominee who in the previous year has succeeded in their sport at the highest level. The winner will be presented this award in their home station with an opportunity to be recognised by those who have supported them in their achievements.

ROTORUA POLICE ASSOCIATION QUADRATHON 2010The Rotorua Police annual multi sport event is ‘going off’ on Friday the 19th March 2010, briefing 1.15pm

at the Blue Lake Back Beach, (carpark Blue Green Lake lookout).We invite you to have a go whether in a social or a competitive spirit – it’s the participation that counts.

Enter in one of the following categories:

SOLO • TWO PERSON TEAM • FOUR PERSON TEAMSWIM 300M* • MTB 10kms* • RUN 5kms • KAYAK 1000M

For more info contact dave hamilton on 027 562 0228, or email [email protected]

ENTRY FORMTeam name:

individual Two-person team Four-person team (circle one)

Swimmer’s name:

Mountain Biker’s name:

Runner’s name:

Kayaker’s name:

entry fees: Individual $20, 2 x person team $40, 4 x person team $80. Cheques payable to Rotorua Police Quadrathon 92. post to: dave hamilton, rotorua police station, private Bag ro3044, rotorua. Entry on the day is acceptable.

march 2010


48

NZ Police Mixed Teams 7-aside Hockey TournamentEntry Form

Date: 19-20 March 2010 • Venue: Smallbone Park, Devon Street, RotoruaTournament fee: $200 per team

DISTRICT / TEAM NAME:

YOUR CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS TOURNAMENT:

Name

Address

Phone No. Work Home Mobile Email

Annual criminal justice forecast says prison population will rise by 23% by 2017

• MinisterofJusticeSimonPowersaystheGovernmentismakingthedriversofcrimea“whole-of-governmentpriority”.

Justice Minister Simon Power recently released the annual criminal justice forecast for 2009-2017.

The Ministry of Justice, Police, and The Department of Corrections prepare the forecast, which estimates long-term trends in numbers of remand and sentenced prisoners. It is used for long-term planning for agencies within the Justice sector.

For the first time, the forecasts also include estimates of future trends in non-custodial sentences: home detention, community detention, intensive supervision, parole, and release on conditions.

Mr Power said the forecast is in line with expectations.

Prison population growth“Though we can expect the number of prisoners to grow, the rate of growth is expected to be slower over the next eight years than it was over the past eight - and more slowly than forecast in 2008.”

There are expected to be 10,314 prisoners by 30 June 2017, a 23% increase from 30 June 2009. The increase in the prison population over the preceding eight years was 40%.

“This slower growth is due in part to improvements to criminal court processing times and procedures, which we expect will reduce the length of time accused spend waiting on remand in custody.

Reducing victimisation“However, the best way to reduce the prison population is by reducing crime and victimisation in the first place.

“To do this, the Government has made addressing the drivers of crime a whole-of-government priority, focusing on improving services for those at risk of being the offenders or victims of the future, and their families,” Mr Power said.

The forecast takes into account all policies operating as at September last year. It is available on the Ministry of Justice at http://www.justice.govt.nz/moj-whats-new

Tournament information to be sent to:

ian pengelly

manukau police station.

phone: ddi (09) 263-2785 ext 92985

mobile: 0272572754

email: [email protected]

The tournament fee is payable at the start of the tournament or may be made prior to competition. Contact the following:

Peter West, 39 Wills Crescent , Ashhurst. Phone: Landline:326-9552 Mobile: 0274378801 Email: [email protected]

The tournament will be run under New Zealand hockey rules.

TEAM INFORMATIONPlayers’ names:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Team colours:

Shirt:

Shorts:

Socks:

Alternative strip:

Shirt:

Shorts:

Socks:

Umpires:(Optional) Name of umpire

1.

2.

Prizegiving and after match function

Numbers attending the prizegiving: (Partners are invited to attend).

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march 2010

NEW RETAILERS

Police Association Member Discounts Programme

The following retailers have joined our Member Discounts Programme. Noel Leeming – members can now receive a discount in all Noel Leeming and Bond & Bond stores nationwide at any time of the year. Splash Planet – this Aquatic Fun Park in Hawkes Bay offer members admission on Club Card prices, a major saving on normal admission prices. Aerial Sunglasses & Headgear – Pacific Optics Ltd provide the popular brand Aerial sunglasses and headwear to retailers around NZ. Members can now save 30% on the Recommended Retail Price (plus $4 delivery fee) on a large selection of their eyewear and headgear. To find out about these and other discounts through the Member Discounts Programme – go to our website www.policeassn.org.nz, sign-on, then click on ‘Member Discounts’ from the ‘Products & Services’ menu.

Bodybuilding:

Muscling up between the Combined ServicesThe second Police and Combined Services Bodybuilding Champs will be hosted in Auckland on 5 June at Sky City.

The event will be held as part of the wider Auckland Region Bodybuilding Championships, drawing mainstream bodybuilders from around New Zealand alongside entrants from Police, Army, Navy, and Air Force. A special invitation has also been sent to the Fire Service and Corrections Department.

The event was first staged in Thames in 2007. Co-organiser Willie Walker said the 2007 event attracted 55 athletes with the Police team being the overall winners. This time around he is expecting more competitors. “The competition should be even bigger and better than in 2007 with the additional invitations to the other Services,” Mr Walker said.

Judged separatelyAlthough a combined event, the Services competitors will be judged separately from mainstream competitors. All athletes who place in the top three of their categories will receive medals, and prizes such as nutritional products.

The Services division will be restricted to 10 classes, which includes a Novice class for both male and female. “This is like a beginners’ class for first timers”, Mr Walker said.

All first place winners of the Services and mainstream divisions will automatically go on to compete against each other for the overall titles of best male and female bodybuilder.

The championship is again sanctioned by the New Zealand Federation of Bodybuilders Inc (NZFBB) and all competitors who place in the top three of their class will qualify to compete at the NZFBB National Champs in Auckland on 9 October.

A lot of hard workMr Walker, a competition judge and seasoned bodybuilder himself, said that it takes a lot of hard work both inside and outside the gym to get your body into competition shape. However, once you get your physique into the best shape of its life, there is no going back. He said that people that get to that stage often find that “bodybuilding and the healthy life style behind it will ‘infect’ them.”

With the champs only four and half months away, Mr Walker suggests that anyone who is serious about getting in the best possible shape: “hit the gym and diet now.”

For more information about the event and the criteria for each class, contact Willie Walker at Waikato highway patrol via Lotus notes or on extension 78420 or 027 290 3880.

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Thai police officer honoured by NZ and international colleaguesInternational and New Zealand colleagues in Bangkok recently feted a senior Thai police officer with lengthy connections to this country.

Police Major-General Surajet Dhammadamrong will retire soon after 40 years of enforcement service. He was hosted at a farewell function by members of the Foreign Anti-Narcotics Community [FANC], a team of enforcement officers from around the world based in Bangkok for anti-drug liaison purposes. He was also guest of honour at a smaller function sponsored by the NZ Police Liaison Officer, Ray Van Beynen.

Detective Superintendent Van Beynen said General Surajet worked hard on cases involving New Zealand interests and thanked him for his commitment to those matters when presenting him with a suitably engraved kiwi statuette.

Leadership qualitiesRetired Assistant Commissioner Brion Duncan said that when he arrived in Bangkok in August 1978 to join FANC, Captain Surajet was then one of only three commissioned officers in the Metropolitan Police Narcotics Unit. Each of those three officers had exceptional leadership qualities and this was later recognised when all three eventually attained the rank of Police Major-General and went on to high responsibilities in the Royal Thai Police.

Mr Duncan, now a Director of the Police Association’s Welfare Fund, spoke highly of General Surajet’s ability as a field detective and crime manager.

Mr Asia syndicateGeneral Surajet was aheavily involved in the Police investigation into the so-called Mr Asia syndicate.

Another criminal figure of note during Major-General Surajet’s career was Brian James Curtis who was convicted in 1979 of drug trafficking from Asia into New Zealand and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment. He later escaped from Paremoremo Prison and remained at large for several years before being re-captured in The Philippines in 2001 and extradited to New Zealand.

• DetectiveSuperintendentRayVanBeynenpresentingakiwistatuettetoretiringPoliceMajor-GeneralSurajetDhammadamrong,RoyalThaiPolice,ataceremonyrecentlyinBangkok. – Photo courtesy of Ross Pinkham.


51march 2010

12-2009

Buying a new home or refinancing can be an expensive process, even with today’s low interest rates. We aim to make it easier on Police Welfare Fund members’ pockets. So for a limited time those drawing down a new Police Home Loan will be elibible for six months free home insurance through the Welfare Fund’s Police Fire & General Insurance*.

Police Home Loan PackageWhether you’re refinancing, buying your first home, selling, investing in property, building or looking for ways to manage your current home loan – a Police Home Loan through The National Bank or ANZ may be able to help.

The Police Welfare Fund Home Loan package provides attractive benefits to Police Welfare Fund members and their immediate family, like:

• No Home Loan application fee

• A contribution of $500 towards legal fees

• A small fee of $100 for a top-up on an existing loan

For borrowing 80% or lower of a property’s value:

• 0.50% pa off the standard National Bank or ANZ Floating and Flexible Home Loan interest rates

• The lowest possible rate on fixed interest rate loans without having to negotiate and regardless of your loan size

Our Police Welfare Fund Home Loan package is highly competitive and flexible.

For more information or to apply for the Police Welfare Fund Home Loan Package visit www.policeassn.org.nz

The National Bank and ANZ’s lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees apply. For borrowing over 80% of a property’s value, a low equity premium on a graduated scale will apply, and a registered valuer’s report will be required. Eligibilty to apply for a Police Home Loan package is at the discretion of the Police Welfare Fund Limited and applicants must be current members of the Fund. This home loan package is not available for low documentation home loans or loans approved through a broker. For a copy of The National Bank or ANZ Disclosure Statement and full details (including terms and conditions) contact any branch of The National Bank of New Zealand (part of ANZ Bank Limited) nor the ANZ.*Police Fire & General Insurance will be subject to the standard underwriting terms and conditions and is provided through the Police Welfare Fund not by The National Bank or ANZ. Members are eligible for one period of six months free Police Fire & General Home Insurance premium only, per member, regardless of the term of Police Home Loan taken. Police Fire & General Insurance is underwritten by Lumley General Insurance (NZ) Limited.

Members eligible for the free cover should contact our Member Services Team on 0800 500 122. You will need a copy of your loan document from The National Bank or ANZ.

*DePOSITS excLuDe TrANSFerS mADe BeTWeeN ANy OF yOur NATIONAL BANk AccOuNTS. yOur mONTHLy AccOuNT Fee reFuND mAy NOT Be reFuNDeD uNTIL THe BeGINNING OF THe FOLLOWING mONTH. FeeS Are SuBjecT TO cHANGe. ServIce AND AcceSS FeeS (NON-STANDArD FeeS) APPLy. FOr FuLL DeTAILS OF THe FreeDOm AccOuNT INcLuDING TermS, cONDITIONS AND FeeS, AND A cOPy OF Our DIScLOSure STATemeNT, cONTAcT ANy BrANcH OF THe NATIONAL BANk.Our LeNDING crITerIA, TermS, cONDITIONS AND FeeS APPLy TO ALL HOme LOANS. WHere BOrrOWING Over 80% OF A PrOPerTy’S vALue IS APPrOveD, A LOW equITy PremIum ON A GrADuATeD ScALe WILL APPLy AND A reGISTereD vALuer’S rePOrT IS requIreD.

Banking and finance hints from The National Bank

How to save money on your bankingOne of the secrets to good money management is keeping a close eye on your costs. Whether it’s the daily coffee on your way to work or that magazine that catches your eye in the dairy, even small costs add up over time. If you’re saving for a goal, like the deposit on a new home, every dollar you can save is a dollar you can put towards reaching your goal instead.

of the Police Welfare Fund and if you’re buying a home, it can save you a significant amount of money. The benefits of the package include:

• Discounts on Floating and Flexible home loan interest rates, and the maximum available discount on fixed home loan interest rates according to our daily discretion – meaning you pay less in interest;

• A $500 contribution towards your legal fees;

• The normal application fee for your home loan is waived; and

• A reduced fee for home loan top-ups.

A National Bank Freedom account is the perfect partner for the Police Home Loan Package. If you’d like to know more about either of these great banking options, just call The National Bank on 0800 800 808 or contact your local branch.

One ongoing cost that most people have is bank fees. Now, there’s a way to save money by avoiding account and transaction fees for your everyday banking.

The Freedom account from The National Bank has no transaction fees – you can make as many transactions as you like. The monthly account fee of $5 is refunded if you deposit at least $2,500 into the account each month*. For example, if your salary adds up to $2,500 or more each month it’s as simple as depositing it into your Freedom account and your monthly account fee will be refunded.

unlike other similar accounts, with a National Bank Freedom account there are no restrictions on the type of transactions you can make including, automatic payments, eFTPOS, cheques and direct debits. There are also no fees to access your account through a wide range of channels such as over 160 National Bank branches, Online Banking, ANZ and National Bank ATms, Touchtone and mobile Phone Banking.

Another very effective way to save money is by taking advantage of the Police Home Loans Package. The Package is available to all members

RNZAF Medical Services reunionAn RNZAF Medical Services reunion is planned for Labour Weekend 22-24 (Friday-Sunday) October 2010, to be held in Blenheim.

Members invited to attend will be both regular force and those who have retired. Some former or current members of Police will have served in medical posts within the RNZAF. • Defence Force medics/nursesIMedical

orderlies;

• Medical and secretarial officers;

• Nursing officers (RNZNC);

• Civilian medical admin clerks; and

• Medical personnel from the NavyIArmy who have served with the RNZAF.

To register your interest in this reunion contact:

colin draperreunion co-ordinatorph (03) 578-9388email: [email protected]

52


march 2010

by Ricky Collins

Clues:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10

11

12 13 14

15 16

17

18 19

20

February answers:

Across:2. safer road campaigns are aimed at preventing these (9)8. broadcasting (2,3)9. stitches (7)10. a type of picture visualised in court? (10)12. can be a major problem in any city or town (5)14. type of appliance used to stop wetness (5)15. annoyances (10) 18. a coroner’s request? (7)19. consumed (5)

20. notecase five hundred and mix for recipes (9)Down:1. Positive ones help a good section (5,7)2. type of watch (8)3. boat load (5) 4. Pepper spray could make someone, this (13)5. able to take a statement on (7)6. father (4)7. falsely advertises (13)11. kind of retorts? (8)13. clean belief (7)16. child’s reward (5)17. another water (4)

15. mascot17. visitational20. often21. chemist22. annoying23. eels

Down:1. Gullible2. arced4. ageing5. acclimatised6. acrylic7. ends

8. inefficiency12. athletes14. Quieten16. falcon18. noise19. sofa

Across:1. Goal3. database9. license10. cared11. indefensible13. liquid

The highs and lows of wine tastingThe start of 2010 has been a series of highs and lows for me, when it comes to wine tasting. Traditionally, it’s a period when organised commercial tastings dry up as wine retailers take a well-earned break. These

tastings are one of the main avenues that I have to try new wines and sort out what’s worth recommending and what’s not.

I also have a small but dedicated group of fellow local wine nerds who share the same passion for wine tasting, and we get together regularly and share new or interesting wines with each other. These get togethers also help to form my opinion on what styles of wine I might like to follow, or recommend. Unfortunately these tastings also tend to drop off at this time of the year, with people away on holiday. So the Christmas holiday period can be a bit dull as far as wine tasting is concerned.

Added to this, the New Year brought with it the impending closure of my local specialist wine store. Munslow’s Fine Wines has been the premier specialist wine store in Dunedin for the last 15 years, providing a great selection of wines from across the world and excellent advice to Otago customers. Unfortunately, the growing pressure of price-cutting by the supermarkets has finally taken its toll. The full impact of Munslow’s closure will certainly be felt across

the whole region. None more so than the myriad of Central Otago wine producers who will now be wondering where they might get an opportunity to introduce their wine to the market. Mark and his team will be sorely missed. It’s fair to say, this was not a great start to the wine tasting year.

Luckily, this year I had the prospect of helping organise the New Zealand Masters Games Wine Options Championship. Prior to this, I had some concerns that interest in wine tasting was faltering. But seeing 50-odd teams of four competing for the honour of national “senior” wine tasting champs over two evenings has gone some way to restoring my faith in the industry. It was great to see people relatively new to wine tasting get the bug, just as I did many years ago.

Wine of the monthLes Volcans syrah 2007 rrp $22

This warm and juicy red is a result of sourcing fruit from France and combining it with New Zealand winemaking skills. Theo Coles, based at Waipara winery Crater Rim has managed to land some excellent fruit from the Langedoc region and transformed it into a very appealing wine. It has dark berry fruit notes with a savoury feel to it, firm tannins and a dry finish. Look out for it on special at your local specialist wine store, if you still have one. Otherwise, give Vino Fino or Decant a call in Christchurch.

March answers: Across: 2. accidents. 8. on air. 9. sutures. 10. Photograph. 12. Youth. 14. drier. 15. agitations. 18. inquest. 19. eaten. 20. anecdotes.down: 1. Group dynamics. 2. analogue. 3. cargo. 4. disorientated. 5. notepad. 6. sire. 7. misrepresents. 11. ripostes. 13. hygiene. 16. treat. 17. aqua.

Please note: all you crossword exponents out there will, from this issue, be able to check your answers immediately by turning the page up the other way for the answers to this month’s puzzle.


53march 2010

signed letters are preferred, but in all cases the writer’s name and address must be supplied. names will be published unless there is a good reason for anonymity. the editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline letters without explanation. email to: [email protected] or write it to the editor at Po box 12344, wellington. letters under 400 words are preferred.

Write it here! Letters to the Editor are welcome.

police bosses need to keep an open mind on armingI have been reading articles and listening to people in relation to the debate whether or not to arm police officers.

Often the argument is that a Glock 9mm is no match against the high-powered weapons that some of our criminals like to carry. This is true, but let’s not forget to at least include in the argument the need for an officer to have some sort of immediate protection available so that he or she may be able to get out of a situation or provide some sort of assistance to injured persons.

Having a 9mm Glock, with 34 rounds, can provide this and some peace of mind if an officer is ever caught up in a firearms incident. They are protected, to some degree, if they are pinned down or may be able to return fire in order to force the offenders to ground, so as to effect an escape to a safer location.

I hope that people within the organisation are not shutting the doors on arming the Police. It is an issue that will keep cropping up and it is healthy to debate the pros and cons. It is not good enough for our managers to just say that it will not happen. They must be open-minded and fluid in their decision-making, adjusting to the times and needs of the community and Police staff.

As I write, there was today yet another pursuit in the Waikato with a motorcyclist. When stopped he was found in possession of methamphetamine, ammunition and a pistol. It’s becoming all too common now. Don’t shut the door on the idea. Weigh up the pros and cons. Make a valid and informed decision.

Andrew knox(hawke’s Bay)

how many more officers have to die before nZ police become armedYet another police officer shot.

I have been a police officer in New Zealand for about 30 years. Previously, I had been in the Metropolitan Police for over four years. When I arrived I was struck by the lack of violence towards police.

I have never been afraid to carry or produce a firearm. I have held two suspects at gunpoint

and was prepared to shoot if necessary. Regarding arming police, I was comfortable carrying a firearm but not always confident of my colleagues. The training has been woefully inadequate for the responsibility we are obliged to take on.

I have heard the Police Commissioner talk about the reasons for the proposed (and yet another) new system of firearms training. I certainly agree that there are some that do not need to be ‘firearms trained’. I am one of those. But the new proposal goes too far. As with most firearms training, I believe the system will be inadequate. It will look good to some, and allow Police National Headquarters (PNHQ) to say that they have come up with another successful proposal.

As for ‘armed response vehicles’ - an inadequate response - it will be too little too late. They will arrive after the frontline staff has borne the onslaught. The Armed Offenders Squad specialists usually arrive after the situation has been ‘stabilised’.

I have, for many years, expressed the opinion that I supported not being armed fulltime and that it would take three or four police officers being murdered in a year for us to be armed fulltime. Unfortunately, we are approaching those numbers and I can see no good reason to wait for more officers to die. The time has come for sworn staff to be armed fulltime. The last shooting was not a murder, but only by virtue of luck and the bravery of the rescuers.

The Police Commissioner and the Government have to train and adequately equip staff. We now have to become an armed Police Force. Our being armed may not have stopped the recent killings of police officers but we will never know for sure. We only know when we are hurt or killed. Being armed would give us a chance at survival anyway.

michael cornell(Auckland)

The need for ‘real world’ trainingNick Hall’s letter in the January/February edition of Police News regarding Staff Safety Tactics training (SSTT) really struck a chord with me. I fully agree with Nick that when a cop is assaulted that he/she relies on sheer naked aggression and the instinct to survive.

Given the lack of any real world combat or restraint training from Police, cops don’t really have much else unless they have attained skills outside the job. I have been a frontline cop for close to 18 years. Sheer naked aggression and the instinct to survive has saved me from a hiding more than once and been the difference between winning a fight and losing it. As my old grizzled sergeant told me years ago: “You are not paid to lose….so don’t!”

Unfortunately in the current politically correct environment, aggression seems to be a cardinal sin. It’s a dirty word. But what about controlled aggression and assertiveness coupled with an appropriate skill set? How about we give frontline staff who are dealing with violent, often drunk/drug-fuelled offenders on a daily basis, an effective array of skills to protect themselves. OC spray and a baton are great tools but don’t always have the immediate desired effect and there will be times you don’t have the chance to deploy them because events escalate too fast. The Taser is a great bit of kit but not everyone has one or access to one. Firearms are obviously a last resort but not carried routinely.

On that topic, I believe we are not ready to be an armed constabulary. We don’t get enough range time for a start (does anyone think once every six months is enough?). Politicians, Police hierarchy and civil libertarians won’t wear it and the public just isn’t ready for it. Unfortunately the body count is going to have to get much higher before it’s even seriously considered.

The fact is eventually, you are going to have to get up close and personal with a violent offender who is doing his/her absolute best to escape from you, resist you, hurt you or even kill you. Most cops don’t have the fighting skills or ability to deal with that scenario effectively and just do the best they can with what little training they have had. This is often messy and results in injury. We have all seen situations where we see three or four or even five cops on one offender, which never looks good. Is this their fault? I don’t think so. It’s just that Police is failing to deliver the right training i.e. unarmed combat including ground fighting, control and restraint techniques. There are

march 2010


54

squads in the Police such as VIPPS who get comprehensive and regular unarmed combat training. This is great stuff that really works. Why are frontline first response staff who are the most likely to encounter violent offenders not given such training? At present I believe we are setting staff up to lose on the street aka the ‘real world’. How long are we prepared to continue going down this road? I am sick of hearing about cops getting the crap knocked out of them. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) driven passive training we are getting is not preparing our staff for the sometimes-brutal world they work in.

In the real world offenders aren’t always friendly and don’t always comply with directions that you give. In the real world OC spray doesn’t always work. In the real world several baton strikes on an amped and aggressive offender won’t necessarily have any effect. In the real world bad guys hate cops and given the opportunity will take advantage. Let’s get more focussed on real world combat training to give staff the skills to survive and the confidence to work effectively.

gerrit Westeneng(helensville)

For and againstI would like to take the opportunity to comment on two separate letters from the December issue of Police News.

Denis Foster from Whakatane highlighted his concerns about what he saw as a poor design of the “self populating forms” contained within the Police National Intelligence Application (NIA). He raised a number of issues around this. He went on to say that a member from his policing area had created a much better system that enabled him to complete a file in about 30 minutes.

I have used the NIA based prosecution form set since it was released and prior to the training offered to districts. I’m certainly no expert when it comes to using NIA, however, I consider myself reasonably proficient. It takes me about 30-40 minutes to complete a file. The system creates most of the forms needed for an initial prosecution file, populates the correct details, enters the correct charge within the Caption Summary and gives headings/footnotes to assist you in writing it.

Don’t get me wrong, parts of the forms could be better and some forms need to be added. However they are the National Standard and I believe are about the best attempt the Police have made to simplify our job.

It seems to me that this is not an issue of the system not doing it’s job but rather a Police

district/area not providing their staff with adequate NIA training, especially if staff are unable to enter their own files and charges. In my opinion we should all be able to complete a file from start to finish and should only rely on Visual Display Unit (VDU) operators etc when and if they are available.

I find myself in an unusual position where I am supporting the efforts of PNHQ. Believe me this is very seldom the case but I do think they are doing their best to create a system that will assist us in our duties. I would ask Denis and those who agree with him to stick with the system. Upgrades are in the pipeline and I believe by the end of the year we should have an exceptional file management system.

Karl Robertson of Taupo highlighted a new trend/blanket policy being enforced by Police National Headquarters (PNHQ) and National Human Resources. The policy is to exclude applicants from joining the New Zealand Police that have previously been combatants in a war zone. A “combatant” is defined as someone who takes a direct part in the hostilities of an armed conflict. A “war zone” is defined as being a region where war is going on; where structures are damaged or in disarray, appearing similar to the effects of a military conflict; by extension, any area with a significant display of damage or disarray. Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor (prior to 2001) would clearly qualify.

I’m sure with a wider application of the definition that we could also include the likes of the Solomon Islands etc.

If Police are going to use this policy of exclusion then shouldn’t we now be looking to sack/medically discharge all those police officers that have served within the aforementioned regions? It would stand to reason that if military personnel are affected enough to exclude them from Police service then shouldn’t the same criteria apply to police officers serving in the same region?

I believe the person who instigated this obscure policy should stand down as they clearly have no idea about the suitability of candidates for the NZ Police. Take the following examples as cases in point:

Candidate 1: 18-year-old, fresh out of school, never traveled overseas, no life experience, likely to be targeted by offenders due to his or her age/appearance.

Candidate 2: 22-plus, military service, extensive life experience often operating within high stress environments, weapons trained, self defence tactics trained and well disciplined.

I am not saying that military staff make the best police officers and there could

be instances when it works against them and it’s not for me to say (from the above examples) who would ultimately make the best police officer. However, I know who I would choose and I know who I would want to be with if the proverbial hit the fan.

I can’t see how someone can be accepted into the Police who can’t pass initial testings or the Physical Competence Test at College yet someone who clearly passes everything is refused because of overseas service in a military capacity.

I believe PNHQ owe an explanation to those who have missed out on placement/recruitment because of this policy and I challenge them to do so within this forum.

gavin scott-petersen(Te Awamutu)

The ‘headmaster’ feel at the police college?I’ve recently noticed the new designations for certain leadership vacancies advertised at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). These new “Head of School” titles are interesting, and sound to me like yet more influence being brought to bear from our friendly educationalists.

However, I realise that these new titles will perhaps allow for outsiders to apply for these jobs, so that they can assist with how police officers should be - from their perspective anyway - properly trained. Personally, I’ve always preferred our traditional titles such as “Inspector in Charge of Recruit Policing,” etc. To me, that has more of a ‘Police’ ring to it.

No doubt a lot of time, money and research has gone into the re-branding of these titles, but personally, as a police officer, the whole ‘headmaster’ theme doesn’t really spin my wheels.

mark Buttar(Johnsonville)

holiday homes - some people don’t know a good deal when they see itI have spent the last three years as a holiday home caretaker. It has been an interesting and rewarding experience but I must admit to being surprised that people find so much to complain about.

For a small country like New Zealand we are indeed fortunate to have such great homes and I for one would not be able to afford to travel around the country as often as I do without the large number of homes at many different locations. As an example, the two holiday apartments in Newmarket are in a very desirable location, within a short walk to the brand new Newmarket Railway Station and shopping centre. Each


55march 2010

Have you moved recently?If you have moved or perhaps are about to, please let us know so we can update your records. You can do this by:

• writing to us at PO Box 12344;

• calling us on free phone 0800 500 122;

• faxing us on (04) 496 6819; or

• Emailing us at: [email protected]

You need to let us know your membership number, new address and if you’re a serving member - your new station.

Police network 44446 website www.policeassn.org.nz

freephone 0800 500 122 Police home loans 0800 800 808

Police health Plan/Police fire and General insurance Police credit union 0800 429 000

Quotes & information 0800 500 122 or (04) 472 9645

or fax (04) 496 6819 credit union www.policecu.org.nz

Police fire and General insurance claims 0800 110 088 Gsf information 0800 654 731

all enquiries (04) 496 6800 Pss information 0800 777 243

vice Presidentsstuart mills (027) 268 9416

chris cahill (027) 268 9411

field officers auckland district: stewart mills (027) 268 9407

waitemata and northland districts: steve hawkins (027) 268 9406

waikato, boP and eastern districts: Graeme mckay (027) 268 9408

central and wellington districts: JJ taylor (027) 268 9409

tasman and canterbury districts: dave mckirdy (027) 268 9410

southern district dave steel (027) 268 9427

new Zealand Police association: for immediate industrial & legal advice

(on matters that cannot be deferred such as

Police shootings, fatal pursuits or deaths in

custody) ring 0800 ten nine (0800 836 6463)– 24 hour/seven days service

regional directorsregion one Jug Price whangaparaoa (027) 268 9419

region two dave Pizzini counties-manukau (027) 268 9413

region three mel ridley tauranga (027) 268 9414

region four luke shadbolt hastings (027) 478 9001

region five ron lek wellington (027) 268 9417

region six craig Prior sydenham (027) 268 9412

region seven brett roberts dunedin (027) 268 9418

Useful Information & contacts

apartment has two secure car parks, a dish drawer, Sky TV, great views out over Hobson Bay, in fact everything required for a comfortable holiday.

A random selection of comments taken from the visitor books makes one wonder whether some people actually appreciate what they have. For example; the trains are noisy, the carpet is stained, prefer curtains to roller blinds, dining table is not suitable for small children, the pool is too far away, needs air conditioning, bedroom is small and the coffee mugs are too big! As a comparison of Newmarket accommodation, to stay at the Quest apartments for a night in a 2-bedroom apartment ranges from $290 to $320 plus $10 per night for cot hire and $11 per night for each car park. For a stay of five nights with a baby and two cars the cost would be up to $1,760 as opposed to $250 in the Police units. The only difference being that the Quest provides sheets and towels.

Surprising also is the lack of care and attention of some guests and an unwillingness to do their fair share of maintaining homes in a clean and tidy state. I have seen holes punched in walls, crayon scribbled on upholstery, stickers stuck on walls and property taken. Some people can’t even manage to do their own dishes – they just load them into the dishwasher and leave them for incoming guests.

I am sure from the vast majority of comments that most people do appreciate what they have and are careful and considerate, but sometimes we need a little reminder of how hard the Police Association works behind the scenes to ensure everyone has access to these fantastic homes and has a good stay in the various locations around the country.

gail Fitzgerald(holiday home caretaker, Auckland)

Aussie publication looking for case investigation authorsThe Australian Police Journal (APJ) has become aware that not many New Zealand police officers know about our publication. The journal has been around for over 60 years and is a publication for police by police. We wish to let your police officers know that the APJ is sourcing good case investigations by New Zealand police officers so we would like to spread the word through your publication. If there are NZ police authors who would be interested in the above we would be happy for them to contact us as below.

donna hargreaves ApJ office manager

Telephone: 02 9285 3399 Fax: 02 9285 3588

postal Address: Locked Bag 5102 parramatta nsW 2124

office Address: Level 2, spc 151-241 goulburn street surry hills nsW 2010 Website: [email protected]

“This sort of thing is all too common”Some extracts from British newspapers… 1) Commenting on a complaint from a Mr Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said: “We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It’s possible Mr Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house.” – (The Daily Telegraph).

2) Irish police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van because they cannot issue a description. It’s a Special Branch vehicle and they don’t want the public to know what it looks like. – (The Guardian).

3) A young girl who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster. A coast guard spokesman commented: “This sort of thing is all too common.” – (The Times).

4) At the height of the gale, the harbourmaster radioed a coast guard and asked him to estimate the wind speed. The coast guard replied he was sorry, but he didn’t have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind had just blown his Land Rover off the cliff. – (Aberdeen Evening Express).

5) Mrs Irene Graham of Boscombe delighted the audience with her reminiscence of the German prisoner of war who was sent each week to do her garden. He was repatriated at the end of 1945, she recalled: “He’d always seemed a nice friendly chap, but when the crocuses came up in the middle of our lawn in February 1946, they spelt out: “Heil Hitler.’’ – (Bournemouth Evening Echo).

NON-SWORN POlice LIFE INSURANCE

The Police Welfare Fund Ltd offers Non-sworn members of Police life insurance with a minimum level of cover of $50,000 applicable to those under 65 years of age.

Enhancing the wellbeingof Police and their families

Sums assured for the different age categories are:

Attained Age (Years) Death Benefit ($)

up to 29 $75,000

30-39 $120,000

40-49 $100,000

50-59 $70,000

60-64 $50,000

65+ No cover

Premiums are charged at a flat rate of $6.00 per fortnight and are paid directly through your salary along with the rest of your Association and Welfare subscriptions.

Benefit Nomination Forms are provided for members to nominate the person(s)/financial institution to whom the benefit would be paid to in the event of their death. It is very important to update this form if your personal circumstances change.

Is this cover enough?everyone’s need for life insurance is different. Sometimes Non-sworn Police Life Insurance is not enough to cover your situation. Police Life Insurance extra can provide that additional cover at very cost effective rates. See www.policeassn.org.nz for more information.

For claims or informationIf you need more information or need to update your Benefit Nomination Form visit our website: www.policeassn.org.nzPolice Welfare Fund Insurances Limited Phone: (04) 496 6800 or 0800 500 122PO Box 12344 Police Network: 44446Wellington Fax: (04) 496 6819www.policeassn.org.nz email: [email protected]

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Now wITH

IMProveD

BeNeFITS

Also from 1 march to 12 April 2010 Police Association members who are not yet members of the Police Welfare Fund can join and will have cover under Non sworn Police Life Insurance without the need for any health assessment. *Some conditions apply – see pg 37 for further details

The Voice of Police

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