VOLUME 48 | NUMBER 5 | JUNE 2015

AIMING HIGH Conference sets goals for women in police

BENEFITS BONANZA: New health benefits for members at no extra cost

2 CONTENTS

CONTENTS Police News is the magazine of the New Zealand Police Association, originally the New Zealand Police Journal, first published in 1937.

News/Views

Notebook

3 Tight as… Reaction to the 2015 Budget

18 Most Wanted: The “selfie arm”; Queenstown Winter Festival Dog Derby

4 Warning signs: Puplic policing is being redefined around the world

June 2015, Vol. 48, No.5 ISSN 1175-9445

5 What do you think? Association to survey members this month

Published by the New Zealand Police Association

5 Drop your boss: Greg O’Connor joins a daring fundraiser to help Kiwi kids

P.O. Box 12344, Willbank House, 57 Willis St, Wellington 6144 Phone: (04) 496 6800 Fax: (04) 471 1309 Editor: Ellen Brook Email: [email protected] Website: www.policeassn.org.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/ nzpoliceassociation Twitter: @nzpoliceassn Printed by City Print Communications, Wellington. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. © 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.

6-11 Cover story: Coverage of the Police Federation of Australia Women’s Advisory Committee conference hosted by the Police Association in Wellington 12 Iam Keen: Views from the frontline 13 Benefits bonanza: New health benefits announced 14 Raising the bar: The work of Police’s Alcohol Harm Prevention teams

19 Flashback: Arthur Troop and the International Police Association 21 Health and Wellbeing: Passing the PCT with your mind

Sport 22-24 Sports Diary, basketball, hunting, cycling, Solomons relay race, outdoor stair climb

Regulars 10 Home Loan Package News

17 Brave call: Nominations open for the Association’s Bravery Awards

16 Holiday Homes

17 Need to know: TOIL and the nine-hour break rule

20 Brain Teaser

20 Keen on Wine 25 Letters 27 Memorial Wall 27 Useful Information

Those wishing not to receive a personal copy of Police News should contact the editor ([email protected]) to be removed from the distribution list.

Cover: Montage by Matt Yee, City Print Communications

18 Fast Facts: Employment advice and advocacy

On patrol with the Alcohol Harm Prevention team. P6

NEWS/VIEWS 3

from the PRESIDENT

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olice officer shootings and beatings of black suspects in the United States have become a topic of outrage and discussion around the world. Certainly, on what has been shown on our televisions, that outrage has been justified in at least some of the cases. As we have learned in New Zealand, we should be wary of the selective reporting of such cases and, however compelling the argument for sanctions against the officers would appear on the basis of that reporting, we should await the outcome of any inquiries or court cases. However, one major impact of the publicity has been a change in the political debate in the United States, and US political trends have a way of influencing much of the developed world, including New Zealand. That change has been to the “tough on crime” debate. Over recent years, the US has led the auction in sentencing that has seen its prisons uncontrollably full of people who will never be released, and not just

for violent crimes. Every politician had to be seen to be pushing for greater police powers and tougher sentences, including the death penalty. Whether because of, or coinciding with, the shootings I have referred to, even rightwing Republican politicians are now talking about the need to take a different approach – not imprisoning large numbers of mostly black and Hispanic men and reducing the emphasis on trying to police their way out of inner-city violence and decay, especially with tough policing. It’s a laudable and sensible approach that has yet to actually turn into action, but the real issue is that the “tough on crime” rhetoric may have reached its zenith. Interestingly, this debate takes place at a time when violent killings of police officers in the US are up 89 per cent from the previous year. Those deaths are being overlooked politically in the new environment. And therein lays the issue. One of the inevitable outcomes of the new direction

will be less emphasis and investment in police, something we are already seeing in New Zealand. And, of course, even if the new ideas do succeed – and we can only hope they do, and that innovative ways are found to keep the public safe – any accompanying withdrawal of policing services could impact on the safety of those trying to police those who will still need policing whatever the political emphasis. Attacking the causes of crime is common sense. In the “tough on crime” era, it was largely ignored in favour of the heavy response. That approach overshot. Here’s hoping the new one doesn’t as well, at the expense of the capability and determination of today’s police to keep our society safe.

[email protected]

POLICE BUDGET STILL COLD AS ICE After a five-year freeze, the Police budget has finally moved – down.

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n last month’s Budget for 2015-16, the allocation for Vote Police dropped by 1 per cent from $1.624 billion to $1.609b. Even a top-up of $41 million a year for the next four years ($164m) for operational funding won’t begin to melt away five years worth of a frozen budget. Police Association Vice-President Luke Shadbolt said the announcement didn’t even come close to undoing the damage and certainly didn’t provide funding for service increases. “Last year, Police needed a top-up of $41m just to scrape by. Without significant investment, Police are at risk of serious service failures.” Police had already weathered significant cuts to staff to enable it to make ends meet.

“Without investment, crime rates will not continue to drop and the public will not continue to receive services they expect and need.” Problem areas, such as domestic violence, child abuse and organised crime, would remain unchanged. All areas of policing, except general crime prevention services and primary response management, will have reduced budgets in 2015-16. The biggest drop is in the road safety programme, down 5 per cent, which was a surprise considering a particularly grim summer road toll. • General crime prevention: up 0.91 per cent to $161m • Primary response management: up 4.38 per cent to $396m • Investigations: down 0.29 per cent to $378m • Road safety programmes: down 5 per cent to $305m

Police Minister Michael Woodhouse defended the Police Vote, saying $41 million more was being delivered over the next four years than had been forecast in the previous Budget. The $164 million for operational funding was an example of the Government’s commitment to “maintain visible, active and hardworking police”. "Increased foot patrols in our communities, combined with frontline staff being equipped with the latest mobile technology, have allowed the police to be more visible and deliver over half a million additional frontline hours each year," Mr Woodhouse said. Mr Shadbolt said lack of details in the Budget announcement indicated the Government didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that Police funding hadn’t increased in years.

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

4 NEWS/VIEWS

POLICE UNIONS UNDER ATTACK Public policing is being redefined around the world and organisations that represent police employees need to adapt, Police Association President Greg O’Connor told delegates at last month’s Police Federation of England and Wales annual conference.

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rivatisation, outsourcing and the introduction of second-tier policing were being discussed around the world. In the United States, police officers were bearing the brunt of a change in political rhetoric and the virtual disappearance of the “get tough on crime” policies. Mr O’Connor was speaking at the federation’s conference in his role as chairman of the International Council of Police Representative Associations, which represents 1.5 million police officers from 39 countries. He noted that England and Wales were now at the sharp end of policing reform in the Western world and “experience has taught us that what happens there is likely to be revisited on the rest of the policing world”. The impetus for the reforms had been the global financial crisis, which had become the rationale for governments of all hues to unashamedly attack public spending where police were seen as a major overhead.

There was a new world in which police and police associations in the United States and eventually the rest of the world were going to have to operate in. “Both Democrats and Republican presidential hopefuls, far from competing on who could be the toughest on crime, are using recent police killings of poor blacks to focus on things like over use of imprisonment, and military equipment, and over-aggressive policing tactics, as they discuss inner-city poverty exacerbated by the global financial crisis,” Mr O’Connor said. “A recent national poll found that 77 per cent of Americans favour eliminating mandatory minimum sentences – the most tangible policy emanating from the tough-on-crime rhetoric. This is at a time when killings of police officers are up considerably.” In 2014 there were 89 per cent more officers killed in the United States than the

ANNUAL INSURANCE PREMIUM REVIEWS Police Fire & General Insurance

Police Life Insurance Extra renewal

Great news for members – No increase in premiums this year.

Each year, Police Life Insurance Extra premiums are adjusted in line with a member’s age at the annual renewal of the policy in July. Members will receive a premium advice in June for effect July 2-3.

After a few years of increases in the insurance market, especially for homes, this year our underwriter (Lumley General Insurance) has agreed that there will be no increase in premiums across the board for all policies. If you have amended your cover during the year, there may be a slight adjustment to your fortnightly premium to allow for the premium being spread over a full 26 fortnights. Members with cover through the Police Fire & General Insurance will be sent a renewal schedule. Check your schedule and contact us if you need to adjust anything such as sums insured for your home or contents.

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

Who should your life insurance benefit go to? Now is a great time to review and, if necessary, update who your life insurance benefit should go to in the event of your death. To view your latest Benefit Nomination Form, log in and go the “My Profile” on our website, www.policeassn.org.nz. If this needs to be updated, you can print a new form from the Forms & Documents section. When we receive your new nomination form, it will automatically revoke and replace the previous form.

year before. “In the past, that would have led to an auction in outrage by politicians and demands for increased sentences and protection for police. Now, those killings are being ignored politically, as the discussion is still around what happened in Fergusson and Baltimore, and other incidents where police have killed black suspects.” Police officers were bearing the brunt of the change in political rhetoric. “Chuck Canterbury [national president of the Fraternal Order of Police in the US] summed up the situation when he publicly blamed politicians for leaving police to try to control broken communities abandoned and ignored by governments. “We would be foolish if we wrote off the change of mood to a few rogue cops and ignored the political shift that has eventuated in the US and, I believe, elsewhere in the CNN- and BBC-watching world.”

Take our one-minute online Lifestyle Security Check We want to help ensure you and your family’s lifestyle is secure and protected from financial hardship. Take one minute to do the Lifestyle Security Check at www.policeassn. org.nz/products-services/insurances. When you get your insurance renewal If you pay through the Police pay system you do not have to do anything. Any relevant premium adjustments will be automatically deducted from your pay on July 2-3. If you pay through your Police and Families Credit Union account, you will need to ensure that you have sufficient funds going into your Credit Union account to meet any premium changes by July 2-3. This means automatic payments to your Credit Union account may need to be increased. Health Plan Benefits – P13

Need some help? Call our Insurances team, 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on Police network extension 44446, freephone 0800 500 122, or email [email protected].

NEWS/VIEWS 5

WHAT DO YOU THINK? The 2015 Police Association Member Survey is your chance to have a say on the issues that matter.

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his month (June), the Association will be surveying members on the issues that affect police in 2015. The survey will be run by the Nielsen research company to ensure it is independent and confidential. Surveys are one of the ways the Association stays in touch with members’ views, which help us represent you better. Professional surveys are particularly useful because they provide evidence to back up our position when talking to the Police administration, the government or the media. Previous surveys have helped the Association ensure it is developing the right policies and advocating on the issues

that matter most to members, including arming of police, Tasers, restructuring and budget cuts. You will notice that many of the questions are similar to those in the 2013 survey; this is so we can see if views on certain issues have changed over time. The survey details will be emailed to you with a link to a website where the survey can be completed confidentially. We realise time is precious, so the questionnaire has been structured so it can be finished in about 15 minutes. We would be grateful if you were able, perhaps during a break or before you go home for the day, to tell us what you think about the issues affecting you.

SEND GREG OVER THE EDGE Police Association President Greg O’Connor is putting his body on the frontline of fundraising to help Kiwi kids.

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his month he’s taking part in the Foundation for Youth Development’s Drop Your Boss fundraiser in Wellington. On Tuesday, June 30, he will be “dropped” from the top of the eight-storey Harcourts Building in Lambton Quay. Lucky for him, he’ll be attached to a rope and will, we hope, effectively abseil down the side of the building. The Foundation for Youth

Development aims to build a positive, vibrant and successful New Zealand by helping Kiwi children. It runs programmes that improve attitudes and academic results, help young people set goals, boost self-confidence, reduce truancy rates and behaviours such as substance abuse and help young people to feel more positive about the future.

To support Greg, go to: https://fyddropyourbosswellington2015.everydayhero.com/nz/ greg-o-connor and click the Give Now button.

IN BRIEF FIELD OFFICER RESIGNATION The Police Association’s southern field officer, Celeste Crawford, who is based in Dunedin, is stepping down from the role on July 24. Celeste, who previously worked as a lawyer, has been a field officer for just over three years and has proved to be a committed advocate for Association members. She is leaving to spend more time with her family. A new field officer will be appointed soon.

TROUBLE IN TOY TOWN We know small cars are popular, but this model, spotted in Wellington’s Oriental Bay, tests the limits. Perhaps that’s why it attracted the attention of a passing police car, despite being legally parked, displaying a proper number plate and with all lights and signals in order? Maybe the driver was under age? The photographer, Sean Gillespie, who works as a press secretary at the United States embassy in Wellington, said the officer in the car obliged members of the public by turning on the car’s lights for the photo opportunity.

THE RIGHT TO BE INSULTING Germans have the right to insult police, the country’s constitutional court has ruled, as long as it’s not aimed at specific officers. The court upheld an appeal by a woman who was sentenced to 15 hours’ community service for wearing a badge bearing the slogan “FCK CPS”. The judges overturned the verdict of the lower court, ruling that the woman was protected by the right to free speech. “Displaying the letters `FCK CPS’ in a public space is not in itself punishable, because of the basic right to freedom of expression,” the judges said in their ruling. The woman was stopped by police in 2013 wearing a T-shirt bearing the same slogan, and asked to go home and change it. She complied, but was stopped again wearing a badge with the slogan a few days later and charged with insulting a police officer.

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

6

PFA WAC CONFERENCE

AIMING HIGH: GOALS FOR WOMEN IN POLICE There is a lot of goodwill around getting more women into the upper echelons of policing. It’s finding how to do it that is the tricky part. This year the New Zealand Police Association hosted the PFA WAC conference in Wellington which discussed the lack of women in police.

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he Police Federation of Australia Women’s Advisory Committee (PFA WAC), of which New Zealand is a member, was formed in January 2000 by the PFA to address the underrepresentation of women in police services and police unions in Australia and New Zealand. The committee is made up of women elected as officials in their police unions or a chosen representative (sometimes it has to be male). It meets twice a year to consider and advise the executive on issues relevant to women, in particular the attraction and retention of women officials in police associations/unions. The issue of participation was at the forefront of this year’s PFA WAC conference in Wellington in April. A common feature of the police unions that PFA WAC represents is the scarcity of female representation at the executive level. Many of the issues identified as being barriers to female representation are not specific to policing. They include childcare and flexibility of working arrangements and the timing of union meetings. Alannah Anson, a delegate from New South Wales,

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

agreed that progress was slow. She had been in the job 25 years and it had taken that long for the number of women in the NSW police to increase by only 15 per cent to 25 per cent. “I can’t wait for critical mass to happen. I’ll be in a box by then,” she said. Her advice to her fellow delegates was: “We have to try to engage and empower women. Give them knowledge and give them good stuff to do, and don’t pull up the ladder after you’ve gone up.” New Zealand Police Association President Greg O’Connor, who opened the conference, said police unions could facilitate changes and deal with issues of prejudice. NSW Police Association president Scott Weber said the goal was to make women’s issues front and centre in the minds of all decision-makers. Guest speakers included women who have succeeded in traditionally male-dominated fields: Fiona Michel, deputy chief executive people at NZ Police; Police Association activist Detective Sergeant Marcia Murray; Annette King, deputy leader of the Labour Party; and Kathryn Ryan, Radio New Zealand host of Nine to Noon.

“We want to make

sure that women’s issues are front and centre in the minds of all decision-makers.

”

NSW Police Association President Scott Weber

PFA WAC CONFERENCE 7

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trong female representation in police unions can improve advocacy for all members. That was the message delivered to delegates from Australia and New Zealand who attended the Police Federation of Australia Women’s Advisory Committee conference in Wellington last month. Speaking to the conference’s theme of Women Shaping Policing, New Zealand Police Association chief executive Heather Verry (pictured) said more women needed

to put up their hands to be part of decisionmaking processes, thereby improving advocacy for all members. Having women in leadership roles was not about tokenism or an easy ride to the top. “As women, we bring a different perspective, but can still deal with very real issues and ideas and contribute with considered thought on what is best for everyone... men included.” Research showed that women’s career aspirations did not differ from those of men, but there was often an unconscious bias among employers. Men were considered for roles on perceived potential, while women were judged on their past performance. “We want to come up with ideas and

opportunities for women within our Association so we can continue to shape policing,” Mrs Verry said. “By being involved in unions, women have an opportunity to ensure their voices are heard across the spectrum of policing from police policy, health and safety and police culture.” As the number of women working for Police had increased, so had their membership of the Association, but the number of women in official positions in the Association and leadership roles did not reflect that. Mrs Verry hoped her appointment as the first woman CEO of the Association would encourage more women to come forward.

NEW WAYS OF THINKING Speaking to delegates at the Police Federation of Australia Women’s Advisory Committee meeting in Wellington last month, Police HR boss Fiona Michel (pictured) suggested that as part of Police’s goal of getting more women into higher ranks it was important to redefine what “success looks like for police officers in the future”.

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he sort of people who were successful in 1970 are very different from those who will be successful in 2020,” Fiona Michel told delegtes. Mobility was a good example of new ways of thinking in Police: “We don’t need to be in Wellington to do our jobs. We need to give different people opportunities and redefine what success looks like for police officers in the future.” Current career paths took decades and a new challenge for Police was to shorten those paths in line with how crime and prevention would evolve. The data showed that Police was “trending in the right direction, we’re just not going particularly fast”. There had been an 18 per cent increase in the number of women in constabulary roles. There were more senior sergeants, but there was limited movement around the role of sergeant. What Police did know was that it was going to have to think about moving people through more quickly. “How we change our recruitment process and the Police College process… Is even asking women to go to a 16-week programme and leave their families the smart way to work in the future?” Police also needed to “get smarter” about job sharing, which, surprisingly, was still a relatively new concept for the organisation.

“We know clearly that our purpose is about making people safe. Women are attracted to that. Where we see opportunities, we should look at how we can maximise what we are doing now,” she said. A problem had already been identified: there were now fewer roles at the higher levels, which was creating a bottleneck for people coming up the ranks. Constabulary staff turnover was low – well under 5 per cent – and it was “constraining” to have a turnover that low when you wanted to make changes organically and there was a lack of roles to fill with different types of people. A “controversial” notion was that Police should look outside itself for advice on gender diversity. “Sometimes, to get clear about where the future needs to be, we are not necessarily the best people to define that for ourselves. If you look within, you will not get innovation; you will just incrementally change what’s already there because you are starting from a place of assumptions.” It was about introducing different “types of thought” to the debate, including defining what was the best use of Police time. “We can spend time looking at what makes us different [to other organisations], but we can also look at what makes us similar and one of those things is that women are not progressing fast enough.”

NEW ZEALAND POLICE STAFF BY GENDER AS AT MAY 2015 Gender

Headcount

Non-constabulary

F

2096

Non-constabulary

M

1091

Constabulary

F

1751

Constabulary

M

7237

Authorised Officer

M

181

Authorised Officer

F

54

Constable

M

5067

Constable

F

1441

Sergeant

M

1293

Sergeant

F

167

Senior Sergeant

M

408

Senior Sergeant

F

52

Inspector

M

237

Inspector

F

29

Superintendent

M

36

Superintendent

F

6

Commissioned Officer

M

282

Commissioned Officer

F

35

Female Ratio

65.8%  19.5%

Constabulary

 23% 22.1%  11.4% 11.3%  10.9% 14.3%  11%

Source: NZ Police

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

8 PFA WAC CONFERENCE

WHAT LEADERSHIP LOOKS LIKE Radio host Kathryn Ryan gave PFA WAC delegates a pep talk on leadership.

“Organisations

will increasingly require empowered and delegated teams. Ideas will fly up from the frontline faster than they will be directed from the top.” Broadcaster Kathryn Ryan

From left, Detective Sergeant Marcia Murray, Police Association President Greg O'Connor, Police Association CEO Heather Verry, Northern Territory delegate and PFA WAC chairperson Kylie Proctor.

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f you’re the sort of person who “does the right thing” in the workplace – supports and encourages others, shares the credit when it’s yours, shares the blame when it’s others and protects the less powerful – people will notice you. The best people will want to be around you, be the same way as you and will want to support you. To lead in that way and to try to effect change could be challenging in a police force, radio host Kathryn Ryan told delegates at last month’s PFA WAC conference in Wellington. “Police has a hierarchical structure – its disciplines, its deferences, its rituals and entrenched culture,” she said. It was a daunting environment in which to be “one of those who stuck her head up over the parapet, to look across the table at the most powerful to negotiate change”. Most modern organisations were loosening their top-down hierarchies, though police forces might be among the last to catch up. “Organisations will increasingly require empowered and delegated teams. Ideas will fly up from the frontline faster than they will be directed from the top.” More diverse skills than could be carried in one senior tier of management were required. To effect real change for women and minorities,

critical mass was needed. “Until you are there in numbers, the ‘respect effect’ of senior positions will not be enough. “Where will change come from? It will come from strong, innovative leaders at all levels organising networks with a critical mass of numbers to push forward solutions for change.” The role of unions was pivotal, as was providing flexible working conditions. “The words 24/7 really do apply in your roles. Too often organisations fail to think outside conventions – not just for mothers, but fathers too. Does family life need to suffer in the way it has in terms of careers? “There is a tipping point, a critical mass when everyone practises the culture; and culture change is a battle you win one person at a time, within teams and then between teams and networks to reinforce it across gender and rank.” It was a virtuous cycle and good people were attracted to that kind of leadership and example. “The best people want to be in that kind of environment. If women are not there in these roles, where will they be?” she asked. “How many are putting their hands up to shape the force? Whoever you are, you have my immense respect.”

Photos: BILLIE BROOK PHOTOGRAPHY

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

PFA WAC CONFERENCE 9

CHALLENGES OF ACTIVISM Detective Sergeant Marcia Murray is a fulltime police officer, a Police Association activist, a wife and mother.

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ttending the Police Federation of Australia Women’s Advisory Committee meetings as the New Zealand representative had been integral in keeping her motivated, Marcia Murray told delegates at last month’s conference in Wellington. When she joined the committee in 2011, she was full of optimism. “I thought, I can do this; I can get more females involved in activism and elected positions. I thought I could do it singlehandedly.” Looking back, she says, “I was naive.” “I thought there was a lack of women in elected positions because they lacked confidence. I thought, how can we give women that confidence? I initiated an email network among women in office-holder positions – chairs and delegates – and included board reports which recommended identifying relevant training courses and conferences.” She didn’t get the response she expected and “then came an eye-opener”. A survey from New South Wales showed that women tended to become involved in police associations as a result

of something happening to them at work. And it wasn’t lack of confidence that stopped women seeking elected positions, the survey revealed, but that police workforces and associations were predominantly male environments and that family responsibilities and organising childcare made participation difficult. Marcia understands the barriers. She is extremely busy in her job and being an activist is a 24/7 role. Lack of downtime takes a toll on her and her family. “Why do I do it?” she sometimes wonders too. Her compelling response is: “Because I don’t like seeing injustice in the workplace and I enjoy helping our members and being there in their time of need. We all join Police to help people and do more in our community, but to also become involved in the Association is to do that little bit extra.” Marcia continues to encourage female participation in her district. The challenge for PFA WAC, she said, was to come up with more ideas and to share what had worked and why, and what hadn’t.

“We all join Police

to help people and do more in our community, but to also become involved in the Association is to do that little bit extra.” Detective Sergeant Marcia Murray, NZ Police

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

POLICE HOME LOAN PACKAGE NEWS

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES Our great New Zealand summer is starting to be a distant memory as the nights get longer and the temperature gets lower. But winter can be a great time of year. You just need to be prepared – book that skiing holiday (or trip to Fiji) now and you’ll have something to look forward to. And, by taking a bit of time to get your house in order (literally!), you can also look forward to spending cosy winter nights in your warm, inviting home. Here are some tips to help you make your home the place to be this winter.

STAY POSITIVE If you’re thinking about buying a new home, but you figure there’s no point looking until spring, think again. There are potentially fewer buyers so, therefore, less competition, and if a house looks good in winter it’s going to look even better when the weather improves – so this time of year is as good as any to be in the housing market.

STAY WARM

STAY HEALTHY

You pay to heat your home, so make sure the heat stays where it belongs – inside. Insulation is the best place to start – check your roof, walls and floors and if they’re not insulated or are poorly insulated, consider doing something about it. Other heat thieves are gaps and cracks around doors and windows. Take a trip to your local hardware store and stock up with draught strips, draught stoppers or gap fillers and stay snug as a bug this winter.

Winter’s a good excuse to curl up with a good book from time to time – but not to blob out completely. Eating properly and exercising are even more important at this time of year – plus you’ll get a head start on your beach bod for summer!

STAY DRY Now’s the time to check your roof and fix any potential leaks – rather than in the middle of a freezing southerly. Clean out your spouting as well to make sure it can cope with winter downpours. Gutter guards are a good way of keeping out leaves and other items that can clog up your spouting.

STAY BRIGHT Sunlight is a free way to heat your home, and it’s also a natural mood enhancer – so make sure your home gets as much of it as possible. Cut back trees, shrubs, bushes and other things that could block out sunlight.

HOW ANZ CAN HELP If you’re planning on doing some work on your home before winter arrives (such as installing insulation, replacing the roof or getting some essential maintenance done), ANZ can help you finance it. Talk to us about topping up your existing home loan, or find out about our great home loan rates. And, if you’re a Police Welfare Fund member, you may be eligible for special discounts on home loan interest rates and other benefits through the Police Home Loan Package to help make your money go further. To find out more, or to register for the Police Home Loan Package, simply contact ANZ’s Police Home Loan Package team on 0800 722 524 or visit any ANZ branch.

The Police Home Loan Package (anz@work Elite Package) details are subject to change. ANZ’s eligibility and lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees apply. For full details please visit anz.co.nz/homeloan. This material is provided as a complimentary service of ANZ. It is prepared based on information and sources ANZ believes to be reliable. Its content is for information only, is subject to change and is not a substitute for commercial judgement or professional advice, which should be sought prior to acting in reliance on it. To the extent permitted by law ANZ disclaims liability or responsibility to any person for any direct or indirect loss or damage that may result from any act or omissions by any person in relation to the material. ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited.

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

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

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 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 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.

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

PFA WAC CONFERENCE 11

FROM DENTAL NURSE TO MP Labour Party deputy leader and former police minister Annette King shared the story of her career with PFA WAC delegates and gave advice on the best way to be heard.

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ne of the first lessons Annette King learnt about getting ahead in politics was that you don’t make progress on your own. “You are always going to need those who will encourage you, mentor you and push you forward, even when you think, ‘I can’t do that job, that’s not really me’, because, deep down inside, you probably can.” In her case, she was supported by a strong group of women within the Labour Party, which she had joined in 1972, including Helen Clark and Fran Wilde, who encouraged her to put her name forward to stand for Parliament. It was 1984 and the feeling among Labour’s women was “we cannot continue with only a handful of women in a house that is meant to be representative of the population. It was very much middle-aged, middle-class and white”. “I didn’t think for one minute I was going to win. But, one day I was drilling teeth, the next I was a member of Parliament.” She could scarcely credit it. “I didn’t think that job was one that many women did. There were very few women leaders internationally, certainly none in New Zealand at that time. I hadn’t planned it, but with the support of those two women and the support of a growing and powerful women’s caucus, it happened.” She is now on track to becoming New Zealand’s longest-serving woman MP. It wasn’t the goal she had in mind when she was at school, where her heart was set on being a school dental nurse, but when she did end up training at the dental school in Christchurch, she quickly became involved in the politics of the profession. In 1974, she was among 1000 school dental nurses from throughout the country who marched on Parliament for a pay claim – something they had not had in 21 years.

“Norm Kirk [prime minister at the time] gave us one on the spot. I went home exhilarated that we had been so successful. That was the awakening of my political involvement.” For women looking to progress in police in New Zealand and Australia, she told delegates, it was just as tough as trying to get ahead in politics. “You are in a male-dominated career. There are huge responsibilities on you to push forward. Parliament now has one-third women MPs. You still have a long way to go in Police.” She wanted to see women in all the roles in Police, including the first woman commissioner. “In the early days of the Labour Party, the slogan was, ‘Women want to make policy, not tea’. Today, they have huge influence on the whole operation of the Labour Party.” What had helped Labour, she said, was a really strong Labour women’s council. It became a powerful vehicle to influence organisations and decisions at a resourcing and political level. “The ability to voice collectively gives strength and security.” She advised delegates that rather than just letting their careers happen, as she had done, they should plan how they were going to get there and seek the support of others. Sometimes, women were inclined to sit back and let other voices, mainly male voices, speak. Women needed to make themselves heard. “Some of the responsibility for promotion falls back on ourselves to be brave enough to push ourselves forward.” A tip from her own career was to join Toastmasters. “If you’re going to be in a leadership role, you are going to have to speak up, especially in front of superiors and on topics that might not be popular. “Make yourself obvious to those who make decisions. Get yourself noticed.” Ms King said she was fortunate to have been minister of police for three years and had been well served by its management, from the top down. “New Zealand Police have got a lot to be commended for. They do a fantastic job. We are so lucky to have a service that is free of corruption, that the public look up to and that is there when we need them.”

“Make yourself

obvious to those who make decisions. Get yourself noticed.” Labour Party deputy leader Annette King

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

12 NEWS/VIEWS This column is written by a frontline police officer. It does not represent the views or policies of the Police Association

Frozen

Happy endings?

It’s starting to feel like a Walt Disney movie around here. You know, the one where the kingdom is stuck in an eternal winter? Yup, another Budget from Ice-King Bill and we’re into the sixth year of an essentially frozen budget for Police. With less money, but ever-increasing wage and general business costs, maintaining the frontline just got a little harder. Our resolution rate (crime reported against crime resolved) is already way down, so I’m hoping someone out there has a magic wand to help us through the year ahead. Sadly, the current way to meet this financial squeeze is to have the districts reduce overall sworn numbers. Auckland is rumoured to be down by 50 to 60 staff; Wellington 30-40. Our RAT (resource allocation target) of 8907 – the one thing that management promised would stay frozen – has silently melted away in the hot air of the Castle. This HQ-generated climate change is going to have knock-on effects for many parts of the business. With prevention hours the latest measuring tool, public safety team staff numbers will no doubt remain stable. Also safe will be road policing with their required hours to meet. This leaves CIB, neighbourhood policing teams, youth aid and education taking the hit in the frontline. Support groups such as inquests, scene of crime officers and photography will also feel the chill.

I was reading the New Zealand Herald (yep, even down here in paradise we read the Herald to stay in touch) and it was claiming that New Zealand has one of the lowest homicide rates in the world, the latest OECD figures putting us at .9 per 100,000. That really would be something to dance down the corridors about, singing Let It Go... if it were true. Instead, we actually sit about mid-range – far ahead of the United States, which is, predictably, at the bottom with its lax gun laws and crap health system, but we lag behind Australia and we’re three times worse than Britain. The Herald attributes our “success” to being a politically stable, non-corrupt society with strict gun control. I reckon the reality is much worse. Some of our murderers are found guilty of manslaughter. We have a thriving trade in illegal guns procured by theft, with no registration of the guns, so our criminal sector is generally well-armed. Our homicide figures would be worse but for the excellent work you and I do: we actively pursue family violence risk areas; we visit gangs and paroled prisoners; and we use our initiative with offenders on active charges by requiring strict bail conditions and robust follow-ups. In short, this is no time to be letting up on staffing numbers. As our Waikato colleagues can

To update Iam Keen with information, contact

attest, a murder investigation takes time. If there are several difficult homicide investigations occurring simultaneously, then other crime in a district can bloom like mushrooms in cowshit. Taking staff from one area to police another results in a depleted frontline and – surprise, surprise – serious crime figures start to rise. But, back to the happy ending... our future is trapped in the Castle. If the handsome prince is tangled up in a Bush, I’m hoping he’ll soon fight his way out and come to our rescue. I’ll pass on the kiss, though.

Workplace survey feedback We’ve had the results of the workplace survey and though it was a healthy response this time – up overall from last year – disengaged levels are still at the usual 15 per cent, while 58.3 per cent of us are “ambivalent”. I barely know how to spell that, let alone be it. The survey did record disillusionment with the appointments process. Apparently there’s a perception that cronyism and gender play more of a role in getting a job interview than plain oldfashioned merit. Perhaps it’s simply that all the change management in the past five years is making us nervous. A recent letter in Police News by local boy Dave McKirdy talked about the loss of deep expertise due to endless restructuring and rotation; I feel where you’re coming from,

him at [email protected]

Dave. Loyalty and specialisation are dirty words these days, and the large number of male employees sitting in the 45-48 age range should be feeling distinctly uncomfortable. It’s likely that, over the years, they’ve collected a bit of working wisdom in particular fields, but with rotation requiring more general knowledge of the whole business, particular expertise is just not hot. The good news is that the appointments process is being streamlined in response to previous workplace surveys, heading towards simpler application forms and more transparency around how panels make their decisions. And here’s an insider’s tip for the interview: don’t use the word “ambivalent”. Stay safe.

Take care out there! Constable Iam Keen

PCT clarification: In the May issue of Police News, the Iam Keen column mistakenly said that PCT times were changing for older members. That is not the case and concerned members should be advised that, at the moment, there are no plans to alter the PCT times.

Members – don’t miss out on great discounts Check out our growing range of discounts for members through the Police Association Member Discounts Programme. Simply log in to www.policeassn.org.nz. Select “Member Discounts” from the Products & Services menu to view the discounts available.

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

NEWS/VIEWS 13

BENEFITS BONANZA Excellent new health benefits have been unveiled for members at no extra cost.

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areful financial management of the Police Welfare Fund Health Plan means there will be no increase in premiums this year, as well as a raft of improved benefits for members. Police Association chief executive Heather Verry says improved benefits and the ability to hold premiums at their current levels ensure members are benefiting from a health insurance plan that is equal to or better than other insurance schemes on the market. “We are a not-forprofit scheme, so anything we make can be given back to members through improved benefits. We are pleased to announce changes that will mean better health coverage for members and their families,” she said. The new benefits, which will be introduced on July 1, are: 1. Removal of the $20 administration fee. 2. The surgical benefit increases from $50,000 per event to $200,000 a year, which will cover, for example, complicated spinal and cardiac procedures.

5. The specialist care limit increases to $3500 a year. The limit on refunds for initial and following visits has been removed. 6. The loyalty benefit period reduces from three years to one year. This means, for example, that the loyalty period for sterilisation and wisdom teeth surgery for everyone has been reduced to one year. For those on the comprehensive plan, the reduced loyalty benefit period includes infertility treatment, specialist prenatal and antenatal care and sleep study. 7. The prescribed lens limit increases from $200 a year to $300 a year. 8. The home nursing limit increases from $400 a year to $3000 a year. 9. The physiotherapy limit increases from $300 a year to $450 a year. 10. The dental limit increases from $100 a year to $400 a year for under-19-year-olds.

3. The private hospital (non-surgical) limit increases from $500 a night to $6000 a year. This benefit is used for extended recuperation after major surgery.

11. The chiropractic limit increases from $300 a year to $450 a year.

4. The surgical cover daily bed charge limit increases from $600 a day to $700 a day.

To find out more about Police Health Plan and other benefits, visit our website, www.policeassn.org.nz.

Do you want to get out of debt? The Police and Families Credit Union can help you take back control of your debts!

Debt

Repayments $150 per fortnight

By transferring your Credit Card debt of say $10,000 to a Police and Families Credit Union loan you can: Save $3,042 in interest charges Be debt free 9 months faster Phone our friendly team today on 0800 429 000 to discuss your options to a debt free future. Normal lending criteria and a $100 establishment fee applies to all new loans. Copies of our Terms and Conditions, Prospectus and Investment Statement are available online at www.policecu.org.nz

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

14 FEATURE

RAISING

BAR

the

Behind the scenes, Wellington’s Alcohol Harm Prevention team works to stop alcohol-fuelled crime spilling out on to the streets. Kelly Quill reports.

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lcohol Harm Prevention (AHP) teams tread a fine line between allowing people to have fun and avoiding the harm that can result from drinking too much. It’s not the easiest place to work. “It’s like being at the foreshore trying to stop the waves coming in,” says Senior Sergeant Mark Duncan, acting district manager of Wellington’s AHP team. However, he says, recent centralisation of the unit’s work has given it new focus. Previously, AHP was just one of several portfolios held by officers and was largely reactive.

“It was like putting a Band-Aid on the problem,” says team member Sergeant Shane Benge, who has covered the Hutt Valley for seven years. Now the four-person team has the opportunity to spend more time implementing short- and long-term initiatives on alcohol harm prevention – work that goes on behind the scenes a step away from the frontline. They liaise with organisers of large events where there is a high risk of alcohol abuse, such as school balls, the Wellington Sevens and the Toast Martinborough wine and food festival.

Two underage teens about to enter an off-licence as part of a controlled purchase operation operation in Lower Hutt last month; Right, three members of the Wellington Alcohol Harm Prevention team, from left, Sergeant Damian Rapira-Davies, Senior Sergeant Steve Sargent and Senior Sergeant Mark Duncan.

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

During the Cricket World Cup, the team worked with Wellington Regional Stadium’s caterers to limit the amount of alcohol that could be bought at different stages of the match and closed the bars for the final 10 overs. Cricket fans left the venue buoyant, but there were fewer overly intoxicated people on the streets and in bars than would otherwise have been expected. About 50 per cent of the team’s time is spent making compliance checks on liquor licence holders and doing controlled purchase operations (CPO), in which underage teenagers attempt to buy alcohol. The team averages four CPOs a month and aims to visit about

FEATURE 15

20 premises each time. During a recent operation in the Hutt Valley, Shane was expecting all the licensees to pass, so was disappointed when one of the 18 failed after one of the teens was served a drink. At 7pm on a Wednesday night, the owner had been caught off guard, which is the point of conducting the CPOs, Shane says. “They are a reminder to all licensees that teenagers can walk in and purchase alcohol at any time.” In all other cases, the teens were challenged on their age, and were generally asked to leave soon after entering. For businesses that fail the checks, the team’s endgame isn’t about imposing sanctions – that’s the responsibility of the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority. “Anyone can make a mistake,” says Shane. “It’s whether they learn from them or not that matters to us. “We want to work with them to make sure they’re contributing to the reduction of harm rather than just contributing to their own profit with little regard to the impact it’s having on the community.” Suggestions for being more responsible can include having a one-way door system after 3am and ensuring there is food available where alcohol is being consumed. Processing and investigating liquor licence applications is the other core part of the team’s work, and that has increased since the introduction of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 because more background investigation is required to assess an applicant’s suitability.

Tightening sale and supply of alcohol The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 was introduced in December 2013. It aims to improve New Zealand’s drinking

Of the five drivers of crime, alcohol is the one that impacts on each of the other four: families (eg, domestic violence), organised crime and drugs, road policing and youth. Alcohol plays a considerable role in New Zealand culture and contributes to about onethird of all incidents that police attend.

culture and reduce the harm caused by excessive drinking. It tightened restrictions on where and when alcohol can be sold and who it can be sold to. Both Police and the Police Association supported the act. In March, health and law enforcement representatives spoke at a forum hosted by Alcohol Health Watch and the Health Promotion Agency to consider how the revised legislation was working. The agency reported that between December 18, 2013, and February 26, 2014 (a 10-week period after the final provisions of the act came into effect), there were 1258 fewer offences nationally between 8pm and 8am, a drop of 22 per cent compared with the same period the previous year. Central Wellington experienced a 31 per cent drop, while in Auckland it was 11 per cent. Speaking on behalf of the Wellington AHP unit, Senior Sergeant Mark Duncan told the forum the act was an improvement on its predecessor, though it did not go quite far enough and had some grey areas and inconsistencies. The act targets only the availability of alcohol; it doesn’t touch advertising or price, so doesn’t affect the area of greatest harm – off-licences – as much as police would like. The majority of alcohol harm encountered by police emanates from off-licences, primarily supermarkets, which can discount alcohol prices to a point where it is cheaper

than buying essentials such as bread and milk, making excessive consumption easy, the team says. The most noticeable impact in Wellington of the reduced trading hours was in party areas such as Courtenay Place. “It used to be absolute chaos, and now you’ll see tumbleweeds in Courtenay Place at 4am,” Mark told the forum. “Having police out on the streets 24/7 is a strain on resources… reduced hours gives us the chance to deploy our staff elsewhere around the district.” The act also introduced district licensing committees (DLCs), an additional level of governance, that have the final say in granting liquor licences. Made up of local identities and community figures, the committees must consider the impact a liquor licence might have on the community. So far, Mark said, DLC decisions across the district were inconsistent, even within single areas. Shane told Police News that police objections to licence applications were often more successful in the suburbs, where there are more schools and residences, rather than the CBD, where the DLCs tended to grant applications for the sake of Wellington City’s night-time “vibrancy”. “We do understand it,” Mark says. “It’s a legal product that’s extremely profitable to those that make and sell it, and every move we make to limit the harm is also seen as limiting profit, enjoyment and vibrancy.” Other challenges faced by the AHP team include short time frames for processing applications and familiarisation and testing of new case laws. Looking ahead, the team says the top priorities for police are better cohesion between partner agencies and better direction and clarification on decisions from the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.

AHP officers makes regular checks on bars in the central city. Photos: KELLY QUILL

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

16 NOTEBOOK

Getting away on holiday can be affordable A Police Welfare Fund Holiday Home for just $60 a night is great value. WHANGAMATA

NELSON

TE ANAU

With a mix of ocean beach, rainforest and a safe boating harbour, the North Island town of Whangamata offers year-round fun on land and in the water. Take to the bush-clad hills for tramping, mountain biking, horse riding and historic gold mine sites or get out on the water, which has some of the best surfing breaks in the country. Close to Tauranga and Rotorua, Whangamata is also considered the Gateway to Coromandel and is only an hour’s drive from Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Other activities include: fishing, diving and snorkelling; boating and kayaking; golf; waka charters; and arts trails. The Police Association has two homes in Whangamata ($60 a night), close to the centre of the town, sleeping seven and five. They both have a TV, washing machine, dryer, spare blankets, pillows, high chair, radio and a fenced yard.

Not only is Nelson a delightful seaside city, with plenty to stimulate the senses, it is also the gateway to other great destinations such as Mapua, Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay. Visitors to the region are spoilt for choice when it comes to food, wine, the arts and natural beauty. It’s the birthplace of the acclaimed World of Wearable Art awards and even though that event has been spirited away to Wellington, Nelson still has the fabulous WOW museum, which is the next best thing to going to the show. The Police Association has two homes in Nelson ($60 a night) at Tahunanui, near the beach. They are one street back from the beach (about one minute’s walk away) and each has a TV, DVD player, washing machine, dryer, microwave, shower/bath, spare blankets, pillows, port-a-cot, high chair and car port.

Te Anau has adopted various catchphrases over the years – Gateway to Fiordland, Holiday Resort of Fiordland, Walking Capital of the World – all true, but its spectacular setting on the shores of New Zealand’s second-biggest lake (after Taupo) speaks for itself. Lovely Lake Te Anau is deep and placid, bordered by virgin forest and with stunning views of the Murchison mountain range, including Mt Luxmore. Activities in and around the area include: hiking in Fiordland National Park (access to the Milford, Kepler, Routeburn and Hollyford tracks); visiting Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound; guided tramps and nature walks; kayaking, cycling, jet boating, fishing, hunting, farm tours and scenic lake cruises. The Police Association has two homes in Te Anau ($60 a night). They are one street back from the beach (about one minute’s walk away) and each has a TV, DVD player, washing machine, dryer, shower, bath, spare blankets, pillows, high chair, radio, night store heater, electric blankets on all beds, and a secure garage.

There are dates available for houses at all these holiday destinations and others around the country. Visit www.policeassn.org.nz/products-services/holiday-accommodation, or call us on 0800 500 122.

DON’T BE STRANDED BY THE ROADSIDE If your motor vehicle has ‘Full Cover’ with Police Fire & General Insurance, we provide a professional roadside assistance service – free of charge.

Your car could have a breakdown, a flat battery, a flat tyre, or maybe you’ve just run out of petrol, or locked the keys in the car. At whatever time, you can call Police Welfare Fund Roadside Assist Plus for help. The beauty of the service is that cover is attached to the insured vehicle, not the driver, so it doesn’t matter who is driving your car. If they have a problem, the driver can contact the service. This premium service includes the provision of a rental vehicle and/or accommodation if your vehicle breaks down 100 kilometres or more from your home. These are benefits not generally provided by standard roadside support services.

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

A full description of services Police Welfare Fund Roadside Assist Plus provides is on the Police Fire & General Insurance page of our website: www.policeassn.org.nz. Trailers, caravans and vehicles with third party insurance are excluded from cover.

Getting cover is easy Insure your vehicle with ‘Full Cover’ Police Fire & General Insurance and you’re automatically covered. If you would like a quote, Police Welfare Fund members can log in and visit the insurances section of our website: www.policeassn.org.nz or call 0800 500 122.

NOTEBOOK 17

TIME TO HONOUR ACTS OF BRAVERY

IN BRIEF REPS ON THE WEB

Last year’s recipient, Senior Constable Deane O’Connor, with Ashley Donkersley, the man he rescued from Tauranga Harbour.

Nominations are open for the 2015 New Zealand Police Association Bravery Awards.

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he awards were introduced in 2010 to recognise outstanding acts of bravery by members and since then have been awarded to officers whose actions have exemplified the highest standards of policing. “Last year we were pleased to name Senior Constable Deane O’Connor as the 2014 winner,” Police Association President Greg O’Connor said. “Senior Constable O’Connor leapt from a bridge into the dark of Tauranga Harbour to save a crash survivor. His decision to leap into the water, without hesitation, unquestionably saved a life.” Prime Minister John Key presented the award. In 2010, Inspector Mike O’Leary was recognised for his bravery in rescuing two children from a burning van. Former constable Marty Stiles and Constable Mike Wardle, who were involved in an incident in Christchurch in 2010 during which Senior Constable Bruce Lamb was shot in the face, his police dog, Gage, was killed and his colleague, Constable Mitch Alatalo, was shot in the leg, were acknowledged in 2011.

A third award was also made that year, but, due to the nature of the police work, the recipient could not be publicly identified. No awards were made in 2012 due to no nominated acts being judged to have reached the very high standard needed. In 2013, Senior Constable Bryan Farquharson and Constable Paul Bailey were recognised for their bravery in rescuing a young boy from treacherous surf at Napier beach. Nominations for acts of bravery in the year July 2014 to June 2015 must be received by July 31. Both constabulary and non-constabulary members are eligible for nomination for acts of bravery over that period. The evaluation panel, which ultimately decides what awards to make, will recognise only the most extraordinary acts of bravery. The Police Association Bravery Awards are usually presented at Annual Conference. Nomination forms and criteria can be downloaded from the Police Association website, www.policeassn.org.nz. You must be logged in as a member to access the forms.

Need to know TOIL and the nine-hour break When a member is re-rostered with prior notice to work on their rostered day off (RDO) and breaches the nine-hour rule either before or after that period of work, time off in lieu (TOIL) will accrue for the hours worked until a nine-hour break is provided. Unfortunately, the way PeopleSoft is configured, it requires the RDO to be re-rostered before the TOIL accrued from the nine-hour rule breach can be calculated correctly. Prior notice of the requirement to work a full shift on a RDO means being notified before the end of the previous shift. If you find yourself in this situation, contact your workforce management team or your human resources office.

TOIL and exiting Police When you leave Police, all your outstanding leave balances (excluding sick leave) are paid as a lump sum on the closest available pay after your last day of duty. It includes any TOIL you have remaining on your leave balance. If TOIL is not able to be taken before you leave, it must be paid as a lump sum when you exit, ie, it is not forfeited.

If you want to get in touch with Police Association committee members in other areas, you can view all contact details on our website. The “Find Your Local Representative” page can be accessed from the quick links on the top right of the homepage (www.policeassn.org.nz). There, you can search by station, police district or committee and see contact details for office holders, directors and field officers. Remember, you will need to log in to the website first to view the rep details.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING BILL The Police Association supports drug and alcohol testing for people on bail and those serving community sentences if they are subject to conditions banning the use of drink or drugs. Association Vice-President Luke Shadbolt made submissions last month to the law and order select committee considering the Alcohol and Drug Testing of Community-based Offenders and Bailees Legislation Bill. The bill aims to enable Corrections and Police to require community-based offenders and those on bail to be drug and alcohol tested to ensure compliance with court-imposed conditions. Mr Shadbolt raised several points for the committee to consider, including that: judicial officers should also be able to prescribe drug and alcohol counselling when setting drug and alcohol abstinence conditions for bailees who are addicts; and consideration should be given to applying similar testing requirements to children and young persons on bail under the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1989. The committee will report back later in the year.

CONNECT WITH US The Association’s Facebook page is another source of news and information as well as providing members with an opportunity to connect with us online. We encourage you to like our page www.facebook.com/nzpoliceassociation.

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

18 NOTEBOOK

DOG DERBY The Queenstown Winter Festival is being held this month from June 19-28 with street parties, fireworks, international and local acts and a range of wintry activities, including the DB Export Dog Derby on June 25. It’s one of the longest-standing events in the 40 years the Winter Festival has been held. Even if you don’t take part ($20 to enter), it’s a lot of fun to watch as dogs and their owners come striding and sliding down the slopes of Coronet Peak. www.winterfestival.co.nz

FULLY ARMED A couple of artists in New Mexico have taken the “selfie stick” to the next level. Aric Snee and Justin Crowe have created the “selfie arm”, which they say offers a far better experience than using a stick to take photos of yourself, and it solves a problem –“Nobody wants to look alone while they mindlessly snap pictures of themselves.” The collaborative project is cited as a commentary on the selfie stick phenomenon and the “constant, gnawing need for narcissistic internet validation”. Made of fibreglass, the arm is lightweight and portable. At this stage it is still only an art project, but the precocious creators are offering limited edition signed Selfie Arms for US$6200 each. www.justincrowestudio.com/ selfie-arm.html

...on Employment Advice and Advocacy There are several ways to access the employment and advocacy advice offered to members through the Police Association.

advice on Code of Conduct matters, IPCA investigations and ensuring that members’ rights are protected during stressful employment processes. See: http://www.policeassn.org.nz/support/ forms-documents/little-blue-bookcomplaints-and-disciplinary-guide

Website

Mobile App

The information on our website is updated regularly and covers subjects such as: • • • • • • • • •

Code of Conduct Collective agreements Health and safety Leave and holidays Legal assistance Pay round updates Restructuring Superannuation TOIL policy

Our Q&A section covers common questions on topics such as allowances, payroll, what to do if you’re leaving Police and what to do if you have an employment issue. See: www.policeassn.org.nz/productsservices/employment-advice-/-advocacy Members can also email a query. See: http://www.policeassn.org.nz/contact-us

Little Blue Book The Little Blue Book is available on our website in PDF format. It is invaluable for

Key employment advice is available in the free Police Association mobile app, available for iPhone and Android. Head to the app store to download it to your phone – just search for “NZPA”. You will need to log in with your website log-in credentials to get it set up. At this stage, Police has not authorised the app to be downloaded onto Police devices, but you can download it to your personal phone. See: www.policeassn.org.nz/newsroom/ publications/nzpa-mobile-app

Committee representatives These are your elected members in each Police district (constabulary and Police employees) who are active in Association matters. They are trained and are a member’s first port of call on industrial, disciplinary or welfare matters. Complex matters are referred on to our field officers. Several committee members have received additional training to enable them to take a more active role in representing members during disciplinary or grievance processes.

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

Field officers Eight field officers are employed by the Association. They live in the regions they serve and spend a lot of time getting out and meeting members in their area. They deliver industrial and legal services, and deal with Welfare Fund and Credit Union enquiries. You can find out who your field officers and committee reps are by logging into the Association website and viewing the “My Profile” page. See: www.policeassn.org.nz/my-profile

Industrial and legal teams – National Office The industrial and legal teams based at National Office in Wellington are headed by Industrial Advocate Greg Fleming and Senior Legal Officer Liz Gooch. Across both teams, there are eight staff providing employment advice and handling industrial issues for members. If you are under investigation or have a serious employment issue, contact your local field officer who will refer you to the National Office staff if necessary.

0800 TEN NINE The 0800 TEN NINE (0800 836 6463) phone number is for emergency legal assistance, to be used only in situations that require an urgent response, such as a police shooting or fatal pursuit. This line is answered by Association staff and directors 24/7.

NOTEBOOK 19

WELL DONE, ARTHUR TROOP In 1950, a Lincolnshire police sergeant calledArthur Troop thought it would be a good idea to create a worldwide friendship organisation for serving and retired police officers.

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nder the motto Servo per Amikeco (Service through Friendship), Sergeant Arthur Troop set up the International Police Association (IPA). Now in its 66th year, it is the largest international police organisation of its kind with 420,000 members from 66 countries. The IPA offers travel and leisure benefits to its members and in the past few years there have been celebrations and conferences in Israel, the United States, Norway, Canada, Poland and Denmark, including youth gatherings. There is an International Secretariat and an International Executive Council based in Nottingham, England, along with a Permanent Executive Bureau that manages the organisation. The IPA also runs a holiday home network in several countries, with accommodation available to members at discounted prices. In 1965, Arthur Troop was awarded the British Empire Medal for his efforts in founding the organisation. He also received an honorary doctorate from Canada and the Austrian Cross of Honour, but it was the Hungarians who really feted the police officer from England. In 1998, following the unveiling of an Arthur Troop statue, he was presented with the Golden Sword of Hungary. Arthur took an eclectic path to join the police. He began his working life as a mechanic, but studied economics and social sciences at Oxford. In his spare time, he studied Russian history and in 1934 he won a scholarship to study in Moscow and Leningrad. When he returned to England, he studied agriculture at the Avoncroft Agricultural College in Worcestershire. In 1936, he joined the Lincolnshire Constabulary where he worked in traffic and rose to the rank of sergeant.

Arthur had always believed in the idea of people talking to each other rather than fighting and that concept became further embedded in his mind following World War II. As countries worked to repair international ties in the wake of the war, Arthur could see parallel benefits for the world’s police forces. His vision for an international friendship association of police was not shared by his colleagues at the time, many of whom thought he and his plan were eccentric. Undeterred, Arthur contacted police at home and abroad and wrote many articles about his ideas under the pseudonym “Aytee”. He had an encouraging response and on January 1, 1950, he founded the IPA. Groups began to emerge in Western Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Australasia. In 1955, at the first international executive committee meeting in Paris, he became the first International Secretary-General, a post he held until 1966, when he retired from police. On retiring from the police service, his desire to help others continued. He took up another career with the Lincolnshire Social Service Department, as a home visitor for the blind and again achieved national recognition for his charity work in providing guide dogs. Even during illness Arthur, with his wife Marjorie, continued to run the Stamford Blind Club. Arthur died, aged 85, in 2000.

English police officer Arthur Troop founded the International Police Association in 1950.

IPA IN NEW ZEALAND The IPA is not connected to the NZ Police Association. The New Zealand section of the IPA was set up in 1966. It is made up of six regions nationwide (including the Police College) and a national executive. Each region has a chairperson, treasurer and secretary. Police Commissioner Mike Bush is the national patron. The New Zealand IPA produces a national magazine and has a range of IPA souvenirs, such as pins, ties, cufflinks, T- and polo shirts, caps and banners. You can join the New Zealand IPA in your region by applying to secretarygeneral Coleen Meyers, email [email protected]. Application forms are also available on the last page of the IPA magazine. Visit the New Zealand IPA website, ipa.org.nz, for more information.

His vision for an international friendship association of police was not shared by his colleagues at the time, many of whom thought he and his plan were eccentric.

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

20 NOTEBOOK

WINE

By Ricky Collins

SOHO WINES I was recently asked by our local wine club manager to run a tasting for Soho Wines. I do these occasionally to keep alive interest in wine tasting down here in Otago, but the arrangement I have is that I retain impartiality about the wines I present. I encourage those attending to give me their opinions and their views are really valuable. Soho Wines was formed in 2009 by Rachael Carter, a member of the Carter family who have been involved in the wine industry as contract growers for more than 40 years. The family own three New Zealand vineyards – two in Marlborough and one on Waiheke Island. Soho also has access to fruit from several Central Otago vineyards. It has secured the services of three highly regarded winemakers – James Rowan of Auckland, Dave Clouston of Marlborough, and Grant Taylor from Central Otago – to produce their wines from three distinct New Zealand wine regions. Soho’s wines are exported to more than 20 countries and have won more than 40 gold medals in the past five years. The tasting went well, with good feedback from those who came along. I took five wines home to try the next day and, apart from the sauvignon blanc, the other four had improved, which is always a sign of a good wine. The prices quoted here are what the wines were on selling for on the night of the tasting. 2014 SOHO WHITE LABEL MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC

$13 | 56.3% | This young, entry level Marlborough sauvignon blanc has several appealing characteristics. It’s quite ripe on the nose and palate with banana and pineapple notes. On the finish, it’s fresh but not too acidic. Other than that, it’s a pretty straight up and down sauvignon blanc from the tropical fruit spectrum.

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

2014 SOHO JAGGER MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS

$24 | 70.5% | This bright, youthful wine is quite perfumed, with aromas of citrus fruits and pear. The pear notes come through on the palate along with some minerality. It has definite fruit sweetness despite the residual sugar level being low. It has a broad mouthfeel, nice balance and a lingering finish. 2014 SOHO CARTER WAIHEKE ISLAND CHARDONNAY

$24 | 72.3% | This is a very inviting, aromatic chardonnay with peach and apricot aromas and flavours. The fruit is nicely integrated with medium oak influence that gives it some toastiness on the finish. It has good structure and texture and is right up there with other stylish New Zealand chardonnays. 2013 SOHO MCQUEEN CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR

$35 | 70.6% | This Central Otago pinot is quite interesting as it is both ripe and herbaceous. It has aromas of ripe cherries and plum. These flow through to the palate that also has wild herbs and some minerality. Texture-wise it has acidity and a firm, tannic grip. It’s a well-made wine from a good vintage and a wellregarded pinot noir winemaker.

BRAIN TEASER 1. Released in 1970, what was the title of the Beatles’ last original album – Abbey Road, Help, Let it Be or Revolver? 2. Their first names are Maurice and Woolf. What are the surnames of these two gentlemen whose products are household names in New Zealand? 3. I n what New Zealand region would you find Portland Island? 4. What word can precede book, craft and grip? 5. I n what year did Ma’a Nonu make his test debut for the All Blacks? 6. Cattle are red-green colour-blind – true or false? 7. I f food is napped, how is it served? 8. Which island’s administration is divided among Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia? 9. How many prime numbers are there between the numbers 1 and 50? 10. In which month is Martin Luther King Jr Day celebrated?

2013 SOHO VALENTINA WAIHEKE ISLAND SYRAH

$35 | 77.7% | This bright, colourful wine is slightly closed on the nose. However, once it gets to the palate it opens up with pure cassis, plum and spice flavours. It has lovely integrated oak, is nicely balanced and has a long, silky finish. Quite simply, it’s a delicious wine.

Answers: 1. Let it Be; 2. Fisher and Paykel; 3. Hawke’s Bay; 4. Hand; 5. 2003; 6. True; 7. In a sauce; 8. Borneo; 9. 15; 10. January.

K E E N on

HEALTH AND WELLBEING 21

PASSING THE PCT WITH YOUR MIND There’s a psychological component to passing the PCT. Former physical education officer Graham Wallwork suggests a visualisation technique that may help you through.

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used to find it frustrating working with the same people every few years to reach the standards required for the Police physical competency test (PCT) for frontline officers. Once they had reached their goal, they always promised they would never go back to their old ways, but very few ever kept to that. The reason why changing your habits can be so difficult is that we are all inclined to stick with the status quo and what we know. However, there are ways that you can change your core beliefs – in this case, that the PCT is a huge mountain that you must climb every couple of years. Reaching into your subconscious can help you overcome mental blocks around your ability to pass the PCT. You can use the following visualisation technique to reach your subconscious mind and put it into an “alpha” state – a sort of relaxed awareness between sleep and alertness. • Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and look to an imagined spot between your eyebrows. • Take five slow, deep breaths and listen to your breaths going in and out through your nose. This puts you into alpha state. • Now think of a time in your life where you gained great pleasure from an achievement you had been working at.

(This could be passing the PCT the last time you successfully completed it). This is important because you want to be in a very positive state of mind with positive emotions before you visualise something that you want to change about yourself. Think on this situation for a minute or two to develop this intense positive emotion. Use all your senses if you can – the smell of the grass, the sight of your PCT Card, words of congratulations, the taste of your meal afterwards, if it applies. • Now think of the change you want to make – in this case the confidence you need to always pass the test – and spend a minute or so thinking of all the reasons you want to change this mindset and the positive spin-offs in your job and your life in general. Picture yourself having already achieved the desired goal. Hear friends and family congratulating you for your achievement. Feel the pride of having achieved it. • This visualisation session should only take five minutes. But to finish off, say to yourself out loud: “I now allow myself to have...(your goal – the confidence to always pass the PCT)” – then – “So be it. It is done.”

• The last two sentences are as important as the first because if you truly want to achieve the goal you have in mind, you have to let your subconscious think you have already achieved it. Then it will give you pointers of the action you need to take to make it happen – but don’t dwell on it because it goes back to being only a desire. • Now get on with the rest of your day but keep an eye on any ideas that come into mind. Take action when it is presented to you.

Other Things You Can Do to Help 1. If we are still looking at the subject of mind control – especially when you are doing the PCT – live in the present. Think of focusing on the task at hand. And don’t listen to your ego talking you into a negative state of mind. 2. Do not procrastinate. If you are nervous about doing the test, don’t wait until everyone else is finished. Get to the site – warm up – and do it at your first opportunity. If you don’t want an audience, do the test in a quiet time when you can concentrate. Always bring your mind to the job. 3. Prepare yourself physically as well as mentally. The test doesn’t require a high level of competency to pass, but it hurts less to prepare. If you have prepared your mind correctly, you will want to do some inspired action. 4. If you are unsure of any skill, practise the skill under instruction. In fact, practise all the skills until you have a clear picture of how you are going to do each of them before you attempt the test. We spend a great deal of time exercising our body – but no time at all to train our mind. Five minutes is all it takes – but do it every day. You can pass the PCT with desire, practice and persistence.

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

22 SPORT

SPORTS DIARY POLICE ASSOCIATION CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS When: June 25, 2015. Where: Taupo. Contacts: Roger Whale, [email protected] or 021 191 3735, or Matt Storm, [email protected] or 021 191 3728. Note: Walk or run 6km or 9km, individually or as a team. INTER-SERVICES HOCKEY When: June 22-26, 2015. Where: North Shore. INTER-SERVICES NETBALL

DUNCAN TAYLOR TOURNAMENT RETURNS Eighty-five sworn and non-sworn members of Police took part in the Duncan Taylor Memorial Basketball Tournament in Taupo on April 11-12. The event, which honours the memory of Detective Constable Duncan Taylor, a Feildingbased officer killed in the line of duty in 2002, had not been held in the previous three years. At two metres (6ft 7in) tall, Duncan was an obvious basketball player. He once represented the Tall Blacks and was a member of the New Zealand Police basketball team. Members who knew and played with Duncan describe him as a gentle giant. After two days of play, the Wellington Gale won the men’s tournament, while the Auckland Five-0’s fended off rivals for the women’s tournament win.

Wellington’s Cain Falconer and Auckland’s Ashleigh Curtis were named the most valuable players. Next year, Taranaki will host the Duncan Taylor Memorial Tournament, from April 9-10.

RESULTS Women’s

Men’s

Winner: Auckland

Winner: Wellington Gale

Runner up: BOP/Wellington Windy Bays

Runner up: Whanganui

MVP: Ashleigh Curtis

MVP: Cain Falconer

When: August 23-27, 2015. Where: Wellington. POLICE ASSOCIATION SKI AND SNOWBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS When: August 31-September 2, 2015. Where: Turoa ski field. Contacts: Mark.Farrell@police. govt.nz (Te Puke) for information and to enter; John.Daunton@ police.govt.nz (Christchurch) for transport plans for South Islanders, or David.Cowie@police. govt.nz (Otautau, Southland). Note: The Police Ski Club in Raetihi has 48 beds, but spaces are filling fast. Events: skiers – slalom, giant slalom, skier cross; boarders – giant slalom, slope style, boarder cross. Keep up to date at www.nzpsc.com. POLICE ASSOCIATION RUGBY, NETBALL AND FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT When: September 2-4, 2015. Where: Auckland. Contact: Rugby – Aaron Huddlestone (AHAI32); Netball – Tina Metcalf (TDX524), Marina Wetere (MWAB60), Natalie Rapira (NRAL45); Football – Stephen Mack (SMW556), Michael McMurtrie (MMZ922).

A ‘ROARING’ SUCCESS Hunters from throughout the country went bush last month (May 14-16) aiming to take out the 2015 Police Association Hunting Competition. Forty-six current and former Police staff and friends and family entered the main competition this year, hunting as far afield as Fiordland before gathering in Hamilton with their kills for the weigh-in. Peter Harper took home the prizes for heaviest pig and best deer head, a competition run alongside the main one in which heads were submitted from deer shot at any time during the “roar” (the deer hunting season), from March 1 to May 16. This year, organisers included a possum hunt for children, which was a great hit with families and had 20 entrants.

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

RESULTS Heaviest Pig: Peter Harper (Otorohanga)

Heaviest Deer: Ross Patterson (Te Awamutu)

Best Deer Head Overall: Peter Harper

Heaviest Possum: Hunter-Rose Earl (Ngaruawahia)

Sponsor and former police officer Mark Walker (left) and Peter Harper pose with Peter’s winning red deer head.

To contact Police Sport, email Dave Gallagher at [email protected]

SPORT 23

Cyclists who competed in the hill climb; Rod Carpenter, centre; and Wade Jennings, right, leads the pack.

LAPPING IT UP Rotorua and the Whakarewarewa redwood forest once again proved their suitability during the 2015 Police Association Road Cycling and Mountain Bike Championship on April 23-24.

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irst up were the tarseal events (road race and hill climb) for the roadies, kicking off with the 60-kilometre, five-lap circuit of the Okareka Loop. The field quickly split into several small pelotons with the usual suspects of Rod Carpenter, Jarrod Walsh and Ryan Blair up front. Rod broke from the pack towards the end of lap four and came in for a clean win in 1hr 10mins 40secs. In the women’s race, local Leonie Smith pushed the guys hard all the way as she powered through the field. She easily dominated the female division, winning in 1hr 17min 43sec, 29 minutes clear of second-placed Lisa Hogan. Competitors then drove across town for the hill climb to the summit of Mt Ngongotaha, a stiff 6.5km ride. Carpenter was victorious again, breezing home in an impressive 19mins 15secs. Russell Thorpe wasn’t far behind, and took second place just five seconds ahead of Blair. Smith smashed the female field again, crossing the line in 26mins 57secs, more than 20 minutes ahead of the next woman. On day two, a large field took part in the first of two mountain bike events completing four laps of a 5.5km course through the redwoods. Onlookers armed with cameras staked out spots that had potential for competitors to take a tumble and proceeded to jeer and cheer as riders came crashing through the bush.

New Plymouth legend Tony “I Have Asthma” Brownrigg led from the front and never looked back at Wellington’s Wade Jennings, who maintained visual contact most of the race.Leonie Smith continued to stamp her dominance, lapping many rivals more than once. The most entertaining riders were in the social/novice grade, especially Sililo Levae and Steve Allpress (pictured below), who delighted the crowds with gymnastics and contemporary dance moves.

The final event was a 2.3km downhill sprint, a 320-metre vertical descent. The circling vultures armed with their cameras were in for a treat as, by the halfway mark, many riders had inspected the ground closely and left DNA evidence on the track. After the first timed run, New Plymouth’s Mason Jenkins was the man to beat, though local veteran and event organiser Dave Hamilton was hot on his tail and just four seconds back.

Leonie Smith on her way to winning the women’s road race.

Jenkins displayed outstanding commitment to holding his lead, with a massive crash into the finish line, taking out the timing cables and preventing – for a short time at least – anyone else threatening his chance for glory. It was a well-executed plan as, once racing continued, no one could beat his time. Hamilton had to settle for second place, four seconds behind Jenkins, with Jaymi Oxley rounding out the top three. Local woman Chrissy Lunt proved untouchable in the women’s field, with Kylie Kennet racing across the line in second. Leonie “I Don’t Do Downhill” Smith came in third. Leonie Smith was named the 2015 Superwoman and Wade Jennings was crowned Superman of the championship, based on overall placings across all four events. – DAVE HAMILTON NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

24 SPORT

GOING ROUND IN CIRCLES FOR A GOOD CAUSE New Zealand Police’s contingent in the Solomon Islands took part in the Cancer Council’s 24-hour Relay for Life in Honiara recently.

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From left, Australian police officer Stephanie Park with New Zealand Police members Robin Hall, Richard Lindsay, Gary Absalom, Laura Jones, Leanna Bloemendaal, Phil Paratene, Tania Kingi, Gavin Nichols and David Blue.

ore than 130 members from the RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) Participating Police Force, Special Co-ordinator’s Office, the Australian High Commission and local staff battled the heat to clock up 1552 kilometres – more than 1100 laps of the RAMSI base. Despite their small numbers, Team Kiwi finished a respectable third and completed 160 kilometres. The event raised $6300 for the Cancer Council. In the thoughts of Team Kiwi were the many police colleagues in New Zealand who would no doubt have been running and walking laps at the same

time to support friends, family and colleagues with cancer. RAMSI Participating Police Force Commander Greg Harrigan said RAMSI members traditionally backed many causes, undertaking fundraising activities in their own time. “When any member of the 15 participating countries who form RAMSI is in need of assistance, RAMSI members are more than prepared to lend a hand,” he said. After Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu, RAMSI members raised A$1500, which was divided between two RAMSI police officers in Vanuatu who were affected by cyclone damage.

OUTDOOR STAIR CLIMB Most stair climbs take place in tall buildings, but there aren’t too many of them in Ngaruawahia, so the inaugural Hakanaka stair climb challenge was held in April on Department of Conservation land up to the top of the Hakarimata Ranges.

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rganised by the Ngaruawahia Fire Brigade as a fundraiser for blood cancer research and in the spirit of interservice rivalry, the firefighters invited police to take part. Not to be outdone by the firefighters in their operational jackets and trousers, the police staff who joined in wore full operational uniform. The Hakarimata stairs is a popular walkway up to the old Ngaruawahia water dam where the track turns sharply vertical and walkers are faced with a sustained period of stair-climbing to reach the top of the ranges. Police Sport funded trophies for the fastest male and female police officer, which went to Detective Cyrus Robinson (25m 55s) and Constable Chanel Dufty

(32m 18s). Unfortunately, Cyrus’s time was beaten by a firefighter, so police have vowed to return next year to claim the overall services win. Cyrus, who is a veteran of Auckland’s annual Sky Tower run, said the Hakanaka challenge was a treat. “Running stairs through the bush made it not dry and dusty like the tower runs, and so much easier on the lungs. Stair-running 1500 steps with SRBA and appointments was a unique challenge, but turned out to be a lot of fun. I would encourage anyone to give next year’s event a go.”

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

Constable Chanel Dufty on the Hakarimata track; below, from left, Constable Chanel Dufty, Detective Cyrus Robinson, Detective Chris Cummings, Detective Jason Earl, Constable Gareth Barnes.

LETTERS 25

Letters to the editor must include the writer’s full name, address and telephone number, and may be edited for purposes of clarity and space. Email: [email protected] or write to Editor, PO Box 12344, Wellington 6144.

Only a matter of time

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, like all other frontline officers, received an email from the commissioner in April asking me to be vigilant at the Anzac Day parades. Nice email: “Information suggests we are not immune,” it read. Then I got home and checked the news online, delivered by way of a video from a known Isis fighter, which said police and soldiers were to be killed on Anzac Day. So, I’m to be vigilant and look out for somebody who wants to kill police and soldiers. I was working on Anzac Day and, in fact, like many of you reading this, I work on the frontline every day. I have a family member in the Australian police. They must now wear their vests and be armed all the time, even in the watch house. It is a directive from their bosses who seem to value their staff a hell of a lot more than ours do. I even heard talk of some states in Australia asking permission for officers to wear their side arms off duty. With New Zealand stepping into the fray, it is only a matter of time before something happens here. In Britain, a soldier was beheaded walking along the street. Australia has had two major incidents so far. Do you honestly believe we are not on the radar? Sooner or later a statement will be made by these people in New Zealand because, like the email said, we are not immune. And on Anzac Day, my Glock, sitting in its lovely lockbox inside my car while I directed traffic, was about as helpful as a pocket in my underpants. I don’t know the answer, and at first I wasn’t a fan of being armed all the time, but the world has changed and not for the better. How can I protect myself or indeed the public? Workplace safety is a buzzword at the moment. You should have seen the effort around here to make the station a safer work environment. Well, out there, with people being encouraged to hurt me or worse, does that not justify a reply or some workplace safety for all of us? MIKE COLLIGAN

Alexandra

Flying solo

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am a former policewoman, the wife of a former policeman and the mother of a serving officer. I am writing in relation to the article in April Police News on the parallels between the workplaces of the Ministry of Social Development and Police. The biggest issue I have had for some time with policing is that frontline police officers are sent out solo. This is a dereliction of care on the part of their employer – the New Zealand Police. It is just a matter of time before Police will find themselves charged under the Health and Safety in Employment Act for “failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees while at work”. The public are more unpredictable, more violent, more disrespectful and less supportive of police these days, so there is no way an officer attending any incident should be on his or her own. Solo frontline officers are in danger the moment they leave the station. Also, solo officers are less effective. They are hardly going to jump into situations that would make them vulnerable, which, in the eyes of the public, makes them less effective units. A solo unit is a bad public relations image for the Police department. A two-person patrol just looks more effective, both for prevention purposes and as an effective operational unit. It’s safer all round. Also, there needs to be a clear definition between traffic and crime patrols again, so the police crime side of the department can start gaining back some of the public support and respect it used to enjoy.

NAME WITHHELD

Vehicle barriers

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saw a story in the May issue of Police News on barriers for police vehicles. As a former New Zealand police officer, I had forgotten that we didn’t have such equipment in our police vehicles back in Porirua, where I worked. It is something I have become used to since transferring to Queensland Police in 2006. All general duties police cars (Holden Commodores and Toyota Aurions) here are equipped with a Perspex barrier (within a metal frame) between the rear and front seats. They have been modified somewhat over the years to accommodate changes in

vehicle models and side airbag deployment, so I was surprised to read that “previous attempts to have them installed have been thwarted by incompatibility issues with Holden vehicles”. That certainly hasn’t been an issue here. I would suggest making contact with whoever is responsible for the Queensland Police’s vehicle fleet as they may be able to provide some useful information with regard to fitment and costings. It may help the Police Association’s push to see barriers installed in frontline police vehicles. I believe they are an essential safety tool. Loss of direct access to the back seat, and somewhat more limited space to keep a bag and forms, etc, are a small price to pay for safety. I have to disagree with the senior constable who seemed a little unsure about the barrier being trialled in his vehicle. He may not have had a bad experience yet, but it takes only one, and that could potentially have extremely serious or even fatal consequences. I continue to follow events in New Zealand Police and will always have a keen interest in what my brothers and sisters in blue are contending with. IVAN SPENCE

Queensland

Real issues behind crime

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happened to pick up February’s Police News as my partner, David Hrstich, was with Police for 17 years and still receives the magazine. I want to acknowledge Greg O’Connor for calling the real issues behind crime and for pointing the finger at the correct place for criticism – the Government’s policies that continue to create the conditions of poverty and crime. I also appreciated how he remarked that New Zealand tends to follow world trends, and that perhaps we can learn from what’s happening in other countries. I support causes that keep the pressure on the Government to pay serious attention to the rise in inequality, and thus poverty and crime. Thank you for echoing the sentiments of many New Zealanders. I would love to see police elevated to the status of true protectors of social justice, who understand the real causes of crime and advocate as a union to the Government to encourage policies to reduce inequality.

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

26 LETTERS

No amount of government funding for Police or other enforcement agencies will solve the long-term problem of crime until the issues of inequality are addressed. SALLY MABELLE

Auckland

Values lose worth

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y husband has been a policeman in Whakatane for 14 years. He works long hours, mainly by himself. While he is out driving around late at night, I am home, awake, worried and wondering why they can’t make it a rule to have two people per car at night. I also wonder why we struggle to pay our sons’ school and sporting fees. My husband brought the answer home last week in the form of a little cardboard box. Apparently all Police Ten One magazines included one of these cardboard cubes with core values written on them – values that I imagine most, if not all, Police staff already have and know. “Empathy, Walk In Their Shoes” is on one side of the cube: My husband has been video recorded and it is all over Facebook. I try to hide it from our teenage sons, but Police don’t seem to want to walk in my shoes and find out if we can get it taken down. “Respect, Treat Others As They Would Want To Be Treated” is on another side: Respect me and my family by valuing my husband’s life. He should have back-up and radios that work properly. Other values on the cube include: “Professionalism, Look The Part Be The Part”: To the person whose idea the cube was – are they doing checkpoints at 2am in the morning in the middle of winter and told they can’t wear a beanie? “Integrity, Actions Say It All”: Actions in the form of a cardboard cube – not more staff or better equipment – says it all to me. I am very proud of my husband and what he does for his job. One day I hope things will change and we will see a family of blue standing tall. But I can’t see that in the near future, when somehow this cube has been seen as an appropriate use of time and funds.

NAME WITHHELD

Whakatane

PCT clarifications

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here were several points made in the Constable Iam Keen column in last month’s Police News that were incorrect and that I, as a Police physical education officer, would like to comment on.

Firstly, the physical competency test (PCT) times are not changing. Retired Commissioner Peter Marshall stated this outright in 2013 and this has not changed. The PCT is still relevant. It has been reviewed and certified by an independent tertiary education provider (University of Otago, February 2011). It is a “field test”, so is an indicator of frontline fitness. It is not an operational test, hence staff are not required to do it in operational clothing, such as SRBAs. Those who focus on their health pass the PCT at any age. To imply it is “to get shot of oldies” is insulting to staff members, young and not so young, who continue to focus on their health and incorporate fitness as part of their lifestyle and have no problem with the PCT. Staff have had their lives changed as a result of the PCT pre-screening forms and the vigilance of the professionals who administer the PCT (though nothing beats going to your GP for a regular check-up). Just like any job, certain skills are required. If you cannot complete the competencies, then how can you expect to do the job? The public expect Police staff to be healthy enough to deal with physically challenging situations and these expectations are part and parcel of the job. If a large-scale incident such as the Canterbury earthquakes should arise again, the public would expect staff to be able to do their duties, including standing on a cordon for up to 14 hours if necessary. Police officers who look like they are going to have a coronary just by getting out of their chairs don’t instil confidence in anyone – workmates or the public. Finally, if nothing else, being healthy and fit may be the one thing that saves your life when you need to use your physical abilities to get away from a bad situation… fast. GLEN ROBERTSON

Christchurch A correction regarding the PCT times appears at the bottom of this month’s Iam Keen column. – Editor

Thanks from Jim and Fiona

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n March 17, my husband, Sergeant Jim Currie (Group 6, Christchurch Central), suffered a heart attack after playing hockey. He spent four days in hospital. I would like to say thank you for the help and support during this time from Inspector Derek Erasmus, Group 6 and Group 2 GDB, Group 1 South Comms staff, Association

JUNE 2015 | POLICE NEWS – THE VOICE OF POLICE

field officer Catherine McEvedy, Association committee member Senior Sergeant Mike Candle, and Phil Manhire, and the many visitors and phone calls from everyone else. Also, to Paul Bennett and Leon Burke (ambulance officers who play in our hockey team), thanks for your help, too. We were overwhelmed by the support and generosity of everyone. It was much appreciated. Jim is now back at work and playing hockey. FIONA CURRIE

Christchurch

RAINBOW WARRIOR REUNION A 30-year reunion of Police staff involved in Operation Rainbow (the bombing of the Greenpeace boat Rainbow Warrior on July 10, 1985, in Auckland) is being considered for July 11, 2015, at a venue and in a format yet to be decided. Any members who are interested can contact Maurice Whitham at [email protected] or 027 2969293.

CUBISM A member suggests one way (below) to keep the Police “values cube”, distributed to staff last month, and its messages front and centre in the minds of employees.

USEFUL INFORMATION NEWS/VIEWS 27 AND CONTACTS

JOB VACANCY

New Zealand Police Association

Dunedin-based Field Officer

Police Network

The Police Association is looking to appoint a part-time (0.8FTE) Dunedin-based field officer to service Association members in the Southern District.

• Advanced interpersonal and relationship building skills

A start date of late July 2015 is envisaged. Reasonable transfer costs would be paid if the successful applicant lives outside the Dunedin area.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and Office products.

The majority of time in this role involves the provision of industrial advice and representation to Police Association members, including all employment relations issues and disciplinary matters. You will also be promoting and delivering the services of the Police Welfare Fund and Police and Families Credit Union to members. Applicants should have: • A solid understanding and empathy with police and the environment in which they work • Familiarity with employment rights, agreements and principles • Familiarity with disciplinary processes and performance management • Familiarity with the resolution of grievances and employment relationship problems

44446

Freephone

0800 500 122

Police Health Plan

0800 500 122

Police Fire & General Insurance

• Self-motivation/management, initiative and good organisational skills

Quotes & information

0800 500 122 or 04 496 6800

Claims

0800 110 088

Police Home Loans 0800 800 808

The successful applicant is required to maintain an office at their home. An office allowance and vehicle will be provided.

Police and Families Credit Union

This is a challenging and rewarding role providing regular interaction with members and police management. Specialist support to the role is provided by the Association’s National Office.

GSF information

0800 654 731

PSS information

0800 777 243

General inquiries

0800 429 000

www.policecu.org.nz

Field Officers Waitemata and Northland Districts Steve Hawkins 027 268 9406

For a copy of the job description see: http://www.policeassn.org.nz/about-us/ vacancies/dunedin-based-field-officer

Auckland City District Natalie Fraser 027 268 9423 Counties Manukau District Stewart Mills 027 268 9407

Written applications including a CV can be sent to:

Waikato and BOP Districts Graeme McKay 027 268 9408

[email protected]

Eastern and Central Districts Kerry Ansell 027 268 9422

NZ Police Association, PO Box 12 344, Wellington 6144

PNHQ, RNZPC and Wellington District Ron Lek 027 268 9409

Applications close Wednesday, June 10, 2015. Interviews will be held in Dunedin on June 15-16.

Tasman and Canterbury Districts Catherine McEvedy 027 268 9410 Southern District Celeste Crawford

• Proven negotiating, advocacy and facilitating skills

027 268 9427

Vice-Presidents Luke Shadbolt Craig Tickelpenny

027 268 9411 027 268 9442

Regional Directors Region One Waitemata and Northland Districts Jug Price 027 268 9419

GRIFFIN, Pauline Claire

10 Mar 15

Retired

Whangarei

MILLS, Robert Geoffrey

28 Mar 15

Retired

Brisbane

BOYCE, Kevin

3 Apr 15

Retired

Christchurch

PELLETT, Lynne

9 Apr 15

Resigned

Christchurch

CROUCH, Jan

20 Apr 15

Partner

Whangaparoa

CUMMINS, Ralph David

30 Apr 15

Resigned

Lower Hutt

THOMSON, John

1 May 15

Resigned

Christchurch

WALKINSHAW, Nola

2 May 15

Resigned

Upper Hutt

CATTON, Dawn

3 May 15

Widow

Tauranga

LITTLE, Leslie Craig

9 May 15

Retired

Invercargill

LYONS, Michael William

12 May 15

Retired

Dunedin

WATKINS, Neville

21 May 15

Resigned

Christchurch

SAWERS, James (Warren)

23 May 15

Retired

Christchurch

ADRIAN SIRET Due to incorrect information being supplied, last month’s Memorial Wall included the name of Adrian Siret, of Oamaru, who was subsequently happy to inform us that he is alive and well. Police News apologises for the error.

Region Two Auckland and Counties Manukau Districts Emiel Logan 027 268 9413 Region Three Waikato and Bay of Plenty Districts Wayne Aberhart 027 268 9414 Region Four Eastern and Central Districts Emmet Lynch 027 268 9415 Region Five PNHQ, RNZPC and Wellington District Pat Thomas 027 268 9416 Region Six Tasman and Canterbury Districts Mike McRandle 027 268 9417 Region Seven Southern District Mike Thomas

027 268 9418

For immediate industrial and 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

NEW ZEALAND POLICE ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2015

Save money and hassle with your insurance

Police Fire and General Insurance There’s good reason why almost 6000 members protect their home, vehicle, contents and marine craft with us • Great value cover and hassle-free sign-up. (We can organise cancellation with another insurer and any premium refund for you.)

• A premium AA roadside assistance service absolutely free with every ‘Full Cover’ vehicle insured.*

• No bank charges or fees for fortnightly payments. (Some insurers charge an extra 5% to 7% for the convenience.)

• We are with you every step of the way, from arranging cover to ensuring fair and prompt claim service.

• Save more: package all your insurance together. • Any profit we make is used to provide you greater benefits like lower premiums and more Holiday Homes. A full description of services Police Welfare Fund Roadside Assist Plus provides is on the Police Fire & General Insurance page of our website: www.policeassn.org.nz. Trailers, caravans and vehicles with third party insurance are excluded from cover.

Getting a quote or information is easy: Visit the ‘Insurances’ section of our website: www.policeassn.org.nz (remember to log in to get a quote.) Talk to our Member Services team on 0800 500 122, 8am-5:30pm Monday to Friday. Email: [email protected]