driving - Victoria Police

Transcription

THE TRAFFI C A N D
T R A N S P O RT E D I T I O N
THE VICTORIA POLICE MAGAZINE
driving
FORCE
How police are steering
Victorians to safer roads
PRINT POST APPROVED 349018/00079
•
FEBRUARY 2007
inbox
Brakes put on hoon
Honesty pays
I have just had the pleasure to witness the new ‘hooning’ road laws enacted outside the
I am writing to sincerely thank the
front of my factory in Seaford.
Mornington police, in particular Senior
A guy (a hoon) who drives like a bat out of hell around the corner of Stephenson and
Constable Paul Hammond.
On 22 June, while shopping at Benton’s
Brunel roads every day has been caught.
He thought it would be smart to overtake an unmarked police car sideways around
Square Shopping Centre in Mornington, I
left $400 in the Westpac ATM, walking off
the corner one afternoon.
with my flexi card and shopping list only.
Not that smart after all, he walked home.
The police who pulled the guy up, treated him accordingly and sent him on his way,
After contacting local shop owners to
see if the money had been handed in, after
walking.
I am totally sick of the road behaviour of many of the local factory workers coming
I realised that I had not collected it from
the teller machine, I took no further action
and going.
It was a good job well done. Please come back again for more idiot action.
believing the money was long gone.
To my astonishment and pleasure my
Peter Jones, via email
mother and subsequently several friends
read a small paragraph in the local police
news section of the local newspaper, asking
Patrols deter hoons
Race day compliments
Just a quick note to commend the Special
I would like to send the highest compli-
Solo Unit on the great job they do.
ments to a senior constable on duty at the
I live in Epping behind the athletics stadium, backing on to the walking tracks off
McDonalds Road.
roundabout near the entrance to the Hill
Stand at Flemington Racecourse.
for anyone who had lost money at Benton’s
Square to contact Sen Const Hammond.
I contacted him on 19 July and was
given back the $400.
Sen Const Hammond was kind, sympathetic, personable, professional and very
My husband and I were headed to the
easy to deal with. The entire process, includ-
On numerous occasions I have called
nursery car park to join friends for a picnic
ing the honesty of the citizen who handed
the police. They have been great, get out as
lunch and had to park in the public car park
the money to police, was refreshing and has
quickly as they can, and usually catch these
on the other side of the course. As we had a
restored not only my faith, but others with
kids going crazy on their trail bikes.
bottle of alcohol with us we could not gain
whom I have shared the story, in the spirit
It has been a huge problem here and
entry to the course at either of two gates
of the community.
the danger to fellow neighbours from these
nearest to the car park, the security people
I pass on my sincere thanks and appre-
kids is cause for concern. I only wish there
would not listen to us, or understand our
ciation to Sen Const Hammond and police
were more police in the Special Solo Squad,
plight. We were loaded up with food, and I
at Mornington for the creative use of print
enabling more patrols to serve as more of a
had high heels on.
media and support of the local community.
deterrent.
When we arrived at the location men-
Evan Dickerson, Via email
tioned above we had already begun walking the circumference of the course for 1½
CRAIG WOTHERSPOON, VIA EMAIL
Extra effort noticed
Roadside rescue in Rosebud
hours – it was a long way, my feet were
killing me and this lovely policeman spoke
I wish to convey the very sincere thanks
Please accept our congratulations on the dil-
to the people on the gate and escorted us
of myself and my family for the excel-
igence of police at Dromana and Rosebud.
through which probably saved us another
lent arrangements you put in place for the
hour’s walk to the main entrance of the
funeral of my late husband Giacomo (John)
members’ car park.
Andronaco.
Our car ceased at the traffic lights on
the corner of Ninth Avenue and Nepean
Highway opposite the Rosebud Bowling
Unfortunately, I cannot remember his
The very large funeral cortege was able
Green one day last year at about 11.15am.
name but it would be nice to give him a big
to move through the traffic with minimum
We rang the RACV and tried to be safe as
pat on the back from me and my husband.
delay or disruption.
much as we could.
It was a job well done. It is nice to have
The performance of the uniform police
someone who listens and acts with com-
who did this was exemplary and the subject
monsense.
of comment by a number of people.
Joan Cox, via email
Anna Maria Andronaco, Pascoe Vale South
One of your members pulled up and told
us what to do, as he assisted us. He did it so
well and so competently with a minimum of
inconvenience to the surrounding traffic, we
greatly appreciated his help.
I would not like to think he went unnoticed for his extreme good management in
such a situation.
Jan and Maurice Taylor, SAFETY BEACH
>
Police Life I FEBRUARY 2007
Letters from members of the public can be submitted for publication and preference will be given to
letters of less than 150 words. Names, addresses and telephone numbers must be included. Letters may be
edited by Police Life. Only the name and suburb will be published, unless the writer requests otherwise.
Submit letters to: [email protected] or Inbox, Police Life, PO Box 415, Melbourne, 3005.
•
FEBRUARY 2007
Inside this Issue
Welcome to
Police Life
––––––––––––––––––––––––
08> In-car video switched on
20> On the road with the TMU
28> Police star on Channel 9
30> Learner driver checklist
A message from the
assistant Commissioner
––––––––––––––––––––––––
EDITOR
Chelsea Arnold • 9247 5974
[email protected]
JOURNALISTS
sarah campbell • 9247 5978
MARIA CARNOVALE • 9247 5290
Graphic Design
VETRO design PTY LTD
PhotographERS
SHANE BELL
TONY GOUGH
ANDREW HENSHAW
Justine Sywak
RIC WALLIS
NICCI WATSON
SUBSCRIPTIONS
CHRIS SILVAPULLE • 9247 5419
–––––
PRoduced by THE STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
UNIT, MEDIA AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Victoria Police, PO Box 415,
Melbourne, 3005 FaX: 9247 5982
MANAGER
HELEN MORELAND • 9247 5979
–––––
ISSN 0032-2598L
Crown copyright in the State of Victoria.
For permission to reprint any part
of this magazine, contact the editor.
Opinions expressed are not
necessarily those of Victoria Police
–––––
The fleet: The Search and Rescue Squad’s Sen Const Greg
Bliss and Sen Const Bec Caskey on personal watercrafts,
Sgt Vic Velthuis and Sgt Tim James on the inflatable
boat, Sen Const Alistair Nisbet and Sgt Craig Shepherd
on the rigid hull inflatable boat, and diver Sen Const John
Morrison, the Water Police’s Sen Const Jeremy Winfield,
Sgt Peter Howarth on Fearless, the Air Wing’s pilot Lee
Molder, Sen Const Brendon Francis, Sen Const Rick Harvey
in the Dauphin C1, the Force Response Unit’s Sen Const
Matthew Peck, Sen Const Stephen Bowman, Sen Const
Simon Rowlands and Sgt Anthony Wason (inside) with the
Critical Incident Response Team van, Melbourne TMU’s
Sen Const Simon McCarthy on the BMW R1200RTP,
Media & Corporate Communication’s A/Sgt Adrian Keltie
with the VZ Holden Crewman, Melbourne West police’s
Const Rosemarie Morgan with the Holden SS SMART
car and Sen Const Tim Bridgers with the VE SS Holden,
the Mercedes Benz Drug and Alcohol Bus (at rear) and
Melbourne Bicycle Patrol’s Sen Const Darren Huxley,
Sen Const Steve Cuomo, and Sen Const Sally Webber.
Photograph: Ric Wallis, Art Direction: Vetro Design
–––––
THE TRAFFIC AND
This year marks the end of the first Arrive Alive! strategy, and I thank and congratulate all police for
helping achieve our objective of a 20 per cent reduction in road trauma.
Last year’s road toll was the second-lowest in Victoria’s history. However, 338 people still lost their
lives and there is still room for improvement.
Road trauma kills and injures more innocent Victorians than anything else and the efforts of police,
whether dedicated to traffic management or not, help prevent death, acquired brain injuries,
quadriplegia and a host of other life-long injuries.
Last year, several programs were introduced to improve road safety.
The Victoria Police Road Policing Strategy was launched and aims to address road safety on a local
level and to work with partners to keep the road toll down.
The introduction of hoon legislation on 1 July allowed police to immediately seize vehicles from hoon
drivers, who cause a significant number of collisions on our roads and threaten others. In the first
seven months, police across the state seized more than 1000 hoon vehicles, instantly making the
roads safer. This legislation has been embraced by police and I sincerely commend enforcement
efforts of members.
In September, Traffic Alcohol Section members also began testing drivers for MDMA (ecstasy) use, in
addition to methamphetamines (speed) and cannabis (THC). Police caught almost 500 drug-drivers,
many with more than one illicit drug present. One driver tested positive to all three substances.
A major achievement last year was the reduction of drink-drivers killed. This tells us more people are
getting the message about the risks of drink-driving.
Last year, more than three million drivers were breath-tested and we will test this many again
this year.
Importantly, Victoria Police can’t do it alone. The constant reduction in road trauma also relies heavily
on education and infrastructure, and key partnerships with the Transport Accident Commission,
VicRoads, local councils, RoadSafe groups and other organisations.
With a total of 338 road deaths last year, this presents us with a real challenge for the year ahead.
I am confident that we can achieve the lowest ever road toll this year. I believe we could even go
below 300, and ultimately work towards breaking 200.
With what we’ve achieved in the past 12 months and more support not far away, such as in-car
video technology, more lives will be saved in Victoria.
Noel Ashby
Assistant Commissioner – Traffic & Transport
TRANSPORT ED I T I O N
driving
FORCE
How Police are steering
Victorians to safer roads
•
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FEBRUARY 2007
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FEBRUARY 2007 I Police Life
<
PA R T N E R S H I P P O L I C I N G
Putting a dent
in car theft
Cars, parts and accessories are increasingly becoming an
international commodity, something Victoria Police is working
to devalue.
I
In 2005-06, there were 19,578 reported
incidents of motor vehicle theft, a decrease of
eight per cent on the previous year. The recovery rate of these vehicles was 75.6 per cent.
By CHELSEA ARNOLD
In the same period, there were 47,074
recorded thefts from motor vehicles, an
t is not unusual for a Landcruiser with
cars, purposefully written-off in staged col-
Queensland number plates to be seen
lisions and used as payment in drug deals.
A/Insp Griffin said that the VTRS follows
driving through the desert. But when that
Victoria is not immune. In response,
the work of Operation Vehicle Watch, the
desert is in Pakistan, it is bound to raise a
Victoria Police is driving a year-long initia-
highly successful strategy producing signifi-
few eyebrows.
tive to put the brakes on vehicle related theft.
cant reductions in vehicle theft, which began
It was while Detective Sergeant Gerry
The Vehicle Theft Reduction Strategy
in 2001. Since then, passenger vehicle theft
Bashford of Victoria Police’s Organised
(VTRS), steered by Assistant Commissioner
has cost Victoria more than $103.8 billion.
Motor Vehicle Theft Squad (OMVTS) was
Ken Lay and project manager Acting
However, theft of vehicles is down 48 per cent
conducting a training course for the Pakistan
Inspector David Griffin, is a statewide pro-
and theft from vehicles is down 27 per cent.
police that he received a phone call from a
gram which came into effect on 1 January.
colleague in Karachi recovering exotic cars
stolen from the United Kingdom.
A Landcruiser fitted with Queensland
number plates was sighted driving around
increase of 3.8 per cent on the previous year.
In 2005-06, there were 11,963 reports of
Mr Lay said Victoria Police, through the
stolen number plates, a 31.9 per cent increase
VTRS, aimed to reduce the incidence of theft
on the previous year. Although, he concedes
of motor cars and theft from motor cars by
the trend has increased, it is believed this
20 per cent over the next 12 months.
is a result of the increased petrol prices.
Karachi. Initial inquiries revealed the 4WD
“The opportunity exists for Victoria
While most theft from vehicles is oppor-
was bought under finance from an Australian
Police to establish itself as the national leader
tunistic, Acting Detective Sergeant Robert
dealer only three weeks beforehand.
in vehicle theft-related crime reduction. The
Pama of the Region 3 Vehicle Theft Taskforce
When Det Sgt Bashford, who has 15
ability for us to achieve this rests with every
said vehicle theft was more organised.
years’ experience in vehicle theft investi-
member, and their commitment to making
gation, began investigating, he discovered
Victoria a safer place for all,” he said.
A/Det Sgt Pama, who has more than 25
years in the automotive repair industry and
the finance company had no idea the vehi-
Through developing partnerships, en-
16 years as a detective, 3 ½ investigating
cle had been exported and little chance of
hancing communication, improving inves-
motor vehicle theft, described vehicle theft
recovering their money or the vehicle. Once
tigative processes and increasing the use of
as “a very dynamic crime”.
in Pakistan, the vehicle disappeared due to
intelligence, 21 action items will be carried
their lack of a vehicle registration database.
out during the year-long program.
“We can’t stop car theft completely but
we work on the disruption theory. We use
Such is the nature of vehicle theft, a bour-
Mr Lay said the program involved a tar-
disruptive tactics so they have to constantly
geoning industry that sees vehicles rebirthed,
geted operational component as well as a
change their methodology. We identify their
stripped of valuable parts, exploded as bomb
hands-on community approach.
methodology forcing them to find new ways
>
Top 5
vehicle types
stolen
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
Holden
Ford
Toyota
Nissan
Mazda
Top 5
items stolen
from vehicles
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
Cash
Mobile phone
Wallet
Computer
CD
involves taking a photo of a legitimate com-
A/Insp Griffin said that by building
pliance plate then running it through an
partnerships with manufacturers, insurance
etching machine to make an exact copy. The
agencies and other police nationally, the
OMVTS is working with the National Motor
capacity for intelligence gathering increased.
Vehicle Theft Reduction Council to replace
When the National Exchange of Vehicle
the aluminium identification plates with
and Driver Information System went live, it
self-voiding labels to prevent this practice.
“made life a lot easier for everyone to check
“We use covert methods to identify the
vehicle details regardless of their location”.
stolen cars but it’s often a very long trail to
Also, the Written off Vehicle Register
to commit their criminal activity. Some of
the correct identity of the vehicle. We look
which began in 2002 “effectively put an end
them will stop but other will start looking at
for things like owner modifications or previ-
to traditional rebirthing” where the identi-
other ways to avoid being detected,” A/Det
ous damage, things the car thief would not
fication from a wrecked vehicle was used to
Sgt Pama said.
necessarily know.”
disguise the identity of a stolen vehicle.
A successful example of disruption theory was the introduction of DataDots.
But, only 75.6 per cent of vehicles are
recovered. The remainder are never found.
The register includes the details of all
late model vehicles, not more than 15 years
“We did a lot of work with Subaru on
Det Sgt Bashford said that vehicles and
anti-theft measures for vehicles, which res-
their parts were often used as currency in
ulted in a reduction in the number of cars
major drug deals – particularly vehicles
stolen. So much so that other manufacturers
moved overseas – to avoid large transfers of
“These people are thieves and deceivers,
introduced it too,” Det Sgt Bashford said.
money. Vehicles are also used in bombings
they are armed robbers, they are drug deal-
old, which have been written-off.
But Det Sgt Bashford admits “it’s not just
about car theft”.
DataDots is the application of the vehi-
locally and overseas. Some overseas con-
ers and they are terrorists. The thing with
cle identification number thousands of
flict areas provide a lucrative market for the
organised crime is that they are not crime
times throughout the vehicle. DataDots are
export of stolen vehicles and parts for use by
specific, they are money specific. They will
so minute the number is only visible under
those involved in conflict, to replace vehi-
indulge in any form of criminal activity
magnification and ultraviolet light.
cles destroyed in conflict, and to provide
that provides a lucrative return and they are
untraceable material for car bombs.
flexible in identifying opportunities. In past
Some emerging methods car thieves are
pursuing include staged accidents for insur-
“In a lot of the places the vehicles are
years vehicle theft has provided that return.
ance claims, stripping and selling parts rath-
going, they don’t have very good controls
Our job is to ensure we place enough bar-
er than entire vehicles, theft for the salvage
and regulations. There is very little cross
riers in their path to make the risk greater
value and identification plate cloning which
referencing in some countries.”
than the return.”
n
Illegal trade: Vehicle theft (opposite) is a priority for Victoria Police as more Australian vehicles end up
overseas, as Det Sgt Gerry Bashford discovered while in Pakistan. Number plate theft is also on the increase.
PAKISTAN
china
PHILLIPINES
South
Africa
PACIFIC
ISLANDS
Where Victorian
vehicle thefts
occurred 2005-06
Where thefts from
Victorian vehicles
occurred 2005-06
Brimbank Hume Darebin Melbourne Dandenong Melbourne Yarra Brimbank Stonnington Frankston 1243
1142
1047
977
939
3157
2222
2142
1991
1715
<
COMMUNITY POLICING
Curbing the carnage
Drug and drink-drivers beware: You face double trouble with
the launch of dual purpose buses that can test for alcohol and
drugs.
Initially drivers were tested for methamn 13 December, 2004, Victoria Police
phetamine (speed) and marijuana use, while
became the first jurisdiction in the
more recently testing for ecstasy began.
world to randomly test drivers for
drugs.
Since testing began almost 25,000 drivers have been tested for drugs, almost 500
Two years on, special dual purpose buses
have tested positive to one or more illicit
have been released to reduce the number of
substances. Overall, one in 51 drivers tested
road fatalities related to drug and alcohol use.
positive to taking drugs before driving.
Three dual purpose buses have already
The dual purpose buses are randomly
taken to Victorian roads, and by mid-year
testing drivers across metropolitan and
eight buses will be out in force testing driv-
regional areas. Police also target specific
ers for traces of drugs and alcohol.
locations where they know people take the
Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon
warned drivers that with these buses on the
road the chances of being caught were much
greater than before.
Also of great concern to police was that
most drivers were unaware of the effects
ity to react quickly to unexpected hazards.
O
>
other than alcohol.
drugs had on their alertness, care, and abil-
By Sarah Campbell
No escape: A fleet of double trouble booze and
drug buses have taken to Victorian roads, which
Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon (inset) says
have the capacity to test thousands of drivers
(opposite) every year.
killed in Victoria tested positive to drugs
“The ability of police to test drivers for
both substances will greatly increase road
risk of driving under the influence of illicit
drugs.
“Locations such as nightclub strips, rave
parties and trucking routes have proved successful in detecting drug-drivers and taking
them off our roads,” Ms Nixon said.
safety in Victoria, by removing offending
When drivers are requested by police
drivers and deterring others from taking the
to undergo drug testing, they are asked to
risk,” she said.
provide a saliva sample which, within five
Random drug testing began after it was
minutes, can detect the presence of drugs.
revealed in 2003, that 31 per cent of drivers
Saliva samples are easy to collect and can
be screened quickly. Every saliva drug screening device is required to
meet precise standards of accuracy.
Before charges are laid, the presence of drugs in the saliva sample
must be confirmed by laboratory testing.
The consumption of methamphetamine and ecstasy can be
detected in drivers up to 24 hours after use, and marijuana can be
detected in drivers for several hours after use.
The actual time that drugs can be detected depends on the
amount and strength of the drug consumed, and on the driver’s
metabolism. There is no substance that can mask the detection of
drugs that have been used.
Ms Nixon said research showed that “a driver who has recently
used any of the drugs that we are testing for is at the same risk of
having a crash as a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of
above 0.05”.
Testing of drugs and alcohol is only about improving road safety
as legislation prevents the evidence of saliva testing being used in
court for non-road safety matters.
The Traffic and Alcohol Section Technical Unit’s Inspector Martin
Boorman said the conversion of booze buses to alcohol and drug
testing buses involved modifying bus interiors to accommodate additional equipment and space requirements.
“The interiors have been re-modelled, providing areas within the
bus to conduct drug and alcohol tests. Drug testing equipment has
been fitted to each of the buses in addition to the existing breath
testing equipment,” he said.
Facilities that can store saliva samples taken from drivers for drug
analysis by the forensics laboratory have also been added.
“The dual buses also contain a full range of communications
equipment including police radios, mobile phones, mobile data terminals and computers,” Insp Boorman said.
The buses are highly-visible, highly-mobile, fully self-contained
units for alcohol and drugs testing of drivers anywhere, at any time. n
ODDSPOT
Rocket’s the name of the game
Stawell police are the latest subject of children’s games.
Senior Constable Rodney ‘Rocket’ Rickard made a name for
himself when recently, while on traffic patrol, he pulled over the
wife and children of one of his Stawell police station colleagues.
The children have since gone back to school and invented the
game Rocket, where they pretend to be police, flag down their
friends in the playground and pull each other over for random
breath-testing.
It is understood Sen Const Rocket is enjoying his local fame
and plans to copyright his name for future use.
Police trained to ‘ribbit’ around
In an unusual twist on policing, in the late 1950s Victoria Police
specially trained six members of the Search and Rescue Squad
as ‘frogmen’.
The frogmen were trained at the naval school in Flinders, and
were useful on tasks where locating items under water was the
priority.
Lucky for the frogmen, their work did not require them to
wear green suits, and their projects were not completed in slimy
backyard ponds.
Not much of a happy birthday
Senior Constable John Collins from Banyule police station issued
a penalty notice to a driver speeding in a 60 kilometre zone last
month.
By sheer coincidence, Sen Const Collins’ date of birth is 8
October, 1955 and the offending driver’s date of birth is 8 October,
1953.
And, unbelievably, the corroborator Senior Constable Brendan
Dyer’s date of birth is 8 October, 1970.
It seems 8 October has something lucky, or in the driver’s
case, unlucky, about it.
A hard earned thirst
Police in Manchester, New Hampshire, allege a man pulled over
this week for drink-driving continued to swig his beer during
his arrest.
Patrick Allain, 35, faces numerous charges.
It was the fourth time he had been arrested for driving while
drunk. He hit two other cars and refused to stop at first when
police tried to pull him over. The Age
Making the ‘mo’-st of it
Indian policemen are growing large moustaches in a bid to join
an elite force. Criminals’ large moustaches tend to intimidate
victims and police hope similar tactics will work on the criminals.
The Age
Losing the spring in his step
A police sniffer dog has died of a suspected overdose while hunting for drugs, British police said.
The springer spaniel showed symptoms of amphetamine use
and died soon after the search. The Age
<
INTELLIGENT POLICING
Keeping an
eye on crime
Unsuspecting traffic offenders face being caught
on camera with the launch soon of In Car Video
in police vehicles.
>
By Sarah Campbell
V
ideo and audio evidence and added
one minute of activity in front of the camera,
Stephenson said the MDN had transformed
safety are among the benefits of In
before the recording is actually activated.
police patrol activities, allowing information
Car Video (ICV) technology expected
“This means that if police observe some-
about emergency situations to be delivered
to be installed in the first 30 rural Traffic
body talking on a mobile phone while driv-
directly to and from police cars and other
Management Unit (TMU) police cars in
ing, failing to stop at a red light, or if a crash
emergency response units.
coming months.
occurs the ICV will have recorded the event,
“The screen-based wireless, digital, data
More than $4 million has been spent
despite it happening before police have acti-
communications system was purpose-built
preparing for the rollout of the technology
vated the camera. This feature will show the
ensuring Victoria Police can handle large-
in all country TMU vehicles over the next
actual offence being committed,” he said.
scale activities as efficiently as possible,
three years.
ICV is evidence-gathering technology
providing an unbiased and accurate repre-
Research from two pilot programs shows
that ICV would be of great assistance to
policing on many levels.
along with their day-to-day policing duties,”
Supt Stephenson said.
The MDN has also relieved police of
sentation of events that can be used in court
Insp Oberin said project trials and
using hand-held radios to access data-
or, if necessary, reviewed at the time of an
research showed that ICV is a vital tool for
base inquiries when patrolling, as police
offence to clarify details. It also provides
police enforcing traffic laws.
can access extensive database information
added safety for police working solo.
“It will objectively document their hon-
through the system.
Strategic Policy and Road Safety Inform-
esty, integrity and professionalism, along
Supt Stephenson said MMR was intro-
ation Group manager and ICV manager,
with the crucial evidence it will provide in
duced to replace the analogue radio system,
Inspector Ross Oberin, said that based on
court,” Insp Oberin said.
previously used by police, with modern, dig-
research of other ICV models and consulta-
The first trial of ICV indicated that
tion with TMU members, ICV systems would
regardless of geographical location, police
ital equipment.
“The MMR has decreased security con-
consist of one or two digital cameras.
managing traffic related tasks would benefit
cerns for police when transmitting messages.
One would provide a view through the
from the technology due to police spending
The benefits are important given we can now
front window, and the other a view through
less time in court providing evidence, and
communicate through digital encryption,
the back, a digital recording system in the
the low level of aerial signals the technology
and have the capacity to respond quickly to
boot of the car, a dash-mounted display for
needed to operate.
major events,” he said
playback of recorded offences, and a removable video storage device, Insp Oberin said.
Two wireless microphones, one each for
driver and passenger, will be installed to
record relevant conversations with offenders
and suspects. A Global Positioning System
and a plotting and recording system will
also be included to confirm where offenders
were intercepted, or to locate items dropped
These devices are important because they will
automatically activate when police are in pressure
situations and may not have time to manually
start recording.
from vehicles.
Connections to triggering devices will
The second trial tested the level of
While providing extra safety for police,
be installed, initiating recordings that are
administration needed to ensure ICV oper-
the addition of this technology and ICV
not started manually by police. Triggering
ated effectively.
will ensure Victoria Police continues to
devices include the activation of flashing
“The trials showed that ICV will ben-
blue and red lights, the siren, and a g-force
efit police by increasing safety for members,
sensor that will detect if the vehicle has been
decreasing court costs and times, assisting
involved in a collision.
with training and performance review, along
Insp Oberin said the triggering devices
were a key element of ICV recording.
“These devices are important because
in court and review material for assisting
informants,” he said.
ICV is also expected to enhance the
are in pressure situations and may not have
safety of police working alone and increase
time to manually start recording,” he said.
public confidence in police enforcement
such as time and date, and when brakes,
The launch of ICV follows a string
of recent additions to police vehicles.
vehicle, and in TMU vehicles the system
In the past three years, Victoria Police
will record the speed of offending vehicles.
has installed Mobile Data Network (MDN)
These details can be replayed on DVD or
and Metropolitan Mobile Radio (MMR)
video tape as required.
technology.
On record: When in use the In-Car Video system
will give police an extra pair of eyes on the road and
(inset) it folds away compactly in vehicles.
of offences.
They will also record the speed of a police
ture of ICV was its ability to pre-record up to
n
through the availability of video evidence
headlights and indicators are activated.
Insp Oberin said the most important fea-
ciently.
with providing evidence that can be used
they will automatically activate when police
The units will also record other details
patrol the state’s roads effectively and effi-
Information
and
Communication
Technology Services’ Superintendent Darrell
<
INTELLIGENT POLICING
Calling all car buffs
Fitting out police cars with the latest high-tech equipment is
a science in itself.
By Sarah Campbell
T
here are more than 2000 road vehicles
lic from the factory-like atmosphere inside.
in the Victoria Police fleet, all spe-
Within the site’s perimeter, there is a team
cifically designed and fitted out with
of hundreds of designers, fleet coordination
ultra modern computerised equipment.
But where do the vehicles come from
and who fits them out?
Behind the gates of the Transport Branch
lies the answer – inside is a world where
Talking torque: Contractors work daily
ensuring police vehicles are fitted out with
the best equipment available; (opposite) tools
and equipment line the walls of the Victoria
Police Transport Branch; police oversee the
work on vehicles inside the compound.
hands-on elements of vehicle fit-out.
Up to 35 staff work daily on wiring,
fitting and laying out radios, speedometers
and safety devices.
standard vehicles are transformed into
Officer in charge of the Fleet Coordin-
mobile police offices. This is the place where
ation and Equipment Fitting Section, Guy
one day, a regular Australian-made Holden
Hungerford explained the large turnover
Commodore arrives fresh from the manu-
of vehicles the Transport Branch oversees
facturer, and up to 10 days later it leaves,
every day.
fitted with the latest high-tech equipment
“We purchase five or six cars from the
ready to patrol the state’s roads safely and
manufacturers that are delivered here every
efficiently.
day. Once the cars are brought in, the Fleet
Comprising mostly sedans, but inclusive
Replacement Unit checks over the cars for
of motorcycles, 4WDs, divisional vans and
any damage that may have occurred during
wagons, the Victoria Police fleet is vast and
the delivery process,” Mr Hungerford said.
the types of vehicles vary between metropolitan and regional stations.
The science of fitting out police cars is
completed at the Transport Branch, in inner
10 >
staff and contracted workers completing the
Once the initial check has been completed, a work order is submitted to the
contractors outlining the specific items to be
included in each vehicle.
city Melbourne, but well disclosed by the
“There is a large range of equipment that
high walls that separate the curious pub-
needs to be fitted out, and this differs from
vehicle to vehicle, depending on the station
vehicle models undergo a design phase
or unit that will be using it,” he said.
where the Transport Branch consults with
The switches were redesigned and after
the manufacturer, and this design then
passing safety tests, the device was installed.
For geographical and environmental
reasons, a vehicle used at a regional police
station differs slightly from those patrolling
metropolitan roads.
undergoes extensive safety-testing.
driver’s head hit the device at high speed.
After passing safety tests, vehicles are
Safety for drivers is always the top prior-
returned to the Transport Branch for final
ity for Victoria Police, and history shows
checks and the station is informed that its
“Wangaratta police may need two
that Victoria is a national leader in this area.
car is ready to be collected.
mobile hand-held radios, but stations based
In 2004, Victoria Police won the Fleet Safety
Police then drive their old car to the
in Melbourne, such as Mount Waverley
Award from the Australasian Fleet Managers
Transport Branch where the vehicle is strip-
only need one. Our contractors are aware
Association (AFMA) for excellence in main-
ped and sold at auction.
of any special requirements and the layout
taining fleet safety standards. Last year,
Mr Hungerford said that from the mom-
of police equipment, such as mobile radio
Victoria Police was also presented with a
ent a vehicle enters the Transport Branch, it
locations, to meet our customers’ needs,” Mr
Certificate of Commendation by the AFMA
takes just 10 days or less to be fitted out and
Hungerford said.
for outstanding fleet management.
be back on the road. Cars are swapped over
“The main items included in most police
Equipment is redesigned if safety tests
vehicles are the mobile radio, the moving-
are failed. Such was the case when, after
every 60,000 kilometres, or every three years,
mobile radar, Mobile Data Network termi-
testing a device set to be installed on the
“This shows there is an extremely high
nal, and emergency lights and sirens.”
dashboard of a police vehicle, it was found
turnover of vehicles, but that’s important for
Once vehicles are fitted out, extensive
that the switches on the device would cause
us to manage to ensure Victoria Police vehicles
safety tests are completed off-site. All new
severe head injuries and possible death if a
maintain high standards,” he said.
whichever occurs first.
n
There is a large range of equipment that needs to be fitted out, and this
differs from vehicle to vehicle, depending on the station or unit that will
be using it.
<11
TRUE CRIME
And then there was one
Hit-run collisions are notoriously difficult to investigate, but
a never give up attitude and relentless inquiries turned up a
needle in a haystack. By Chelsea Arnold
moment looking for pieces of the jigsaw that
would identify the killer.
Ldg Sen Const Schultz, then a senior
constable, was called to the job by MCIU’s
Sergeant Brian Sweetman. They joined
Senior Constable Chris Harris and travelled
to the scene.
A
“With a hit-run, you are already behind
chance sighting, a distinct indenta-
the eight ball. You hope the person who has
tion, and a minute piece of vinyl
done the run gives themselves up,” Ldg Sen
proved the vital clues in a nation-
Const Schultz said. “You are usually looking
wide hunt for a hit-run driver.
Piece by piece: The truck (above) was identified
as that which struck the ute Nicky, 12, was
travelling in along the Hume Highway near Violet
Town. Ldg Sen Const Carsten Schultz examines
an indicator light cover, a key piece of evidence
which together with the vinyl bull bar cover
(overleaf) was used to identify the offending truck.
Late on Thursday, 9 April, 1998, Ian
Fleming of Mount Eliza and his three chil-
want to be picked up. Maybe they’d been
drinking or doing drugs.”
dren Glenn, 13, Nicky, 12 and Kimberly, 8,
“We have to be fairly particular with
were driving in their ute, towing a caravan,
how we go through the scene. We only get
on the Hume Highway near Violet Town.
one chance to collect everything. We have
They were on their way to Bright for
to recover all the exhibits because that is all
Easter when a truck hit the caravan and the
we have to go on. Every piece of information
ute, separating them, causing the ute to roll,
is important. It might seem irrelevant at the
killing Nicky and seriously injuring the oth-
time but you just have to sift through it.”
ers. The truck fled.
12 >
for someone who is frightened or doesn’t
The collision occurred in the northbound
For six months Leading Senior Constable
lanes of the Hume Highway, a 110kph zone,
Carsten Schultz of the Major Collision
about 150 metres south of the Violet Town/
Investigation Unit (MCIU) devoted every
Dookie exit ramp.
A section of the highway had been closed
and a detour created when the MCIU arrived
below 88 kilometres per hour along the left-
the collision, although none of them were
hand north-bound lane on impact.
able to identify or give a description of the
at the scene at 3.15am. Easter holiday traffic
Sgt Bellion also proved the truck collided
truck. A national media campaign began
was mounting. Roadblocks were set up to
with the rear of the caravan with its front
and resulted in 350 reports through Crime
check all trucks travelling north between the
bull bar. He determined that when the truck
Stoppers.
scene and the NSW border.
began skidding it was travelling at 106kph
Ldg Sen Const Schultz’s next step was
and that it had only begun skidding less
to contact vehicle light manufacturer, Hella
than one second before impact.
Australia.
They located and marked vehicle positions, tyre marks and exhibits as well as photographed and measured the entire scene,
spanning 500 metres.
They observed a grey 1992 Mazda Bravo
twin cab 4WD ute with a fibreglass rear
He was also able to ascertain that a sec-
On 12 April, he showed an engineer the
ond collision occurred. The front of the bull
light cover fragments. They were identified
bar collided with the front driver’s side front
as being part of a supplementary side direc-
guard of the Mazda.
tion indicator lamp, part number ‘2117’.
canopy. It had extensive damage and was on
To the south-west of the caravan was a
It had been manufactured for 40 years and
its roof. The damage to the vehicle and the
piece of aluminium which had been sheared
since 1993 was a specified part for Western
scrape and gouge marks on the road indi-
off. The piece had an indentation in the
Star trucks.
cated it had rolled.
shape of a V or an A. There were also two
The second vehicle was a white 6.5 metre
puncture marks.
Ldg Sen Const Schultz continued to
ponder the evidentiary photos of the piece
caravan. It lay on the centre median strip
“This was later to be the piece of evi-
of caravan which depicted an outline of a
about 30 metres south-east of the Mazda.
dence linking the truck and the offender to
letter but also a stitched weave pattern con-
There was damage to the rear tail light area.
the collision,” Ldg Sen Const Schultz said.
ducive to an impression from fabric.
A piece of the caravan had been sheared off,
Paint transferred to the caravan from
and there was a small smear of red paint on
the truck indicated the truck may have
the adjacent panel.
been red.
What happened next was the break in
the case the MCIU needed.
On 29 May, Ldg Sen Const Schultz was
The complexity of the tyre marks on the
Other findings of interest were orange
out for the afternoon with his family. They
road required the expertise of the MCIU’s
fragments of an indicator light cover found
were driving home about 4.30pm, through
reconstructionist Sergeant Peter Bellion.
opposite the caravan. The pieces were scat-
an industrial part of Rowville when he saw a
Using physics, mathematics, momentum
tered over 40m2. One piece had an embossed
number of trucks with bull bars. One caught
and energy, Sgt Bellion drew conclusions
serial number.
his eye. It was a Western Star truck fitted
on vehicular behaviour.
He photographed the scene and used a
The items were sent to the Victoria Police
Forensic Services Centre for examination.
computer program to reconstruct the fatal
Details of about 40 telephone calls relat-
events. He was able to conclude that the
ed to the collision were relayed to the MCIU.
Mazda and caravan had been travelling at
Statements were obtained from those near
with a bull bar. On the outer edges were two
vinyl covers. They carried the Western Star
logo, a black background with a white W
and a red five-point star.
Continued Page 14
We now had the make and model of the truck
and type of bull bar. The list of 160,000 trucks
was getting shorter …
<13
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was this
Western Star Trucks Australia in Brisbane
now at the Epping Regional Traffic Tasking
type of truck. I was in no doubt this was
was asked to supply a list of all trucks man-
Unit, intercepted and checked Killmore’s
similar, if not the same, as the unidentified
ufactured after 1993, and fitted with the
vehicle on the Hume Highway in Kalkallo.
shape imprinted on the panel off the cara-
‘2117’ indicator light.
He observed damage consistent with Mr
van,” Ldg Sen Const Schultz said.
He called Sgt Sweetman and they
A list of 1732 was supplied. Of these,
1664 had the same indicator light.
Kennedy-Rippon’s observations.
Further evidence on Killmore was col-
inspected and measured the truck and bull
King Bars was asked to supply a list of all
lected, including phone records and fuel
bar. The bull bar was later identified as being
‘4964F’ model trucks fitted with the bull bar
receipts. It was established he was travelling
manufactured by King Bars of Queensland.
model. Only 206 trucks matched both criteria.
near Violet Town on Good Friday night.
The chemical trace evidence team’s
The next big break in the case came
On 4 October, Ldg Sen Const Schultz,
Senior Constable Lorelle Denham and foren-
two months later, on 16 September, when
Sgt Sweetman, Sen Const Denham and Mr
sic officer Edward Kennedy-Ripon confirmed
Senior Constable Rod Oldfield, now a ser-
Kennedy-Rippon travelled to Brisbane. The
the measurements were consistent with the
geant at the Crime Scene Unit, received a
next day, a warrant was executed and the
impressions on the aluminium from the
fax from Mr Kennedy-Rippon. It stated that
truck, being repaired following recent colli-
caravan.
on 12 September while on holidays in NSW,
sion damage, was seized and examined.
King Bars was contacted and dimensions
Mr Kennedy-Rippon had seen and covertly
Damage to one of the fuel tanks was
supplied. They closely matched the Western
inspected a Western Star truck at a service sta-
observed. It appeared to have been turned
Star ‘4964F’ heavy duty road train bar. King
tion on the Hume Highway at Sutton’s Forest.
around to hide the damage. Other abnor-
Bars confirmed they made most, but not all,
The truck had a King Bars’ bull bar which
malities were observed, including modified
of the Western Star bull bars. While they
had a broken weld on its base. It appeared to
steps on the fuel tanks, and rear buckle and
had made the bull bars for 10 years they
have the same indicator light and there was
surface paint damage damage.
had only started making the vinyl covers in
damage close to the guard near the light.
On 6 October, Sgt Sweetman and Ldg Sen
the past four. Their only supplier of these
The truck was a similar colour to the paint
Const Schultz met with Killmore at the Inala
was Todd’s Auto Trim and Upholstery in
smear found on the caravan. It also had the
police station. During a four-hour interview,
Walloon, Queensland.
same vinyl covers fitted on the bull bar.
Killmore admitted involvement in the hit-
Ldg Sen Const Schultz had a replica made
“He saw the truck, it’s got these covers
run. He even prefaced the interview with:
of the bull bar. The vinyl covers and eyebolts
on, it’s the same colour, it had some damage
“I’ve been waiting six months for you blokes
were fitted to it. The replica was held against
on the same side. He couldn’t believe it,”
to come around.”
the caravan panel and the Mazda. It was a
Ldg Sen Const Schultz said.
perfect match. They had identified the make
of truck.
“We now had the make and model of
On the night, Killmore, who had been
A check of registration records revealed
delivering ice-cream, had stopped 500
the truck was registered to Brett Anthony
metres from the collision to assess the dam-
Killmore, 33, of Ipswich, Queensland.
age. He then drove to Shepparton and spent
the truck and type of bull bar. The list of
The next day, Sergeant Richard Soltys
some time over coffee contemplating what
160,000 trucks was getting shorter,” he said.
of Broadmeadows Traffic Operations Group,
had occurred. Five days later he had the bull
bar repaired.
Mr Kennedy-Ripon examined the truck
As soon as I saw it, I knew it was this type of
truck. I was in no doubt this was similar, if not
the same, as the unidentified shape imprinted
on the panel off the caravan …
and uncovered more links between the
Western Star and the caravan. A piece of
white vinyl was stuck in the top of a Phillips
head screw attached to the panel of the aluminium, sheared from the caravan. The vinyl
was extracted. Through microscopic photographs, he showed the vinyl was a perfect
match to a minute hole in the vinyl cover
still fitted to the bull bar on Killmore’s truck.
Killmore was charged with culpable driving and related offences including failure
to stop and render assistance at an accident. In March 2000, he was found guilty at
Melbourne County Court and was convicted
and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
While Killmore’s eventual conviction
did little to bring back the young life lost,
Ldg Sen Const Schultz said it brought closure to the family and for those who worked
the case.
“It’s important to note that this was not
a one-person job. It was a mammoth job by
a lot of people. You live with it, you breathe
the job,” he said.
From 160,000 trucks to 1700, down to
206, then one, the determination and dedication of investigators never faltered.
14 >
n
Michael
Brayley
BADGE
BEHINDTHE
Acting Sergeant
Age: 37
Station: Traffic Courses Unit
Duties: Managing a wing of the Standard Operational Car Course
which teaches members to drive in pursuits, urgent duties, intercepts
and everyday safe driving techniques. Other duties include instructing
police during the driving course and conducting classroom lectures.
Year graduated from Academy: 1990
Career history: Carried out general duties at Russell Street,
Whittlesea and Wallan police stations before moving to the Traffic
Courses Unit where he has spent the past 6 ½ years.
Why policing? Ever since my father took me to Junction Oval, St
Kilda, to watch a football game, I saw police on their horses around
the ground and I knew that becoming a police member was what
I wanted. I also had a lot of encouragement from friends who had
already joined Victoria Police. They would tell me how much they
loved the work and the variety it gave them.
Highlights: It was a great opportunity to be a flag bearer for Victoria
Police at the 2005 Australia and New Zealand Police Games held
in Adelaide. I was also honoured to be chosen as one of the drivers
for US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Governor-General
Michael Jeffery, during the Commonwealth Games last year.
Awards: Ethical and good service medal and District Commendation.
Family: Girlfriend, Leigh, and dog, Chief.
He says: “The Standard Operational Car Course is a 10-day course
for all sworn members. One day is spent in a classroom learning road
laws and policies, then on the road learning safe driving habits, parking and reversing, driving at night, driving in the city and in country
areas, skid control, and pursuit and urgent duty driving on the training courses. We give police the confidence they need to drive safely
at high speeds and the skills to be able to regain control of a car if
they lose control. Since 2000, the 18 driving instructors at the Traffic
Courses Unit have trained more than 3000 police recruits, and in this
time the police collision rate has significantly dropped. We encourage
members to think more about the safety of everyone in and around
the car, so if they are ever involved in a pursuit they will make the safest decision for everyone. We teach police to drive at high speeds but
we also make sure they know that for 90 per cent of their shift they
will be driving at regular speed limits. The Traffic Courses Unit has
given me the satisfaction of knowing that I play a part in keeping the
community safe while enjoying the work I do in a fun environment.”
They say: “Anyone who knows Michael will tell you how energetic
and enthusiastic he is. In the time Michael has been with the Traffic
Courses Unit his role as a driving instructor has seen him personally
responsible for training hundreds of newly appointed probationary
constables. Driving safety is extremely important in everyday policing
and Michael is a respectable and influential trainer.”
n
Senior Sergeant Steve Allen, officer in charge, Traffic Courses Unit
Driving instructor: Acting Sergeant Michael Brayley (top) oversees the driver
training of police and shows how it is done on the training track. He graduated in
1990, shaking the hand of retired Deputy Commissioner John Frame at his graduation ceremony, and in 2000 he received a District Commendation from Assistant
Commissioner Noel Ashby.
< 15
COMMUNITY POLICING
Green light: Victoria Police vehicles are fitted
with NSW radios for the Southern 80, A/Sen Sgt
Paul Nicholl and A/Insp Mick Carroll finalise the
operation order, and water skiers and tourists
come from around the world for this huge event.
Up north policing
the Southern 80
The course is mapped out, engines are warming up and police
are preparing for an onslaught of tourists as Echuca gets
ready for its biggest weekend of the year, the Southern 80.
with radar checks and breath-testing.
“The traffic is bumper to bumper coming into town on the first day so we pay a lot
of attention to driver safety. We regularly do
radar checks with mobile radar devices for the
entirety of Southern 80 weekend,” he said.
By SARAH CAMPBELL
N
along the highways is targeted by police
As well as the Traffic Management Unit,
the Air Wing, Mounted Branch and Dog
ormally Echuca is home to 15,000
As in previous years, police prepara-
people, and normally Echuca police
tion for this year’s Southern 80 has been
spend time solving crime, manag-
immense. One only has to see the size of the
Police trail bikes are also used to patrol
ing traffic and road safety, and maintaining
operation order detailing police work for the
camping areas on the river banks, where
community welfare. But for one weekend in
Southern 80 and it is clear the event is not
vehicle access is limited.
February, normality goes out one window,
taken lightly.
and a flurry of activity blows in the next.
Squad also assist, along with catering trucks
to feed more than 150 police.
Acting Inspector Mick Carroll said thor-
While the actual race is held on New
ough policing was a priority so the town
could reap the rewards of staging the event.
For three days from 9 February, the pop-
South Wales (NSW) waters, Victoria Police
ulation of this scenic riverside town will
plays a major role in ensuring safety for
swell to about 100,000 for the Southern 80
tourists in Echuca is maintained.
“Highways coming into the town, the
main street, river banks, and local pubs
– a two-up water ski race that has become a
The two states work as a team with all
and clubs will be patrolled continuously by
global event. The race attracts water ski pro-
Victorian police vehicles fitted with NSW
police on foot, horseback and in vehicles,”
fessionals from around the world, and huge
radios, and vice versa, ensuring regular
he said.
crowds itching to be a part of the celebrations.
communication.
In line with continuous improvement,
Cars, boats and bikes will make their
Police will be brought in from across
this year, the main taxi rank has been moved
way along the Northern and Murray Valley
Victoria for the event. Having policed 10
and police will use a dual purpose, drug and
highways to the historic town.
previous Southern 80 weekends, Echuca’s
alcohol testing bus.
On a regular day in Echuca, there are
up to 10 police on duty per shift. During
the Southern 80, up to 110 police can be on
duty at one time.
The race takes place on an 80-kilometre course along the Murray River, between
Torrumburry and Echuca.
18 >
Acting Senior Sergeant Paul Nicoll said the
importance of outside support was huge.
“More than 100 police and support serv-
A/Sen Sgt Nicholl said “the combination
of the excitement of the event, hot weather
and alcohol does take its toll on spectators”.
ice staff will come to town to help us out
“We understand that accidents do hap-
with traffic and people management around
pen, but they can be avoided if we prevent
the town,” A/Sen Sgt Nicoll said.
people from drinking excessive amounts in
Traffic going into and out of Echuca and
the first instance.”
n
book
review
Fifty years of motoring bliss
In 1956, the Victoria Police Motor Sports Club (VPMSC) was formed
by motoring enthusiasts from the Police Motor Driving School and the
Mobile Traffic Section.
Last year, the group banded together to produce a celebratory book
Away from the divvy van, honouring the work of the VPMSC.
The VPMSC allowed members to share their love of motor vehicles
in a social environment as well as being involved in road safety and
driver education. The club organised various charity events such
as a Christmas Courtesy Rally, which ran annually for 25 years and
emphasised road safety.
The group also held a drag racing event to encourage young people
to compete in a controlled environment, rather than on public roads
endangering lives.
During its 50 years, the group has received two Chief Commissioner’s Certificates for its contribution to road safety and for its
continuing contribution to Victoria Police and the community.
The book features the history of the club, member profiles, highlights
of events the VPMSC participated in, newspaper clippings, club
trophies and competitions, a complete list of club members and more.
Away from the divvy van is available for purchase from the Victoria
Police Museum Gift Shop.
n
To order a copy, telephone 9247 5275.
InBRIEF
Community campaign targets rural pedestrian safety
Educating road users about pedestrian safety
is the aim of a Community Service Announcement (CSA) developed by Victoria Police and
Prime Television.
The CSA is in response to the gradual
increase of rural pedestrian deaths over the
past three years.
Last year, the number of rural pedestrian
deaths rose by 60 per cent, and overall 54
pedestrian fatalities were recorded across
Victoria, 10 more than 2005.
The CSA, to be aired this month, aims to
reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries, as
well as promote safer road use.
Assistant Commissioner (Traffic & Transport) Noel Ashby said the CSA encourages
all Victorians, particularly children aged under
16, and people aged 60 and over, to be aware
of key factors that contribute to pedestrian
deaths.
“Over the past three years there have
been 50 pedestrian fatalities recorded in rural
Victoria. This is something the CSA concentrates on, while also focussing on the dangers
that everyone should be aware of when crossing roads,” he said.
The key factors identified to maintain
pedestrian road safety are visibility, road rules
for pedestrians, alcohol and age. Children
under 16 are at a higher risk as pedestrians as
they have reduced experience and skills needed to be a safe road user, while adults over 60
are at risk as their level of mobility changes,
and eyesight and hearing begins to deteriorate.
The CSA delivers a short but strong message educating community members about
road safety, and can be seen on Prime Television and heard on radio announcements
throughout regional Victoria until the end
of April.
n
<19
community P O L I C I N G
Roadside reading: Sen Const Rodney
Rickard and Sgt Kathleen Zierk discuss
the day’s operation.
20 >
during harvest seasons and attending motor
The Northern Grampians Traffic Manage-
vehicle accidents. During summer periods,
ment Unit (TMU) police are doing everything
fires in the rural area are also common and
they can to minimise risks on the roads.
the TMU is responsible for traffic manage-
In December 2005 the collision of two
semi-trailers on the Western Highway near
Stawell killed the driver and passenger of
one of the vehicles, and injured the occupants of the other. Fatigue was believed a
factor in the incident, resulting in the headon collision of the trucks, both travelling at
100 kilometres per hour on impact.
This collision, and many like it, is still
clear in the minds of TMU staff who attended the scene.
Officer in charge Sergeant Kathleen Zierk
said the accident had prompted TMU staff to
focus on heavy vehicle enforcement.
“We’ve been targeting trucks, especially
in relation to their driving hours and drug
possession,” she said.
With several major highways carrying
traffic from the Northern Territory, South
Australia and Western Australia, police are a
familiar sight on the roads.
With a response zone of about 17,500
square kilometres, the six members of the
Northern Grampians TMU often marvel at
the size of the area they cover.
“It is not uncommon to drive about 500
to 600 kilometres per day,” Sgt Zierk said.
“Staff are usually on the road within half
an hour of starting their shift and sometimes
it’s hard for them to get from one end of our
area to the other before their shift finishes.”
The Northern Grampians TMU has been
in operation since 1983. Stawell has a population of about 6500, but the TMU also
covers nearby towns St Arnaud, Halls Gap,
Warracknabeal and north up to Speed.
Staff are kept busy targeting speeding
drivers, breath-testing, enforcing breaches
ment at this time.
Due to the large number of heavy
vehicles driving through Stawell, trucks are
frequently checked for compliance with
weight limits as well as checks of log book
entries for inconsistencies in rest periods
and driving hours.
Sgt Zierk said truck drivers sometimes
altered their log books to reflect that they
had taken the required rest time, when in
fact they may have been driving for a very
long period.
In response to these issues, which can
have a major impact on other road users,
the Region 2 TMUs have developed the
initiative Rolling Windows, where police
have a series of road blocks from Melbourne
to the South Australian border targeting
truck offences.
In a recent Rolling Windows the 3½hour operation detected 11 truck offences,
including one driver in possession of drugs.
“If we didn’t catch that driver, he would
have put every single car he passed in danger.
“Lately, we’ve been averaging about one
truck accident a week; hopefully Rolling
Windows will make an impact and lower
this figure,” Sgt Zierk said.
Senior Constable Rodney Rickard said
the TMU had the ability to influence road
user behaviours, making their everyday work
enjoyable and rewarding.
“People think the country is not as
interesting as traffic management in the
city, but spend a day with us and you’ll leave
feeling very differently. We have a huge area
to manage and the variety of issues we deal
with is endless,” Sen Const Rickard said. n
All OK: Sen Const Anthony
Passalick and Sen Const Rodney
Rickard check a truck’s log book.
Action stations:
Stawell police
station.
out&about
escorting oversize agricultural machinery
dangers of careless driving.
NORTHERN GRAMPIANS TMU
of hoon legislation, unroadworthy vehicles,
are plagued with reminders of the
By Maria Carnovale
T
he roads leading to and near Stawell
Speed
Woomelang
N
Hopetoun
Beulah
50 km
B200
Jeparit
Warracknabeal
Nhill
A8
B210
Minyip
B200
Dimboola
Division 4
B240
Natimuk
Goroke
Mur toa
Horsham
St Arnaud
B240
B220
A8
B210
Apsley
A200
Edenhope
Harrow
Stawell
Halls Gap
B180
Ararat
A8
Willaura
B180
Victoria
Lake Bolac
Driver deterrent: Sen
Const Anthony Passalick
uses the radar gun.
<21
COMMUNITY POLICING
A ride through history
1912, Victoria had 5000 cars on the road,
yet then Chief Commissioner Thomas
O’Callaghan, who thought the motor car
was a passing fad, built a mounted police
depot in South Melbourne. However, the
From horse-drawn carts to
state-of-the-art SMART cars,
W
takeover of the motor car was imminent,
hether
patrolling
waterways,
and it soon replaced horses at stations. The
highways or freeways police rely
last mounted station, at Buninyong near
heavily on transport and this
Ballarat, closed in 1965.
has not changed since 1853, when Victoria
Despite the introduction of cars, and a
Victoria Police vehicles have
Police was founded.
come a long way. Police Life’s
way police move across the state.
There are many different types of trans-
The Mounted Branch’s Acting Senior
Sarah Campbell goes back in
port that comprise the police fleet includ-
Sergeant Lisa Royce said that although
ing cars, boats, bikes and helicopters, all of
mounted stations were phased out, mounted
time to witness changes in
which are key elements in ensuring the state
police still carry out many and varied duties.
police transport.
As technology developed, so too has the
is patrolled safely and effectively.
22 >
today.
“Today the Mounted Branch is kept busy
by assisting with crowd control at demon-
ies formed to make Victoria Police a single,
strations, sporting events such as the Grand
united organisation. Back then, community
Prix, and other major events where large
members depended mostly on horses and
crowds gather including New Year’s Eve cel-
horse-drawn carriages for transport, and
ebrations. Patrols form the largest compo-
police were no different.
nent of what we do, and our highly-visible
horseback, ignoring the possibility of using
1853 >Victoria Police is formed after seven separate bodies
came together. Transport is mainly by horse.
1912 >Victoria has 5000 cars on the road, yet Chief
Commissioner Thomas O’Callaghan builds more horse
stables near the MCG.
1915 >Victoria Police’s first motor vehicle is introduced.
The Black Maria prison van was converted from an
old horse drawn carriage.
held their place as a key element in policing
In 1853, seven separate policing bod-
Mounted police patrolled the state on
VEHICLES THROUGH THE AGES
reduction in numbers, mounted police have
presence is a major reason for our success in
performing such duties,” she said.
motor cars, something that was becoming
The first use of motorised vehicles at
more common in society. By 1911, 211
Victoria Police did not occur until 1915,
mounted police stations across Victoria
with the introduction of a prison van, con-
existed, with stables based near what is now
verted from a horse-drawn vehicle. It was
the MCG and Olympic Park precinct. By
known as the Black Maria.
1919 >The first police car takes to the road, a 1913 Palm,
a copy of the model T Ford was introduced. The first
Hotchkiss was also purchased for use at the Russell
Street Criminal Investigation Branch.
1923 >Victoria Police is the first to use wireless patrol.
Wireless equipment is installed in two Lancia vehicles
and used for patrol work.
1926 >The first Daimlers are introduced and used by Wireless
Patrol at night.
1929 >Transport Branch and Motor Traffic Police established.
1934 >Two Ford V8 sedans introduced.
1947 >World War II ends and Victoria Police purchases various
vehicles, including Harley Davidson motorcycles from
the United States Army for about £30 each.
1949 >Chief Commissioner Alexander Duncan introduced
police driver training. Training was completed at
‘The Narrows’ in Fitzroy.
Widespread community use of cars
under pressure, or on patrol. Sgt Claven said
that no police will be killed in a collision
occurred more than five years earlier, illus-
driver training was introduced in 1949 by
while in the van.
trating the length of time it took Victoria
then Chief Commissioner Alexander Duncan.
Police to introduce contemporary transport.
“Police were instructed to complete
Coordination and Equipment Fitting Section
Officer
in
charge
of
the
Fleet
Although the Black Maria was the first
training for Wireless Patrol drivers in narrow
Guy Hungerford said “the most recent addi-
motorised vehicle in the fleet, cars for gener-
alleys and lanes, known as The Narrows in
tions to the fleet are the yellow Special
al policing duties were not introduced until
Fitzroy,” he said.
Mobile Anti Road Toll (SMART) cars, easy-to-
1919 when the 1913 Palm, a copy of the
In 1954, a visit to Australia by Queen
manoeuvre booze buses and mobile police
model T Ford, was introduced. By 1923, the
Elizabeth II gave police a chance to show-
facilities. These vehicles were introduced to
fleet had expanded to include such vehi-
case their vehicles. Light blue Ariel Square
help reduce the state’s road toll, and are
cles as a Hotchkiss Criminal Investigation
Four motorcycles carried blue pennants for
designed with the prominent police cheq-
Branch car, a Palm patrol car, and Triumph
the occasion, and each rider wore white
uered band and bright colouring to try and
motorcycles with sidecar.
gloves as they escorted Her Majesty from
deter speeding drivers, and people driving
Essendon Airport to Government House.
while under the influence of alcohol”.
Following the fleet’s expansion, Victoria
Police started using wireless patrol.
Victoria Police Museum’s Sergeant Terry
From the 50s to the 80s, continuous
SMART cars were introduced in 2001,
development of police vehicles occurred,
and with unique decals and colour the con-
including the addition of microphones and
cept created a buzz. The cars’ eye-catching
“While we might have been slow in dis-
loud speakers allowing police to inform road
designs have been adopted by other police
covering the motor car, we were the first
users of hazards, and spread the road safety
agencies Australia-wide.
police force in the world to start wireless
message. Sgt Claven said it was from that
Mobile police facilities have taken to
patrol. This was a brilliant invention by
time onwards that police began focussing on
the roads to deliver high standard services
Senior Constable Frederick William Downie,
reducing the road toll.
to the community. The multi-faceted vehi-
Claven said it was an exciting invention.
and by 1923 wireless equipment was used
for the first time,” he said.
Over the next three decades, the fleet
continued to expand. Post World War II,
vehicles were purchased from the United
States Army for about £30 each.
The Transport Branch and Motor Traffic
Police were formed, and gradually V8 cars,
motorcycles and divisional vans became part
of everyday policing.
“After sirens and speakers were fitted
cles provide a mobile office for police to
to vehicles, candy coloured cars were intro-
operate in a variety of environments such
duced along with large buses allowing police
as crime scenes, or major events like the
to breathalyse drivers,” he said.
Commonwealth Games. Vehicles are fitted
Since the 80s high-tech vehicles such
with a range of police equipment, including
as boozebuses, helicopters, Holden SS V8
radios and mobile data terminals, and can
Commodores, and state-of-the-art BMW
be driven anywhere across the state.
motorcycles have taken to the road.
Victoria Police may have been slow at
In 2004-05, Victoria Police formed a
implementing the motor car, however, the
partnership with Holden and designed a
organisation has certainly made up for it
Police driver training began enabling
purpose-built divisional van. To date, the
police to gain experience driving cars while
vehicle has upheld its designer’s objective
with the innovative technology used when
fitting out its vehicles today. n
1954 >A royal visit provides police with the chance to display
vehicles in the fleet. Motorcycles carry blue pennants
for the occasion.
1960 >An Australian-built, International AA 120 panel van, the
first 4WD for police, is introduced for use by the Search
and Rescue Squad.
1967 >More than 300 bicycles are used by police, mainly
for night patrols in Melbourne’s CBD.
1973 >Candy coloured cars are on the road to try and reduce
the rising road toll.
1977 >Holden Kingswood V8 sedans used in the Crime
Car Squad.
1983 >Toyota Coaster buses used allowing police to
breathalyse drivers.
1990 >The first purpose-built booze buses introduced
and operated by the Traffic Alcohol Section.
1995 >Holden V8 SS Commodores added to the fleet.
2001 >Highly-visible SMART cars hit the road to deter speeding
drivers and reduce the road toll during holiday periods.
2002 >Two Honda 350cc four-wheel all-terrain vehicles introduced assisting with patrols in hard-to-access areas
around Geelong and Melbourne.
2004 >Holden and Victoria Police join forces to create a safer,
purpose-built divisional van.
2005 >Mobile police facilities are introduced statewide.
2006 >More than 2000 vehicles make up the Victoria Police
fleet including cars, boats, helicopters and motorcycles.
<23
Off-road: Senior Constable Hudson Crothers and Senior
Constable Brendan Keegan of Bendigo TMU take to the
parks to put the brakes on unlicensed riders.
PA R T N E R S H I P P O L I C I N G
Off-road but
on the job
Highly visible and highly manoeuvrable –
Bendigo police go off-road.
24 >
By Chelsea Arnold
C
lad
protective
spective, were excellent. It has also led to the
riding gear, two Bendigo Traffic
in
bright
blue
recovery of stolen vehicles and recovery of
Management Unit (TMU) members
dumped vehicles,” he said.
on their off-road motorbikes cut a striking
It is hoped the program, partly funded
image against the dry, dusty, tree-filled
by Road Safe Central Victoria, Castlemaine
Bendigo National Park.
Neighbourhood Watch and Greater Bendigo
It is the highly-visible presence that is
intended to help combat anti-social behav-
Council, will help redirect riders into local
sporting clubs.
iour, unlicensed and unsafe riding and envi-
“This will hopefully reduce the number
ronmental damage in the conservation area.
of complaints we receive from the public
The Bendigo TMU, through Senior
but also hopefully reduce the number of
Constable Hudson Crothers and Senior
off-road motorcycle collisions,” Sen Const
Constable Brendan Keegan, has formed a
Crothers said.
partnership with Parks Victoria to regularly
“Most people don’t realise that under the
patrol the national park, home to a large
definition of the ‘highway’, under the Road
Box-Ironbark forest and more than 20 record-
Safety Act, that nearly all tracks within our
ed endangered species of flora and fauna.
bush are highways. Their obligations to ride
Sen Const Crothers said that Bendigo
safely are just as applicable as being on bitu-
was different to other rural areas in that “it’s
men or a paved road. This project is about
a city within the park”, with every resident
making the riders think more about their
having “easy access”.
safety by our education component.”
n
Most people don’t realise that under the definition
of the ‘highway’, under the Road Safety Act, that
nearly all tracks within our bush are highways.
The area is used extensively by horse riders, who have reported incidents to police,
Parks Victoria and Greater Bendigo Council,
including a complaint from a student who was
thrown from her horse when it was spooked
by a rider on an unregistered motorcycle.
“Back in 2004, Parks Victoria contacted Bendigo TMU with concerns about the
number of complaints they received about
off-road motorcycles. They had documented
75 complaints in a six-month period, but
that did not include complaints to the council and police,” Sen Const Crothers said.
To combat the problem, Bendigo TMU
and Parks Victoria began conducting targeted operations. Parks Victoria leased two
off-road motorcycles to be used specifically
for the targeted patrols.
A police member and a Parks Victoria
ranger would simultaneously patrol the area
on motorcycle, something previously conducted in a 4WD.
“From a police perspective we’re enforcing traffic legislation on the highways within the parks, while the rangers are enforcing
the motorcycles being off the highway,” Sen
Const Crothers said.
“Quite often some bike riders don’t realise the significance of the area they may be
riding in.
“The partnership has worked extremely
Did you know?
+ The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reports retail sales of trail bikes in Victoria
increased by 20 per cent in 2003-04.
+ In 2004-05, in Region 3, Division 3, which takes in Bendigo, there were 32 paved
accidents and 35 unpaved accidents.
+ Riders aged 20 to 29 comprise one third of all off-road fatalities, Australian Bureau of
Statistics data states.
+ More on-road and off-road motorcyclist fatalities occur in December than any other month.
+ Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset for hospital admissions shows the most commonly
injured body parts as a result of motorcycle collisions include the knee and lower leg
(25 per cent) and the head (14 per cent).
well and results, from an enforcement per-
< 25
from the
archives
10 years ago
Formula for success
The Grand Prix was due to be held in Melbourne for the second time and police came from
nearly every district in the state to prepare for the massive event.
Work began to ensure the expected 400,000 people attending the event could watch
and enjoy the occasion safely and freely.
Months before the event police began planning to ensure conditions would be right for
the crowds. The detail of planning involved was phenomenal, and commander of the Grand
Prix, Commander Tom Gillett said at the time “this is our second year managing this huge
operation and we’re still fine tuning it”.
Police Life, February 1997
25 years ago
Radar speed
detectors and
your chances
Legislation was introduced allowing the use of
radar speed detection equipment on Victorian
roads.
While the legislation was introduced to lower
the incidence of death and injury resulting from
speed related collisions, some motorists perceived the introduction of the law as a bid to
thwart and impede their normally speedy transit.
Stemming from this concern, radar detectors units (RDU) were promoted as part of an
external marketing ploy, conning drivers into
thinking that by placing an RDU in their vehicle,
they would not be caught by police. However,
it was soon realised that the reaction time of
the RDU was slower than police technology,
and their benefit to the public was minimal.
50 years ago
Passing parade
Despite the fact that at the previous year’s Olympic Games 53 troop
horses were on duty in Melbourne, the number of mounted police in
the state was decreasing.
Out of the state’s 399 police stations at the time, only three
maintained police horses.
With the inception of the motor car in most regional stations,
mounted police were being phased out of Victorian policing.
Members of the Mounted Branch, even in their reduced capacity, provided ceremonial escorts, and performed duties at race
meetings, football matches, processions and other functions.
26 >
D I SPL AY
C ASE
Shooting life in the fast lane
F
irst Constable Tom Cunningham, with his innovative use of
by Const Cunningham and later charged in court, thanks to the use
photography to prevent road accidents in the early 1930s,
of photographic evidence. The magistrate commented that “these
earned him the respect of his peers as a “well conducted, reli-
photos give evidence in a clear-cut, unexaggerated way”.
able … efficient” policeman (Police Life, January 1956).
As the first policeman to operate a camera in the pursuit of reducing road fatalities, Const Cunningham was ahead of his time.
Not many people would have thought that an ex-serviceman
Not long after this case, Const Cunningham was at it again. This
time he conducted the first police highway patrol over the Easter
weekend of 1936, setting himself up on the Western Highway. That
day, Const Cunningham booked more than 100 motorists.
turned tram driver could make the impact on policing across the
Const Cunningham has since become a legendary figure in polic-
world that Const Cunningham did. After joining Victoria Police in
ing, with his initiative and ongoing photographic pursuit of traffic
1928, Const Cunningham soon integrated his love of photography
offenders providing a foundation for what is still one of Victoria
into his work.
Police’s greatest challenges today.
As a senior traffic patrolman, Const Cunningham took his first
More information on Const Cunningham can be found at the
photos of an offending motorist one afternoon in the summer of
Victoria Police Museum which is currently closed while under-
1936 on the Point Nepean Highway near Frankston. The motorist,
going re-development. The newly refurbished museum will re-open
drifting across the boundaries of the road was captured on camera
in June. www.police.vic.gov.au
n
<27
COMMUNITY POLICING
Police television debut cracks open the code
THE
CODE
Television viewers will gain an insight into the work
of Victoria Police, with the launch this month of a
documentary style television series.
28 >
By Chelsea Arnold
EXCLUSIVE
Camera, action: Sen Const Nick Harrison and
Const Peter Zorzi of Carlton police with Channel 9 crew.
C
ourt cases, real-life sieges, drug busts,
and what’s going on in our neighbourhoods.
water rescues and tales of simply
“We have very high expectations for
helping community members make
up the plot of a program to hit television
screens this month.
this program.”
Mr Graham said planning for The Code
began more than a year ago.
would provide a rare insight into the work
of the 13,000-strong organisation.
“We have embarked on something that
gives open access to the organisation over
the long-term,” Sen Sgt Wolf said.
The Code, a 10-part observational docu-
“We have been talking to Victoria Police
“It’s all about letting the people of
mentary style series based on the actual day-
for quite some time about making an obser-
Victoria have an understanding of what we
to-day work of Victoria Police goes to air on
vational documentary series. We also spoke
do and showing policing as it is. They can
Channel 9 nationally on 5 February.
to the Department of Justice with respect to
expect to see a day in the life of police. It
Viewers will gain an insight into the
filming a program in the courts. We’ve been
will show all aspects - from procedural type
unpredictable and sometimes challenging
able to achieve that link through the police
work through to critical incidents.
nature of modern police work.
Police from general duties stations and
specialist units across the state feature in the
episodes.
Executive producer Craig Graham said
viewers would see the real story behind the
scenes.
Viewers will gain an insight into the unpredictable
and sometimes challenging nature of modern
police work.
“Viewers can expect to see things they
hear or read about but never actually see,”
prosecutors working in the courts. We real-
“While policing is about providing a com-
Mr Graham said.
ised what we want to do and that’s tell the
munity service, it can be very challenging
complete crime story. That is what viewers
too. Police have to deal with the mentally ill
will see when they watch this program.”
and walk into potentially violent situations.”
“It’s designed to show unprecedented
access, following police through drug busts,
robberies, and people going through the
Since November last year, two camera
Sen Sgt Wolf said the commitment of
court system. Viewers will be able to get
crews have followed the duties of police each
staff to the production of the program was
close to real life crime. Everyone will be able
day, while another two camera crews have
enormous, and that would be evident in the
to relate to an aspect of the stories.
captured events at Melbourne Magistrates’
episodes that go to air.
“Australian viewers love crime shows and
Court.
observational television. We will be showing
Victoria Police Film & Television Office’s
real stories and it’s about us – Australians –
Senior Sergeant David Wolf said the program
“We think it’s good that police see other
police doing the job and how their work is
appreciated. It’s a good morale boost.”
n
<29
COMMUNITY POLICING
Driving home the
safety message
Newer motorists are often blamed for bad behaviour on the
state’s roads but a community partnership is encouraging
learner drivers to play it safe on the road.
G
By Maria Carnovale
etting a driver’s licence is one of the
The Learner Driver Checklist program
most important things in a teenager’s
is incorporated at Keys Please nights, where
life. But often the dangers that come
police attend schools and community group
with it are overlooked until it is too late.
meetings to discuss road safety, vehicle prep-
The Metropolitan North Eastern Roadsafe
aration, vehicle control and decision-mak-
Council, with 10 Victoria Police members
ing. The sessions also allow police to dem-
on board, has developed a program encour-
onstrate vehicle safety checks, teach them
aging learner drivers to gain more than 120
how to change a tyre, check tyre pressure,
hours’ experience on the road before getting
change light globes and check oil and brake
their licence.
fluid, which are important factors to main-
The Learner Driver Checklist program
Checklist for
safe driving
3Have at lea
st 120 hours’ practice.
3Learn how to look aft
er
your vehicle – change
a tyre,
check oil and brake
fluid.
3Learn where all the fun
ctions
of the car are - indicator
s,
lights and wipers.
3Be aware of the blind
spots
of a vehicle.
3Learn how to change
lanes
safely.
3Always be aware of
speed limits.
3Learn how to park yo
ur vehicle.
3Get into the habit of
driving
smoothly and safely all
the time.
Learning lots: Sen Const Mal Owen and Jo Dickson
know the importance of being prepared on the road.
tain a car for safe driving.
began in September, and gives learners and
“We teach learners and their supervising
their supervisors the opportunity to speak to
drivers how to prepare themselves and their
police about road safety in a casual environ-
vehicles for driving,” Sen Const Owen said.
“It’s a totally different situation for new
drivers who have only practiced on quiet
“At Keys Please nights we show a video
Sunday afternoons. When it comes to driv-
Senior Constable Malcolm Owen of the
of some of the hazards that can be faced
ing with four other people in the car talking
Nillumbik Traffic Management Unit has
while driving. We come across a lot of young
loudly after a long night out on the town,
been a member of the council for about 18
people who seem too confident and casual
they are unprepared. This is when problems
years and said the program was invaluable
behind the wheel, and it is a real eye-opener
occur,” he said.
to prevent the loss of life on our roads.
for some of them to see what can happen if
“Driving a car is one of the most danger-
they don’t have full concentration on the
ous things you will ever do, and it needs to
road all the time,” he said.
be taken seriously,” Sen Const Owen said.
ment.
“P-plate drivers are three to four times
more likely to be involved in a collision in
their first year of driving than more experi-
Sen Const Owen said it was important
To obtain a Learner Driver Checklist
enced drivers, so we need to do everything
for learners to practice driving in all condit-
booklet or for more information about Keys
we can to educate learners about safe driv-
ions. Driving at night, in the rain, on city and
Please, contact Metropolitan North Eastern
ing,” he said.
country roads will ensure they are prepared.
Roadsafe on 9313 1189. 30 >
n
InBRIEF
Spreading the safety message
Pupils are helping spread the word on crime prevention to shoppers who
could unwittingly become victims of crime.
Police and school pupils took time out to remind shoppers to ensure
vehicles are locked and belongings secured before hitting the shops.
Monash Youth Resource Officer Senior Constable Amanda Fahey
said that as part of Community Safety Month activities last year, Grades
5 and 6 pupils from 14 Glen Waverley and Wheelers Hill schools were
asked to design a promotional poster encouraging shoppers to lock their
vehicles and remove all valuable items prior to parking.
Sen Const Fahey said the competition was part of a community
awareness program, following an increase in theft from motor vehicles
parked at shopping centres.
The strategy was designed to promote security tips to motorists
and shoppers to reduce theft from motor vehicles in the Glen Waverley
shopping precinct, she said.
The winning entry was submitted by Glen Waverley Primary School
Grade 6 pupil Cathy Park, who received a $50 voucher from Centro The
Glen, Time Out chocolate bars, movie tickets, aquatic centre passes,
$20 Intencity vouchers, and a ride in a police car.
About 5000 copies of her winning poster and Time Out chocolate bars
were handed out to shoppers at The Glen, Century City Walk, Monash
Aquatic and Recreation Centre and Glen Waverley Railway Station.
The program was run in partnership with Cadbury Schweppes,
Centro. The Glen, City of Monash, Monash Aquatic and Recreation
Centre, Century City Walk, Village Cinemas, Intencity, Pancake Parlour
and Neighbourhood Watch.
n
Wise words: Cathy Park (centre) with other competition entrants spreads the
crime prevention message to shoppers.
KIDSCORNER WORD FIND
DECEMBER COMPETITION
February competition
Find the 10 words relating to
road policing and road safety,
circle them, cut out your entry
and send it, together with your
name, address, and the name
of the school you attend, by
Monday, 5 March, to:
Kids Corner, Police Life,
PO Box 415, Melbourne, 3005.
• SPEED
• BOOZE BUS
• FATIGUE
• MOTORCYCLE
• DRINK DRIVING • MOTORIST
• ACCIDENT
• PATROL
• SEATBELT
• LICENCE
L
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#
In the last edition we asked you to hone your detective skills by spotting the five differences in the photos. The following entrants will be sent
prizes for submitting correct entries: Faith King, Geelong West; Corrine Kilpatrick, Moonee Ponds; Ryan Barnes, Berwick; Liam Gregory,
Darley, Sruli Punet, Elsternwick; Nico Alpuerto, Mooroolbark, Brianna Archer, Wangaratta, Emma Ryan, Watsonia, Duane Anderson,
Rupanyup, and Kylie Tabbitt, Ballarat.
<31
sports
camera
action
R I D I N G A G A I N S T T H E S T I GM A
Ride on: The Water Police’s Senior Constable Jeremy
Winfield and Region 1 Regional Response Unit’s Senior
Constable Jason Hullick shared a motivational journey
with other cyclists from Sydney to Melbourne.
T
wo Victoria Police members were among 24 cyclists who rode 1000 kilometres last
year to raise awareness of depression in regional communities.
The Water Police’s Senior Constable Jeremy Winfield and Region 1 Regional
Response Unit’s Senior Constable Jason Hullick joined 22 media and sporting personalities in cycling from the steps of the Sydney Opera House to Waterfront City, Docklands
over 10 days, stopping at 22 country towns along the way.
The ride was organised by the Sunrise Foundation and tested the ability and stamina of participants while also challenging the stigma associated with depression.
Sen Const Winfield and Sen Const Hullick, both aged 35, became involved in the
foundation through friends and rode about 300 kilometres a week to train for the event.
“My housemate told me about the foundation and the ride and I thought it sounded
like a great idea and a great opportunity to raise awareness about depression in the
community,” Sen Const Hullick said.
“I hadn’t cycled for a few years and was about to sell my bikes because I was having
so much trouble with my knees but decided to do it anyway.”
Sen Const Winfield said that in addition to the camaraderie of the shared physical
challenge, it had been an important opportunity to talk to people in regional communities about depression and the services and support available.
“The response from people, especially in the smaller towns, was amazing. We held
forums at every town we stayed in and spoke to a lot of different people, from young
people to farmers,” Sen Const Hullick added.
Foundation founder, former AFL footballer and depression sufferer Wayne Schwass,
who took up cycling only five months before the event, said the ride targeted regional
areas because of their high suicide and depression rates.
“We wanted to give regional communities a voice,” Mr Schwass said.
“But it was no good just talking about it and leaving … we wanted to steer people
who needed help in the direction of local service providers.”
Mr Schwass said it had been “humbling” that so many people had become involved
n
and he hoped it would become an annual event.

driving - Victoria Police

Transcription

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