From whoa to tow - Benefits of FEO Trouble at court - Police Association
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MAY 2018 From whoa to tow Vehicle seizures keep police busy nationwide Benefits of FEO Trouble at court Open all hours Staff survey results CPA roadblocks Coping with shift work
Contents
12 Value of CPA
questioned 16 Tech Files
14 Open all hours 6 Pound rules
4 Road safety for cops: Advice from Region 2 14 Health & Wellbeing: Coping with shift work
director Emiel Logan
16 The Tech Files: ANPR technology; self-eyewash
Regulars
stations
5 Bravery wanted: Nominations open for this
20 Brain Teaser
year’s award
17 Man on a mission: Dave Greenberg’s Life Flight
20 Keen on Beer
emergency response memoir, and Giveaway
5 Guthrie medal: Broker says overseas sale was
21 Keen on Wine
best option 17 Ask Your Aunty
25 Letters
6 Cover story: Police impound thousands of 18 Most Wanted: Angus McLean book reviews
27 Memorial Wall
vehicles each year
19 Fast Facts: How to join an Association
27 Contacts
committee, plus your 2018 AGM calendar
8 FEO benefits: Results of a trans-Tasman police
staff survey on flexible working arrangements
22 Sport: Sports Diary; softball; triathlon
COVER: Christchurch road
11 Iam Keen
24 Postcards from… Taupō – rock, roll and soak policing manager Inspector Al
Stewart, left, with Constable
12 Trouble at court: Criminal Procedure Act 27 Between the Lines: Membership hacks from the Clay Penrose of the Canterbury
roadblocks Member Services Centre Antisocial Road User Team.
May 2018 Police News is the magazine of the Printed by City Print Communications, Wellington.
New Zealand Police Association, originally
ISSN 1175-9445 This publication is printed on environmentally
the New Zealand Police Journal, first
responsible paper stock, sourced from
published in 1937.
Published by the sustainable forests, and uses vegetable-based
New Zealand Police Opinions expressed are not necessarily inks. The blue wrap envelope is biodegradable
Association those of the Association. and recyclable.
Those wishing not to receive a personal © NZPA Police News must not be reproduced
P.O. Box 12344, copy of Police News should contact the in part or as a whole without the formal consent
57 Willis St editor (editor@policeassn.org.nz) to be of the copyright holder – the New Zealand
Wellington 6144 removed from the distribution list. Police Association.
2 | MAY 2018
NEWS AND VIEWS
from the
17
President
L
Book Giveaway ast month we published a story I meet every wing and attend their
examining the culture shift at graduations and I’m continually
the Police College. The genesis impressed by the quality of our new
of that story began months ago with colleagues and the undeniable fact
murmurings from members – current that our wings really do look like New
and former – and media looking for Zealand. I challenge anyone to witness
answers to rumours that standards were a graduation haka and then question the
dropping in a bid to find enough recruits commitment of the next crop of officers.
to fill the Government’s promised 1800 Commitment goes both ways when
extra officers. it comes to policing – from the officers
Police News editor Ellen Brook went to to the community they are trained to
the college to find out what is actually protect, and from the Government that
24
happening. She spoke with the trainers must ensure police officers and Police
Postcards from... about the “different approach to recruit employees have the resources required
Taupō training”, and why the once quasi-military to do their jobs professionally.
style has given way to a style they believe On the 17th of this month, the
better reflects the modern policing Government will reveal how much it will
environment. pay for the promised extra 1800 officers.
It would be fair to say that confirmation The Association will also be looking for
of this shifting approach has ruffled a few commitment to non-sworn staff, without
epaulettes, and generated a couple of whom police across all sections would be
quite ridiculous media headlines. severely hampered.
Of concern is how quickly some who In February last year we were promised
have either not fully read the story, or 880 police and 245 extra non-sworn
have done so with entrenched pre- staff and the Labour coalition confirmed
conceived opinions, have criticised not that, plus another 920 officers. We
just the story, but the ethos underlying welcomed that recognition of a severely
the creation of a new breed of officer overstretched frontline, but policing is
22
equipped to face changing crime and about more than officers out on the beat.
community landscapes. My message to this Government is that
I guess it is human nature to believe the number of non-sworn staff will need
Sport that those who follow us in training for to be significantly boosted if our 1800
any discipline, including policing, have it extra police are going to be able to work
easier than we did. However, confusing safely and efficiently.
change or adaptation for “easier” misses This month’s Budget needs to not only
the point that nothing really remains show us the money, but also announce a
static. meaningful increase in Police employee
Phone: (04) 496 6800 Although some may have reservations numbers.
Fax: (04) 471 1309 about aspects of the changing
Editor: Ellen Brook environment, what is clear is that
recruitment standards have not dropped
Email: editor@policeassn.org.nz
and we are privileged as an organisation
Website: www.policeassn.org.nz to be joined by such an exceptional
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ group of modern New Zealanders
nzpoliceassociation in a challenging, but ultimately Chris Cahill
Twitter: @nzpoliceassn rewarding career. president@policeassn.org.nz
MAY 2018 | 3
The Buzz More haste, less speed
A
patrol car rushing to the scene, subject to public scrutiny and vilified by the
red and blues flashing… it’s the media. Then there are subsequent Code of
reason many people join Police in Conduct investigations and sanctions.”
TWO WHEELS the first place. Police are on the road, day and night,
GOOD It gets the adrenaline pumping and you
know that, somewhere, something is going
in all weather, and many take pride in
their driving, says Emiel, “as they should,
down and the boys and girls in blue are on considering the hours on the road and the
Canterbury Police trial e-bikes
it, and you’d like to be one of them. relatively low number of crashes involving
and reports that tester Constable
However, when it is you behind the wheel patrol vehicles”.
Jimmy McClurg “was able to get of that speeding police car, there are many New Zealand Police doesn’t have an
a steak’n’cheese pie and four other factors to consider. extensive driver training programme
doughnuts in the carrier without Emergency duty driving is unlike any other compared with Britain or some Australian
too much trouble”. – Facebook kind of driving. The law makes exceptions jurisdictions. The training is eight days
for emergency responders travelling at at Police College, followed by driving
speed to get to and resolve critical incidents. assessments during the first two years
They need priority to get through and past and further assessments every three
other traffic on the road. to five years depending on the role.
“We just don’t know However, if you crash on the way, you’re Emiel says some districts occasionally hire
how many firearms are not helping anyone, and your colleagues
have to take up the slack at the scene,
a driving track for additional training and
specialist groups, such as AOS and PPOs,
in the country.” including investigating your accident. also get extra training. Officers involved in
In the past year, some members have been serious crashes or who are referred to the
International law expert Professor involved in accidents while doing urgent district professional driver panels may get
Alexander Gillespie responds to duty driving, and speed may have been a some remedial training as required. But,
reports that the number of firearms factor in some of those incidents. Emiel says, those are exceptions that often
stolen in New Zealand has risen After 21 years in Police, all of it on the don’t assist most officers working 24/7.
35 per cent in five years. frontline, the Association’s Region 2 director Therefore, he says, it is essential that all
Senior Sergeant Emiel Logan has lost count police remember that getting to a critical
– Radio New Zealand
of the number of vehicle crashes he has incident safely is just as important as safely
attended. He has also supported officers resolving that incident.
involved in traffic incidents and he has a Members might heed the old adage “more
message for the wider membership: “No job haste, less speed” – you can make more
“POSSIBLY is too important to not get there safely.” progress with a task if you don’t try to do it
NEW ZEALAND’S The consequences for police officers too quickly.
can be extreme, from complaints from the As more young police join the ranks,
SLOWEST POLICE public to non-injury crashes, serious injury perhaps inspired by their first sight of the
PURSUIT.” and fatal crashes, even if an investigation flashing lights of a patrol car, the need
finds they were not at fault. for care and control behind the wheel
A 15-year-old boy is referred “Their actions are examined in minute remain paramount.
to Youth Aid after police were detail by experts and non-experts, all of
involved in a 90-minute “pursuit” whom develop an opinion,” Emiel says.
of a stolen tractor travelling at 12 “If an officer ends up in court, they are
kilometres an hour. – NZ Herald
40% LESS!
Association member Liz reports
being delighted to find that getting
her travel insurance for an overseas
holiday was so much cheaper
through the Welfare Fund than
quoted by a travel agent.
Happy holidays, Liz.
4 | MAY 2018 Photo: STUFF
NEWS AND VIEWS
Honouring your bravery
A
cts of heroism and bravery a burning, smoke-filled house to rescue
happen regularly in policing the elderly occupant after she had
in New Zealand and the passed out.
significance of those actions is In 2016, the award was presented
something the Association tries to without media coverage because of the
honour. sensitive nature of the circumstances
As nominations for this year’s surrounding the brave actions of the
Bravery Award open, the Association member concerned.
is encouraging members to think Last year, two officers were honoured.
about some of the brave actions they Former senior constable Ross Andrew
have seen, or are aware of, during made a daring cliff descent to help with
the past year and to notify their local the rescue of the injured driver of a truck
committees. that had crashed through a barrier in the
Nominations open on June 1 and Manawatu Gorge and landed in the river.
close on July 31. In Northland, Constable Darren Critchley
The award began in 2010 to recognise braved huge seas at Ninety Mile Beach
and honour the most outstanding acts to bring two swimmers to shore, one of
of bravery performed by members of whom died.
Police, on or off duty. The award represents In 2013, two Napier police officers,
peer recognition of outstanding bravery. Senior Constable Bryan Farquharson and
The first officer to be honoured was Constable Paul Bailey, were honoured
Both constabulary and non-
Inspector Mike O’Leary, who received the for saving a teenage boy from the sea at
constabulary members are eligible
award in 2010 for rescuing two children Napier’s Marine Parade.
for nomination for acts of bravery in
from a burning van after a crash near Taupo. In 2014, Tauranga’s Constable Deane
the year from July 1, 2017, to June
In 2011, Constable Mike Wardle and O’Connor received the award for his
30, 2018. The awards are presented
former constable Marty Stiles were courageous leap off a bridge into Tauranga
at the Association’s annual
honoured for bravery under fire, saving the Harbour to rescue a passenger from a van
conference in October.
life of Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, who that had crashed off the bridge.
Nomination forms and criteria can
was shot in the face by an armed offender In 2015, the recipients were Constable
be downloaded from the Association
in Christchurch during an incident in which Ben Turner, of Hamilton, who risked his life
website, www.policeassn.org.nz.
police dog Gage was killed. The same year, to confront a wanted armed man who was
You must be logged in as a member
a third award was made privately, due to threatening a member of the public in a
the need for confidentiality, to an officer supermarket car park, and Senior Constable to access the forms.
involved in a separate incident. Adrian Oldham, of Papamoa, who entered
Private medal sale “best outcome”
T
he man who brokered the sale of control over where it went. If it was sent to context in either the Police Museum or a
Stewart Guthrie’s George Cross auction overseas, the outcome would have museum in the South Island, it would not
to a British medal collector says been the same. have anything like the exposure that the
it was the best way to ensure the medal The private sale to Lord Ashcroft was the London War Memorial Museum and Lord
would be permanently displayed and seen most logical solution and with the best Ashcroft can give it,” he said.
by the largest number of people. outcome for the seller, he said. Another factor, he said, was that Lord
Aubrey Bairstow runs New Zealand Medals Mr Bairstow took the medal to England Ashcroft displayed genuine medals and
Ltd, which specialises in military antiques, to be added to the Lord Ashcroft Medal most museum exhibits of valuable medals
medals and medal mounting and restoration. Collection and put on permanent display were replicas. There was also an option for
The George Cross was posthumously at the Imperial War Museum in London, Lord Ashcroft to loan Sergeant Guthrie’s
awarded to Sergeant Guthrie after the where, he said, it would be seen by more medals (including his Police medals and
Aramoana massacre on November 13, 1990. than a million people a year, ensuring that a a Defence Service medal) back to a New
Mr Bairstow said that if the medal had significant number of them would become Zealand museum for specific displays or
been auctioned and sold in New Zealand, aware of Sergeant Guthrie’s sacrifice and commemorations.
it was “unlikely to achieve a fraction of the the tragedy at Aramoana. “New Zealand potentially has the best of
sale price” and there would have been no “While the medal may sit in a different both worlds with the sale of these medals.”
MAY 2018 | 5
COVE R S TO RY
Each week, huge numbers of vehicles are being
impounded by police around the country.
Pound rules
P
olice doesn’t keep a national tally vehicles, usually to a storage facility owned
of impounded vehicles, but some by the towing company.
districts collate their own figures. The impound period is 28 days, after
In Canterbury, in the past year, 1953 which owners have up to 10 days to claim
vehicles were seized, and in Waikato, about their vehicles back – once they have paid
40 impounded vehicles are disposed of the towing and storage fees, which can be
or destroyed every month. In Southland, up to $400.
so far this year, 83 vehicles have been Although most impounded vehicles
impounded, 68 of them over a two-month are collected, many hundreds will be
period. In Eastern District, the figures are abandoned, either because they are not
around 100-plus a month, with up to 40 worth salvaging or the owners can’t pay
per cent of those being disposed of. the fees.
Road policing bosses say the numbers are One towage company, Parks, in
normal for their areas. Christchurch, says up to 20 per cent of the
One of the reasons is that it doesn’t take vehicles are not claimed by their owners.
much to get your motor confiscated, and When that happens, the tow company
there is little discretion given to police can apply to Police for approval to take
under the law (see sidebar). Even if you’re over the vehicle registration (making it the
not the owner, it will be taken off you. tow company’s property) or apply for a
Peter McKennie, Police manager: destruction order.
operations, road policing, says that in Despite the hype around the so-called
almost all cases, vehicles are impounded “Crusher” Collins’ boy-racer car-crushing
because the legislation requires it. “It legislation introduced in 2009, there have
relates to offences and/or offenders posing been only three vehicles destroyed as a
significant road safety risks to themselves result of a court order, which can come
and others on the roads, so it’s beneficial in into effect only after three offences within
Christchurch strategic traffic manager terms of keeping people safe,” he says. five years.
Inspector Al Stewart, left, and Constable So, on a pretty regular basis, police are However, plenty of unclaimed vehicles do
Clay Penrose are part of the road policing
team in Christchurch impounding almost separating drivers from their vehicles, end up scrapped or crushed. If their owners
2000 cars a year. handing out impoundment notices and don’t want them, it’s unlikely anyone else
calling tow trucks to remove the seized will either.
6 | MAY 2018
If your vehicle was impounded because Some groups even text
you were involved in illegal street racing or local police to let them
doing street car stunts, you must get a new know where and when
warrant of fitness (WOF) before it can be they are planning to hold
driven again. That means you have to take their meetups.
the vehicle straight from the storage facility The threat of
to a garage or testing station for a WOF impoundment is also a
inspection. strong incentive to stay
within the law. So-called "boy
BOY RACERS “They are car enthusiasts racers" like to
L
gather in large
ast month in Western Bay of Plenty, who have spent a lot of groups to show off
police impounded 12 cars in one night money on their cars and their cars, but can
during a gathering of about 200 boy racers are very proud of them,” end up creating a
in Paengaroa, near Te Puke. public nuisance.
Clay says.
Photo: STUFF
The last thing young “car enthusiasts” “They want to show them
want is to lose their four-wheel pride off. We support that, but not
and joy. when they cause damage to roads by
Young men, and some young women, doing burnouts or leaving rubbish behind.
love their cars. They represent freedom, We know they get a thrill out of what they Your car must be
status and good times. But it can all go
horribly wrong when their love affair with
do, but we also talk to them about their
behaviour.
impounded if you:
the automobile starts impinging on other “Vehicle quality has improved over the • Are a disqualified driver or your
people. years, plus they are all licensed and most licence has been suspended or
It’s called being an “antisocial road don’t drink, but sometimes they don’t wear revoked
user”, although they are better known as their seatbelts.” • Commit a drink-drive offence and
boy racers, and if they don’t stick to the It’s not just one community, either, he have had two previous drink drive
rules, they risk losing their vehicles, albeit says. There are several clubs and they don’t convictions in the previous four
temporarily if they can pay the release fees. all get along. years
Road policing teams around the country As police and local councils have moved • Are caught drag racing,
monitor and control the activities of these to successfully restrict antisocial road performing street car stunts (eg,
boy racer posses, which, over the years, activity, including drag racing, the car burnouts) or you’ve broken a
have been particularly bothersome in owners inevitably look elsewhere for places bylaw that prohibits “cruising”
Waikato and Canterbury. to gather and strut their stuff. • Have failed to stop when
Constable Clay Penrose, from the The back of industrial complexes and requested by police
Canterbury antisocial road user team, has semi-rural areas are popular, but there’s • Have an alcohol interlock licence
been doing the job for seven years. He puts still the opportunity for trouble. A few and the vehicle doesn’t have an
the presence of boy racers in Canterbury years ago, boy racers doing burnouts near alcohol interlock device fitted
down to the fact that the district is “flat and Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park were Blue sticker offences: If a vehicle
affluent”. blamed for frightening the animals and is placed under a Blue Sticker
Antisocial road user behaviour continues creating a fire risk in tinder-dry conditions. notification, it means correct
to flare up, but, Clay says, there have been In Hamilton, a night-time vehicle curfew ownership details have not been
positive changes in recent years. (9am to 4am), covering several streets in lodged with NZTA. The driver /
“Seven years ago, the boy racers were at owner is given 24 hours to change
industrial areas, is being introduced this
the ownership information or the
loggerheads with police. Now, it’s toned year.
vehicle can be impounded for 10
down and the relationship is in a good Clay says he has noticed that by the
days.
place,” he says. age of about 23, the boy racers “tend to
Dunedin road policing manager
move on”, developing interests outside of
supervisor Sergeant Geoff
modified exhausts and sustained loss of
Sutherland says there is a process
traction.
to appeal an impound order, if, for
example, the owner did not know
the driver was disqualified, or did
not know or could not have expected
the driver was going to commit such
offending (for street racing offences),
or the vehicle had been unlawfully
converted or stolen.
An appeal will be considered by an
area road policing manager or other
senior sergeant. If it is not granted, it
can be heard by the courts.
MAY 2018 | 7
In Brief
Wider benefits
of FEO workforce
Police ask public for help
Police is asking the public to email
their ideas to haveyoursay@police.
govt.nz on the best way to contact
A
Police, especially in the digital survey of police officers here
environment. Commissioner Mike and in Australia has challenged
Bush issued the request in a blog last preconceived ideas about flexible
month, saying it was becoming clear working arrangements (FWAs), or flexible
that when people tried to contact employment opportunities (FEOs) as they
Police at local stations, by telephone are called in New Zealand.
or online, they “suffer an outdated and More than 1600 New Zealand police
frustrating experience”. Police wanted officers took part in the Police Federation
to create more options for getting of Australia (PFA) online survey, which
in touch, such as online reporting, canvassed 11,418 officers in all employment
one non-emergency number and an categories.
increased public presence, including The December 2016 survey was the
the number of mobile police bases. biggest survey in the PFA’s history, seeking
Mr Bush said Police had a goal feedback on 90 questions under the
of reaching a 90 per cent trust, banner of “Flexible working arrangements
confidence and citizen satisfaction for police in Australia and New Zealand”.
rating. PFA president Mark Carroll said the results
showed that many officers on both sides
PSS website refresh of the Tasman wanted more support for
The Police Superannuation Scheme FEOs. That included not only junior officers
has launched a new website this with young families, as might be expected,
month – policesuper.co.nz. The new but also senior officers transitioning to
site provides general information retirement and staff coping with workplace
about the scheme. If you are a stress.
member, you can log in to your Introducing a summary of the survey’s
account on the site to check your findings, Mr Carroll said it was also
account balances, review your important to realise that it was not only
account statements, change your employees who benefited from FEOs: General duties officers
investment choice or contact details. “Managers and supervisors at all levels… can
were under-represented
You can also plan for your income use them smartly and cost-effectively to
in retirement using the Retirement co-ordinate rosters around the demands of in FEOs and officers
Income Calculator for Police. You the job.” working in crime
need your member number and PIN The survey found that FEOs were and investigations
to access your account. significant in mitigating the work stress that
affects police officers: “Almost all measures
or specialist ops and
FMC review of job satisfaction collected show better support services were
Police has notified the Association outcomes for those working FWAs than for over-represented.
that it is reviewing the operating regular full-timers. Qualitative data strongly
model of the file management centres suggests that FWAs allow retention of staff
(FMCs). Understandably, such a who would otherwise leave the police The summary indicated that Police in
review is worrying for FMC members, force, and that for many respondents both countries have work to do in making
especially as Police has said that one their commitment to a policing career is FEO arrangements more accessible,
option is to centralise the centres. increased as a result.” particularly for those working shifts.
However, Police has emphasised The survey revealed consistent patterns Those working FEO in Australia make up 8
that centralisation is only one option in work-life balance and job satisfaction, per cent of the police workforce. The figure
and that no actual, or final, decisions including the most frequently identified in New Zealand is estimated to be 4.2 per
have been made. At this stage, the factor in workplace stress (nearly 50 per cent, about 500 people.
review is an information-gathering cent of respondents) – a lack of support The survey reported that 80 per cent of
exercise only, to help Police decided from management. those on FEOs were women (not broken
on a future FMC model. If there was The PFA summary, issued at the end down between countries), with the majority
to be any significant change from of last year, was timely for the Police of requests made by women for parenting
the current model, then a formal Association, which at that time was and other carer responsibilities. More than
restructuring and consultation process engaging with NZ Police on updating its half of all FEO requests from men were also
would be necessary. FEO policy (see sidebar). for parenting reasons, but male requests
8 | MAY 2018
NEWS AND VIEWS
also included transitions to retirement and NZ Police policy in relation to resourcing, such as under-
work stress as reasons. staffing.
FEOs are more common at the rank of Under Police’s recently revised flexible
The tensions between the availability
constable (85 per cent of all FEOs) and employment options (FEO) policy,
and cost of childcare, staffing
most of those are aged between 30 and 39 there are several types of flexible
allocations, varying workloads and the
years old (87 per cent). working arrangements that will be
ability to work remotely, ie, from home
General duties officers were under- considered if asked for.
or another station, including suitable
represented in FEOs and officers working The most common types include
technology and the ability of Police to
in crime and investigations or specialist working reduced hours, flexible hours
manage an employee remotely, can
ops and support services were over- (eg, between 7am and 7pm), job sharing
mean that an FEO application might not
represented. and working remotely.
get approval.
The survey also looked at attitudes to Other arrangements can also be
Under the act, there is an obligation on
FEOs, which indicated there was bullying considered, including as a transition
employers to consider all applications
and victimisation of officers working to retirement and as a contributing
and there are strict criteria for declining,
FEOs, some lack of equity in rostering factor in employees achieving work-life
including:
and a high level of agreement that career balance.
The policy clearly sets out that there • Inability to reorganise work among
opportunities could be negatively affected.
are no minimum hours specified for an existing staff
Those issues highlighted what the report
said were inconsistent management FEO arrangement, contrary to a rumour • Inability to recruit additional staff
practices when dealing with increasing that some managers believed an FEO • Detrimental impact on quality or
workloads, especially in general duties and arrangement couldn’t be for fewer than performance
traffic, when FEO positions had reduced 20 hours.
• Not enough work during the time the
hours that were not backfilled. Members who apply for FEO, which
employee proposes to work
The report said a minority of respondents must be done through MyPolice, are
encouraged to have a preliminary • Planned structural changes
did not support the principle of “part-time
police” and had “deeply held” views about the meeting with their managers to discuss • Burden of additional costs
nature of policing and a perceived conflict the implications of an FEO arrangement, • Detrimental effect on ability to meet
with FEOs. with the aim of finding solutions that fit customer demand
“The alternative perspective, which is the needs of Police and the member.
• The proposal would be inconsistent
more frequently reported,” it said, “is that Under the Employment Relations
with a collective employment
FWAs are an essential requirement for Act 2000, an employer must deal with
agreement.
any modern organisation, and should be an FEO request within one month of
receiving it. FEO arrangements are From the employee’s side, although
adequately resourced and available to all
staff as needed in a range of circumstances not permanent and can be subject to they have an absolute right to request
– which is not the case at present.” regular review. an FEO, there is no ability for them to
The overall finding was that FEOs are There are challenges for Police file a grievance if their application is
increasingly expected and needed by more managers dealing with FEO applications declined.
police officers.
To read the full report, visit pfa.org.au.
Members – new discounts for you
We have extended the Interislander offer to Members can get special discounted rates on three iconic train
include Great Train Journeys of New Zealand. journeys: the Northern Explorer, TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific.
To find out more about this discount
and others available through the
Member Discounts programme, go to
our website, www.policeassn.org.nz,
The Northern Explorer runs The TranzAlpine takes The Coastal Pacific, sign in, then click on ‘Member Discounts’
between Auckland and in the striking landscape between Picton and from the ‘Products and Services’ menu.
Wellington, stopping at between Christchurch Christchurch, will be You need to be logged in to view
Palmerston North, Ohakune, and Greymouth. available later this year. the discounts.
National Park and Hamilton.
MAY 2018 | 9
POLICE HOME LOAN PACKAGE NEWS
First home buyers
are back
First home buyers have had a tough time since the Reserve If you’re thinking about buying a home, or you have friends or
Bank introduced new Loan-to-Value (LVR) restrictions in 2013. colleagues who are thinking about buying, an ANZ Home Loan
The restrictions meant most home buyers needed at least a Coach can help you through the journey.
20 per cent deposit – and with house prices increasing, the
new rules proved a barrier for many first home buyers. Your Coach can walk you through ANZ’s First Home Buyers
Toolkit – a combination of resources, information and support
However, the tide appears to be turning in their favour. to help first home buyers through the process. The Toolkit
A combination of a cooling property market in many parts includes access to a free ANZ Property Profile Report,
of the country and historically low interest rates are making calculators, free ‘Property Unlocked’ seminars, and more.
home ownership more achievable.
It also includes ANZ’s First Home Buyer handbook, which
A recent ANZ survey of 1000 people found that half of those demystifies the home-buying process by breaking it down into
who didn’t own their own home were considering buying a easy steps. It’s designed to inform and help first home buyers
home on the back of lower interest rates – and they are not gain the confidence they need to achieve their home
alone (source: UMR Research). In the three months to ownership dream.
December 2017, 22 per cent of all home sales in New Zealand
were to first home buyers, up from a low of 17 per cent after The ANZ First Home Buyers Toolkit can be accessed free at
the LVR restrictions were introduced (source: CoreLogic). anz.co.nz/homeloancoach
The ANZ survey also found that first home buyers in Auckland If you’re a Police Welfare Fund member, buying a new
were targeting suburbs in the city’s west, south and north, home may be more affordable. With special discounts
where there are still lower-priced three-bedroom houses on standard home loan interest rates and other great
available. Within these parts of Auckland, there are hot suburbs benefits, the Police Home Loan Package can help you
where first home buyers make up almost half of all recent sales. get into a new home sooner.
Buying a home is a massive undertaking. It’s a major financial To find out more call ANZ on 0800 269 296,
commitment, and the home-buying process can be confusing or visit any ANZ branch.
and intimidating if you haven’t been through it before.
Lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees apply. This material is for information purposes only. Its content is intended to be of a general nature, does not take into account your financial situation
or goals, and is not a personalised financial adviser service under the Financial Advisers Act 2008. It is recommended you seek advice from a financial adviser which takes into account your individual
circumstances before you acquire a financial product. If you would like to speak to an ANZ Authorised Financial Adviser, please call 0800 269 296.
Special offer
Buying a new home or refinancing can For more information or to
be an expensive process. We aim to apply for the Police Home
make it easier on Police Welfare Fund Loan Package visit
members’ pockets.
Six months’
www.policeassn.org.nz
Draw down a new Police Home Loan
*Police Fire & General Insurance will be
and be eligible for six months’ free home
free home insurance through the Welfare Fund’s
Police Fire & General Insurance*.
subject to the standard underwriting terms
and conditions and is provided through the
Police Welfare Fund, not ANZ. Members
insurance Members eligible for the free cover should
contact our Member Services team on
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 &
0800 500 122. You will need a copy of General Insurance is underwritten by Lumley
your loan document from ANZ. General Insurance (NZ) Limited.
10 | MAY 2018NEWS AND VIEWS
This column is written by a frontline police member. It does not
represent the views or policies of the Police Association.
Rotation, rotation, we rotate them – again. Genius. A visit from our minister
rotation...
H
We are creating an organisation of staff ow exciting! The minister wants
W ell, it’s our favourite thing to do, isn’t who know a little bit about a lot of things – to talk to us all about where the
it! Take someone who’s really good but not a lot about anything. new staff should go, and he wants the
at what they do, who loves their job, and It’s difficult enough to become proficient consultation to be “meaningful”.
move them. in a role; forget about becoming expert. Except that staff can only attend after an
Don’t get me wrong. Rotation that is well Then we go hunting for expert witnesses “expression of interest” (that nasty little EOI
planned, consulted and executed, with a for gangs, or drugs. Only we’ve not let thing again) or by invitation.
clear end goal in mind, can work well for anyone stay in a role long enough to be It makes it look like Police don’t want any
the organisation and the individual. able to become an expert. potentially uppity staff getting the chance
Of course, the other big advantage of to quiz the minister and mess with a plan
But Police is notoriously bad at having
rotation is that we can avoid performance that might already have been put in place.
well-planned, consulted and executed
management. Suffice it say, I haven’t been asked to go to
strategies, and staff rotation is no
Someone’s not performing in a role? any of these meetings!
exception.
Rotate. Someone’s face doesn’t fit? Rotate. So, I’ll be interested to know if staff who
We throw staff into new roles that they
Got a job your mate would be perfect for? do go along feel that they have been
have no interest in, knowledge of, or talent
Rotate, rotate, rotate. meaningfully consulted. Did you have your
for. We don’t give them the appropriate
It’s enough to make your head spin. say? Did anyone write it down? Did you get
training (half the time, the people making sensible answers to your questions?
these decisions don’t even know what the People are dying
I
job entails, let alone what training might f there’s one area of policing where the
be required) and then we’re shocked when link between actions and outcomes is
that part of our business fails. obvious, it’s road policing. Fewer breath
And then we blame the individual. tests, more tickets for no warrant or Constable Iam Keen
Everything was going swimmingly till they rego than for speeding and not wearing To update Iam Keen
came along! We ruin their reputation and seatbelts, lots more people dead. You do with information, email
set them on a path of mediocrity. And then the maths. iamkeen@policeassn.org.nz
Prepared to represent you
A group of 15 Association committee
members attended a four-day training
course in Wellington last month, led by
senior industrial officer Amanda Craig. The
course covered the roles and duties of
office holders, legal assistance, performance
management, Code of Conduct and how
to run meetings, giving the reps a good
understanding of their role and how they
can best represent members. Back row from
left, Sergeant Tim Lockwood, Mark White,
Maria Boniface, Bernie Boyle-Tiatia, Sergeant
Cory Ubels, Sergeant Barry Greenall,
Detective Constable Brent Griffin; middle
row, from left, Constable Steve Griffiths,
Amanda Craig, Tammie Huntleigh-Smith,
Sarah Kennett, Constable Andre Barrett;
front row, from left, Sergeant Mark Harris,
Constable Mark Brown, Sergeant Andrew
Heffey, Senior Sergeant Neil Phillips, Bryan
Ballantyne (Southern district field officer).
MAY 2018 | 11NEWS AND VIEWS
Caught
in the act
Laws designed to streamline the court system and fix court
backlogs are not working as they should, frustrating police,
creating “churn” in the justice system and contributing to
jails being clogged with remand prisoners.
T
he Criminal Procedure Act Police staff who work in prosecutions All uniform police prosecution files are
was introduced progressively and the criminal justice support units done through the CJSU, while detectives
between 2011 and 2013. It was say it’s becoming increasingly obvious prepare their own files for the court.
a massive piece of legislation, hailed that some lawyers are not entering One of the biggest sticking points
as the biggest change to criminal into the spirit of the act, especially their identified by police in both areas is the
procedure for 50 years. obligations under the CMM process, and CMM process, which is mandatory and
Its main aim was to improve efficiency are not being held to account by judges. supposed to happen up to six weeks
in the court system, including the The first year after the act was fully after a “not guilty” plea for all Category
statutory obligation for defence implemented (2013), it seemed to be 2, 3 and 4 cases (offences punishable by
counsel to get early instructions from functioning as intended, says Nigel a term of imprisonment).
their clients and to engage in case Stilwell, the OC of Eastern District’s The CMMs were a key part of the new
management meetings (CMM) with criminal justice support units. “Police “case review” procedures of the act –
police prosecutors. seemed to be getting buy-in from the defence and prosecution jointly
Now, nearly five years later, the lawyers and, that year, the total number completing the document, which is
number of “not guilty” pleas has of not guilty pleas dropped as more issued to a defendant’s lawyer following
increased in some districts and some cases seemed to be getting resolved in a not guilty plea, and meeting outside
cases are still taking up to a year before the early stages.” the court to discuss the case.
they get to court. Since then, he says, the number of not Compliance with this process seems
The finger of blame is being pointed guilty pleas has steadily gone up and are to vary among districts, with some
rather firmly by police at the legal now at record levels in his district (800 reportedly as high as 80 per cent and
fraternity. in the past year, up from 600 in 2016). some as low as 40 per cent.
“The numbers will vary by district, The CMM is supposed to be
although anecdotally we know completed two weeks before the next
that it is taking a long time step in the process, the Case Review
for other districts from a first Hearing (CRH).
appearance until cases are
heard – months and months.
“Alternative resolutions
and pre-charge
P olice Association president Chris
Cahill says the lack of adherence
to this aspect of the act is worrying. “It
warnings are not affects our members in terms of court
stemming the flow of time and file preparation time, and even
new cases,” he says, when cases do get to court, they are
and each case is not being dealt with in a timely manner,”
requiring multiple he says.
appearances and “Any delays affect cops and any other
encountering witnesses who are called, then not
more delays required, then called again. It is also hard
around issues on victims and offenders. The system
such as legal is clogged with people on remand. The
aid, non- only people who seem to benefit are the
appearance lawyers.”
and courts Wellington senior prosecutor
being too full to Constable Gary Hilsdon says the act
hear cases. appears to have added little value to the
12 | MAY 2018process, “simply formalised it through the
documentation”.
“It’s a shame, because defendants It affects our members in terms of court
deserve to have their cases dealt with in
a timely manner. Unfortunately, there are time and file preparation time, and even
no sanctions placed on lawyers for not
completing their documents in time for the
when cases do get to court, they are not
Case Review Hearings.” being dealt with in a timely manner.
Even when the CMMs go ahead, lawyers
will, naturally enough, not disclose – Police Association president Chris Cahill
everything to the prosecution. “They often
like to keep their powder dry,” Gary says.
“If they don’t tell us their likely defence, we
have to prove every part of the case, even if requires the appearance of all those people Most recently, in March, orders issued by
it’s not likely to be challenged.” and then doesn’t ask them any questions, an Auckland District Court judge requiring
Nigel Stilwell agrees. “The spirit of the “which means they accept their evidence, two lawyers to pay costs of $150 each for
act requires that the prosecution and the which could have been achieved at the failing to file a CMM were overturned on
defence come together to discuss the case, pre-trial meetings”. appeal to the High Court.
to iron out peripheral details and speed up Nigel thinks that in such cases, Police The High Court judgment pointed out
the process.” should consider seeking costs for getting its that the power to award costs, enshrined
For example, he says, there may be several witnesses to and from the court, although it in the reformed CPA, was intended to
police officers involved in a case – the one would mean more work for an already full increase the efficiency and effectiveness of
who made the arrest and others who played prosecution service. the criminal justice process.
minor and uncontentious roles, such as He fears that attempts to be collaborative However, it said, a judge had to be
taking fingerprints or photographic evidence. have, in fact, become combative with some satisfied that the failure to comply with a
“At the CMM they can discuss who needs lawyers. “Some counsel simply don’t like CMM was “significant” and that there was
to go to court and who doesn’t. If there is the police, or are actively anti-police, and “no reasonable excuse for the failure”.
agreement at that stage – if the date, place there are no sanctions on lawyers who do The High Court decided that in both
and time of an incident is accepted, and not comply with the act.” these cases the failures did not warrant a
doesn’t have to be proved in courts – it sanction.
reduces the time of a hearing. But it all
requires a dialogue with police and some
lawyers simply refuse to do that.”
A ccording to the Law Society, the court
can make orders to award costs if
there are significant departures from the
Meanwhile, the ongoing delays in
the court system indicate that gains
envisaged under the revised CPA have
Nigel says it’s definitely against the spirit of CMM process. It appears that such awards yet to be realised.
the act when, as he has seen, the defence have rarely been made or upheld. – ELLEN BROOK
Monday, May 21 to Log in to the Member Discounts section of our
Thursday, May 31, 2018 website, www.policeassn.org.nz, for more information.
MAY 2018 | 13HE ALTH & WE LLB E ING
Open all hours
W
hen Sergeant Lachy Garrick to the difficulties of organising your life around
joined Police 29 years ago, he odd working hours and the toll that can take,
immediately found that he physically and mentally, if you’re not prepared
Working for was a poor sleeper. for it.
Despite using an eye mask, earplugs and There are practical steps that can be taken
Police is rarely a having blacked-out windows, he was never to minimise fatigue and the first one is to
able to average more than three hours a day.
nine-to-five job, “I tried sleeping pills, and while they made
recognise the signs:
• Feeling constantly tired
which means a me sleep longer – up to four hours or so – I
only felt as if I had been asleep for about 20 • Having little energy
shift-load of minutes,” he says. • Being less vigilant, being moody, forgetful
and unable to concentrate
He had a scare one evening when he was
odd hours. working as a nightshift PST supervisor and • Poor communication and decision making
almost drove into a parked car. “I woke up just
• Reduced hand-eye co-ordination and
in time to swerve around it, thank God.”
slower reaction times.
Lachy has had little choice but to avoid night
shifts as much as possible. He currently works a Other not so obvious symptoms include:
day shift in a road policing role with occasional • Feeling drowsy
late/swing shifts, “which I can cope with”. • Headaches
“I love being a cop, but the risks associated
• Dizziness
with fatigue due to insufficient sleep are of real
concern.” • Blurred vision or impaired visual perception
Lachy’s experiences are at the extreme end, • The need for extended sleep on your
but anyone who work shifts in Police will relate days off.
Better sleep At work Stimulants Work-life
› › Adequate sleep is the › › Take breaks during and › › Coffee, and tea, balance
only way to recover from between shifts provides only short- › › Have a life outside
fatigue; the general rule is › › Eat a balanced diet, term relief from the work and switch off
between seven and nine particularly foods that effects of fatigue. When from work as much as
hours a night to maintain provide a steady release that wears off, there is possible when you’re
health and alertness of energy, such as whole often a “crash” and the not there
› › Try sleeping in a dark room grains result may be poor- › › Have outside interests
quality sleep and hobbies
› › Avoid using electronic › › Drink plenty of water;
devices just before sleep avoid sugary drinks
› › Eliminate noise
› › Don’t eat a large meal just
before bed
› › Exercise regularly
› › Consider getting a
better bed
14 | MAY 2018Top Tips
The Comms Supervisor “The best thing I did
The Police comms teams operate 24/7 and was buy a decent air
employ up to 700 staff between them. They are
at the frontline of police work. Shift supervisor conditioning unit for
Chris Turner has worked shifts in Central Comms my bedroom so it stays
in Wellington for 21 years. Over that time, he
has found a way of coping with shift work that “Communicate cool during the day
suits him: with your manager when I’m sleeping.
“The main thing is that I try not to do anything
different from my regular life. I keep my meal or supervisor if When I’m on night
patterns the same and I try to eat proper meals at you start showing shift, I have two shorter
the times I would normally be having breakfast,
lunch or dinner. the signs and rest periods rather
“When I leave work, I switch off. I don’t take work symptoms of than a single long one.
home with me, which can be challenging to do
when you have a work phone. fatigue.” During the middle,
“I try not to do overtime. I’ve noticed that doing
– Association field officer
between 3pm and 7pm,
too much overtime is counter-productive. If you
overdo it, you get tired and sick. and health and safety I get up and do stuff
specialist Brian Ballantyne
“I really enjoy my work, which helps, so I don’t and try to get some sun
mind getting up at 5am to go to work.
“I also have outside interests in the community on my skin.”
and with my kids’ schools.
– Senior Sergeant Jesse Mowat,
“I treat my house as my sanctuary.
“Sure, I start to feel pretty tired at 4am… I think shift commander, North Shore
everyone does, but you get through. It helps to Policing Centre
try to maintain a positive attitude. I divide my day
into quarters. If one quarter hasn’t gone so well, I
tell myself that the next quarter will be okay and I
don’t dwell on the bad parts.”
Food
› › The first meal of the day Snacking: Fruit and
o u ’v e tried
If y d
ng an ss,
(your breakfast equivalent) milk products, such
ry th i
eve
as yoghurt, are good.
should have high-protein
e
food Avoid foods with a high
n d sleepin
ea ,
fatigu eplessness
› › The second meal of the fat content – sorry, that
does mean sausage rolls
or sle your
day (lunch equivalent)
should be high protein and and chips – as they take
ts , s ee
persis
a long time to digest and
carbohydrate rich
r.
docto
make you feel tired.
› › The third meal (dinner
equivalent) should be
cereals, fruit, light foods and
salads that are easy to digest
› › Drink less coffee or tea
during the last four hours of
your shift as it might keep
you awake when you need
to be sleeping
MAY 2018 | 15NOTEBOOK
THE TECH FILES
Keeping you up to date with evolving technology at work and at home
ID on the move plates on the move is difficult.
A British company, Mosy, advertises
T he use of automatic number ANPR software that works at up to
plate recognition (ANPR) systems speeds of 250 kilometres an hour and
around the world is huge and growing. can provide number plate analysis within
One researcher, Global Industry seconds. Its cameras attached to the
Analysts, is predicting that the market vehicle allow for forwards, backwards
will exceed US$1.5 billion by 2024 as and side-on analysis of number plates,
demand from law enforcement agencies which is ideal for use in car parks and at
continues and the technology is adopted intersections.
in other areas, such as parking security, Earlier this year, a fixed ANPR camera
An automatic
ticketless parking fee management, car number plate was installed at a motorway on-ramp
theft prevention and traffic management. recognition in an Auckland Transport trial to see if
unit in action
Using cameras mounted on the roof it could track congestion and traffic
on the streets
of the patrol vehicle, the ANPR system of Porirua flow. The information captured by the
scans the number plates of passing cameras will be encrypted, but police
vehicles and feeds that information to a will be able to access the details with a
computer inside the police car, checking prone to breaking down, so it doesn’t get warrant if necessary.
the details against information already used much. At a cost of about $40,000 Hopefully in the future we can get
held by Police about vehicles of interest. per vehicle, it’s a shame if this crime- more vehicles fitted with up-to-date and
Depending on traffic flow, an ANPR fighting tool cannot be employed. reliable ANPR systems because, from
unit is capable of scanning up to 3000 I’ve used the vehicle multiple times where I’m sitting, they make a lot of
plates in one hour. when the ANPR has been working, and it policing sense. – BEN RUTHERFORD
Most American and Australian road is amazing what it finds. I’ve turned over
policing vehicles are equipped with vehicles and found firearms, drugs and
some form of ANPR software. people who have been avoiding police Constable Ben Rutherford
In New Zealand, we have just 18 for long periods of time. works in road policing and is an
ANPR units, including four in Auckland. Sure, we have our iPhones, but if you administrator of the Christchurch
Unfortunately, the one in Christchurch is are single-crewed, trying to run number Police Facebook page.
In your face
A long with all the base isolators, the standing desks and the
hi-tech custody suite, there’s a more humble innovation that’s
been installed in the Police section of the new Christchurch Justice
Precinct.
The self-eyewash station is a simple device located in the area
where prisoners are processed before entering the custody suite.
The idea is that if prisoners have been in contact with OC spray,
they can rinse their eyes and face themselves, reducing the need for
further physical contact between an officer and an offender.
The OC, or pepper spray, leaves an oily residue that can be washed
off. The caps are removed from the taps and, when a lever is pushed
by hand, water is sprayed around the face and eyes.
However, if you’ve been on the wrong end of OC spray, even after
a good wash, the only guaranteed remedy to completely relieve the
burning sensation is time – up to one hour after exposure.
16 | MAY 2018ASK YOUR
AUNTY...
She’s firm
but fair
Man on a
mission
Dear Aunty
I’ve been contacted by payroll about an
overpayment of about $360. I want to pay
it back at $40 a fortnight, but was told I had
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
to make payments of at least $100 or pay it
all in a lump sum. As a single parent on one
Life, Death and Helicopters income, I simply can’t afford to pay $100 a
fortnight and I definitely can’t pay it all back at
once. Now I’m worried that payroll will simply
By Dave Greenberg (Random House NZ, pb) take it all out of my next pay and I’ll be caught
short. Help!
F
rom hanging out at the fire station crew, and the medical teams that fly Cash Strapped
as a boy when he was growing with them, highlighting the importance
up in New York to dangling from of planning and incorporating new Dear Cash Strapped
a helicopter winch rope over stormy equipment and techniques, will be of Let me try to settle your nerves. Nowhere in
seas off the coast of New Zealand, Dave interest to other emergency responders, Police policy or legislation is a minimum
Greenberg has always known where and also to a wider audience. acceptable repayment figure stated. On
his “happy place” was – anything that The bigger picture is of the life and top of that, a district or work group cannot
involved helping people. death situations that ordinary people can decide on guidelines that contradict or
contravene policy or legislation. Under the
It took him a while to make it his career, be caught up in and how these rescue
Wages Protection Act 1983, your employer
however, even though he did his first CPR teams can make the difference between
can’t take any money out of your pay without
at the age of 13. The drama of that event the two.
your consent. When it comes to repayment
on the streets of New York and the twists Dave Greenberg joined the Westpac of overpayments, whatever you can manage
of fate that led him to New Zealand and Rescue team in 1991 and flew his last is acceptable. If your suggested figure was
eventually to crewing on the Westpac flight in 2016. He is now a professional unreasonably low (say a matter of a few
Rescue Helicopter unfold over the pages speaker and emergency management dollars), Police might ask you to reconsider.
of his book. consultant. You may have even met If payroll doesn’t change its stance, contact
Dave went on almost 4000 missions him as he works his way around Police your rep or field officer.
with the helicopter team, during which districts running Exercise Rauora, a mass
time he became the public face of the rescue exercise. – ELLEN BROOK
crew – liaising with media, becoming Hi Aunty
an “eye in the sky” for traffic reports and Dave’s book is a fundraiser for the All my policing career I’ve tried to keep my
helping raise the profile of the charitable Neonatal Trust, which helps families work and home life separate, which allows me
Life Flight organisation that makes their with premature or full-term sick babies. to really switch off from work. Unfortunately,
work possible. If you order a signed copy of the book, my home life is in turmoil at the moment and
His memoir covers search and rescue, $39.95, through www.neonataltrust.org. it’s affecting my ability to perform my best at
Police operations, hospital transfers, nz/dave-greenberg, all proceeds go to work. My supervisor has already had a couple
of chats and now wants another, more formal
traffic crashes and gripping accounts of the trust.
chat. I’m not great at sharing feelings and
some dramatic incidents, including the
getting into personal stuff, but should I tell
crash of a Defence Force helicopter on
them what else is going on?
Anzac Day 2010 and the difficult rescue
99 Problems
of an injured sailor during a round-the- Giveaway
world yacht race in 2005. Dear 99 Problems
We have three
Dave writes that some of his best-loved Only a robot would be able to rock up to work
signed copies
times in the air were assisting police. He without having their home life affecting
of Emergency
describes the scene as an STG squad was Response: Life, them. You have obligations as an employee to
being helicoptered to a remote location Death and be active, constructive and communicative.
to apprehend an armed man: “Even with Helicopters by When you have something going on (at home
the doors open, and the wind sweeping Dave Greenberg (Random or otherwise) that is impacting on your work,
through the helicopter, the tension was House NZ, pb) to give away. you should be communicating that to your
palpable. I could practically smell the To be the in the draw, email supervisor. They have the same obligations
editor@policeassn.org.nz with to you, including dealing with you in
testosterone in the air. With the squad all
EMERGENCY RESPONSE in the confidence. My advice is to contact your
having helmets on their heads, goggles
welfare officer, rep or field officer for support
on their eyes and balaclavas covering subject line and your name and
and also make contact with the Employee
the rest of their faces, the only thing I address in the body of the email.
Assistance Programme. (0800 327 669).
could see was their eyes. Their eyes were The draw closes on May 22. Books
will be posted to the winners. Email questions for Aunty to
focused. They were primed and ready.”
Insights into the work of the helicopter editor@policeassn.org.nz.
MAY 2018 | 17You can also read
