T H E V I C T O R I A P O L I C E M A G A Z I N E
•
J U N E 2 0 0 7
BIGWIG
BUSTED
How Purana Taskforce detectives
got their man in Greece
PRINT POST APPROVED 349018/00079
INBOX
Horse float halted
Welcome support during visit
I was unfortunate to experience having an unreliable fuel gauge in the ute l was using to
I would like to take this opportunity to
tow my horse and float with on the Hume Highway, and ended up coming to a halt at a
thank you for all your efforts, support, serv-
dangerous area of the highway.
ices, cooperation and time provided for the
After being told by RACV they would only tow my car, and too bad about the horse,
Vice Commanding General of L’Arma dei
l did not know what else to do but call ‘000’. And what a great response and advice was
Carabinieri, General Goffredo Mencagli’s
given to me.
visit to Melbourne from 27 to 30 March.
There was a police member on the scene in minutes and he was the nicest and most
helpful man and handled the situation with ease. I believe he is an asset to the organisation.
Thank you Victoria Police for being there when l did not know what else to do.
Lunch for a little girl
SHERRY HANLEY, LITTLE RIVER
Help on the highway
Thank you to the two police in the V8
Commodore from Horsham Highway Patrol
who stopped to assist me 12 kilometres west
of Dimboola about 10pm on 20 February.
These cops are right on the ball.
Thankfully, they were passing within minutes of my 1994 Range Rover conking out
when the petrol pump decided to clock off.
I was giving the petrol tank an enthusiastic once over with a lump of 4x2 to
encourage the integral pump to get back on
the job but to no avail. On reflection this
may have looked a little suspicious.
Anyway, after helping out with the RACV
telephone number and my exact location –
hard to tell in the dark with the semis thundering by – they cheerfully waited for a good
while until I bought an RACV membership.
Even though they were near the end of their
shift they then stayed the course until the
Dimboola RACV arrived with the tow truck.
They were friendly, efficient, professional
– a credit to the force.
I got pinged for speeding on the way
across to Adelaide the day before – a well
deserved ticket too – so I have to admit the
Western Highway police are on the ball in
every department. Firm but fair.
RICHARD FALKLAND, CARLTON
Beyond the call
I would like to express my appreciation for
the assistance I received from police. It was
a community service matter as opposed to a
FRANK PAVAN, SECRETARY, CARABINERI
ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA POLICE
I was in the Burnley Tunnel on 23 March.
and phone number from a newspaper
I had my pregnant daughter and my 20-
advert about our society’s February show in
month-old granddaughter in the car with me.
Moorabbin. She had missed our show and
We were very close to the accident,
asked about viewing begonias apart from
(which left three people dead) but did not
at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. I told her
see the actual collision. We saw the fire from
about a show at Erica and got the impression
ground to roof and wall to wall, an image we
that she was keen to travel the necessary
will never forget. We eventually arrived at
long distance to get there.
the entrance of the tunnel of about 10.30am.
About an hour later I had a horrible feel-
I wanted you to be aware we were very
ing that I had implied that the Erica show
impressed with Victoria Police in the way
was that particular weekend instead of the
they handled everything from then until we
long weekend. She had only given me a PO
finally left. One policewoman even gave my
Box address to send society information to. I
granddaughter half her lunch.
tried to find a phone number for her but was
unable to do so.
In desperation I rang St Kilda Road police
and explained my dilemma. I was given the
GILLIAN JAMES, HAWTHORN
Friendly road check
telephone number for the nearest police sta-
On 21 April, I took my partner for a ride
tion and so spoke to Senior Constable Scott
on my motorcycle as a pillion to Marysville
Jasper at Rutherglen. The PO Box address
along a road called ‘the black spur’.
I had was not much help but he chased
We were pulled over for a licence, rego
through local books and found some pos-
and roadworthy condition check by a male
sible ones. By this time, it was late Friday
police member who had a motorcycle as well.
evening. He said he would try the numbers
I am writing to just thank the police
and get back to me, success or failure. This
member for pointing out my front tyre was
he did and advised he had contacted the
under inflated by about 15psi.
lady in question. She later rang to say how
Not only has he potentially saved me
much she appreciated Sen Const Jasper’s call
and my partner from being hurt by pointing
and to thank me for my efforts. My efforts
this out, the police member communicated
would have been zilch without Sen Const
in a way that I can only describe as informa-
Jasper’s help.
tive, clear and also without intimidation.
I would like to register my appreciation of
the courteous and helpful attention I received
from the switchboard and station members.
TRICIA MARRIOTT, SECRETARY, MELBOURNE
BEGONIA SOCIETY
I also appreciated how my partner was
included in our conversation.
Great work, communication and service
to the public.
PETER TIPPETT, VIA EMAIL
criminal one but nevertheless, important to
me to find a solution.
A resident of Wahgunyah, on the NSW
border near Albury/Wodonga, rang me late
on Friday, 2 March about information on
begonias. She had somehow got my name
2>
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 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.
T H E V I C T O R I A P O L I C E M A G A Z I N E
•
J U N E 2 0 0 7
Welcome to
Police Life
Inside this Issue
––––––––––––––––––––––––
04> MOKBEL CAUGHT IN CAFE
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER
06> TACKLING THE DRUG PROBLEM
22> WOMEN CELEBRATE 90 YEARS
28> WORLD WIDE WEB OF CRIME
––––––––––––––––––––––––
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
JESSE MARLOW
JOHN BRAGAGNOLO
SUBSCRIPTIONS
JILLIAN FORRESTER • 9247 5419
–––––
As we all know, policing has its highs and lows and there has been no greater example of this
than our experiences earlier this month.
On 5 June, many members of Victoria Police were called to Kerang, where they were
confronted with the difficult task of dealing with a major collision involving a truck and
passenger train. Tragically, this collision has taken the lives of at least 10 people, probably
more. Our sympathies go out to the families of those whose lives were so suddenly taken
away. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery.
As police members, we attend incidents involving road trauma unfortunately on a regular basis.
The images and experiences from these incidents can remain with us forever. I would like to
congratulate and offer my support to all those members who were involved in the operation at
the scene of the Kerang crash, and elsewhere as the rescue operation continues.
PRODUCED BY THE STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
UNIT, MEDIA AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
VICTORIA POLICE, PO BOX 415,
MELBOURNE, 3005 FAX: 9247 5982
On a brighter note, it is also important to thank those members of Victoria Police who
–––––
At about 6pm Australian time on 5 June, police members in Greece, operating on a tip-off
ISSN 0032-2598L
from Purana Taskforce detectives, located and arrested Mokbel. He will remain in Greece until
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
–––––
participated in Operation Magnum, which resulted in the successful capture of fugitive Tony
Mokbel in Athens, Greece.
extradition proceedings are finalised.
As Mokbel was taken into custody, more than 120 members and support crews executed
warrants on 22 premises across Melbourne, resulting in 14 arrests. These raids were part
of Operation Magnum and resulted in the recovery of a sizeable amount of cash, drugs
and weapons.
POSTER
New fleet: The new generation Holden
These two examples at Kerang and Athens highlight the capacity of this organisation in
SS SMART car took to the road in April.
responding to national and international events. It demonstrates how professional we are as
Photograph: John Bragagnolo
–––––
an organisation and how responsive we are to the needs of the community.
Thank you all and keep up the good work.
Game over:
Fugitive Tony Mokbel
arrested in Greece after
15 months in disguise and in
hiding. See story on page 4.
CHRISTINE NIXON, APM
www.police.vic.gov.au
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
<3
COVER STORY
Fugitive foiled
Relentless investigative work by Purana Taskforce detectives
has resulted in the arrest of Melbourne’s most wanted.
tions. There was money moving from various bank accounts here and in Greece.
“We found some suspicious transactions
and went from there. We have found some
BY CHELSEA ARNOLD
other bank accounts and other financial
dealings that have been pretty important in
helping us track him down.
“On Friday, 25 May, Purana Taskforce
I
t was high stakes and high drama as
and Australian Federal Police (AFP) detec-
Purana Taskforce detectives claimed their
tives travelled to Greece as part of the long-
biggest scalp yet.
running Operation Magnum,” Mr Overland
Fifteen months on the run came to an
end for Australia’s most wanted fugitive,
Tony Mokbel.
Seaside surrender: Mokbel was found in a café
in Glyfada.
Identity crisis: Mokbel was found in possession of
false documentation under the assumed name of
Stephen Papas.
Making headlines: His disappearance and arrest
sparked much media coverage.
4>
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
Purana detectives briefed Greek authorities on 30 May and “as a result of some
Drinking coffee in an Athenian cafe,
information we had here and supplied to
looking dishevelled and sporting a Beatles-
Greek authorities” Mokbel’s time on the
style wig before his arrest, it was a less than
run ended.
glamorous end for the high-flying drug
The 41-year-old was arrested by Hellenic
smuggler who rose to notoriety as a key
Police just south of Athens, in the seaside
player in Melbourne’s underworld.
town of Glyfada, about 6.30pm Melbourne
Intrigue and speculation captivated
Home coming: Mokbel will be extradited from
Athens to Melbourne.
said.
time on Tuesday, 5 June.
Victorians after Mokbel absconded while on
Upon his extradition to Melbourne he
bail on 20 March, 2006, just days before the
will begin serving the nine–year jail term he
end of his trial, for smuggling 1.93 kilograms
was sentenced to on 31 March, 2006.
of pure cocaine from Mexico.
He is also likely to face a number of
Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland,
other charges including one count of murder
who labelled Mokbel’s wig “a shocker”, said
for the execution of Lewis Moran in 2004,
the Purana Taskforce became aware the fugi-
four counts of trafficking a large commer-
tive was in Greece on 15 May.
cial quantity of a drug of dependence, two
“It took a bit of work to establish he was
counts of trafficking a commercial quantity
there. A range of inquiries were made but it
of a drug of dependence, and one count of
did relate to a number of financial transac-
conspiracy to pervert the course of public
MELBOURNE’S MOST WANTED
Upon his return to Melbourne, Mokbel is likely to face charges of:
+ One count of murder for the execution of Lewis Moran on 31 March, 2004.
+ Four counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence.
+ Two counts of trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence.
+ One count of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice by inciting
perjury to conceal assets.
GREECE
RAP SHEET
PURANA’S
justice by inciting perjury to conceal assets.
“We will be alleging Mokbel was directing and organising the production and dis-
14 other
Mokbel and
of
st
re
ar
e
Th
the work
toria adds to
people in Vic
inception in
na since its
VICTORIA
done by Pura
na has:
4 June, Pura
2003. As at
with
7 offenders
+ Charged 15
.
485 offences
25
fenders with
of
14
+ Charged
r.
urde
counts of m
ith
offenders w
+ Charged 10
murder.
ed
pt
attem
incitement or
charges.
serious drug
+ Laid 292
at almost
work very hard. Drugs are a major problem,
sets valued
estrained as
R
+
as is organised crime and there are other
$2 million.
unsolved murders.”
tribution of drugs while overseas, was in
The $1 million reward for information
regular telephone contact with associates in
leading to Mokbel’s capture is yet to be
simultaneously executed 22 search warrants
Melbourne and that he had his associates
claimed, but Mr Overland said the offer was
resulting in the arrest of 14 people.
distributing the cash proceeds of drug sales
“clearly helpful in precipitating some talk
to him using international banking transfers
and information coming through”.
and cash couriers,” Mr Overland said.
“There’s been a lot of very good police
“There is a potential million dollar
reward out there. We have got information
“This operation has seen the deployment and coordination of some 120 investigators across 22 search locations overseas
and locally,” he said.
from a range of sources but we will have to
The raids uncovered more than $790,000
The results can be, in part, attributed to
wait and see if anyone comes forward to
cash, 2.8 kilograms of white powder, 2400
the $80 million injected into the Victoria
make a claim for the reward. If someone
tablets, smaller amounts of white powder,
Police Organised Crime Strategy for increased
thinks they are entitled to it they can make
seven 20-litre drums of acetone, glassware,
surveillance, improved technological capac-
application for it.”
chemicals, eight motor vehicles, two per-
work that has gone into this.”
ity, the appointment of forensic accountants
Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon
and intelligence analysts and increased cov-
paid tribute to the Purana detectives, con-
ert support.
gratulating them on their dedicated inves-
While the arrest was a win for Purana,
Mr Overland conceded the taskforce’s work
was not complete.
He said he expected Mokbel, who is listed among Interpol’s 100 most wanted, to
“fight us every inch of the way”.
“He will vigorously fight all the charges.
That’s been his history in the past. I’d expect
him to use every legal avenue open to him.
tigative work.
sonal watercrafts, a taser, mace, a pistol, a
shotgun and a rifle.
Det Insp O’Brien said that five of the
men arrested were part of Mokbel’s syndicate
“This has been a terrific effort and ends
known as “The Company”. The Company
months of dedicated work by a large team,”
had manufactured 43 kilograms of ampheta-
Ms Nixon said.
mines, with a wholesale value of $4.6 mil-
“This proves once again that Victoria
Police has a huge capacity and is determined
to rid Victoria of organised crime.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Purana
Taskforce, the AFP and the Greek police for
lion, since 2006.
Eight men faced Melbourne Magistrates’
Court on 6 June on drugs charges. They
were remanded to re-appear on 31 January
next year.
“There is a lot more work for us but
their dedication and commitment to many
“This phase of the operation forms only
that’s part of the relentless ongoing focus
months of arduous investigative work.”
part of our overall continued strategy to make
that Purana has. We have been very suc-
Head of Purana Taskforce, Detective
Victoria an extremely hostile environment
cessful and have had good results but the
Inspector Jim O’Brien said that follow-
for organised crime,” Det Insp O’Brien said.
work goes on and we have to continue to
ing Mokbel’s arrest, more than 120 police
www.police.vic.gov.au
The bigwig had been busted.
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
■
<5
NATIONAL DRUG ACTION WEEK
18-22 JUNE
COMMUNITY POLICING
Only dopes do drugs
Drug and alcohol abuse costs the community and police are
finding more ways to crack down on the social problem.
The damage to the community is also substantial, including crime, accidents, death,
illness and disease, social and family disruption as well as the effects of violent behaviour
and loss of productivity in the workplace.
BY MARIA CARNOVALE
T
hese days $200 will get you a gram of
From testing drivers for drugs and alco-
methamphetamine, including a head-
hol to large-scale seizures, police use many
ache, irregular breathing and heart-
approaches to keep the community safe,
beat, paranoia, depression, violent spells and
while also aiding in the recovery of those
a possible addiction.
with drug and alcohol related problems.
That is only in the short-term. Long-
To be released soon, the Illicit Drugs
term effects can include heart attack, stroke,
Strategy sponsored by Deputy Commissioner
and bleeding in the brain, which makes you
Kieran Walshe and Commander Stephen
wonder why cities are gripped by such a
Fontana, ensures police are using best-
destructive drug and others like it.
practice methods to reduce the harm caused
During National Drug Action Week from
Drug diversion: Insp Steve James said Victoria
Police had introduced a number of programs to
educate people about drug and alcohol abuse.
6>
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
by drugs in society.
18 to 22 June, police show how they are
The strategy ensures an organisation-
tackling drug and alcohol issues in Victoria.
wide focus on three areas – the disruption
Drug and Alcohol Strategy Unit manager
of drug supply, targeting repeat offenders
Inspector Steve James said police worked
and reducing re-offending. The strategy will
hard to alter the effects drug use had.
work with other initiatives already in place.
“Drug use affects everyone – drug users,
Insp James said the Drug and Alcohol
families of drug users, and society in gen-
Strategy Unit kept abreast of drug trends by
eral,” he said.
using research and international knowledge
Victoria spends a great deal of time
to monitor the situation in Victoria, allowing
and resources rectifying the harms of drug
police to develop evidence-based strategies.
and alcohol abuse through methods of
One of these strategies is the introduction
prevention, education, treatment of related
of the Alcohol Drug Recorded Intelligence
illnesses and law enforcement.
for Tasking (ADRIFT) database. The database
requires members to record whether drugs
said. “We want to deal with the reasons
system alerting police to people purchasing
or alcohol are part of an offence. This will
behind drug use rather than charging them
the drugs in more than one pharmacy.
then be used to identify trends.
with a minor offence.”
“Drugs are either produced in Australia
In December 2004, Victoria Police
The use of health services and rehabilita-
or come from overseas through our ports.
became the first jurisdiction to randomly
tion is encouraged and police also allow meth-
Pseudoephedrine is one of the largest ingre-
test drivers for drugs. This began after it was
adone treatment for people while in custody,
dients used in production so we have to stop
revealed in 2003 that 31 per cent of drivers
and ensure overdose victims receive medi-
it before it gets to the streets,” Insp James said
killed in Victoria tested positive to drugs
cal attention without fear of being charged.
Police also focus on closing clandestine
The Cannabis Cautioning Program is
laboratories, where methamphetamines are
other than alcohol.
By targeting locations rife with drug use,
another example of drug diversion, where
made, and target rental properties common-
such as rave parties and truck driving routes,
first-time offenders caught using or possess-
ly used as clan labs and hydroponic centres
the results so far have been astonishing.
ing a small amount of cannabis have the
to grow cannabis.
“Booze buses catch one in 250 drivers
option of receiving a caution, if they agree
over the blood alcohol limit, while one in
to engage in treatment.
46 people tested for drugs returned positive
As well as the many varieties of amphet-
tests,” Insp James said. “Our role is to get
amines, cannabis and opiates, pharmaceuti-
people taking drugs off the roads because it
cal drugs also create issues in society and are
is so dangerous to drive under its effects.”
“becoming a major problem”.
Insp James said the emergence of ice – a
concentrated crystallised form of methamphetamine – had resulted in police undergoing training to deal with ice users.
“Methamphetamine users can be very
violent. It is a psycho-stimulant, and unlike
As rave parties have been identified as
Pharmaceutical drugs are often used with
people affected by alcohol, you can’t ration-
high drug-use events, police also use Passive
other drugs and can be gained by using forged
alise with a meth user. We see psychotic
episodes and members need to learn how to
For more information about initiatives in place,
visit the Drug and Alcohol Strategy Unit at
www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_
ID=5059 on the Internet.
deal with this,” he said.
With oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray ineffective on those using ice, police need to recognise if the drug has been used and determine another method to subdue the offender.
Alcohol, the most common drug, causes
health and social problems.
To tackle drink-driving random breath
Alert Drug Detection (PADD) dogs to locate
THE HARD FACTS ABOUT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
drug users or dealers.
Common at large dance events, ecstasy is
+
The introduction of random breath testing has contributed to Victoria’s road toll reduction, from 910
deaths in 1975, to 337 last year.
+
The Victorian Drug Statistics Handbook 2006: Pattern of drug use and related harm in Victoria, reports
that licensed premises such as pubs and clubs were the most common locations where ecstasy,
amphetamines and cocaine were used.
+
After alcohol, tobacco is the drug most widely used by adults in Victoria and is responsible for more
drug-related hospitalisations than all other drugs combined.
+
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report Statistics on drug use in Australia 2006 stated that
in 2005, 46 per cent of injecting drug users had overdosed at some point in their lives.
+
The Statistics on drug use in Australia 2006 report also found that in 2005, one in 10 prisoners was
convicted for drug-related offences. The most common offence was dealing/trafficking drugs.
often referred to as a recreational or party drug,
but Insp James said “there is no such thing as
a recreational drug, they are all dangerous”.
In 2004, the Two Tribes rave party resulted in 11 drug overdoses, and Insp James
said police were determined not to let an
incident like it recur.
“We worked with event organisers and
the Department of Human Services to ensure
it didn’t happen again.”
“Now, the organisers provide water and
+
Cannabis can be detected in urine for days to weeks, and in some cases months.
have ambulances in attendance, so we’ve
+
The detection of clandestine laboratories in Victoria rose from 36 lab closures in 2005, to 64 in 2006.
+
In 2000-01, more than 500 Victorians were referred to drug treatment programs. This has increased to
more than 2500 people in 2004-05, of which 66 per cent completed their treatment.
reduced the risk of overdoses at events
since,” he said.
As well as aiming to prevent overdoses, police refer those caught in possession
of drugs to drug diversion programs, allow
prescriptions, theft, or ‘doctor shopping’.
methadone treatment and have Custodial
Cold and flu medication is also a tar-
Alcohol also causes problems in the com-
Health Alcohol and Drug (CHAD) nurses
get for manufacturers who use the ingre-
munity. To minimise its effects, Victorian
care for drug-affected people in custody.
tests have been conducted since 1976.
dient pseudoephedrine for methampheta-
police are the only state in Australia to arrest
The drug diversion package, released in
mine production. To reduce the purchase
people for being drunk in a public place, and
1996, aims to take drug and alcohol users
of these products for illicit drug manufac-
has tough restrictions on the sale of alcohol
away from the criminal justice system by
turing, Project Stop was initiated to cut
and under-age drinking.
encouraging them to use health resources.
off pseudoephedrine runners.
Insp James said the effects of drug and
“We’ve set up a system where police can
“We’ve restricted the sale of these prod-
alcohol use could create problems for years
arrest someone, and then divert them to get
help so we’re not in a cycle,” Insp James
ucts, and we will restrict it further,” Insp
to come because of the mental health prob-
James said, including the introduction of a
lems that may arise from today’s use.
www.police.vic.gov.au
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
■
<7
NATIONAL DRUG ACTION WEEK
18-22 JUNE
COMMUNITY POLICING
Drug myths go
up in smoke
Frankston police are determined to educate local
youth on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
BY SARAH CAMPBELL
Minimising harm: Students learned the importance
of looking out for themselves and for others.
8>
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
S
miling back at her as she scrolls
Crime statistics show in the Frankston
they’re at the beginning of that stage in
through the day’s emails are the
area, most offences are committed by youth
life where they start to expose themselves
faces of Senior Constable Renee
aged 15 to 24. Frankston police are believed
to risky situations within their social net-
the first to plan and execute a forum of this
works,” Sen Const Bloomfield said.
Bloomfield’s children.
With their photographs displayed prom-
scale involving students, ambulance officers,
“We hope, something has sounded an
inently around her office, they serve as con-
the local council, community support agen-
alarm with the students and has educated
stant reminders for the Frankston Youth
cies, and police in drug and alcohol education.
them on the real dangers and consequences
Resource Officer as she works to save local
“It was important for us to follow
youth from the dangers of drugs, alcohol
through with the forum and run it as a
Although education continues in schools,
and risk-taking behaviour.
preventative program. With police organis-
Sen Const Bloomfield said the forum allowed
of risk-taking behaviour.”
“I want my kids to grow up in an area
ing this forum, it sends a message to youth
police to share their up-to-date knowledge
where teenagers make good life choices,”
and the wider community that police are
of the drug market, and destroy myths sur-
she said.
embracing their duty of care, and we want
rounding alcohol and drug use.
While she may share this hope with
most parents, Sen Const Bloomfield put her
to protect teenagers from ending up in negative situations,” Sen Const Bloomfield said.
money where her mouth is and organised a
“When youth take drugs, they have no
idea where it has come from, or where it was
For two days in April, more than 1000
made. We needed to use evidence and show
Year 9 students converged on Frankston Arts
these kids facts that taint drug usage, which
The forum, to educate youths about
Centre to learn the dangers of risk-taking
will hopefully deter them when they next
the risks and consequences involved with
behaviour in relation to road safety and
consider taking drugs,” she said.
drug taking, alcohol abuse and anti-social
awareness, Partysafe, drugs, laws and conse-
behaviour, was the brainchild of Sen Const
quences, and reporting trauma.
forum for Frankston students.
In addition to her concerns for local
youths, Sen Const Bloomfield was shocked
and saddened at news of the death of a
The problem is not just substance abuse, but
behaviour that relates to that abuse which can
include assault, property damage, theft …
20-year-old Sydney dance teacher who
died after apparently taking ecstasy at a
music festival.
“It’s cases like that one that sadden
and anger police because these kids have
so much promise, and we don’t want other
youths to follow the same path and destroy
Bloomfield and colleague, Senior Constable
The students, from 11 schools in the
Frankston
experience in operational policing.
region, were involved in planning the event
Should the forum become an annual
“I was sick and tired of visiting parties
with police, as well as school principals, the
feature in Frankston’s calendar, by 2010
and other social gatherings on weekends
Department of Education, local councils and
every 18-year-old in the region will have
that resulted in tragic outcomes,” she said.
support agencies, a student wellbeing coor-
attended and learnt the dangers of risk-tak-
dinator, and school nurse.
ing behaviour, and the importance of report-
“For 15 years, I patrolled this area, and
and
Mornington
Peninsula
their own lives by making risky decisions,”
Deneen Ritchie, brought on by years of
Sen Const Bloomfield said.
ing trauma.
too often did I see the result of risk-tak-
Year 9 students were targeted because
ing behaviour. Injury, death and emotional
they are at an age where they are exposed to
Sen Const Bloomfield said while she is
strain on families are not the only things
risk taking behaviour. However, with basic
aware the forum will not change every stu-
that happen as a result of teenagers making
drug and alcohol education, students could
dent’s behaviour or affect everyone’s deci-
poor decisions. A lot of crime stems from
be expected to make good life choices.
sion-making, if one teenager’s life is saved, it
“Year 9 kids are aged 14 or 15, meaning
it as well, and leads teenagers to think that
would all be worthwhile.
■
committing an offence is OK.”
The problem is not just substance abuse,
she said, but behaviour that relates to that
TIPS TO PLAY IT SAFE
abuse which can include assault, property
damage, theft, burglary and sexual assault.
“It’s all too common. I started to think,
why is this still happening?”
Sen Const Bloomfield sourced her
evidence proving the need for a forum from
local research, and findings made by the
Australian Drug Foundation.
“Research suggested that by approaching
the issue with input from the whole community, and by focussing on harm minimisation we could expect greater outcomes
through linking young people to support
agencies,” she said.
www.police.vic.gov.au
Communicate with parents.
Inform parents of details of the party/venue, address, and contact phone number.
+ Arrange transport to and from parties.
+ If a friend or peer requires urgent medical assistance, call an ambulance on ‘000’ under
all circumstances.
+ Wait and assist your friend until medical assistance/ambulance arrives. Assist ambulance officers with
details that may help your friend.
+ If you are offered a substance/tablet and it does not come in a sealed box with a list of ingredients and
recommended dosage, do not take it.
+ Discuss aspects of risk-taking behaviour with parents, friends and teachers.
+ If you feel you do not have all the facts or correct information in relation to a particular aspect of
drugs or alcohol, make inquiries to be informed to make a good decision.
+ Remember, underage drinking and illegal substances are unlawful.
+
+
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
<9
NATIONAL DRUG ACTION WEEK
18-22 JUNE
Operation Sorbet’s
sweet reward
Search and Rescue Squad members retrieved key evidence
in the AFP investigation into Australia’s largest known heroin
importation. BY CHELSEA ARNOLD.
ing one man and spilling 25 kilograms of
heroin overboard.
Soon after, the Pong Su began making its
way along Victoria’s east coast.
Lam, Teng and Tan were arrested on
16 April, 2003, after taking delivery of the
heroin the previous night. The AFP recov-
R
ubber ties, cigarettes and a global
ered 65 kilograms of heroin in a van hired
positioning system (GPS) retrieved by
by Teng and Lam. The remainder of the her-
the Search and Rescue (SAR) Squad
oin taken by Tan still had not been found.
during an Australian Federal Police (AFP)
The same day, SAR became involved in
investigation, proved key evidence in the
the multi-jurisdictional investigation into
conviction of four drug traffickers.
Australia’s largest-known heroin importa-
The 4015-tonne Pong Su’s voyage began
tion when the Homicide Squad called them
in Nampo, North Korea in late March 2003,
in upon the AFP’s discovery of the deceased
although planning may have begun some
man at Boggaley Creek, near Lorne.
12 months earlier.
was concealed under seaweed. Two life jack-
import 150 kilograms of heroin into Victoria
ets and an inflatable rubber dinghy were
were being monitored by the AFP as part of
also found.
Operation Sorbet for some time. Upon arriv-
SAR Sergeant Tim James said Sergeants
ing in Australia, the movements of Yau Kim
Greg Barras, and Victor Velthuis, and Senior
Lam, 35, Kiam Fah Teng, 48, and Wee Quay
Constable Bec Caskey dive searched the area
Tan, 35, between Melbourne, Geelong and
for more bodies the next day.
a desolate section of the Great Ocean Road
“When attending a job, we want to find
in Victoria’s south-west, were under sur-
everything that’s not normal. Anything
veillance. Their vehicles were bugged, their
that’s not a seashell, we want to find it,”
conversations recorded, and their moves
Sgt James said.
pre-empted.
Rough seas: The Pong Su at sea, Search and
Rescue Squad members search grassland beside
the Great Ocean Road. Offenders Wong, Ten, Lee
and Lam. The Pong Su’s journey to the Victorian
coast began in North Korea.
10 >
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
The man had suffered head injuries and
Plans by the international crime gang to
The AFP obtained evidence to suggest
the plan went awry when two men in a rub-
“We are professional people who find
things. We always say, ‘failure to look, is
failure to find’.”
ber dinghy, who had come from the Pong
The conditions at Boggaley Creek were
Su to deliver the 150-kilogram drug cache to
rough - heavy surf, rocky coastline, a large reef
the three-man shore party capsized, drown-
area and a heavy concentration of bull kelp.
TRUE CRIME
reef where it is believed the drug smugglers’
dinghy capsized in heavy seas.
On 21 April, Sgt James returned to the
scene and found a backpack, airline tickets
NORTH KOREA
and personal papers belonging to Lam hidden in dense bush, 30 metres north of the
second hide. The items were fingerprinted
and implicated Lam in the crime.
“The evidence we were finding was a
real coup,” he said.
That afternoon, using information
VICTORIA
downloaded from seized GPS track routes
Sgt Barras and SAR personnel guided the AFP
to an isolated location near Deans Marsh,
30 kilometres inland from Lorne. The data
allowed police to virtually retrace every step
“When attending a job, we want to find everything
that’s not normal. Anything that’s not a seashell,
we want to find it,” Sgt James said.
made by the drug smugglers.
Sgt Barras led the group to within one
metre of the abandoned personal papers.
Photos also found at the scene implicated
Lam. Email, phone and fax details for Pong
Su Shipping Company were also found, providing a conclusive link between the forensic evidence found and the drug ship.
“We observed a black bag in surf off the
Searching Wong, they recovered a GPS,
“The evidence we were finding at
reef and also a line in the water caught off
mobile phone, torch, binoculars, knife, and
Boggaley Creek and at Deans Creek gave the
rocks,” Sgt James said.
$US1000 in new notes. His pants were tied
Prime Minister the best advice as to whether
However, dangerous conditions put a
up by rubber bands, similar to those found
Australian forces had the authority to board
stop to dive operations until low tide later
on the beach. Later they would be found to
a foreign ship,” Sgt James said.
that day.
forensically match the rubber bands used to
SAR members continued to search the
tie the packages of heroin.
The Pong Su, which had not previously travelled to Australia, continued along
beach. They retrieved a blue bag, which had
Near the location of the deceased body,
the coast failing to declare its presence in
been ripped open, with a rubber band at
Sgt James found a shoe, with red paint on its
Australian waters and refusing to stop when
the top, more rubber bands, rope, and a
sole which later was found to match paint
directed by authorities.
small pocket knife. A search of the bush on
on the Pong Su’s deck.
That evening, the vessel was taken
the southern side of the Great Ocean Road
SAR assisted the AFP to retrieve and ana-
over by Special Air Service troops. It was
also uncovered Asian lolly wrappers, and the
lyse the data contained on the GPS. It con-
escorted to Sydney Harbour by the Australian
business card of an Asian male.
tained more than 3000 pieces of evidence,
Navy. The crew was arrested by AFP for
specifically the locations the men had vis-
trafficking narcotics.
Sen Const Caskey searched bush on the
north side of the road and found a hide over-
ited in previous weeks.
Three weeks later, 75 kilograms of her-
looking the sea search area. It contained a
SARs Leading Senior Constable Kent
oin, stashed by Lam, was found concealed
pair of gloves, a water bottle and a paper bag.
Clifton-Bligh and Force Response Unit mem-
in bushland. The total of the two seizures is
As Sgt James went to investigate it fur-
bers retraced the GPS data at Boggaley Creek.
recorded as Victoria’s largest seizure of heroin.
ther he detected someone hiding.
Ldg Sen Const Clinton-Bligh found a second
Wong, Lam, Teng and Tan each pleaded
“I smelt an odour and heard a noise
bush hide about 100 metres west of the first.
guilty to aiding and abetting the heroin
in the bush. So I tracked it quietly for 20
Two unopened cartons of Dunhill deluxe cig-
operation and were convicted and each sen-
minutes until I saw the outline of someone
arettes, 13 sealed separate packets of Dunhill
tenced to more than 20 years’ imprisonment.
hiding in the bush,” Sgt James said.
cigarettes, one opened bottle of Smirnoff
Another 27 people, including the ship’s
vodka, and a blue beanie were recovered.
captain and senior staff, charged in relation
As he was unarmed, Sgt James backtracked out of the area and signalled to Sgt
The next day, AFP requested SAR assist-
to the incident were later discharged on the
ance to investigate a possible drug stash at
grounds of insufficient evidence. In June
“There was the potential for a violent
Boggaley Creek. Sgt Velthuis attended the
2004, they were deported to North Korea.
confrontation. I was trying to give them
scene with a Dog Squad member and drug
The final chapter in the tale occurred on
hand signals to tell them ‘I need a gun now’.”
detector dog. The dog indicated the possibil-
23 March last year, when the Pong Su was
Velthuis and Sgt Barrass.
A firearm and handcuffs were obtained
ity drugs had been buried in the long grass,
destroyed about 140 kilometres off the NSW
from an AFP member. All members con-
although the search recovered nothing.
south coast of Jervis Bay, sending a clear
verged on the area and arrested a man, Ta
Later that afternoon, Sgt Barrass and
message that Australia will not tolerate the
Song Wong, 40.
www.police.vic.gov.au
Sgt Velthuis recovered an anchor from the
illegal importation of drugs.
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
■
< 11
CONFIDENT POLICING
Police get smart
Unveiling the latest cutting-edge SMART car, Victoria Police
proved it’s still a driving force when it comes to road safety.
in time for a holiday period long associated
with high road trauma.
Each car is fitted with secure digital
radios and mobile radar equipment, and
some have mobile data devices allowing
BY SARAH CAMPBELL
police to access drivers’ licence details and
persons of interest data.
W
atch out speeding drivers - the
The ignition, or burnt-orange col-
fifth generation Special Mobile
oured cars feature reflective police decals
Anti Road Toll (SMART) car is on
ensuring high visibility regardless of
the road and armed with modern equipment
to ensure drivers keep Victorian roads safe.
Highway patrol: TMU members across the
state will be out in force in the highly-visible
SMART cars.
12 >
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
Assistant Commissioner (Traffic &
Patrolling highways and freeways across
Transport) Noel Ashby said SMART cars
the state, 20 SMART cars, driven by special-
played an important role in highlighting
ly trained Traffic Management Unit (TMU)
police presence in the community.
police, are back and better than ever.
Smart attack: Twenty ignition-coloured
SMART cars hit the highways earlier
this year.
weather conditions.
“The SMART cars are a highly-visible
The cars, specially designed by Holden
aspect of our operations and serve as an
engineers, who were responsible for the
excellent reminder to drivers that the police
design of the VE body shape, feature eye-
are out there and if you are doing the wrong
catching police livery.
thing, you will be caught,” Mr Ashby said.
With brighter emergency lights, and
SMART cars were first released in
tyres that measure up to police standards,
December 2001 to enforce the road safe-
SMART cars hit the roads just before Easter,
ty message. The cars were initially gold,
and proved so successful in helping raise
Territory was next off the mark, when, one
similar models out on the road, reinforc-
road safety awareness, a second fleet of 24
year later, they released two cars. Since
ing police presence in the SMART cars,” Mr
silver SMART cars was released in 2002. Since
then, Queensland, the Northern Territory
Hungerford said.
then, Victoria Police has released a series of
and Western Australia have also introduced
SMART cars every year.
the concept.
Once the colour is chosen and design
confirmed, SMART cars are manufactured
Although the major aim of the SMART
“The entire SMART car program has
car program is to enhance police presence
worked well for us from day one. The cars
in the community, figures also show SMART
can be distributed to every region in the state,
Applying police decals and reflective
cars have influenced driver behaviour.
and all of them can measure speed detec-
markers takes up to nine hours per vehicle.
and delivered to the Transport Branch for
application of police markings.
In 2001, Victoria’s road toll was 444. Five
tion, whether they are driven on country or
Once completed, the SMART cars are ready
years later, with the inclusion of SMART cars
metropolitan roads,” Mr Hungerford said.
for the road.
and many other traffic initiatives such as
While Holden engineers are responsible
“TMU members, who drive the cars, are
always eager to see the new model and get
behind the wheel,” Mr Hungerford said.
The SMART cars are a highly visible aspect of our
“They get excited at the prospect of a
new SMART car, and this year it has been
operations and serve as an excellent reminder to
no different.”
drivers that the police are out there …
about 12 months, it can vary, depending on
While the lifespan of a SMART car is
where the car has been driven.
Mr Hungerford said the cars run for
about 60,000 kilometres before they are
drug and alcohol testing and point-to-point
for designing the car, initial discussion of
speed checks proving beneficial, the number
SMART car specifications and their release
of road deaths reduced by 107, when 337
date begins months prior at Victoria Police.
de-commissioned.
“In some areas, such as Horsham, police
run up to 17,000 kilometres per month in
fatalities were recorded last year. These
Planning the colour, make and model of
the SMART cars, so it doesn’t take long for
figures offer a stark comparison to those of
the car takes place at the Transport Branch,
them to achieve the maximum kilometres.
40 years ago in 1967, when 887 people died
where a range of elements are considered.
However, we always ensure the vehicles are
on the state’s roads.
“We choose the car’s colour based on
safe through regular servicing and change-
Victoria Police was the first Australian
whether we think it will stand out from
police jurisdiction to release SMART cars, and
other cars, so drivers are aware police are
Whether they are patrolling the free-
officer in charge of the Transport Branch’s
nearby, and whether it is a new colour for
ways of Melbourne or the open spaces of the
Fleet Coordination and Equipment Fitting
the manufacturer. This year’s colour has only
Western Highway, one thing is guaranteed
Section, Guy Hungerford, said other states
recently been introduced to other Holden
– SMART cars are out and about to put the
followed the lead. The Australian Capital
vehicles, therefore there won’t be too many
brakes on unsafe behaviour on the road. ■
www.police.vic.gov.au
over, and operating at their best,” he said.
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
< 13
COMMUNITY POLICING
Sport beats boredom
A program encouraging youths to run, jump and play towards
a brighter future has begun in inner-Melbourne.
D
iscounted driving lessons, youth
camps, sporting equipment and
sports libraries for young people
are some of the support services developed
by youth resource officers at Fitzroy
police station.
Yarra Youth Resource Officer Senior
Constable Chris McGeachan said the program provided local youth with tools to
enjoy life, learn skills and build stronger
relationships with police.
“In some countries, when police come
to talk to you, you’re in trouble. Police and
community relationships there are far different from ours where we encourage our community to communicate with us,” he said.
“Victoria Police has a strong commitment
to ensuring diversity among its members.
Regional policing requires a local response
and to do that, you need to have an open
relationship with your local community.”
As part of the program, Victoria Police
and the State Government’s Neighbourhood
Renewal program are opening three sports
libraries at the Collingwood, Fitzroy and
Richmond housing estates.
Operating out of shipping containers they will house new and used sporting
equipment donated by local businesses, residents and Fitzroy police and will be accessible to all young people in the City of Yarra.
The program is relying on people within
the community to donate sporting equipment, such as cricket bats, tennis balls or
footballs they are no longer using.
“This is not about having the best of everything. It is about encouraging our young
people to better themselves. Having a game
of cricket with your mates is much more
productive than some of the other activities
young people get up to if they are bored.”
Ultimately, Sen Const McGeachan and
colleague Senior Constable Tony Brewin
hope to link the sports library to the City
of Yarra Library Service so young people
can use the same borrowing card for both
services, which may encourage more young
people to use the library.
Driver education programs for disadvantaged youth and people who have recently
arrived in Australia have also begun.
Sen Const Brewin said many young
people arrive from countries such as Sudan
where people do not need a licence or follow
drink-driving laws.
Recycled idea: Senior Constable Chris
McGeachan takes the lead during green time
with Fitzroy youth.
14 >
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
For donations to the program, contact
Sen Const McGeachan or Sen Const Brewin
on 0414 181 438.
■
Saving time and
saving lives
PA R T N E R S H I P P O L I C I N G
Emergency markers are being installed at public venues
across the state to save lives.
things for callers, enabling them to clearly
state their location,” Insp Hillier said.
“Emergency markers are a low-cost,
high-benefit public safety initiative. They
can be attached to existing infrastructure,
Trail markers: Emergency markers will help
emergency services locate stranded, injured or
sick walkers and visitors in public places and
national parks.
WHERE HAVE EMERGENCY
MARKERS BEEN INSTALLED?
N
ext time you walk through a local
such as pergolas in parks, or they can stand
park, or head to the beach, keep your
alone, depending on the environment.”
eyes open for emergency markers that
In
2004,
the
Emergency
Services
could ultimately be the difference between
Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) and
life and death.
Victoria Police developed the idea, an exten-
Emergency markers, signs that are easy
sion of the beach marker initiative already in
to identify, have been placed in public areas
place. Beach markers are bright signs issued
ensuring, in the event of an emergency, the
with numbers, indicating to the public the
exact location of a ‘000’ caller can be accu-
nearest access point.
rately identified.
“Emergency markers improve on beach
The markers, at locations including river
markers because they provide geo-spatial
trails, lakeside paths, national parks and
information on the marker, in plain English,
+
Albert Park Lake, Melbourne.
racecourses, will assist police and emergency
as well as access and obstacle information,”
+
Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne.
services, to save lives.
Insp Hillier said.
+
Birrarung Marr, near the Yarra River,
Melbourne.
Inspector Brian Hillier of the State
When an incident occurs at a specific
Emergency Response Office said a critical
street address, it is easier for response teams
Lysterfield Park, Ferntree Gully
driver for emergency response started with
to locate the caller. However, when the same
the ‘000’ call, and the ability of the emer-
incident happens in public parkland, or in
gency operator to verify the exact location
major shopping centres, it takes extra, valu-
of the caller’s emergency. It was also about
able time for response teams to identify a
COMING SOON
standardising the procedures.
specific location and vehicle access point.
The need for emergency markers came
The first call to quote an emergen-
+
Maribyrnong River Trail.
after emergency operators reported difficulty
cy marker was received on 14 March. At
+
National parks around Victoria as part of
the Parks Victoria signage program.
in verifying locations.
Birrarung Marr, on the banks of the Yarra
“Identifying callers is always difficult,
River, a lady in her 80s had passed out,
Melbourne Airport.
particularly when the caller is suffering trau-
the caller identified the nearby emergency
Several major roads around the state,
including the soon-to-be-built Geelong
Bypass, and Federation Trail.
ma, pain, panic and distress. Most callers
marker, and the call taker could verify the
are dealing with one or all of these things,
caller’s location in seconds. Immediately,
meaning they have difficulty explaining
an ambulance was sent to the aid of the
their location. We felt we needed to simplify
elderly woman.
+
+
+
+
+
Caulfield Racecourse, Caulfield.
Newport recreational area, Newport.
www.police.vic.gov.au
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
■
< 15
INBRIEF
Police have spirit
Assisting indigenous youths to create job connections and relationships has earned Reservoir police station’s Sergeant Wayne Taylor the
Community Spirit Police Award.
Through the trust and respect he has built with youths, through
Operation Summerhill, elders of the indigenous community and Koori
organisations in Melbourne, Sgt Taylor is a positive role model.
The award was presented by the Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory
Council (VIYAC) recognising the positive work police do with young
indigenous people.
Sharing the title of runner-up were Aboriginal liaison officer Leading
Senior Constable Peter Mellington of Horsham police station and
Sergeant Nicholas Buenen of Colac police station.
Ldg Sen Const Mellington was awarded for his work in developing
partnerships with Koori youths and elders in the Wimmera area, and
showed commitment to youths in Horsham and surrounding areas.
Sgt Buenen was nominated for his involvement in the Meerteeyt
Marrang program which ensures indigenous youths are provided with
activities and events that are culturally appropriate and sensitive. Through
the program Sgt Buenen ran surfing days, treks and more, creating lasting relationships with youths and elders in the indigenous community.
Horsham police station received a special mention, as well as two
■
of its members receiving nominations for the award.
Spirit shines: Members of the Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council
celebrated with winners and nominees at an award luncheon; and VIYAC state
coordinator, Jade Colgan presented Horsham police station members Ldg Sen
Const Peter Mellington, Sgt Michael Salter and Constable Les Power with a
special mention for the Community Spirit Police Award.
BOOK
rev
BY MARIA CARNOVALE
Law on water
The triumphs and tribulations of the Water Police of Port Phillip are
explored in Shirley A Videion’s Law on Water, a portrayal of Victoria’s
first Water Police.
In 1838, as the settlement of Victoria grew, the Water Police of
Port Phillip were formed to guard Port Phillip Bay.
Based on board vessels in Williamstown and later in other locations,
the Water Police performed customs and harbour duties, and their
roles were later expanded to include murder investigations, drowning,
desertion, mutiny, assisting with fires at sea, and shipwrecks.
The police were also required to assist in the transportation of
prisoners to and from the vessels on which they were imprisoned,
where police were faced with mutinous sailors and murderous convicts.
Law on Water gives an account of the Water Police, the personnel,
and the squad’s merge with land police.
Law on Water by Shirley A Videion is available from the Victoria Police
Museum Gift Shop for $25. To order a copy, telephone 9247 5275. ■
18 >
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
Detective
Senior Constable
BEHINDTHE
James
Heenan
BADGE
Age: 39
team, and worked really hard, but also spent time together socially.
Station/Department: Melbourne CBD Embona Taskforce
Recently, while working at the Melbourne CIU we worked on an operation involving a kidnapping, and that was also a rewarding experience.
Duties: I am a detective with the Melbourne CBD Embona Taskforce,
and we are responsible for investigating all cases of armed robbery,
where the offender has a weapon, firearm or explosive.
Year graduated from Academy: 1995
Career history: Carried out duties at stations including Wonthaggi,
Pakenham, and the Dandenong Regional Response Unit (RRU). More
recently, I have worked as a detective with the Melbourne Crime
Investigation Unit (CIU), and now the Embona Taskforce.
Why policing?: After travelling the world for three years, I was drawn
to policing because of the variety of work available. I had been labouring for a while, and decided I wanted a change, and I wanted to make
a difference. I grew up knowing quite a few police, and they all seemed
like the same sort of person I am, with similar interests, so I thought
policing was something I could be good at.
Highlights: Completing my detective training was pretty special, particularly as I was voted by my peers to win the Brad Roberston Best
Detective Award in 2005. I appreciate and value working in a team
environment, so to be acknowledged by colleagues was fantastic. The
time I spent with Dandenong RRU was enjoyable. We had a great
Odd Spot: Over the years I got into quite a few odd situations, including once at Wonthaggi when I was called out to save a koala from
some hungry blue heelers. My colleague and I helped out local rangers
by saving the koala, which is not something I ever have, or will ever
do in the future.
Another strange, and quite embarrassing moment, was when my colleagues and I got a 4WD bogged while on a search and rescue job
in the state forest near Pakenham. The funniest part was we had run
into a group of Scouts who had advised us not to proceed up the hill,
but nevertheless we did, and ended up in quite a predicament. In the
end, we had to walk back to the station in the dark carrying our packs,
with mud all over us.
He says: I love police work because it is always different, and ever
changing. There is no job the same as the last. As a detective, I enjoy
working with the Embona Taskforce because we investigate complex
crimes, involving offenders who have carried out very serious acts.
I enjoy the challenge of investigating, and really love working
with a team that works together, with one focus, to protect and
■
serve the community.
City-centric: Detective Senior Constable James
Heenan of the Embona Taskforce investigates
armed robbery cases in and around the Melbourne
CBD and (above) he starred in television ads for
Channel 9’s Crime and Justice.
www.police.vic.gov.au
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
< 19
COMMUNITY POLICING
out&about
CASTLEMAINE
POLICE STATION
Drive through: Bendigo TMU’s Sen
Const Pat Allan and Macedon Ranges
TMU’s Sen Const Peter Wall inspect
the damage to the Imperial Hotel,
of Blue Heelers fame, after a car
ploughed into it.
Flat chat: Const Fiona Whitty takes calls in the
watchhouse. All ages: Constable Mal Crane and
Senior Constable David Semmens catch up with the
RSL Women’s Auxiliary members, while Constable Bill
Edwards checks in with local youths in the shopping strip.
Sen Sgt Gerry Rudkins is in charge.
Victoria
Bendigo
Lake Eppalock
Maldon
CASTLEMAINE
Malmsbury
Kyneton
Gisborn
20 >
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
W
hile Castlemaine may be best
Black ice is also problematic in winter.
historical
sexual
offences,
and
other
known for its candy and small-
There are two prisons in the district,
Castlemaine staff assist Bendigo police
goods, a lesser known fact is that
and Castlemaine is home to smallgoods
with operations and to gain investigative
some of the local landmarks featured in a
manufacturer KR Castlemaine, the town’s
experience.
long-running police television series.
biggest employer, but also boasts a significant
For a number of years the town in
farming industry, and temporary industry
Victoria’s north-west was home to Blue
in road works, with the construction of
Heelers, so it is no surprise the locals
highways in the area.
Castlemaine is known for its historical
appreciate their police.
Sen Sgt Rudkins said the rural lifestyle
lures many police to Castlemaine.
“Members move into the town as they
like the lifestyle and they bring their families
here. Some have been here for 20 years.”
Officer in charge of Castlemaine police
buildings and antique businesses which can
Castlemaine recorded the state’s first
station Senior Sergeant Gerry Rudkins laughs
see the town’s population swell from 8000 to
hoon to lose his car forever under anti-
when he says he still receives fan mail from
near 20,000 on weekends and during peak
hoon legislation. On 3 April, in Castlemaine
children addressed to Senior Sergeant Tom
tourist events.
Magistrates’ Court, a 43-year-old Drummond
“Tourism is one of the town’s main
man pleaded guilty to four counts of driving
There are 34 police based at the 24-hour
industries and on weekends the population
while disqualified between 23 January and
station in Castlemaine, with one-person
increases significantly. Visitors come here to
14 February this year. He forfeited his 1980
stations in Maldon and Newstead nearby.
experience the art, shops, wine and food on
Toyota Corona.
The Crime Investigation Unit is staffed by
offer,” Sen Sgt Rudkins said.
Croydon for the Blue Heelers characters.
two detectives.
Sen Sgt Rudkins, a peer support officer,
who has been based at the station for two
years, said crime in the community was low
Under the legislation, for a first offence,
“More than 4000 people attended the
a driver’s car is impounded for 48 hours,
Castlemaine Festival in April. This is when we
the second offence equals a three-month
focus on traffic matters and crowd control.
impound and the third offence results in
“We have our share of domestic violence
permanent confiscation of the car.
■
For a number of years the town in Victoria’s northwest was home to Blue Heelers, so it is no
surprise the locals appreciate their police.
and with a large older population, policing
but no worse here than anywhere else. We
involved a community-orientated approach.
have the general youth and alcohol issues
“We don’t have a lot of crime in the
that occur everywhere. If there is a small
town. We have an older community so we
spike in any type of crime then we run an
have a lot of community safety activities,”
operation straight away to put a stop to it.”
The members at Castlemaine dispel any
Sen Sgt Rudkins said.
“Our crime here is generally very low
myths that country policing is easy, as they
and our main work is traffic-related, keeping
too face many challenges and manage large-
the roads safe.”
scale operations.
Midland
“We’re responsible for emergency res-
highways run through the station’s response
ponse, management and coordination for any
zone and as the town is one and a half
bushfires, floods, storm damage in our district,
hours’ drive from Melbourne, police see
we also search for missing persons in the bush.
the consequences of driving while drowsy.
When we get a big job the members get to
Collisions on the highways are usually at
work on it right through from start to end.”
high speeds and have devastating outcomes.
The CIU investigates burglaries and
The
Calder,
Pyrnees
and
y
n
Macedon
e
www.police.vic.gov.au
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
< 21
90
th ANNIVERSARY
OF WOMEN IN POLICING
Pioneering policewomen
Today, as Victoria Police is led by a female Chief Commissioner, it
is hard to believe that until recently women in policing were a rarity.
This month marks the 90th anniversary of women in policing. Police
Life’s Maria Carnovale takes a look at how women helped shape
the organisation.
also began a transformation in policing,
which until then comprised policewomen being allocated cases from policemen,
and following-up with the women and
children involved.
First Constable Carr joined Victoria
Police with a background in the Army Signal
Corps in World War II as a Captain. She
claimed women could do more than just
n 1917, the male dominated organisation,
I
Victoria
Police,
took
small
By November 1924, the number of
wait for men to bring them work and pushed
steps
Women Police Agents grew to four; Nell
toward including women in policing.
Davidson, Mary Cox, Ellen Cook and Madge
This was the beginning of the Street
Following the example of New South Wales
Connor. These women were fully sworn-in
Patrol Unit. Street Patrol women, dressed in
and Adelaide police, which employed
as policewomen but did not wear a uniform
uniforms they designed, would patrol the
policewomen two years earlier, two women
until more than 20 years later.
streets on the look-out for female offenders
were appointed as Women Police Agents.
In 1942, a Victoria Police Women’s
for more responsibility.
or women needing assistance.
Madge Connor and Elizabeth Beers, who
Auxiliary was established, employing women
The group was highly regarded for their
left only months after her appointment,
as drivers, clerks and receptionists to cover
work, earning them a commendation and
were the first Women Police Agents. The
for the shortage of men fighting in World
their achievements also gave them the back-
women were entrusted to protect women
War II. To the dismay of policewomen, the
ground they needed to successfully apply for
and children, were not sworn-in, had no
auxiliaries wore a uniform, resulting in a pub-
higher pay rates.
powers of arrest, did not wear a uniform,
lic perception that they were policewomen.
During the 1950s, after the Street Patrol
and worked long hours at half the pay of
In 1943, Constable Katherine Mackay,
was formed, policewomen began to branch-
who was sworn-in in 1930, was promoted to
out of the Plain Clothes Branch, to work in
senior constable, the highest ranked police-
other areas of policing.
their male counterparts.
As years went on the roles of Women
Police Agents changed and the quest for
equality continued as more women joined.
1917
FIRST WOMEN
POLICE AGENTS
MADGE CONNOR AND
ELIZABETH BEERS
1986
FIRST CHIEF
SUPERINTENDENT
MARGARET MCVEIGH
22 >
1943
FIRST FEMALE
SENIOR CONSTABLE
KATH MACKAY
1987
FIRST POLICEWOMAN
ATTACHED TO THE
AIR WING
JULIE MCTIER
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
One of these was Senior Constable
woman at the time.
The appointment of Elva Carr in 1946
1950
FIRST FEMALE
DETECTIVE
GRACE BREBNER
1988
FIRST FEMALE
TO BE AWARDED
THE AUSTRALIAN
POLICE MEDAL
VICKI BROWN
1956
FIRST FEMALE
POLICE PROSECUTOR
ELVA CARR
1989
FIRST MOTORCYCLE
POLICEWOMAN
HEATHER MORRIS
Grace Brebner, who became the first female
1957
FIRST WOMAN TO
RECEIVE A CHIEF
COMMISSIONER’S
CERTIFICATE
ELVA CARR
1989
FIRST FEMALE
ASSISTANT
COMMISSIONER
BERNICE MASTERSON
1972
FIRST FEMALE TO
WORK IN FINGERPRINT
BRANCH
BARBARA SAUNDERS
1992
FIRST WOMAN TO
BE AWARDED A
VALOUR AWARD
ANGELA COULSON
detective in Australia when she joined the
neering policewomen made their mark.
years in this position she became the first
Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) in 1950.
In 1972, Constable Barbara Saunders
Sen Const Brebner was also awarded a Chief
became one of the first females to work
Sadly, as women branched out, they also
Commissioner’s Certificate for her work in
in the Fingerprint Branch, and Pam
faced more dangerous situations. In 1986,
the CIB, and later became the first woman to
Coleman and Angela Rust became the first
Constable Angela Taylor became the first
receive a Queen’s Police Medal in 1973.
traffic policewomen.
policewoman in Australia to die while on
female chief superintendent.
Other policewomen were stationed in
Sharon Armfield and Marilyn Cooke
duty, when a car bomb exploded outside the
rural Victoria, at Geelong and Ballarat, and
were the first women to join the Mounted
Russell Street police complex. Const Taylor
Senior Constable Elva Carr became the
Branch in 1974, and a year later Christine
graduated as the dux of her squad, and since
first woman to work as a police prosecutor.
Conroy and Janet Eury became the first
her death all members to dux their squad
The rate at which women joined Victoria
Police grew steadily during the 1970s, predominantly after 1972, when women gained
equal pay rates to their male colleagues, and
married women were allowed to join the force.
In 1966, there were 62 policewomen,
and that number jumped to 278 in 1975,
the year maternity and paternity leave
was introduced.
The rate at which women joined Victoria Police
grew steadily during the 1970s, when women
gained equal pay rates to their male colleagues,
and married women were allowed to join the force.
As more policewomen transferred to
various areas of policing, it was clear there
women in the Breath Analysis Section.
receive an Angela Taylor Memorial Award.
was a need for purpose-designed uniforms.
By the 1980s, policewomen were given
Const Taylor’s death showed the hazards
Therefore, in 1972, a new uniform was
more responsibility. Senior Sergeant Joan
of policing, but also that women were com-
designed with its own custom-made hand-
Notting became the first policewoman in
mitted to their work.
bags big enough to carry batons, and high-
charge of an all-male police station when
On 23 April, 2001, Christine Nixon was
heel shoes. Trials were also held for slacks,
she took up the position at Laverton police
appointed the 19th Chief Commissioner,
but even though they were highly sought
station in 1982.
and first female in Australia to head a police
after by policewomen, they did not become
part of the uniform until 1981.
During the 1970s and 80s, many pio-
1972
FIRST TRAFFIC
POLICEWOMEN
PAM COLEMAN AND
ANGELA RUST
1993
FIRST POLICEWOMAN
PERMANENTLY PLACED IN
THE HOMICIDE SQUAD
JENNY WILTSHIRE
(STILL SERVING)
www.police.vic.gov.au
1973
FIRST FEMALE
AWARDED THE QUEEN’S
POLICE MEDAL
GRACE BREBNER
Another woman, Margaret McVeigh, was
organisation. Ms Nixon leads a workforce
the first policewoman to achieve the rank of
superintendent in 1984, and after only two
including about 2500 policewomen, almost
22 per cent of the organisation’s police. ■
1974
1982
1975
FIRST FEMALE
MOUNTED BRANCH
POLICE
SHARON ARMFIELD
AND MARILYN COOKE
1999
FIRST FEMALE IN SEARCH
AND RESCUE SQUAD
REBECCA CASKEY
FIRST POLICEWOMEN
IN TRAFFIC ALCOHOL
SECTION (THEN BREATH
ANALYSIS SECTION)
CHRISTINE CONROY
AND JANET EURY
2000
FIRST DOG SQUAD WOMEN
JOCELYN O’BRIEN AND
KATHERINE JOYCE AND
KATHERINE KOOP (BOTH STILL
SERVING IN THE DOG SQUAD)
FIRST FEMALE IN
CHARGE OF AN ALL
MALE POLICE STATION
JOAN NOTTING
2001
FIRST FEMALE CHIEF
COMMISSIONER IN
AUSTRALIA
CHRISTINE NIXON
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
1984
FIRST FEMALE
SUPERINTENDENT
MARGARET MCVEIGH
2002
FIRST FEMALE
AT A ONE-PERSON
POLICE STATION
NATALIE CALE
< 23
90
th ANNIVERSARY
OF WOMEN IN POLICING
from the
10 YEARS AGO
50 YEARS AGO
Turner television
Mum and Dad
watched Elva make
police history
Police advisor Sergeant Sue Turner spent
countless hours working with television
producers and writers for Australia’s highestrating show, Blue Heelers.
Assisting to project a positive image for
Victoria Police, Sgt Turner answered policy
questions, explained police procedure and used
her own experiences to contribute to the series
to make it as realistic as possible.
Sgt Turner had also been involved in an ABC
television series Janus, based on the Tactical
Investigation Squad, where she worked at the
time. One of the characters in the series was
based on her.
Police Life, May/June 1997
25 YEARS AGO
Chief Commissioner’s message
As part of a direction change for Victoria Police,
Chief Commissioner S.I (Mick) Miller reinvented
an age-old approach, Women Police Divisions,
in a modern structure.
Women Police Divisions existed until 1982,
allowing women in policing to apply their
special expertise with situations involving
juvenile offenders, children at risk, and family
counselling.
In 1982, renamed Community Policing
Squads, the role remained the same, but enlisted male and female members, as well as being
commanded by a ‘Policewoman Inspector’.
The crime prevention initiative focused on
community involvement and developing a more
visible and approachable police presence, a
concept that is still a priority for Victoria Police.
Police Life, June/July 1982
24 >
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
The first woman to be awarded a Chief
Commissioner’s
Certificate,
Senior
Policewoman Elva Carr made history and
changed the role of women in policing since.
Sen Policewoman Carr received the certificate for “…outstanding service in lecturing to
various public bodies on the work of the force
generally and policewomen in particular”.
Joining Victoria Police in 1946, Sen
Policewoman Carr also designed the uniform
for policewomen at the time.
Police Life, June 1957
D I S P L AY
C A S E
Victoria Police Women’s
Auxiliary badge
I
n 1942, when working women were rare, a shortage of men saw
perceived auxiliaries as the ‘real’ policewomen, as their uniforms
women emerge from their homes to work for Victoria Police.
displayed higher authority than plain-clothed policewomen.
As men disappeared to fight in World War II, applications
A total of 202 women served as auxiliaries until it disbanded
were sought for up to 100 single women, aged 20 to 35, to join the
in 1953, seven years after the war. Later, 13 of these women joined
Victoria Police Women’s Auxiliary.
Victoria Police as policewomen.
Working among older men, and men who were unfit for
The first woman to transfer from the auxiliaries to serve as a
war, the women were employed as clerks, typists, switchboard opera-
policewoman was Policewoman Jeanette Silvester, who was also
tors and drivers, relieving men for more demanding policing duties.
the first woman to join the auxiliary. During her time in the aux-
The auxiliaries, whose welfare was overseen by Senior Constable
iliary, Policewoman Silvester had worked as the private secretary to
Kath Mackay, the highest ranking policewoman at the time, were
Chief Commissioner Alexander Duncan, where she remained
given uniforms, a badge and an enrolment number.
until 1946.
At this time, 12 women had been appointed as policewomen,
Badges, photos and records of the Victoria Police women’s
none of whom wore a uniform until five years later. This caused
Auxiliary will be on display when the Victoria Police Museum
■
re-opens later this year. For details, telephone 9247 5213.
disappointment among policewomen at the time as the public
www.police.vic.gov.au
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
< 25
COMMUNITY POLICING
Protecting families
Breaking the cycle of family violence recidivism is the focus
of a unit formed in Frankston.
“So we are trying to make a dent in
recidivism.”
BY MARIA CARNOVALE
The unit aims to streamline the processes for family violence incidents by using
F
amily violence is usually kept behind
a method that runs in line with the Code
closed doors, but Frankston police aim
of Practice for the Investigation of Family
to get the issue out to help victims.
Violence, but runs differently to what is in
Last year, an average of 97 incidents
Like all reports to police, when a family
in Frankston each month, compared to an
violence incident requires police attendance,
average 21 reported incidents a month in
the call is dispatched to the nearest avail-
nearby Hastings.
able police who will attend and take the
Frankston’s high incident rate led to a
report. Frankston family violence calls, how-
program being initiated and implemented
ever, are referred to the Family Violence Unit
in April last year. Members of the Frankston
enabling members to try to attend all fam-
Family Violence Unit are determined to
ily violence incidents in the area, as well as
reduce incidents by supporting families
assisting with other general policing duties.
through the family violence process to
reduce repeat incidents.
Common occurrence: Leading Senior Constables
John Melhuish and Simon Ellis interview a victim of
family violence.
26 >
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
operation at other police stations.
of family violence were reported to police
“The idea of the unit is to deal with all
family violence matters. We deal with them
Acting Senior Sergeant John Carter, who
from the first instance, we then charge where
implemented and oversees the unit, said
applicable, file complaints, summonses and
“we’ve got one of the highest rates of family
follow up with the victims and the support
violence in the state”.
process,” A/Sen Sgt Carter said.
RECOGNISING FAMILY VIOLENCE
Family violence can occur between current
or past family members, and in domestic or
intimate relationships including lesbian, gay
and transgender. Family violence can include
any of the following:
+ Violent, threatening, coercive or
controlling behaviour
+ Physical injury
+ Direct or indirect threats
+ Sexual assault
+ Emotional and psychological torment
+ Economic control
+ Property damage
+ Social isolation
+ Behaviour such as stalking
prevent this, police keep in contact with
victims before their court cases to encourage
them to go through with court matters.
“By the time of the court date the victim
has been back in contact with their partner,
promises have been made and victims are
reluctant to go ahead with the court process,” he said.
When the court process is not followed
through A/Sen Sgt Carter said “by the next
week we’re back there again, with the same
people, in the same situation. So we’re trying to break that cycle by giving support all
the way through”.
A/Sen Sgt Carter said the unit provided
a good learning experience for members and
allowed them to gain valuable skills, making them almost specialised in the area of
family violence.
“It’s rewarding to get to follow a matter
through to court and it’s good to see that
“In other places going from job to job,
but it also saved victims from revisiting their
one party has left or there’s an order in place
they just don’t have enough time to follow
past every time they came into contact with
to protect the family, there’s a bit of clo-
up family violence incidents. But with the
police.
sure,” Ldg Sen Const Melhuish said.
dedicated unit, we have the ability to focus
on all aspects of the job.”
“With recidivist incidents we know the
With a varied population of affluent
background, we know their history and we
and poor areas in Frankston, it is clear that
As well as providing support to victims
at the time of an incident, the members
also aim to revisit recidivist victims in the
months following an incident to ensure
their wellbeing.
“We try to make a phone call or visit
recidivist victims. It might just be a knock
As well as providing support to victims at the time
of an incident, the members also aim to revisit
recidivist victims …
on the door to see if everything is ok, and
check if changes to intervention orders need
can deal with it a lot quicker than general
domestic violence does not have boundaries
to be made. We also send a letter to victims
duties police having to spend two or three
and affects a range of people.
reinforcing the commitment of the unit and
hours trying to unravel what’s been going
“Families are dealing with police one-on-
providing details of support agencies and
on for the past three years,” Ldg Sen Const
one and the support we can provide them
their after-hour contact details,” A/Sen Sgt
Melhuish said.
with is invaluable,” A/Sen Sgt Carter said.
Carter said.
Leading Senior Constable John Melhuish,
“It saves the family a lot of grief of
repeating themselves over and over.”
who has worked in the unit since January,
A/Sen Sgt Carter said the biggest prob-
said the approach helped victims of family
lem the unit had was that nine out of 10
violence, not only by providing full support,
times victims backed out of court cases. To
www.police.vic.gov.au
“Hopefully the unit will continue to succeed and make an impact on family violence
in Frankston.”
Victims of family violence should contact ‘000’ for assistance.
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
■
< 27
INTELLIGENT POLICING
Dark cloud with
silver lining
Police Life goes online with the squad that is detangling the
world wide web of crime.
the Australian Federal Police (AFP). After 19
hocking the nation in October
offences including sex tourism, sexual abuse
2004 was news of Australian police
and downloading, possessing or distribut-
agencies running Operation Auxin,
ing child pornographic images. Of all states,
BY SARAH CAMPBELL
S
an investigation into a world-wide online
child pornography ring.
Hundreds of Australians were inves-
Gone phishing: Detective Leading Senior Constable
Russell Brown hunts for digital evidence by
examining computers, mobile phones and photocopiers, while (opposite) Detective Senior Sergeant
Michael Nolan said his team of specialised staff
enjoy the challenge of keeping up with technology.
28 >
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
months of investigation, across Australia,
more than 150 people were charged with
Victoria had the most offenders.
Among them were a school principal, a
priest and a child-care centre director.
tigated for child sex offences, many who
Victoria Police targeted 731 people
had daily access to children, unveiling the
from overseas. For every investigation,
nation’s biggest police campaign against
the CCS analysed computers, hard drives,
child pornography.
cameras, CDs and other equipment in
Sixty-eight Victorians were charged,
an attempt to track digital evidence that
a dramatic end to a lengthy investigation
would assist in prosecuting the ring of
that focussed heavily on the intelligence
online offenders.
of Victoria Police’s Computer Crime Squad
(CCS) and Sexual Crimes Squad (SCS).
At the time, coordinator of Operation
Auxin, Mike Phelan, then acting director of
Operation Auxin culminated when 400
the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, said
search warrants were executed by state police,
the investigation sent a clear message that
acting on intelligence supplied by interna-
child exploitation would not be tolerated,
tional law enforcement agencies through
and that conducting a crime from behind a
THINGS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN YOU ARE ONLINE
on a similar case again,” Det Sen Sgt Nolan
said. In 26 years of policing, he said, he had
WHAT IS PHISHING?
never been surprised by people’s behaviour.
Phishing is when you receive an email, from someone reporting to be a financial institution,
requesting you provide them with your online banking username or password, possibly because
they have misplaced your details, or are updating their service.
witnessed the evolution of online crime.
Since its formation in 1995, the CCS has
Along with high-tech crime, the growth of
Do not give your details as that enables the source to withdraw money from your account,
or make transactions.
Internet use presents some of the most com-
If a financial institution is genuinely updating their system, they will telephone you for further details.
manages hundreds of projects every month,
plex challenges in modern policing. The CCS
and while all cases are not as high profile as
ONLINE DATING
“The problems that most people encounter when online dating is they forget that the Internet does
not mean you are anonymous,” Det Sen Sgt Nolan said.
Operation Auxin, many are the key to investigations of homicide and drug trafficking.
Not limited to computers, the squad also
Be wary of meeting people in person. Det Sen Sgt Nolan suggests making arrangements to meet in a
public place where you feel safe, and always tell other people where you are going.
analyses mobile phones, photocopiers and
THE GUT INSTINCT
that stores digital evidence is handed to the
“If you are searching or working online, and you receive a message, or if something doesn’t feel right,
it usually isn’t,” Det Sen Sgt Nolan said.
computer specialists.
Report anything out of the ordinary to your local police station or contact Crime Stoppers on
1800 000 333, and they will handle the issue.
drive of a photocopier, proving a document
Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Anything
Recently, the team analysed the hard
had been copied at a certain location. Mobile
phones also provide further challenges for
the squad, with users forwarding text messages for organised crime, and storing photographs of criminal behaviour.
Det Sen Sgt Nolan said crime-wise, there
was almost no crime you could commit in
reality that you could not do or plan on
a computer.
“The problem is that too often people
separate computers from reality. In reality,
you would never give your credit card details
to a stranger, so why do it online?”
In the past, the Internet has been
described as a dark cloud with silver lining. While it has the potential to link
international criminals easily, as evident in
Operation Auxin, it can also be useful for
investigators because with every step taken
online, the user leaves traces of evidence.
“I guess that’s a positive for us. When
investigating computer crimes we can delve
into someone’s online history with spe-
“The problem is that too often people separate
cialist staff and equipment, which we are
constantly updating. We have to modernise our infrastructure regularly, so we are
computers from reality.”
always aware of new technology,” Det Sen
Sgt Nolan said.
The CCS comprises 17 staff, all of varied
computer screen did not make it any less hei-
“As we do with many of the cases we
backgrounds and qualifications including
nous. Nor did it protect criminals from police.
look at, we were initially provided with min-
a former solicitor, data analyst, electronics
These sentiments are echoed by Detective
imal information, and slowly the SCS and
specialist and an accountant.
Senior Sergeant Michael Nolan, officer in
CCS worked through each piece of technol-
Detective Leading Senior Constable
charge of the CCS.
ogy examining digital evidence,” Det Sen
Russell Brown has been a member of the
Sgt Nolan said.
CCS for six years, and enjoys being part of
He said Operation Auxin made police
an extremely specialised squad.
aware that any crime that could be commit-
CCS staff began with credit card
ted in the real world, could also be committed
details and Internet protocol addresses of
“Every day is different here, one day you
online. As state coordinator of the operation,
suspects. In the end, after more than 12
might be looking at a GPS system to track a
while attached to the SCS, he gained further
months, the team and members of the SCS
vehicle’s route, the next day it is the finan-
insight into the Internet, and the power
found evidence of child pornography, crimi-
cial history of a company under fraud sus-
it has as a widespread, lucrative business.
nal networks who were swapping porno-
picion. While all cases don’t revolve around
During the operation, police discov-
graphic material, and evidence of interna-
computers that have been used to commit a
tional involvement.
crime, sometimes we uncover valuable evi-
ered a global network of child abusers who
supported a Belarusian business by purchasing pornography online.
www.police.vic.gov.au
“While that operation was on a grand
dence that results in prosecuting a danger-
scale, it will not surprise me if we have to work
ous offender. It’s very rewarding,” he said. ■
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
< 29
PA R T N E R S H I P P O L I C I N G
Educating universities
on crime prevention
An initiative aims to raise awareness of crime prevention at
university campuses and apartment blocks.
BY MARIA CARNOVALE
C
aulfield police are reliving their
Sen Const Stefaniw said the size of
university days, but instead of
Monash University, and many other uni-
studying and partying they are on
versity campuses, meant it had varied and
campus helping deal with security issues
broader-community
University is like its own city. It’s self-
Neighbourhood Watch initiatives, Campus
sustaining and there are in excess of 10,000
Watch focuses on smaller scale university
students attending,” he said.
Based
on
the
communities to create a distinct method of
crime prevention.
Last year, discussions between Glen Eira
making it a target for offenders.
Campus Watch has enabled the univer-
prevention officer Anh Luong, set Campus
sity to reduce campus crime by teaching
Watch in motion.
students how to protect themselves, each
other, and their property.
include all Monash University campuses, pro-
“The concept of Campus Watch is that
duces a monthly newsletter and has already
it’s being watched by the key stakeholders
had an impact on the way campuses operate.
- the students, professors, and anyone with
With the assistance of Youth Resource
a vested interest in the place,” Sen Const
Officers
POLICE LIFE I JUNE 2007
at all hours, and is close to a railway station,
Peter Stefaniw and Monash University crime
Since then, the initiative has grown to
30 >
The campus is also open to the public,
has a range of visitors entering the campus
crime prevention officer Senior Constable
Talk safe: Sen Const Lisa Prince and Sen Const
Peter Stefaniw talk crime prevention with secondyear students Lydia and Shannon, while Sen Const
Lisa Prince engraves student Kyle’s bicycle.
specialised policing needs.
“The Caulfield campus of Monash
facing students.
and
Neighbourhood
Watch,
Stefaniw said.
Caulfield police have developed a good rap-
During Orientation Week festivities,
port with campus security staff and have a
police visited Monash University, Caulfield
dedicated police liaison in frequent contact
Campus offering property engraving and
with the university.
one-way vehicle number plate screws. These
services are also available to students on-campus by security staff, in
an effort to reduce the risk of number plate thefts in car parks and
ODDSPOT
enable easier identification of stolen property.
As well as providing these security options, students have ready
access to crime prevention advice. Information about where to go for
help, what to do in a dangerous situation and how to report a crime
are especially helpful to international students and people unfamiliar
with the campus.
“We want them to be wary of their personal safety in and around
campus, to be vigilant in car parks and on public transport, and not
leave property like mobile phones and laptops unattended,” Sen
Const Stefaniw said.
The university has implemented Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) devices in the design of a car park
on campus.
Left open for criticism
While on the beat in Melbourne’s north recently, two police members found themselves in a tricky situation. After handcuffing and
placing an offender in the back of their divvy van, the police began
their journey to court, where the offender was required.
During the trip the offender would not stop laughing, and after
a short while the police looked back to see what could possibly
be so funny.
To the police members’ embarrassment, the door of the divvy
“It has good lighting, closed-circuit television and good lines of
sight, so the likelihood of crime is reduced just because they applied
van had been left wide open, with the offender left to enjoy the
view during his trip to court.
these simple designs.”
As well as reducing the risk of crime, Sen Const Stefaniw said
Campus Watch also aimed to improve perceptions of safety on campus.
“If people feel comfortable walking around the campus during
the day and at night, we’ve succeeded.”
A similar concept, Apartment Watch, has also had a positive effect,
What a turkey!
Police in Atlanta, Georgia, believe one man is behind 11 rob-
with a focus on apartment buildings in the Port Melbourne area.
beries of Subway stores because he orders the same style of
Detective Senior Constable Doug Wooles of the South Melbourne
turkey sandwich, which he uses to hide his handgun from other
Crime Investigation Unit said Apartment Watch was established to
reduce the rising number of apartment building thefts in and around
customers as he threatens staff. He then walks out with cash and
a sandwich. The Age
Port Melbourne.
As part of Apartment Watch, hands-on seminars are conducted
at various complexes to educate residents about security pitfalls they
unknowingly contribute to.
“It’s designed to actively involve residents of apartment complexes by getting them to participate in a patrol of their building
That’s one smart dog
An Ohio lawyer challenging the authority of a police chief in a
with police and ‘play detective’ by identifying security problems,”
drugs case has asked for the department's police dog to appear in
Det Sen Const Wooles said.
court. The lawyer says Rocko and police chief John McGuire have
“We’ve identified some key areas of concern, such as residents
degrees in criminal justice from the same Virgin Islands-based
not watching roller doors go all the way down, allowing opportunis-
online school, Concordia College and University. The Age.
tic thieves easy access to the building,” he said.
Sen Const Stefaniw said smaller communities, such as universities
and apartment complexes would reap the benefits of being proactive
in their approach to crime.
“Even though it’s early days, I’m really looking forward to a positive outcome,” he said.
■
Wedding ring saves life
A wedding ring on the hand of a pregnant woman saved her life
when it deflected a bullet that would have hit her in the head.
The miraculous deflection occurred during a robbery
in Brazil.
The woman, 32, instinctively raised her hands to protect her
face when a robber fired. The Age.
Better late than never
A $US1 parking ticket issued in Wisconsin in 1980 has finally
been paid off.
The parking offender sent police the fine and a $US3 late fee
anonymously.
While the signature on the money order used to pay the fine
was not readable, the return address states: “Someone who
keeps way too many old papers way too long.” The Age.
www.police.vic.gov.au
JUNE 2007 I POLICE LIFE
< 31
sports
camera
action
GAME ON
W
ith a quote from Muhammad Ali and photos of boxing idols lining
the walls, the Greater Dandenong Blue Light Boxing Club is a hit
with Dandenong residents.
About 12 years ago, club vice president, Detective Senior Constable
Dean Hedge of Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit, took
his passion for boxing and turned it into an avenue for the people of
Dandenong to learn the sport.
Since then, Det Sen Const Hedge recruited his brother Sergeant
Darron Hedge, treasurer, and other police to help build a better rapport
with locals.
With a varied group of members, males and females of all age
groups, and ethnic backgrounds, the club runs to a very tight ship while
breaking down barriers between police and youths.
In partnership with Greater Dandenong City Council and other community aid organisations, Sgt Hedge said the club built respect between
police and the locals who trained alongside them.
“They’re learning confidence and leadership and it gives them the
opportunity to meet other people,” Det Sen Const Hedge said.
“The majority of people who come here are struggling and don’t
have much. Here, when you walk through the door there’s no race, no
religion. That’s why it’s a success.”
With the help of qualified and respected trainers, the club has
established a strong member-base, and has been a stepping-stone for
two Australian boxing champions, and other successful competitors.
As well as giving them an outlet for their boxing passion, Det Sen
Const Hedge and Sgt Hedge said the club kept them fit, but also gave
them comfort in knowing they were improving perceptions of police in
the area.
“We grew up in Dandenong and seeing the kids here, not on the
street, is a bonus,” Sgt Hedge said.
For more information about the Dandenong Blue Light Boxing club,
contact Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit’s Det Sen Const
Dean Hedge on 9705 3114.
■
In training: Sgt Darron Hedge and Elijha, 9 work on their skills with the
punching bag; club members, committee members and trainers; and
Det Sen Const Hedge, Sgt Hedge, Rohullah and Peter complete a circuit.