[AMA] I Am a Victoria Police Officer - Ask Me Anything

L[Deactivated] on 15/06/2017 - 21:34
Last edited 16/06/2017 - 23:17

Hello everyone!

I've never posted here before but I've been following OzBargain community for some time now. Love those deals!

A bit about myself:

I am a male.
I am a Senior Constable of Victoria Police.
I work in the Melbourne region. I've worked pretty much all areas in Melbourne. Never worked in the country.
I work in the Uniform branch now but I've worked in many areas and it won't take long for me to try and move again. I like diversity.

Please understand that whatever I will reply here, represents my views/opinions only and not Victoria Police. Also, this is highly frowned upon by Victoria Police and they will probably want/try to sack me. I can't post anything to identify me.

Ok, if you have any questions, fire away!

EDIT 1
I didn't expect to have so many questions. It's almost 1AM and I need to go to sleep.
I'll answer more questions tomorrow.

EDIT 2
I went through some of my answers and I made a lot of spelling or wrong words/sentences. I'm sorry for that, I didn't proofread. There are a lot of questions I'm trying to answer. Just read between the lines and get the idea. I'm trying to get quantity instead of quality.

Edit 3
I want to touch upon something that pops up a lot.

  • A lot with what Victoria Police does it is dictated by the media. Whatever makes headlines, that's where the Victoria Police's resources gets directed. Media is a huge chaser of big news of small things and that's what we focus on and not on the major problems.
  • I believe that we are modelled after the community expectations. Whatever the community thought or desired (through media), Victoria Police complied. That goes from Apex to pursuits to drug driving and investigations.

Word of caution be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. I'm afraid we will end up more like USA where we will have a very large incarceration rate (for instant gratification) with a very high recidivist rate whilst the problem is still there. We seem to want revenge not solutions.

Edit 4
The questions popped up a bit and I didn't give a full explanation to the stress levels.

  • There is lots of stress in this job. Most of the stress comes from the police station/unit itself. Victoria Police is extremely political. Who likes you or who you're friends with has a lot more to do with the progress of your career than how good you are at your job. "Management by intimidation" is common.

  • Some of our colleagues embarrass us. We don't have an input into who gets hired. Everyone knows somebody (or more than one) who is reckless, immature, lazy, dishonest, or just dumb. When these people are allowed to keep being cops is when our image suffers. Reporting is not usually an option as it can backfire. You can't report anonymously.

Edit 5 - and final

It has passed more than 24 hours since the start of this thread. For me, it's time to end it.

Thank you everyone for the questions. I've had a blast and never thought it would get so much attention. I hope this as given you a little bit more understanding of what's behind the scenes.

I know a lot more questions are out there, just be a bit daring and ask the copper you see next time in the shopping centre about some of these questions. Questions like traffic, mental health, or anything of interest. You might get a good answer or not. You might get a weird face or a smile. Who knows, never know until you try it.

Say hello to us when you see us at Mecca's. You don't know it but sometimes, that is the nicest thing a member of the public said that day.

Introduce Yourself

closed Comments

    • iDroid on 16/06/2017 - 10:50
      +2

      What about the damage to your car?

    • MathNerd on 16/06/2017 - 19:11

      Been waiting for this comment :)

    • iDroid on 16/06/2017 - 20:28
      +1

      On the off chance someone is not aware of the reference, here (sorry, it's just too good to): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71DIT6hYXYo

      • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:45

        haha, good one ! :)

        • iDroid on 16/06/2017 - 21:56

          It's an absolute cracker and shows some of the nonsense you guys must put up with sometimes!

          This one's a cracker too: https://goo.gl/juwGqG

  • viral on 16/06/2017 - 00:16

    Are the rules and standards which you need to abide by vastly different for police officers of different states eg. NSW police or even AFP in Canberra?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 00:37

      I'm not sure about this one but I image that we should be on a similar level. Even procedural. As far as I'm aware we borrow from one another's tactics.

      The ones that I was interested in some time ago (thefts of motor vehicles and road rules standards) were not that different but had a different approach (NSW). I think a bit more clear to what they wanted from you.

  • AlienC on 16/06/2017 - 00:37

    What's the worst encounter/s you have ever had?

    What are usually the worst jobs? Demographics?

    Is there usually an identifiable problem child among your patrols/visits?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 00:40
      +1

      Worst encounter: murdered child by her parents.
      Worst jobs: children deaths.

      Every patch has an identifiable problem child. Usually DHHS kid. We get to know them pretty well.

  • crunch on 16/06/2017 - 00:40
    +1

    How much is your salary?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 00:41
      +2

      See here: https://www.google.com/search?q=wiki%20victoria%20police%20s…

      • Rashed on 16/06/2017 - 00:54

        Do you think it is a fair salary?

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:03
          +4

          Objectively, I think it is fair, yes.

          I don't think we are paid enough for the cra* we put with up every day. When was the last time you were spat at work ?

          How much are you willing to get paid to get spat or hit or go to see rotten bodies inside smelly houses ?

          How much are you willing to get paid to put up with vomit, blood, poop and urine. Yes sometimes on you …

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:11

          @harwooden:

          Depends on what kinda HAZMAT suit I could wear and how much free Maccas I could get. 🤔

        • v3racity on 16/06/2017 - 22:07

          @harwooden:
          That's what nurses go through. Maybe not the rotten bodies inside smelly houses, but dead bodies. Still underpaid though.

  • OneJay on 16/06/2017 - 00:40

    Person A sells an item to Person B.

    Person B strongly infers the item is from an illegitimate source and blackmails Person A to sell a 2nd identical item at a loss or Person B will report Person A to the authorities.

    Who would get in more trouble? Person A for selling an illegal item, or Person B for blackmailing and attempting to procure an additional illegal item from Person A?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 00:43

      Both would be with little difference.

      Depends on the possession of the things at the time of arrest.

      Sentencing would be concurrent so I don't think it matters much.

  • Halsmich on 16/06/2017 - 00:49
    +3

    How fit or physically capable do you have to be? I.e. high beep test, martial arts etc.? Has anyone outrun you or any other officer in a chase? Any consequences for that?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 10:49
      +3

      All of the standards are here: https://www.policecareer.vic.gov.au

      Most of those, the operational members repeat them every year.

      Foot chases are very dynamic and hard. You have to remember that we carry around 15kilos extra from the equipment and the risk of injuries is very high.

      I personally wave the offenders goodbye if they ran away. Why ? There is a lot to it.

      1. if I roll an ankle during chase, I'm f**ed for the next 6 months and will be stuck doing paperwork inside. That brings your morale down and potentially affects you on the long term.
      2. if I roll an ankle the amount of ass kicking is huge. Involves a lot of paperwork and a lot of explaining to do. A lot of paperwork for managers as well.
      3. if the offenders injuries himself, that's again paperwork involved and depending on the circumstances can be ass kicking (police custody) and potentially suing police.

      The management does not encourage action taking but the opposite. Everything we do is scrutinised and not upheld, in spite of what you see in the media.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 11:43
        +2

        I personally wave the offenders goodbye if they ran away.

        Thanks for the tip.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:07
          +1

          Most of my colleagues though love that sort of thing. Most of them are pretty good runners as well.

          I just to work smart not hard.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:46

          @harwooden: Sorry about the sentence. What I meant was: I just try to work smart not hard.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:13
          +5

          @harwooden:

          Sorry about the sentence.

          That's OK.

          I'll let you off with a warning this time, but don't do it again. 👮

  • 0031nek on 16/06/2017 - 01:00

    Firstly thank you very much for answering our questions.

    What are you thoughts on this
    http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/the-melbourne-suburbs-wher…

    and what you think we should do in the situation if we are the victim in those scenarios?

    Thank you once again.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 10:57
      +2

      Media reports a lot of stuff. Most of which are headlines making stories or stories to sell the news, like this one.

      Behind the numbers are a lot of things, for example ease of reporting. More offences means more reporting, mostly because of ease of reporting. Cut the phone lines and make the victims go to police station to report and you will see a drop in the number of offences. Just statistics manipulation.

      Also, media, like community members, desire instant gratification. They seem to want offenders get locked in a room for a bit of time and then released hoping they will behave. (more on that towards the beginning of the questions)

      A lot of community members don't do anything to try and prevent the crime against them. You would be amazed how many car thefts happen with the cars unlocked and keys inside. Burglaries with families inside due to unlocked front doors. Cars stolen with owners in the house, etc etc etc.

      We used to ran a program for crime prevention which might actually work if managed properly. That seem to have been forgotten by Victoria Police. Diverting resources to some other departments with dear consequences.

  • Meg4 on 16/06/2017 - 01:06
    -4

    What's 2+2?

  • timmysbiscuits on 16/06/2017 - 01:23

    What is your colleagues' morale (ie. happiness/job satisfaction etc.) like and does it vary widely station to station/area to area?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 10:59
      +4

      Varies a lot, depending on the station.

      The busier the station the happier the people. Mostly because you work your ass off and you don't have time to complain or to gossip. The opposite are 100% true and you'd be amazed on the morale of some quiet stations.

      My colleagues's are pretty good. Some of them are shocking and I see them as toxic and stay away from them as much as possible, others are really good and I'm happy when we get out together.

  • worlds_most_wanted on 16/06/2017 - 03:03
    +2

    Have you noticed any change in your personality, character or outlook on life since being an officer?

    Have you ever arrested a friend or acquaintance?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:04
      +9

      I haven't noticed. My wife told me I've change a lot. In fact a bit on the too much side. I've become more cynical, suspicious, upfront, bullshit allergic.

      One of the things I noticed is that I can smell bullshit from a mile away. Even if you can't see it on my face or I don't say anything, I have become a bullshit detector. The problem is I can't stand it now when my friends throw it towards me.

      I've never arrested a friend or acquaintance. That will never happen. Has the potential to go south very fast for me personally and professionally. If that day comes, I will decline my competence(?) and get someone else there to do it whilst I will try not even to be a witness. That goes for tickets as well.

      • sky blu on 16/06/2017 - 12:54
        +3

        Next time I get pulled over I will try my luck by quoting "Ozbargain AMA post" wink wink

  • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 03:50
    +3

    Is that you Jimmy?

  • knock knock on 16/06/2017 - 05:31

    is there any such training in the police force for officers not taking matters/cases personal ? or is that just expected from the force?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:06

      It is touched upon in the Academy I believe. It will also be reminded of that by the managers/colleagues when that happens, mostly at protests.

      You also learn not to take it personally it's just against the uniform.

  • oldspice on 16/06/2017 - 05:52

    How does one climb the ranks after becoming a senior constable? Is it based off number of crimes solved or the difficulty of the crimes? Or some other way - your supervisor favouring you (nepotism)?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:08
      +5

      There is a lot of nepotism. A LOT.

      There is also positive discrimination against women vs men.

      The most important factor? How well are you selling yourself.

  • PaperplaneXXX on 16/06/2017 - 07:31

    Officer may I ask the question about possession of …Weed.

    Lets say I am driving and I have some little weed for personal consumption - to release the symptoms of a diagnosed health issue. Not smoking while driving or before of course.
    What would be the consequences.
    I am on a Permanent visa therefore really don't want to get a criminal record then wouldn't be able to get citizenship?
    Any thoughts on that?
    Much appreciated.

    Andre

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:11
      +1

      Hello Andre.

      If it is a small amount and get caught with it, first offence will be an official (recorded) warning. Second will get you charged as you won't be eligible for that.

      If you are caught by the Highway Patrol, you might be subjected to a drug test which will most likely get you charged with driving whilst having that in your system.

      I think it got legalised for medicinal use in NSW, not sure about Vic but will get here as well if it's not already. Not sure about driving or other stuff that comes with medicinal use.

      • ls123 on 16/06/2017 - 13:04
        +2

        What is your stance on the current methodology of roadside testing for drugs like weed? Especially since they have proven to be extremely inaccurate and show up with many false positives.

        Also, there has been an influx in the use of drug detection dogs in public places (train stations, bars, clubs) lately in NSW. What are your views on this method, given that many claim that this simply targets minorities and research showing that decriminalisation of minor substances (weed, MDMA) actually reduces the rate of death and addiction. From what I've read your views seem quite progressive, so I'm curious about your thoughts on this.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:11

          I've touched upon weed in a previous answer.

          Not sure why you say false positives. I've never had one and I've never heard of anyone having a false positive. That's not too say it does not happen, it's that it rarely happens.

          Not sure what happens in NSW but from what you are saying, I'm inclined to think that we will pick up on that as well.

          There have been some deaths lately regarding OD with MDMA and similar substances.

        • ruddiger7 on 16/06/2017 - 14:06
          +2

          @harwooden: Perhaps he didn't so much mean false positives but I have heard of times where people have been caught at a roadside test nearly 4 days after using weed, where it obviously would have no affect on their motor skills after so much time.

        • Ryballs on 16/06/2017 - 18:17
          +1

          @ruddiger7: Yeah I don't think someone should be charged with driving under the influence of cannabis if the amount of it in their system has no effect on their driving. That's like charging someone with drunk driving who has a 0.001 BAC. Giving a criminal record to a someone who smoked a joint a week ago doesn't make our roads any safer. It's bullshit.

      • PaperplaneXXX on 16/06/2017 - 19:48

        Thanks a lot for clarification.
        YEs equipment has become very sensitive thats why I can't smoke on Saturday and drive for work following Monday and be sure 100 % I wont show anything in the test.

        I have already stopped as started to feel mental problems - downs and depression without a reason!

        In QLD it still not medicinal - not allowed.

        I believe those warnings or criminal records also will be showed in a criminal record?
        I mean it might be a problem for further careers development like if I join Healthcare ?

    • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 11:47
      +5

      I am on a Permanent visa therefore really don't want to get a criminal record then wouldn't be able to get citizenship?
      Any thoughts on that?

      Stop smoking weed.

    • Zondor on 16/06/2017 - 17:48
      +1

      https://i.imgflip.com/1qzexm.jpg

  • tims on 16/06/2017 - 07:45

    Around 25 odd years ago I use to work with a ex police officer in Sydney who had quit his job because of corruption in the police - basically he was under pressure from his fellow police officers to turn a blind eye or take money etc.

    Overall, what is the level of corruption in the police force now? Do you agree that it once was a major problem but is now rare?

    Considering you say that your job is at risk if you are identified posting here I think the it should be the opposite. Pollice hierarchy should be encouraging officers to communicate with the public not threaten them with dismissal.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:16

      I've answered (today) about why it will not be seen as a good thing by Vic Pol.

      As per corruption, it is non existent. I haven't witnessed that level of corruption ever, however I've reported some corrupt behaviour. Can't expand on that sorry. It didn't have anything with bribery in any way, just poor behaviour not up to the community standards.

      I'm saying non existent not because I'm 100% sure it doesn't exist, it is because I haven't come across anyone who witnessed anything like that or being affected by anything like that. So it is not an issue, at all.

  • htc on 16/06/2017 - 07:50
    +2

    Some great questions asked, like conversions with Richard Fidler on ABC radio, I listen to as I drove home from work.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:18

      Sorry, I don't watch news or listen to the radio. I've seen too many or hear too much whilst on the job to justify watching more news.

      Not sure who Richard Fidler is.

  • ohsotight on 16/06/2017 - 08:26
    +4

    I had an incident with the cops which I thought was quite interesting and would like your thoughts. A cop car was in front of me at a junction and he was trying to turn left, as was I.

    Then they decide to stop and talk to someone else on the opposite side of the road whilst there are cars behind them waiting to go. I was getting agitated by the cheek and the double standards hence after a bit I horned as it’s a single lane and I can’t get through.

    Anyway then they proceed to move and I overtake them and as expected the siren goes off. So after a while I slow down and stop and obviously they were running my plates. I was expecting him to walk and come to my car but they drove to my side of the window. I put my window down and said how can I help.

    Then they proceed to state not a good idea to honk at the cops mate!! I really don’t care who they are and I believe if you are supposed to uphold the law you need to firmly practice it. Hence my retort was you stopped on middle of the road and decided to have a conversation when there is traffic behind you. What did you expect me to do. He goes we were talking to another “colleague” and you could have waited. To which I said I did wait but you weren’t moving. Then they gave me the total BS that I am lucky they have another job to go to otherwise I would have got a fine. I didn’t even let them finish I put my window up and took off.

    I was quite irritated after this as I was thinking the cheek they have to put that siren on when clearly they were in the wrong. I can imagine what would have happened if someone of the public did exactly what they did. Anyway for argument sake what ticket could they have given me? I was actually hoping they would as I could take this matter up higher. But then I thought life is too short!

    • fedwood on 16/06/2017 - 08:36
      +4

      You aren't supposed to use the car horn except to warn of danger.

    • chumlee on 16/06/2017 - 08:40
      +3

      Maybe you should read up on the laws related to using your horn as legally you used it incorrectly

      • ohsotight on 16/06/2017 - 09:52
        +2

        Yep and speaking of the law you cant stop your vehicle on the main road and have a jovial conversation with someone else in another car! It was jovial as they were laughing for a while. So as citizens we are supposed not to toot our horn and wait silently until they have finished their chat on the main road? Come on. Any self respecting law enforcement officer will obey the laws they try to enforce. Normal deceny I would have thought.

        I used my horn as they were abusing their power and expecting others to just wait until they were finished. Sorry I dont buy that but I do respect your views.

        • Zondor on 16/06/2017 - 10:40
          -1

          I think you're the one not familiar with the law mate.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 08:45
      -3

      I wonder if they were having a shootout you'd be saying ' This is a really inconvenient shootout they are having, why don't they hurry up as I have a very important life to lead'
      Anyway back to reality
      Would love to see you answer the questions on corruption as it still seems endemic or a least the blue wall seems pretty solid until there's footage
      A reliable trustworthy police force is part of the foundation of democracy , once that goes all is lost

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:31
      +14

      I'm in no way trying to excuse what my fellow colleagues did but I can sort of see why it would happen. Happened to me as well.

      There are a lot of things happening inside a police car and some of the things are urgent enough to leave the public baffled as to the actions.

      I've been in a situation where the police radio went off and the job was so important to listen and monitor the radio that I didn't leave on the green light. Instead I took of through a red light some 30s later. I'm sure everyone behind be thought wtf. But it was more important for me(us) to know what/who/where/when then and there than to move.

      Same goes with speaking on the phone whilst driving. I'f I'm on my way towards a rather important job, my offsider operates the radio and the computer and my supervisor is calling me to give me an update or similar, I will take the phone behind the wheel and not stop.

      Again, those are rather exceptional circumstances and don't or shouldn't happen as often. Not sure what or if they had an excuse.

      As per honking a police car, well, I don't think is a very good idea. It most certainty can't bring you anything good. We are humans with different personalities and someone can make you life very hard and your day very long (legally) if you fail a personality test or get cocky. Not worth it.

    • IMadeYouReadThis on 16/06/2017 - 13:56

      But then I thought life is too short!

      +1 for this..

  • prins on 16/06/2017 - 09:10
    +1

    Is it easy to be a cop? What I mean is like me I'm 43yo and now considering to change profession. Is it still possible to go to the academy and become a cop? Thanks!

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:32
      +2

      Easy!

  • boomramada on 16/06/2017 - 09:17

    Do you go trigger happy, compare to other states? ;)

    • Zondor on 16/06/2017 - 10:41
      +3

      American police =/= Aus police

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:33

      Not sure what's that.

      • AlienC on 16/06/2017 - 15:31
        +1

        Do you play call of duty in real life as a cop.

  • tik tok on 16/06/2017 - 09:21
    -4

    Are youse racist ?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:34

      I'm the least racist person you'd ever meet.

      The only difference between us is less than 0.01%. I don't care about that.

      • tik tok on 16/06/2017 - 12:04

        I am sure you aren't. I was curious about the vic police in general.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:48
          +2

          No, there is not even a hint about that.

          Internally yes, there is a positive discrimination against diverse background. We want diversity, as much as possible. LGBTI, yes, come!

          And it's a good thing. The more diverse the better.

  • jhmtaylor on 16/06/2017 - 09:26

    Oh no, I think they have traced our friendly police officer. He is probably being disciplined as we type, for breaking the code of secrecy and subterfuge.

  • timmysbiscuits on 16/06/2017 - 09:39

    Have you or anyone you know ever been offered a bribe or something near-to a bribe to eg. let someone off on a warning or take it easier on someone? If so, how did you/they handle it?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:39
      +3

      I've been asked by eastern European country members if we can sort things out somehow. I've declined politely and didn't took it seriously. Creates more hassle than the matter at hand.

      I've had a lot of boobies breasts arranged before speaking with the driver, soft hand touches, and all sort of things. I stick to my job as professionally as I can.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 12:02
        +3

        I've had a lot of boobies breasts arranged before speaking with the driver, soft hand touches, and all sort of things. I stick to my job as professionally as I can.

        Has it occurred to you that they might be smuggling contraband between them?

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:49

          Had that, underneath.

          Face drops when it happens.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 20:22
          +1

          @harwooden:

          I think I'm in the wrong profession!

          Excuse me Miss, I have reasonable suspicions that you may be smuggling contraband between your bewbies. 🤗

  • timmysbiscuits on 16/06/2017 - 09:40

    How do you feel about officers having to wear bodycams?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:43
      +4

      It's a lot to talk about it here and it's rather not important of what I feel but what that implies.

      Cameras records video and nothing more. Does not record feelings, emotions, thoughts, plans, adrenaline, etc. In an unfolding of an event, you will see whatever you will see but you can't see what's behind the camera what's inside the operator's thought. Whatever you see you can't imagine being there because you were not there. It will be easy for you, the public, to say police should have done that or that. Things don't happen as you see it, it takes split second decisions and sometimes a bit of inaccuracy saves a lot of explaining.

      I don't feel good about them, mostly because Vic Pol does not have the resources to deal with that and everything that happens there (words, actions, etc) will have to be transcribed by me when the times come. That's after the HUGE amount of paperwork already involved and recordings.

  • Dazza610 on 16/06/2017 - 09:41

    I don't know if it's the same in VIC / QLD, but….
    I asked an officer, (with that ALL the tactical gear on, including vid camera), is it legal to record any-one without telling them?

    He replied; "Only one person has to be aware that a video is recording, and "HE" would be "the one", and no-one else has to be informed.

    Is this right? Everything that goes on, is recorded.

    • EDM on 16/06/2017 - 10:01
      +2

      Have a look at this: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/sda1999210…

      Yes, it appears to be legal.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:46
      +2

      I think there was a case law where the judge said you can't claim privacy in a public place. That implies video, audio and photography.

      Everything that goes on is recorded.

      That being said, we have an internal rule prohibiting Vic Pol members recording (video or audio) Vic Pol members in a private space (car/office/etc) without their consent.

      Everything goes in writing anyway but that's another story and the writer makes the story as he wishes, unfortunately.

  • mskeggs on 16/06/2017 - 09:42
    +14

    I think the thoughtful and open answers you have put forward here are a real credit to yourself and the force.
    You've done more good for police PR than the Facebook meme team in NSW getting all the press:
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/05/02/we-met-the-meme-…

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:48

      Thank you.

  • timmysbiscuits on 16/06/2017 - 09:42

    Is there enough support offered to Vic Police Officers to deal with eg. stress, trauma, mental health issues arising from the job? And somewhat related, is Workers Compensation for Vic Police an issue like in some other states?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 11:58
      +3

      That's a massive problem, but it is getting better.

      Victoria Police, through numerous statistics, reviews and pressure both exterior and interior has taken some huge steps towards rectifying the problem. We are still far from doing it properly but we are improving on it.

      There are now a lot of systems in place that try to take care of some of some of the problems. The stigma also slowly gets wiped off. I have a lot of colleagues who openly spoke about trauma and mental health copped within the job. We are encouraged to speak with anyone and anyone to speak with anyone suspecting of not being 100%.

      There is a lot of improvement to be made but it seems Vic Pol is at least acknowledging the problem and doing something about it and we are reminded about it daily.

      After big jobs or important events the Psychology unit comes or sends messages to everyone encouraging them to reach out even if you seem ok at the time. There's no bad time to do it.

      I've seen the effects of PTSD, it's not fun.

      There are still members out there with old mentality that we are coppers, we are tough, we have to cope with it. If that's their way of doing it that's fine but some of them fail to think that not everyone is like them.

      The problem, as always, comes when PTSD hits and you make a claim. We have an insurer who, like all insurers, will try and decline claims through every mean necessary, including putting members on surveillance, delaying claims for years, asking unnecessary paperwork or tests, leaking private information, etc and that aggravates the problem. Not sure when or if Vic Pol will do anything about that.

  • reidy on 16/06/2017 - 10:25

    For all the talk of revenue raising about fines why don't police pull over speeding cars consistently? I've seen multiple times police ignore cars passing them 10-20 Km/h over the speed limit.

    Is there a different limit for undercover cars? Most of the ones I see are doing 10-15 Km/h over as well.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:00

      Not 100% sure what you saw. Maybe that was the driver training unit ?

      Detectives rarely pull someone over.

      Everyone has its own threshold to pulling cars over and only attempt to intercept after that threshold.

      Not sure what you mean abut revenue raising. (See my answer above regarding the issue)

  • ozbjunkie on 16/06/2017 - 10:33

    I think there are so many good cops, and its a job that frankly I think would be too hard for me to do. What are your motivations? What range of motivations do you see around you.

    I imagine there's good and bad motivations, which seem to be more frequent?

    • iDroid on 16/06/2017 - 10:53

      It's to prosecute junkies .. so shhhh

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:02
      +1

      Indeed there are many good cops and some very bad ones (mostly due to laziness).

      For me, it is just a job. I go there, I do my job I enjoy life. I can't save the world through my job. I've tried it and I failed. I now realise that we are there to give the impression of saving the world, the problems never go away.

      Motivation, hmmm. I move from time to time to another department/unit and I try to challenge myself.

  • pitiek on 16/06/2017 - 11:00

    What's your personal take on making safe passing distance a law to increase bike rider safety in Victoria?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:05
      +1

      Didn't hear about it until now. But if that's the case, I'm 100% on that. Anything that prevents deaths or serious injury (as long as it isn't stupid) is welcomed in my books.

      A paraplegic lover is no less paraplegic if he was hit by a car or a fist.

  • PAPower on 16/06/2017 - 11:02

    Hi Harwooden,

    Very interesting post I've got to say.

    As a migrant in this country, I've shocked at how inefficient the police force is, in terms of investigation and execution your duties 'keeping it safe'. By the time the case is finalised, victims may have lost interest or forgiven the criminal acts already.

    For example, I've seen few murder cases on the news that took few years to find out the suspects, not even in prosecution phase yet.
    With vandalism, day-to-day burglaries etc. it seems to take forever.

    I just want to see how you see this: is is a legislation issue (too much human rights in prosecution process) or is it a human resource issue (too few policemen for such a large island) or is it a culture issue (policing is just a 9-5 job, going extra mile or being a hero does not really help) or is it the systemic issue (police has no/little connection with gang org. therefore hard to dig out info)?

    What is the solution to speed things up? Should Australia have a scheme for express investigation in which someone could pay extra for express investigation just like express post?

    Cheers big ears.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:26
      +4

      Interesting question, one that you'd think it would be rather to answer, but it is not.

      I'll break it down so I can answer.

      As a migrant in this country, I've shocked at how inefficient the police force is, in terms of investigation and execution your duties 'keeping it safe'. By the time the case is finalised, victims may have lost interest or forgiven the criminal acts already.

      For example, I've seen few murder cases on the news that took few years to find out the suspects, not even in prosecution phase yet.
      With vandalism, day-to-day burglaries etc. it seems to take forever.

      First off, I have a broad experience with police in other countries. Can't say more. What can I saw however, is that we are better than most other countries and most likely the one you came from. Here, every murder is investigated properly and offender will most likely be arrested at some point. No stone is left unchecked. The amount of $$ poured into each murder investigation is astounding.

      As the years pass, investigation techniques improve, software and hardware improves, new methods are developed. This way you get to discover more "clues" to your case and it may take years until a suspect is discovered.

      Most other countries don't nearly have as much money as we do to investigate things. That means a lot of things get unreported or investigated (including murders). Vic Pol is running on some 2.4 billion budged and has some extra funds if necessary.

      We, operational members of Victoria Police, have no interest in dragging a case along. The more it drags the more scrutiny it gets both by the public and by our supervisors. Each week we are asked what have you done here/there, do this do that, to every single investigation. It's mind boggling how many kicks in the ass we get if we don't push things fast enough.

      However, if we push things too fast in some serious investigation, we miss things and that's why we need to slow down and do it properly, especially with important offences. That will get a lot of scrutiny from the public and the Coroner.

      I just want to see how you see this: is is a legislation issue (too much human rights in prosecution process) or is it a human resource issue (too few policemen for such a large island) or is it a culture issue (policing is just a 9-5 job, going extra mile or being a hero does not really help) or is it the systemic issue (police has no/little connection with gang org. therefore hard to dig out info)?

      Most of the migrants I speak with don't understand that Australia is a country made from other countries. Victoria / NSW / QLD / etc are countries in their own right, each with its own set of laws and constitution, extradition treaties, etc. You can't speak of Australia as such when you speak of police and laws. Federal laws tie us together but we are different states withing a larger state.

      I can tell you it's not a 9 - 5 job. Most of the volume crime are done by detectives who don't have a 9 - 5 job. They mostly work 10 hour shifts, each day.

      There is also another issue that most people fail too see, even in day to day work. Longer hours mean less efficiency and less productivity. If you put in a lot of hours, most of the times you will not get a better or faster result. The quality will be poorer and slack.

      Country policing is a different subject and I can't touch on that. But yes, it is a very large land mass. Unless you travelled in Australia you can't understand that. I've seen police stations in QLD where the nearest petrol station was 100km away and the nearest police officer to him was 2 hours by helicopter away. That takes a different kind of skills.

      What is the solution to speed things up? Should Australia have a scheme for express investigation in which someone could pay extra for express investigation just like express post?

      Not sure what's you background but you seem to think that you or others should be entitled to better service because you can pay for it. That's not the case here.

      That sort of mentality usually comes from former Communist Block in the Eastern Europe. Can't agree with that. We've evolved from that (some in good ways and some in bad ways).

      • PAPower on 16/06/2017 - 15:25

        wow that explained a lot. Thanks.

        To be honest I haven't got many chances to deal with public services (police, hospital, employment etc.) so I am not sure how different they will be compared to private services, whereas I experienced paying more to get the results more quickly (shipping services most obvious, sometimes day-to-day services e.g. car service, mobile phone, even exam results and most recently Domino's pizza).

        For me it's really you pay more so that you can access to more resources (in this case human resources) to get the job done. I really think that there're people who could afford private detectives/guards. If this is the case, will you work with these private guys?

  • Hotpotcorn on 16/06/2017 - 11:13

    do u deal with fare evaders on public transport?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:27

      No sorry, haven't worked in Transit.

  • inherentchoice on 16/06/2017 - 11:23

    After the Bourke Street car attack in January, why were the Victoria Police and the Premier so quick to say that it was not terror related? The Commissioner made this announcement less than 2 hours after Gargasoulas was arrested, yet don't police investigations normally take months or years?!? How can an intentional and malicious effort to mow down, kill and maim as many people as possible not be a terrorist attack?

    What is their definition of "terrorism"? Are they referring to Islamic terrorism? Even if they are saying it wasn't motivated by such 'extremism', there is at least some evidence in the public domain that Gargasoulas had Islamic terror motives:

    • At least one eyewitness interviewed shortly after the attack was adamant that the attacker was crying "Allahu Akbar" (sources 1 and 2). However, Victoria Police asked for the recording to be removed, insisting it was not a counter-terrorism operation.
    • This video of Gargasoulas doing burnouts banging his arm on the car door just before the attack, is consistent with the eyewitness account above. He is clearly leaning out the window and yelling something which sounds a lot like "Allahu Akbar".
    • When Gargasoulas gets his first chance to talk to the public, via video link in a court when given a chance to plea on unrelated charges, he declared the Muslim faith is the correct faith and he is the saviour. His video link was then abruptly cut off. (source)

    Excuse my tin foil hat, but is there other evidence that police, our leaders or the media are covering up? I feel like there are other similar examples too.

    Is there a fear among our leaders that the public can't be trusted with facts that may promote hate or dislike toward a certain minority group?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:35
      +2

      Hi there. Interesting things you speak of.

      I'm not a huge believer in conspiracy theories. I can't speak for The Chief's actions or the media's.

      I can imagine why they would do that:
      - he was a well known offender with an extensive record
      - he wasn't on the Counter-Terrorism's watch list
      - he was on drugs

      All of the above makes me think what he did was not terrorism related.

      It's easy to say he's saying he's the saviour and relate that to terrorism. Ever thought he wants attention ?

      You see, police runs by what media sings. Police would love and loved to arrest the terror plotters last year. That creates a good image for us.

      I think things area a bit more black/white here and not terror related.

      Definition of terrorism. That's complicated and evolves every few months. It can include absolutely everything. If someone goes on the rampage at the train station with the knife in name of lollipops, is that terrorism ? Might just be.

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