[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

      • inherentchoice on 16/06/2017 - 12:47

        Thanks for the reply. I googled the legal definition of terrorism in Australia and it partly refers to intention to advance a political, religious or ideological cause.

        I guess intention can be a grey area but I think it's pretty clear Gargasoulas' intention is founded in some kind of ideology, even if he was impaired by drugs at the time of arrest. He can't have been that impaired though, as he still clearly had enough control to do burnouts and evade police for quite some time. He is certainly still not remorseful to this date and has taken his only opportunity to be heard by the public since, whilst not intoxicated, to declare some of his ideology before being cut off.

        In the video above he is actually doing a jihadi finger.

    • TheBilly on 16/06/2017 - 14:31

      You should watch Zeitgeist - open your mind a little

      http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/index.html

  • Plug on 16/06/2017 - 11:31

    Thanks for this thread. Very interesting. Question - is it true that anything you say can be used in evidence against you but not for you? "Hearsay" I think it's called.

    • Peck on 16/06/2017 - 12:09

      Hearsay is something said out of the earshot of the defendant. Only admissable as evidence in rare circumstances.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:37

        Spot on.

      • djkelly69 on 16/06/2017 - 14:24

        There are different types of hearsay, and it is more complicated than what you (Peck) have described. Some types are generally admissible, some are not.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:51

          True as well.

          Bail applications are good example. Hearsay is admissible.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:38

      Anything you say after police tells you that anything you say from now on (called caution), yes.

  • bobbified on 16/06/2017 - 11:32
    -1

    Do the number "rape" allegations spike on Sat and Sun mornings?

    What percentage of those allegations do you think are false (ie, the accuser is simply "regretful" as opposed to a rape in the more traditional sense) but you then have to take it further as a matter of procedure?

    I'm aware of the laws of "consent" - but what happens if both parties were drunk at the time? Is it always the male that gets prosecuted?

    In case anyone's wondering, I haven't been accused of anything - it's just one law that I keep thinking is unfair and, because I go out and drink with lots of people all the time, I sometimes feel I could easily be the one being accused. So I'm interested in knowing how it's dealt with at the time of the complaint.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:42
      +1

      I'm inclined to think you are referring to sexual assault rather than rape ?

      That for prosecution to debate regarding the consent. It implies a lot of things. Not easily proven either way. Beyond reasonable doubt is the key word.

      • bobbified on 16/06/2017 - 12:50

        Yes, I was more thinking the whole issue surrounding the word "consent". In these cases, it's going to be one person's word against another. Especially if two people are not completely sober.

        Being accused is a big thing for someone's reputation regardless of whether they're eventually found guilty or not. The legal fees involved is often enough to bankrupt someone.

        • Cheaplikethebird on 16/06/2017 - 14:35
          +2

          I think this is a lot less an issue than you believe. Almost every female I've spoken to about this sort of thing has a story of a male partner crossing the line of consent or full blown sexual assault, in all those stories they've decided not to report it and get on with their lives. On the flipside of all the males I've spoken to I've heard only one story of sexual assault committed by a female.

          Practice healthy communication in the bedroom. If in doubt, go home and whack it.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:53
          +3

          @Cheaplikethebird: :)) good one.

          That would make a good media campaign

          Practice healthy communication in the bedroom. If in doubt, go home and whack it.

        • bobbified on 16/06/2017 - 15:26

          @Cheaplikethebird:

          I personally know of 4 guys who have had that "regret" thing happen to them. Out of the four, three of those were incidents were reported after almost a month - coincidentally after their boyfriends found out.

          They were all charged and but were not convicted. They were barred from going to licenced premises and they had curfews while waiting close to a year for trial. Their names have been dragged through dirt and the legal fees were each close to six figure sums.

        • Cheaplikethebird on 16/06/2017 - 15:40
          -1

          @bobbified: 4 guys that have gone home with drunk girls that have boyfriends? Either these are stories you've read on internet forums or you have shitty friends.

        • bobbified on 16/06/2017 - 15:41

          @Cheaplikethebird:

          I don't think you understand how often girls go home with guys after a night out at the clubs.

          Yes - this is regardless of whether they have boyfriends or not.

        • Cheaplikethebird on 16/06/2017 - 15:45

          @bobbified: Mate I used to operate a monthly club night, I understand these things perfectly fine. Your comments lead me to believe you don't get out much yourself.

        • bobbified on 16/06/2017 - 15:47

          @Cheaplikethebird:

          You claim to have run a club and you've never seen these things happen? You've got to be kidding me.

          Or you've been sleeping on the job.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:57
          +1

          @bobbified: It happens a bit. Reports go down once the partner finds out.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:29
          +2

          @Cheaplikethebird:

          Mate I used to operate a monthly club night,

          Maybe you were going out at the wrong time of the month.

  • cameldownunder on 16/06/2017 - 11:34

    How come that Police can hand out Warnings instead of fines if an infringement has been committed? The nice mum gets a warning while the rough tradie gets the fine, for exact same infringement.
    From where i see it, police is part of the executive legislation, non legislative nor judiciary.
    "The legislature makes the laws; the executive put the laws into operation"
    From a separation of laws, a policeman should not make any judgement and decide on whether give out a warning or a fine. In my view he should hand out ALWAYS a fine, which than can be appealed in front of a Judge ( Judiciary )

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 12:44
      +3

      It's called discretion. We have it in some cases.

      It's up to the police officer to do it and it has a lot to do with the offender as well: number of previous offences, number of detected offences, attitude test, etc.

      If I pull someone over and I decide to give him a ticket, I might have overlooked 2 other tickets for the same person and I didn't tell him anything.

      • bobbified on 16/06/2017 - 12:56
        +1

        I guess the attitude test makes a huge difference.

        Over the years, I've been pulled over quite a few times and besides twice, the officer has let me off after quick friendly discussion with a smile.

        • cameldownunder on 16/06/2017 - 15:24

          Incredible. You commit an offence, you play it nice and you get off with a warning.
          No surprise that people tend not to give f*** about rules, if all you have to do is smile and apologize to get away with it.

        • bobbified on 16/06/2017 - 15:38

          @cameldownunder:

          Well, I'm aware of the risks of what I do so if it doesn't turn out in my favour and I get busted, then I can't really blame anyone. Getting angry and giving attitude definitely won't help me.

          Btw - I'm a dude and I don't have any man-boobs to flash to try get out of anything. haha

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:45
          +1

          @cameldownunder: You seem to understand just bits of it. Remember that this is just my opinion and might no apply to anyone else.

          With me, it depends a lot on the offence, history of person, traffic history, jobs on the plate, task to do, etc

          I never forgive mobile phone and red light offences.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:33

          @harwooden:

          What information comes up on the computer?

          Can you see warnings, dismissed charges, offences dealt with under Section 10 and spent convictions?

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

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          A lot, including: Criminal history, driving history, infringement notices, official warnings and notes added by others.

          We can also get your full history via radio or phone.

        • cameldownunder on 16/06/2017 - 16:53

          @harwooden: And here I am, thinking the law is equal for everyone.
          So exceeding the speed limit by a little bit is fine for some, and not for someone else?

          The question than goes into, how do you know if someone is truly remorseful, and nice, and who's just playing nice?

          Does the type of car make a difference? Are you more like;y to fine a BMW driver ( he has the money to buy an expensive car ) than a Subaru guy?

          Does your mood influence your decision? For Example, if you had a really painful driver giving you hell just before the current infraction, are you less lenient?

        • lysp on 16/06/2017 - 18:25

          @harwooden:

          How far back does the driving history go on the computer and does it show a date?

          If someone was caught speeding say <15k about 3-5 years ago would it still show up? 10 years ago?

          If you were to give a warning to someone would you treat them the same if they had no speeding history and they haven't had a ticket in 5 years? Or would you move on the side of issuing a ticket as there has been some history.

  • BanannaMan on 16/06/2017 - 11:39

    Hi There,

    Thank you for this post! I have 2 questions

    1) What is the law in Victoria for taking photos/videos in public places of police enforcement, transport officers or parking inspectors? Do we need their permission?
    2) What is the police remit for noise complaints regarding neighbours? Where exactly do you draw the line between the council managing vs police?

    Cheers

    • inherentchoice on 16/06/2017 - 12:27
      +1

      Complaints not investigated by Council

      Council shares responsibility for noise complaints with other authorities. Council does not investigate the following:

      aircraft noise. Contact Airservices Australia
      music, parties, rowdy behaviour and burglar alarms. Contact the Queensland Police
      premises with a liquor licence, e.g. pub or club. Contact the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
      on-road vehicle noise. Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads
      off-road vehicle noise, e.g. trail bikes. Contact the Queensland Police
      an environmentally relevant activity regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, e.g. poultry farming
      an environmentally relevant activity regulated by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, e.g. chemical manufacturing
      a state or local government premises or activity, e.g. state school. Contact Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

      https://www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au/brisbanecitycouncil/topics/…

      Councils do deal with noise for things like pool pumps, air conditioners, construction and events on public land.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:20
      +2

      1) see question of Dazza610
      2) Excessive noise might be a police issue and the offenders are usually pretty compliant and tune down the noise.

      However, as usually, things gets complicated with vexatious complainants and false reports. I won't get into that but it is pretty much a discretion thing we do with noise complaints. We go knock on the door, get them to turn the music down explain time of day/night/etc and be understanding that we hope we don't come back.

      In case we go back, that's a hefty fine (again, discretion). Around $800 I think.

  • sergun on 16/06/2017 - 11:57

    Hi,

    Have you seen many cops that joined Police force due to their need to dominate over other people/control them, either out of intrinsic nature or personal insecurities?

    Thank you!

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:21

      Not many but I saw a few. Females especially. (not being sexist)

      • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 13:45

        Do you have their numbers?

        • cameldownunder on 16/06/2017 - 15:26
          -1

          Phone numbers ? I think that would be against privacy issue.
          Are you looking for a female dressed in police uniform, dominating you?

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 15:43

          @cameldownunder:

          Are you looking for a female dressed in police uniform, dominating you?

          Yes… and I really am a cartoon duck!!

  • t_c on 16/06/2017 - 11:58

    If someone blows 0.05 on the breathalyser, what do you do?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:22
      +4

      Depending on the attitude he's giving me, I'm inclined to give him 10 - 15 minutes to see if it goes up or down.

  • parisienne on 16/06/2017 - 12:07
    +2

    First off,THANK YOU and your comrades for the job you do…you guys are the only people i would possibly give up a payrise for in lieu of one for us (nursing).
    I understand your inability to give any disclosing info about yourself (nursing / medical personnel are under the same rules,and we would be given the boot quicker than you could say "professional misconduct" with no chance for response or appeal),so i pray to God with what i am about to write,that my IP deets stay in cyberspace and overlooked (haha),but i would love to ask you…do you think a time will come when we will be able to actually defend ourselves without having the fear of action taken against us for doing so (obviously within reason) ? As a nurse,i have had comrades hit / punched (one Dr recently was put in a coma by a one punch attack outside his workplace simply for telling some dick to stop smoking in the doorway of a hospital.He will either never work again as a surgeon,never function as a person again OR he will die)/ stabbed / raped / gun to head / knife to throat / carjacked outside hospital with a weapon pulled / followed home / murdered (one that i personally knew)and as a a civilian,i have been in a few situations where i would have potentially needed to save my backside from some serious damage.I have some things that would have assisted me greatly in these situations (won't disclose),but if they were found on me,I would be the one in deep,deep crap.I am not suggesting that we all get American in our responses,BUT,i wonder why this stuff happens and self defence is not OK,however,for the crims,it is a totally inappropriate sentence (a short time in jail,parole probable),whilst the victim is left with physical / mental scars that never leave (at best),OR be mourned by those left behind.It is BS no ?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:28
      +2

      Thank you for this and thank you for your work.

      I have a huge respect for the kind of work you are doing, one that I couldn't do.

      I don't think there will be a time when we will be able to defend ourselves without fear. Vic Pol goes on the other side and if we escalate things we get hammered. We can't act in prevention because that's excessive use of force.

      I've been to many incidents where paramedics were assaulted, some seriously. I feel for you as you have no protection and you are seen as easy targets. I think the offenders tone down with us a bit because we are a bit more prepared, training options and equipment. We don't seem to get as many problems as you.

      You need some sort of management processes in place to protect you. One of them would be media campaign and public education. Prevention needs to improve a lot and not tackling the consequences.

      • parisienne on 16/06/2017 - 19:40

        Thank you…and i couldn't do your job (having said that though,myself and my comrades don't want ours some days either.Some people / things we see and deal with are horrific at best).
        Yes,i believe that we are seen as easy targets also…but management is more along the lines of "well,what did you do to deserve it" rather than "you all need help and support".
        One incident (that was widely reported on when it happened) that made me ask this question was when a Dr.was dealing with a pt. who was under the influence of ice (the bane of all medical staff's lives) who grabbed a pair of scissors (surgical instruments,not your usual type) and held it to her throat.He did cause a cut (non life threatening,but that's not the point),but i could not help thinking that i would have grabbed whatever was near me and used it to stop him (mind you,i was pregnant at that time,and i am very,very protective of myself when i am).I would have been the one in trouble in that instance…and i just feel very strongly about it.

  • Indiana1501 on 16/06/2017 - 12:10

    Do the number plate reader cameras in highway patrol cars have the ability to lookup interstate plates?

    • orangepie on 16/06/2017 - 12:49

      i have a question regarding to this, what kind of info will show up after a hwp read ur plate? also if a motorbiker is speeding more than 30km/h or more, will police ignore that since it's a bit danger to chase him? and if the biker got away, will he still get a fine ticket since hwp got him on camera?

      • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:30
        +1

        That differs a lot with circumstances.

        He might get a big fine or get charged, again depends.

        I would certainly pursue the matter further. I don't think I've ever given a ticket to a motorcyclist. Every time I pulled one over was over with a talk and trying to make him understand certain things and trying to prevent a possible crash than to give him a slap.

        I used to carry some gruesome pictures from some of the bike crashes and show the consequences of being stupid.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 13:49

        also if a motorbiker is speeding more than 30km/h or more, will police ignore that since it's a bit danger to chase him?

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TTKXRvhAvM

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:41
          +1

          Say you go after him, no pursuit but put your lights on in attempt to catch him and pull him over.

          Say he's of good faith, sees you and wants to pull over.

          He, locks his front/rear brake or runs into someone's ass and has a crash. That's a police crash. You don't want to know the amount of work that comes with that for both those involved, their colleagues and the management.

          Will police go after him ? Some yes, some no.

          How's everything else looking ? Some things to take into account

          • wind
          • rain
          • traffic
          • type of road
          • time of day or night
          • sun position
          • pedestrians
          • upcoming intersections
          • upcoming streets
          • road surface
          • etc

          Is the risk outweighing the thing that you want to do ?

          Everything comes with a risk, you just have to weigh it and be prepared to take it.

          There are a lot of things to consider, again is a grey area and not so black and white as you may think.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:24
      +1

      Yes and we don't have those in HWP cars. It is in only 1 car only. More will come soon.

      • Indiana1501 on 16/06/2017 - 16:44

        Really? The Herald Sun reported there were 6 "Blue Net" cars back in 2015. One would assume there would be more now & you still didn't answer my question of scanning intersate plates….

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 16:48
          +1

          I did. I said "Yes". They look up everything.

          Sorry Indiana, my information is wrong then. I am aware of only 1 Blue Net car operating. Not sure where are the rest. I've heard we will be getting others soon.

  • luffyex2010 on 16/06/2017 - 12:43

    What do you think of Robocop? …minus the peter wellar accident/transformation to Robocop….

    Do you believe one day the law enforcers will/should be robots or cyborgs?

    Note: forgot to mentioned thank you for keeping law abiding citizen safe :)

    Ignore those ppl who mentioned how inefficient the police are in Australia….back in my country, the policeman threaten me as a kid for money (not bringing an identity card) so I have lost respect for the law enforcers in previously live country. On the other hand a $20 bribe could get you off from getting a fine for an illegal turning O_O;

    PS: I think the policewomen in australia look stunning in uniform :) -_- wife also mentioned they policeman looks cool too compared to other asian countries.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:35

      I thought about that kind of question. Not sure if we will get there necessarily.

      I'm more inclined to think that if the populations (somehow miraculously) grows to 50billion people we will become judge and jury for serious offences.

      • luffyex2010 on 16/06/2017 - 14:52

        Judge dredd lol

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:54

          Something like that :)

  • flerple on 16/06/2017 - 13:11

    Hi there,

    There has been a string of break ins in my area and I want to prevent anyone breaking into my house during the day or night.

    What can I do to deter criminals from burglarising my home?

    I rent a unit if that helps.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:39
      +1

      Interesting approach, you want to do something before it happens and not after. Interesting concept, more should adopt it.

      See here: http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=9541

      Get some cheap LED solar lighting and put it around your property. The ones that either are motion activated or stay on at night. The more the better.

      Leave a light on when you leave home and leave a radio on as well.

      Get your neighbours involved in the same thing as well and watch one after another.

      Get some cheap alarm system around your property or driveway if your far enough from the street. During the night to make loud noise to scare them away and wake you up.

      That's all prevention, you can't stop a determined thief.

    • Agret on 16/06/2017 - 14:17

      Get some of the fake external security cameras you can place around entrances/sides of house. If you are renting you probably can't install a legit security system but it's about downplaying the risk of an intrusion and they will look for an easier target if they can.

  • Steevfler on 16/06/2017 - 13:15

    I got a fine for doing a u- turn on a red light. But only did so because there was a fire truck with sirens blazing coming up behind me in my lane and I wanted to get out of its way. I only did so because I thought it was an emergency but now I have received a fine for it. Is there a case for me to ask for a warning or be let off for it?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:41
      +2

      I assume that was done by a intersection traffic camera.

      Not sure about your chances, those are dealt by Civic Compliance Victoria. I would certainty take my chances and make a case for it. I would probably go to court as well.

      Believe it or not, we go through the same thing in our police cars.

      • Steevfler on 16/06/2017 - 13:59

        Thanks! Will give it a try!

  • TailsK on 16/06/2017 - 13:22

    Do police like it when they are thanked for the work they do?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:42
      +1

      Love it !

      Gives us a bit of satisfaction. Can make one's day.

      • TailsK on 16/06/2017 - 13:43
        +2

        That's good to hear. I've always been nervous about saying thank you to a police person or something, especially if you're going through a booze bus! Feels like they might think you're being smart or have something to hide!

  • sideshow1973 on 16/06/2017 - 13:25

    Can you explain what happens in a roadside drug test if i'm positive to cannabis but had a joint 3-4 days earlier over the weekend? Apparently still shows up on the drug test but there would be no impairment to my driving ability. i understand that if i drive straight after or a few hours after i would be but days? i dont understand how you can lose your licence for something like that. anyway your thoughts are appreciated.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 13:44
      +1

      Stays in your system for about a week after you smoke.

      Irrespective of what we think, that's the law and I can't do anything about it. If we don't do anything about it we get fired.

      • OzzyOzbourne on 16/06/2017 - 14:00

        How will medical cannabis be handled? Will users need to carry a prescription?

      • t_c on 16/06/2017 - 17:08

        What about passive marijuana smoke, ie someone lights a joint or 2 at a party or social gathering, you don't partake, but that funky skunky odor lingers. Would one test positive and loose their license and possibly livelihood?

  • DarthAntz on 16/06/2017 - 13:46

    How would you fix/improve the police force in Victoria?
    How would you fix/improve it Nationally?
    And which country/nation has the most influential police force for Australia (in your opinion)?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:03
      +6

      Thank you for this.

      1 There are a lot of things to improve, just like any other workplace. It's hard to say where and how I would fix it. More than what's done now,

      • I would certainly remove stats as a measurement of performance as that bring our morale down and gets us quantity over quality and no solutions to the actual problem.
      • I would focus more on prevention and education from the offenders to victims to collateral victims (friends/family of victims).
      • I would try and involve community into policing. From Church leaders to community leaders to young offenders and parents across. To learn from one another to share to one another to share experiences together.
      • I would push strongly against cheap/free education for everyone. We don't have many university graduates behind bars.
      • I would listen to young graduates and try to learn from them. More often than not, we get recruits to follow us and our beaten path regardless. We learn nothing from them. More than that, we don't even listen to them.
      • I (as Vic Pol) would try to stand my feet against the media. (That's hard, they might crucify us)
      • I would try and have team building programs and try and remove the gossip within the force. It's a poison.

      2 Every region within every state within every country has specific problems, very hard to provide rules across.

      • I would run experience exchange programs (for everyone not just management) as often as I can. That might create new ideas to same problems and a breath of fresh air for everyone. We love diversity and different backgrounds.

      3 In my opinion, in this order:

      • U.K.
      • USA
      • Canada (?) a bit
      • DarthAntz on 16/06/2017 - 15:15

        Great insight, and thanks for sharing. This is a terrific response.

        I am curious if your response in question 3 is because we have similar police or organisation, stats, technologies, training or power as a police organisation. I was expecting an influential country would have a lower crime rate (Finland, Japan), compared to a similar crime rate. But from your response, i can see that its the education of society and the strength and understanding of community that keeps a community safe and free of crime, compared to the laws and police enforcement (not the right term, i know).

        I hope you get ample inspiration from this AMA. I appreciate the read.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:23
          +1

          Thank you.

          On the 3'rd dot, I can't think for sure why. I think it has to do more with history and social ties than policing. We modelled our ways after them and don't seem to look left or right too understand others as well.

          We should look at others and have a broader understanding of how to tackle things to apply proper (working) techniques.

          Also, we (our nation) seem to value American and UK society a lot.

      • tranter on 16/06/2017 - 15:17

        I would push strongly against cheap/free education for everyone. We don't have many university graduates behind bars.

        Thanks for your insightful comments. Do you mean for or against free education?

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:24
          +1

          Sorry can't edit. I would strongly push towards cheap/free education and against the expensive USA model.

  • xuuj on 16/06/2017 - 13:53

    Thanks for this. Interesting read.

  • Pizdets on 16/06/2017 - 13:55

    Does the Russian mafia exists in Victoria? Did it ever or was it just media hype/speculation.

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

      There are a few mafias running in Victoria. I never dealt with one. The big one are the bikies.

      I don't think they are big problem to community safety as such and more to do with fraud/money laundering/economic crimes in general.

      Again, I have no idea.

  • SharkChu on 16/06/2017 - 13:57

    Always been curious, whilst off duty, do you ever bump into people you have arrested?

    How do you handle those situations? Esp, if you have your family along with you.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:07
      +4

      I have, I've turned around and left.

      I have a management in plan with my family in case that happens. I don't work and live in the same area, would be pretty rare to happen to me. I have colleagues who had to manage those situations. Not pretty.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 16/06/2017 - 13:58

    What a great post, awesome insight into the police and actually gives me more respect for them rather than being a negative thing posting here.

    Regarding joining the police, do you get paid whilst in the police academy? What's the going rate? Is there an age limit for joining? Thanks

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:09
      +1

      18 I think it's the limit.

      The website, pay conditions and process is here: https://www.policecareer.vic.gov.au

      Not sure what's the exact pay but as far as I remember It get up by 50% after 3 months. You get recruit pay only for a short period.

      There will or is a huge intake now, a good time to apply if you are interested.

  • grog on 16/06/2017 - 14:04

    Are you the cop that "accidently" hit me on the head with a long torch when you opened the car door for me to get out.

    Cops stopped me because my very old classic immaculate holden had a big white and black "LSD" sticker on the boot for all to see.

    "LSD" for non car enthusiasts is limited slip diff on very old holdens.

    100% true story

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:10

      Haha good one grog.

      Not me sorry. Didn't not that about the LSD.

  • ruddiger7 on 16/06/2017 - 14:10

    Would you say there is a bias towards pulling over a driver with P plates? Particularly for random checks or tailing them for some time hoping they will have an error in judgment. Thinking back to my learning years where I was subject to a few "random" breath tests.

    • Agret on 16/06/2017 - 14:21

      I got pulled over a bunch of times on my Ps just randomly for nothing but I think it's situational as every one of those times was after 1AM. Haven't been pulled up once afterwards.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 14:58
      +1

      As Agret said, after 12AM, you will most likely be pulled over.

      Most of my serious offenders have been P platers.

      I think most is to do with the male brain development. It seems that our brain (male) doesn't fully develop until about the age of 24. Up to that age I think our sense and perception of danger is diminished and we take greater risks. That includes speeding, red light, phones, etc.

      I've never had a problem with older P platers. Just young ones.

      I personally keep my eyes wide open around P platers, especially red ones. I usually see them doing a lot of stupid stuff.

      I don't care about lack of turn signal, or minor offences. Doesn't create any community good in my books and I let them go.

    • moar bargains on 16/06/2017 - 15:13
      +1

      I believe (not being an officer), that Police targeting P-platers is a myth. Police target those who draw their attention.

      As a P-plater, I drove a Falcon about the same age as me (parents family car), and was never pulled over once despite my expectations. I stuck to the speed limit, drove properly, wasn't driving often late at night etc etc. My brother drove the same car, and got to know the local constabulary well…

  • khomeini on 16/06/2017 - 14:12

    Without reading all pages and apologies if this has been asked earlier but….

    I heard the following and don't know if it's true or not. Please clarify if this is san old wives tale.

    That if you have served as a police officer for a minimum of 10yrs and then you retire or leave, you get paid your last annual salary x10yr as some sort of package. So you get paid 10yrs worth after leaving.

    True or totally fabricated?

    • ruddiger7 on 16/06/2017 - 14:28

      Sounds fabricated to me, I think they can only qualify for pension at 60 (may be higher now) unless they hurt themselves on the job and can claim a full pension earlier. Working there for 10 years will net you long service, if you retired then I would imagine they would just pay you out on leave and thats it if you are well off pension age.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:00

      There is something like that but it has to do with the Super and salary sacrifice and other things not salary itself.

      ESSS for more details if you want. I can't explain it because I don't fully understand it and never read the thing.

  • Tuftsdude on 16/06/2017 - 14:17

    How would someone apply for the covert side of things, not uniform, if they believe they have the experience and skills necessary to assist in operations?

    Thanks for the AMA, I agree with what you said on the prison system. Most of the people just need help, a solid rehabilitation and educational programs to get back up on their feet, they're humans at the end of the day.

    • Agret on 16/06/2017 - 14:22

      I imagine you would probably have to go through the normal channels and be a uniformed officer for a number of years before you can transfer to covert operations.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:45

        And how would you know that???

        ¬_¬

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:03

      Again Agret is right.

      You need operational experience before doing that. At least 4 - 5years. You apply there just like any job you apply. Resume and everything (internally).

      I've met people from that unit, they absolutely love it. I've also met people who were miserable there and family was hurt because of that. Not always as glamours as you see in the movies. Sometimes you don't go home for days/weeks sometimes you don't shower for that amount, sometimes you go to prison, etc.

      • Hirolol on 16/06/2017 - 15:15

        go to prison as undercover or because you end up messing up?

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:25

          undercover

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:47

          @harwooden:

          Ever heard of anyone getting lost or going rogue?

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 16:49
          +2

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          Yes. I think most of the operations have a cap on amount of time one can go covert on any operation. Not 100% on that though.

  • outlander on 16/06/2017 - 14:22

    Do you know who the really evil ones are? The people in society do a lot of damage, but have enough power and discretion to be considered untouchable

    Obviously we know the media does it's job keeping people focused on the small crimes while the larger players go unpunished, but as to their identities we as the general public are pretty blind. The Duke thinks all the big players get together and have parties with child prostitutes, but that's a little too fanciful even for my imagination. Even so, given what I know about human behaviour it's impossible to think everyone at the top is good. Even a quarter is a stretch. Granted the smarter ones will remain off the radar of the average footsoldiers, but surely there are rumors

    Not asking you to name any names, I just want to know if my reasoning is correct

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:09

      I'm not too sure if it is correct or not. I have no knowledge of such things. And if those things really exist, I'm just a little fish in the big pond to see it.

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