[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

  • MrSammyMcG on 16/06/2017 - 14:41

    Do you like the donuts with the icing on top or without it? 🍩

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:04

      No sorry, too much sugar. i'll take a TimTam though :)

  • Hirolol on 16/06/2017 - 15:02

    have you ever used unnecessary excessive force and instantly regretted it?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:05
      +3

      No, but one of my colleagues did. He's not in the job now.

      As stated before, I try to work smart not hard.

      I can count the number of times I drew my weapon or too my spray or baton out.

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

    Do I have my right to punch thief if they break into my house??

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:27

      hmmm… good question.

      Depending on the circumstances, you might be in the right for punching or not and get charged.

      Weird system, I know.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:51
        +3

        And what about a spinning back kick?

  • SilentBob on 16/06/2017 - 15:23

    Why complain about your job and who gets hired when the police take just about anyone that wants to apply.

    I know complete scumbags that have applied and been accepted and are currently working for NSW police.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:29

      Because we have no input in who stays or gets hired or the process.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:52

      I know complete scumbags that have applied and been accepted and are currently working for NSW police.

      Deets?

  • KaTst3R on 16/06/2017 - 15:27

    I have seen quite a number of overweight cops around.

    What does the annual fitness test consists of? What happens if you fail?

  • moar bargains on 16/06/2017 - 15:44
    +2

    Thank you very much for the work you (and all officers) do to protect and serve our community!
    Having worked previously (administratively) in the Police force of a different state, I have a huge respect for everything that you guys do!
    Has there been a VicPol wide "Whoever it is, get off Ozbargain" email yet?! ;) Hope you don't get caught, because despite corporate policy, I think it's fantastic community engagement.

    Here's a question I've often wondered, but not had the chance to ask. Imagine you are on duty (say at an event) and not obviously busy, and I was waiting for something (e.g. a mate ordering food). If I came over to you, thanked you for your service and chatted/made small talk for a minute, would you find that weird/suspicious/annoying or would you appreciate it?

    My parents always taught me to trust and respect the Police, and if in trouble (e.g. lost at an event), go to them for help. I would like to teach my children the same, but not sure how to remove the intimidation factor of "the people in uniform" for them. Any tips?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 15:55
      +5

      Ha ha, good stuff with the global email :)

      We get approached every day and we don't find it weird or suspicious. Most of us love that kind of thing!

      The problem that I see is that we engage the community less and less and become more segregated which, on the long term, will be in our detriment. We should be drinking our coffees in public instead of hiding in our cars, eating at a table instead of running back to the station. More and more colleagues of mine are doing such things, they don't find it comfortable and the management doesn't like it because we feel judged on the public's money.

      We should be there for you and you should be there for us. It doesn't happen. We are there for you when you call us not proactively, not every day. We don't come at your shop to say hello anymore and seen in public and ask if you are ok. We can't justify that lost time instead of creating stats for the management.

      Get your kids to us, take pictures with us, we love that. Get your kids to ask us questions and interact with us. Most of us unless in a hurrry will spend time with them and take the picture with them. Be bold, be daring, don't be rude.

      Ask us how's our day, how's the paperwork going, how's things around the suburb. We need that :)

      • moar bargains on 16/06/2017 - 16:10

        Champion, thanks mate. Will be bold and chat to some Officers some time :)

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 16:56
          +1

          Will be bold and chat to some Officers some time :)

          I hope they're as friendly as OP, YMMV…

        • moar bargains on 16/06/2017 - 22:02

          @Scrooge McDuck: Yeah, fair comment, but in my experience most people react positively when you are friendly to them.

  • Architectonic on 16/06/2017 - 15:57

    How much of your workplace (percentage) have disabilities that could affect their ability to work at times? (not just mobility disabilities, but autism, chronic illnesses that cause pain, fatigue, nerve issues etc?)
    How well are they treated by their colleagues?

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

      Oh, very hard to say because most of them are not operational anymore and work in offices. I've met operational members with nerve issues and low level autism, Asperger syndrome and some other things that don't affect their ability to do work normally.

      I can't say that I saw any adverse behaviour towards them. I think most of us respect their illness/condition and don't make an issue about it.

  • Architectonic on 16/06/2017 - 15:59

    Are there any plans of the police to develop a system to actively enforce road laws based on video evidence provided by others? (eg red light camera, mobile phone offences). Specifically when the date/time/location is noted?

    It seems to me the "risk" of being caught by just about anyone would be an excellent deterrent to those who deliberately break such laws.

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

      You mean drive with fear all the time ? Don't know if it is such a good idea.

      Would you put cameras everywhere inside your house and tell your kids and wife that for every mistake they'll do they'll get a slap over the face ? How's that going to go ?

      Why not put panels up with stories/images/videos about crashes and have the person think about what are they doing. Too gruesome, might be but that's the reality we have to see in our job.

      There is a possibility to give that video to the police, make a statement have have the matter investigated further. If it will get to a conclusion not such a good idea.

      • Architectonic on 16/06/2017 - 16:29

        How is not going through red lights, not blatantly speeding, not using your mobile while driving a cause of "driving with fear"?

        Fact is that motor vehicle collisions are the leading 'avoidable' cause of death for young people and greater compliance with laws preventing more risky behaviour would likely save lives.

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

          Yeah, not sure you followed me. See my previous comments if you will, I went into that a bit earlier.

          I'm just saying that I'm not 100% sure that's the best approach. We might need to brainstorm a bit and see if we can come out with better ideas.

        • Ahbal on 16/06/2017 - 16:45
          +2

          The leading cause of death is drivers operating a vehicle at a speed their skill level cannot control, or they have an impairment/distraction (alcohol, phone, etc).

          My belief, is that all drivers, before they take their full license, must be taken to a track and have their skill at speed pushed to the limit. Instead of being to the point on speeding (if you crash going 5 over the limit, you should not be driving, you are a shit driver if that happens) we should train drivers to handle their vehicle properly, because everyone is going to speed, even a little, whether we like it or not.

          To me, roads are an agent of Darwinism/natural selection. Sounds mean, but for most cases it is true. Laws should focus on increasing driver skill.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 16:50
          +1

          @Ahbal: Agree, laws should focus on driver skill not punishment. We do little to that effect.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 17:00

          @Ahbal:

          To me, roads are an agent of Darwinism/natural selection. Sounds mean, but for most cases it is true.

          What is Darwinian about being wiped out by another driver? o_0

        • Ahbal on 16/06/2017 - 18:03

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          I wrote "most cases" but yes, I should have written with exception to being hit by someone else.

      • HangryCakeStore on 16/06/2017 - 16:39
        +1

        What are the chances these 'investigated' videos warrant a traffic fine? and are these chances any different when its recorded by a bus?

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

          What are the chances of those investigated videos to warrant a conviction if put before a judge by its own with a statement ?

          Penalty notices are just a way to bypass the court system and flog it. Imagine every ticket/offence standing before a judge. That's the test, will it stand or will it get dismissed ? That's the test.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 17:08

      Are there any plans of the police to develop a system to actively enforce road laws based on video evidence provided by others? (eg red light camera, mobile phone offences). Specifically when the date/time/location is noted?

      It seems to me the "risk" of being caught by just about anyone would be an excellent deterrent to those who deliberately break such laws.

      Doubleplusgood brother!

      • siresteelhell on 16/06/2017 - 19:11
        +1

        If there was a website linked to vicroads where the public could input a rego, and post things that the drivers might not know about. ie "left tail light out", or "brake lights not working". and then the system could post out to them once that someone has noticed it. It could save alot of police time stopping cars with minor infringements so they could focus on the more important issues…just ideas

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:43

          Put them forward before Vicroads, might get something out of it.

  • billy77 on 16/06/2017 - 16:51
    +1

    @hardwooden I thank all of you for the service. I don't have specific knowledge or work in of the police force or work in public sector, but I imagine, like nearly all public service, there are lot of nitty gritty details, nuts and bolts that the public willfully ignore and don't appreciate; public service is between a hard place and a rock. I wish there were more public education in this regard, so we don't go the American way of extremes.
    Cheers

  • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 16/06/2017 - 16:57

    Just wondering, do you ever get people speaking to you in an insulting way (oink oink, etc)? What is the line at which you can penalise somebody for being rude? I'm assuming you'd arrest them for calling you a c-bomb?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 18:58
      +1

      I do but not often. More often than not it happens when there's a protest of some sort.

      There is definite threshold but most of it is aimed at getting a response out of us. Most of the time I think of something else than the idiot in front of me.

  • spacebanana on 16/06/2017 - 16:59
    +1

    Bit of an odd one, but I tossed up posting it or not.
    I feel like there is a bit of a priority on certain things that affect statistics and some things that the public really need get left to the wayside.

    My best example is last weekend, someone ran into my car on the street and drove off, reported it to my local station who could honestly not care in the slightest and because I didn't have comprehensive insurance they didn't want to write me out a police report for my records.
    On the very same day, I was stopped in traffic and moving my phone from my pocket to my cup holders as it was uncomfortable and i got a $466 fine for touching my phone, the cops really didn't care about the circumstances just said I was a distracted driver and told me I would have no recourse in appeal or courts. Very upsetting but they were very excited to give me the fine, just not so excited to help when my car was damaged…. I have a very high level of respect for police officers but when these sorta situations arise it really infuriates me..

    What do you think about this?

    Cheers for the AMA

  • benderz on 16/06/2017 - 17:00

    Thanks for answering so much. Lots of great questions and even better answers.

    Were there any pre conceived ideas about the job which turned out completely wrong after starting?

    What are the start finish times like? I currently do long shift work which I think is not sustainable and am looking for a change.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:15
      +1

      Thx.

      There are a few, most of which have to do with the toxic work place, which is everywhere. What I think now and what changed, in no particular order:

      • Police officers represent Victorian community very well, with the fears, wishes and thoughts. I'm just about the only one that thinks jail system is a fail and we should do better than getting instant gratification. Every fear you have, we have.
      • Small things matter for everyone, from the paperclips to pressure tyres. Very few are looking at the bigger picture or trying to understand the underlying problems and possible solutions to see the direction we are heading.
      • Most of my colleagues have little to no formal education apart from the mandatory one. Most of my managers and senior managers are the same. This creates a lot of problems and poor decision making.
      • Gossip is everywhere and toxic colleagues bring the morale down for everyone. No one seems to want to do something about it.
      • We are ran by intimidation and fear. We are afraid to take decisions or the right decisions because of scrutiny from management. This lets the community down most of the time. We have a saying, you can't win in this job. No matter what you do, you will get scrutinised.
      • You can't please everyone. You can't really please anyone. You lose on all fronts.

      The thing is, seeing the bigger picture and how police is now and understanding how it evolved as an organisation, I understand why there is gossip, why the management leads by intimidation and why there is little formal education among the members.

      Start and finish … 8 hours a day (no formal meal break). My starting times are "randomly": 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.

      Don't get me wrong, I still find it a good place to work. You just have to find your place or your zone or start gossip and try and get along with the others. I just zone out when I'm at work. I just can't stand it.

  • Aston on 16/06/2017 - 17:00
    +1

    Hi,
    I read an interesting article in the Age on the weekend (last Saturday I think) which talked about the Moomba riots in 2016. The article talked about how some of these offenders had to front up to people involved in organising the parade to sit and listen to how their actions had effected the organisers and the greater community. These offenders were said to be between the ages of 16-18 and this situation occurred when different gangs had come across each other and had started rioting at the event. (sorry, I don't have the article in front of me, so details may be a little fuzzy)

    The article noted that this method of getting the youths involved to actually sit down and listen to how their actions effected those involved in Moomba seemed to be quite effective in getting the youths to take responsibility for what they had done. Some of them were seen crying and feeling remorseful. The article mentions since this meeting occurred (which if I recall was not too long after the event) that none of these youths had reoffended since.

    I have a few questions for you: do you think that initiatives such as these are effective in educating or rehabilitating offenders in relation to anti-social behaviour or criminal activity?

    Do you think that when someone commits a crime and the way that crimes are dealt with means that criminals are too detached from the kind of impact that their actions have on individuals involved or society in general? And initiatives such as the one above would be a positive step in taking responsibility and being aware of the emotional, physical, economic etc consequences of one's actions?

    I just feel that the way society looks at those labelled as a criminal makes it very hard in a lot of ways to not only lose the stigma of being labelled a 'criminal' or 'deviant' and that for a lot of people in this system they are trapped in this cycle. I feel like the media feeds into the kind of hysteria of crime and it doesn't help the way the general public sees crime or criminals. Even the way TV shows depict crime and criminals ie (to paraphrase) 'We will lock you inside and throw away the key' etc.

    My point is, how are prevailing attitudes meant to rehabilitate people and reduce crime?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:18

      I have a few questions for you: do you think that initiatives such as these are effective in educating or rehabilitating offenders in relation to anti-social behaviour or criminal activity?

      See my previous posts regarding the matter. Towards the start of this whole thing.

      My point is, how are prevailing attitudes meant to rehabilitate people and reduce crime?

      We don't have good measures in place at the moment. There are some but highly ineffective as very few believe in them. We want revenge, we want people in prison we don't care on long terms solutions. See my comments on the issue towards the start.

  • Murpha on 16/06/2017 - 17:04

    First off, I would like to thank you for the service in the community. It is brilliant what you and many others do.

    I have to travel ~100km a day on a round trip between work and home, in peak hour traffic. It is not the distance I must travel, nor the number of vehicles (which I swear has doubled in the past few years) on the road which frustrates me, but the fact I often encounter drivers dawdling along at a good 15 to 20km/h (or more) under the the speed limit for no apparent reason. The weather conditions are fine, traffic is flowing, and unless there vehicle is not capable of reaching or more reasonable speed under the limit (in that case, it probably should not be on the read), I can't see why this would be. Surely somewhat impeding traffic flow is an offense? Do the police ever pull over such people? Or would this create situation that is too difficult to police by sending mixed messages?

    Sorry for the poor wording.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:22
      +2

      Well, in this case I think the road signs are wrong and you are just one of the victims.

      You see, the road sign it looks like a target. That's not a target it is the absolute maximum. Almost anything below is acceptable. If I remember correctly there is an offence for driving unreasonably with 1/4 of the maximum allowed speed.

      Again, that's not a target it is a maximum limit. It's like saying to you, You have to run 2km from here to here. You can run as fast as possible, just get there. No pressure to the time limit. What are the chance of you running your lungs out as fast as you can ? Why do we do that in a car ? Take the car out of the equation.

      • PaperplaneXXX on 16/06/2017 - 22:59

        interesting! slow goers always bother me.
        I think the issue with tailgating comes here.

      • Murpha on 16/06/2017 - 23:43
        -1

        Thanks for the response. I get what you mean by it not being a target and I do think that everyone deserves to get to their destination safely, but it still seems very unreasonable for someone to travel a good 20km/h under the limit. With the cost of living forcing people to find affordable housing further out, the growing population, and inadequate infrastructure spending increasing traffic and travel times, would it not be sensible to enforce a minimum speed (perhaps within 10% of the limit?). This would possibly help with the growing number of angry, impatient, inconsiderate and abusive drivers on the road and help everyone arrive at their destination safely and less stressed. We're only human and even the most patient people can crack and do something very silly on the roads. On the travel time side, the difference between a 'good' run and a 'bad' run on the way home can be 15 to 20 minutes. It doesn't sound like much, but that's time I could be spend with family or friends, etc. It all adds up. I know you're not the law maker, but is interesting to hear it from an enforcer.

  • FOX on 16/06/2017 - 17:10
    +1

    If a highway has speed limit of 100km/h, what is the acceptable/legal speed range that I can drive? Within 10%? Thanks.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:23

      +2 km/h or 2% whichever is greater.

  • shazzaj98 on 16/06/2017 - 17:15

    Do you think speed limits in Australia are too low? A lot of 100/110kmh zones are well and truly capable of faster speeds being driven imo.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:26
      +2

      How many of your mates are capable of driving faster ?

      What is our driver training to be able to go faster ?

      How about your elderly neighbour, would you trust yourself in the passenger seat and your 75 year old auntie going with 140 down the freeway ?

      It's all good when it ends good but when things go south, they do a lot of damage to a lot of things and people.

      Stuart Hwy (NT) (unlimited speed) was and it is a huge success and I'm all for that. Your granny is not the targeted commuter on that hwy. There is also no build up zones nearby.

      100 km/h is enough for Victoria. It's not big enough to warrant something else. Every other state (except Tassie) is another story.

      Edit

      Stuart Hwy was a very interesting social experiment. The limit there was 130 kmh before removing it. (Off - 130 - Off again)

      I've been there few times both with and without the limit.

      What they observed during the first 2 years of adopting the no limit again. The speed limit employed by everyone was 110kmh (20 less than before). The number of crashes went down by 50% in the first year.

      Been there some time ago, I was doing 110, no one was faster than me.

      • shazzaj98 on 16/06/2017 - 22:16

        I live in Tasmania myself so I'm not one to judge other states highways and or/traffic.
        Thank you for responding as well.
        I find that driving faster results in more focus on the road, hence less likely to get distracted. I'm all for lower speeds in built up areas where there's enough to focus on already but yeah

  • Forskin on 16/06/2017 - 17:29

    Hi, I'm not sure if you will know the answer to this as it's more for a highway patrol officer however I'll ask anyway.

    I'm currently on my green P's in Victoria, and work at an aftermarket performance shop where we only sell performance upgrade parts but do not install them.

    I have a p plate banned car (v8 commodore) which has some performance modifications from my workplace.

    My managers have asked if I could drive my banned car to and from work for marketing purposes, however I have declined as I'm unsure if I will be exempt from the restriction.

    Vicroads website suggests that driving a p plate banned car for work purposes will give me an automatic exemption, however the car is registered in my name and not my workplace. Will this matter? Thanks !

  • MessyG on 16/06/2017 - 17:50

    First of all thankyou for your service to the community and the vulnerable in general, we are lucky to have you.

    First question - what training opportunities are there for you once you graduate from the academy? I.e. DV training, mental health, drug and alcohol - are there opportunities for you to do this or is it just into the academy and out again and that's it? If available, is it looked highly upon in terms of keeping your job?

    Seconly - how big of a problem is ice really and what are your thoughts as to it's solution? 20 years ago it was heroin, why ice now?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:39

      1 - there are a lot of training opportunities, you just have to take them. Most of them are online but there are many classroom and practice based. Most are awesome!

      Most of the training is for the job at hand, for example you can't be at HWP without certain training: Gold licence, EBT, OFT, Laser, etc…

      2 - It's a really big problem and we need some serious brainstorming to tackle that. I can't see a solution in locking someone in a room and then releasing him hoping he'll get better after. Then repeat the process. I've touched upon the subject earlier regarding social issues as well.

      Heroin is a nasty drug that gave us lot of needles, but it is creating lot less problems for us, mainly because heroin addicts don't fire up as much and are relaxed. Just watch the needles.

      We need different drug approach than the current one. Obviously not working.

  • striker5950 on 16/06/2017 - 18:10

    how much money do you make?

    • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 16/06/2017 - 18:48
      +1

      That's public knowledge…Google it.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:41

      Has been answered few times now.

  • Bear2976 on 16/06/2017 - 18:20

    Hi Harwooden,

    Been following your thread since yesterday

    Serving member of an Australian police service myself (Not VicPOL) and completely respect and understand your passion for anonymity. Just curious given your answers if you can shed a little bit more information on what policing roles you've undertaken

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:43

      Hi and thank you.

      I cant give you any specifics but I've been in/with highway patrol, family violence, uniform, prosecutions, detectives, drug squad and few others. There are bout 200 other units that I haven't tried yet. Will try to get to some of them, they look interesting.

  • mp3police on 16/06/2017 - 18:21

    Why do you hate the devils lettuce so much ?

  • timmysbiscuits on 16/06/2017 - 18:31

    What future/hypothetical technology breakthrough do you think would have the biggest effect on policing? eg. widespread facial recognition cameras, automated internet/social media monitoring , RoboCop?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 20:53
      +1

      Not advance/breakthrough is the problem. Adopting it is.

      We are like the Titanic, to take a 15 degrees turn it takes years and years. Very hard, even with small things like … email. Yes we still use the FAX machine on a daily basis.

  • timmysbiscuits on 16/06/2017 - 18:39
    +1

    This has been a very informative and interesting post. I've asked a few questions and you've answered them all - thank you. Again, thank you for your service to the community, and I am grateful you've given us this opportunity to ask questions and hear your views on so many things.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:53
      +1

      Those are my views only, most of my colleagues don't share them.

      Very few are actually trying or managing to see the broader problem and solutions and think past of what's in front of them.

      • timmysbiscuits on 16/06/2017 - 20:09

        In some of the areas you've identified problems in, do you think you will have the opportunity in the future to influence or lead change?

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:26
          +1

          Don't think so. The place is just to big.

          In saying that, who knows what the future might bring. I keep my hopes up.

        • moar bargains on 16/06/2017 - 22:19
          +1

          @harwooden: Just based on reading a few dozen of your answers you seem to be be a forward thinking, considered, intelligent person so I wouldn't count yourself out just yet :)

  • Tasmaniac on 16/06/2017 - 18:40

    Serious question: Here in Tassie there are houses set up and selling Meth. There are cars arriving and leaving at all hours of the day and everyone with half a brain knows that Meth is being sold.

    Why is it that these places aren't shut down and the sellers arrested straight away ?.

    I've heard stories of police building cases before stopping the sale of drugs however there's clearly still places that are left to ruin lives.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 19:55
      +1

      Not sure what processes are in place in Tassie but I imagine they are close to VicPol. Call your local cop shop and speak with someone in charge. Ask what has been done about it if he has any knowledge.

      Yes, here in Vic, some of the times we seem not to do anything about them, but most of them are closely monitored. Get all the fish before bursting the tank.

      • naturaldecay on 16/06/2017 - 22:53

        I live near Victoria st where so much dealing and distribution happens, and the worst thing is it is so brazen- they do it in the same spots and don't seem to fear the police. I understand the concept of building a case and so on, but it just feels as though they're getting away with it forever. Walking about, I can't go 50m without seeing needles or associated paraphernalia, it's crazy. I have some sympathy for drug users, but the dealers are the lowest scum, and I'm waiting for the local police to do some huge operation where they jail those guys all in one go..

        ps this is an incredible effort, thank you for doing this. I have learned a great deal!

        • iDroid on 16/06/2017 - 22:57

          I totally agree, except that a good lot of dealers are users trying to support their habit. It's a vicious circle that's akin to a pyramid scheme.

        • naturaldecay on 16/06/2017 - 23:06
          +1

          @iDroid:
          Indeed. I was interested to hear Harwooden talk about his attitude towards sentencing and so on. For some reason I had an idea that police would support 'tough on crime' dogma but his comments made me realise that the police see the worst of this every day- they would have the best understanding of the fact that these people are vulnerable, desperate and very ill. I wish the state would spend some more resources on rehabilitation.. they have floated the idea of a safe injecting centre and I'm all for that. Much rather in there than on every damn street corner. Plus much safer for users as well, all round win. Don't see why it isn't happening, the problem is seriously reaching endemic levels

  • MathNerd on 16/06/2017 - 18:40
    +2

    Ash Bowden!! Maaaate welcome to ozbargain! I'm a big fan of yours ;)

  • yyhazy on 16/06/2017 - 18:44

    Thanks for you service, and your effort in communicating with members of the community. Not sure if you'll have the time to answer all the questions here, but I'll put my questions here nevertheless. What's your opinion on the idea that police office should have an university degree? And what's your opinion on the "shoot-to-kill" clause in anti-terrorism policing?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 20:12

      I personally think education should employ a big role into policing. I agree with an university degree and I'll tell you why.

      This is a monkey job, you see you do. There is nothing more to it and very few jobs that actually employ more than 2 neurons. However, education broadens your field of view and understanding of other things than those in front of you. It would be less gossip, lot more interesting conversations and possibly a better mood ?

  • siresteelhell on 16/06/2017 - 19:02

    Hi, thanks for the post, I would love some clarification about this… A while ago I was tested by the EPA at a police roadside breath test station.. The police after the breath test told me I had to go through the EPA roadside sound test. I was running low on time as I had to pick up my kids, I wouldn't have minded going to a test some other time.. Does the police and EPA have the power to enforce immediate testing with EPA? Did I have the right to refuse the immediate test and go to a later one (like when the police sends you to an inspection at an approved tester)? Would I have been fined if I just left?
    Cheers Carey

    P.S., thank you for your service to the community in a tough job

    2nd question if you have time,
    What makes it safe for police members to drive around with one hand on the wheel and another on a mobile phone to their ear? Not trying to be a smart arse, it just seems like a double standard and ironic that people get fined for the exact same thing for "safety"

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 20:46
      +1

      1'st one, I don't know. Not sure but if EPA was there it might be a problem if you refuse. Not sure.

      2'nd - I've done it on several occasions and I touched on that earlier.

      Be careful what you wish for, same thing happened with speeding of police cars and double standards. I will not crash a red light camera unless your life depends on it. Same with lights/sirens on and speed.

      Yes, we drive the police cars, we get the fines.

      Mobile phones, that comes down to own's integrity. I know a lot of coppers who don't ticket mobile phones and when asked why, they always say because they do it themselves.

  • ahly92 on 16/06/2017 - 19:16

    Thanks for the AMA, great read and insightful. Got a couple of questions,

    1. Over your years, have you seen an increase in prejudice/targeting of particular ethnicities/religions. I say so as there is an impression from the community I belong to that we seem to be targeted at greater extent. I do not believe that to be the case myself though.

    2. Is it true there are ripe curruption in some areas of the police force, example drug devisions?

    3. If I found 100k and handed it in, if it was not claimed within a period, will I be given it?

    4. All your values and commentary surrounding policing is so spot on! Is there anylikly chance you can become Police Commissioner in the future to implement this overhaul?

    Thanks

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 20:52
      +1

      1 No, it is just your impression. The number of contacts withing all of the communities seems to be equal.

      2 - I never heard of that. I don't believe it is.

      3 - Yes, within 3 months if unclaimed.

      4 - Police Commissioner, unfortunately, it is a politician's job. He can't drive major changes. I don't think I will ever end up in a high management position. The higher you go on the ladder, the more locked in position you get.

      Thank you for your appreciation.

  • gimli on 16/06/2017 - 19:35

    Do you have targets for fines when you are say rostered to patrol for speeding?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 20:48

      No, but as HWP you are expected a large number of tickets. Spoke about that earlier.

  • dealhunting007 on 16/06/2017 - 19:56

    The teenager crime especially of certain groups is going out of control in VIC and recent crimestats show increase from last year as well. While politicians, and senior member of department trying to show it's coming down, what do you feel about the crime and your effort being wasted when you work hard to arrest someone and they get bail in minutes and you are left to chase them again.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 20:47

      We spoke about that earlier.

  • pringleskid on 16/06/2017 - 20:21

    How long did you took to reach your current rank?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 20:48

      Timeframes were given already earlier.

      • pringleskid on 16/06/2017 - 22:01

        Damn totally missed it. I was searching for the word "rank" throughout the comments.

  • Spending2Much on 16/06/2017 - 20:54

    What happens if you type my name into the computer?
    Is there a buzzer or alert?😂😂

    Can you do searches out of interest?

    If someone cuts you off or hassles you in your own car, do you go back later on duty and defect their car?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:27

      Haha, good one.

      Had few problems off duty and I called 000. No one pursue the matters and I thought of taking care of it myself. But, slept on it and moved on.

  • prinsenhof on 16/06/2017 - 20:59

    Hey,

    Was looking at target shooting for sport. It seems as though you need to attend competitions or shooting courses several times a year to maintain the license. My question is, if you own several firearms but loose the license (say i go travelling for a year), do the police store them or something until you re-qualify or are they destroyed ?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:29

      I'm not sure. That would be a question for the DFO (district firearms officer). I'm not one of them.

  • Spending2Much on 16/06/2017 - 21:02

    Jokes aside, all due respect to you and to the police force. I've always said police and nurses donr get paid enough.!!
    A thankless job at times no doubt.
    Police are everyday people doing a demanding and tough job. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

    Have you typed my name yet?

  • Henrideacon on 16/06/2017 - 21:04

    Hi, my wife worked for 000 at Brisbane Headquarters and loves cop \ crime TV shows. Do you watch any ?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:30

      I watch HWP from time to time, I find it funny.

      The public identifies police with some of the shows and gets the wrong idea, like a crime can be solved in 80 minutes. Not always the case. I don't watch much T.V.

  • clement1986 on 16/06/2017 - 21:19

    Just a question regarding speeding tolerance. Say if in an 80k zone, driving at what speed won't get stopped by HWP? Some say 83k, some say 10% which is 88k, some say 80k. which one is actually practiced by HWP? What about speed cameras? Do they give you some slack such as allowing 83k?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:35

      +2km/h or 2% whichever is greater. That's the limit.

      It is up to the member to set his threshold and pull you over. I never heard anyone having a lower threshold of 10km/h. In saying that, I also heard that the stats are reducing and they are pushing for lower threshold to justify their existence.

      My personal threshold in a 80 zone is 92. That's around 14%, more than enough for anyone to know it's above the speed limit. Might not seem much, would you like a 14% increase in salary ? Now becomes much…

  • westernculture on 16/06/2017 - 21:35

    Let's say ur off duty and unarmed and u happen to be one of the hostages of armed robbery. What would u do?

    A. Be a hero like John McClane
    B. Wait out the storm till SWAT arrives
    C. Something else…(pls elaborate)

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2017 - 21:46

      Don't really like what if questions. There is never a right answer.

      I'll find out when the time comes.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 16/06/2017 - 22:49
        +1

        Now that's what I call a cop out.

  • siresteelhell on 16/06/2017 - 23:27

    Hi again, a couple more..:)
    1# hey I have done some recreational shooting with mates (mostly rabbits, fox). Last time I went for my shooters licence I completed the shooters test at the police station, had my permission to shoot on crown land and was ready to put in the paperwork.. When I came to the part on the paperwork that requires someone to know you for over 2 years (not a personal reference, just an ID reference that you are who you say you are), everyone ie doctor, accountant etc I approached was not wanting to sign for me due to (I am guessing), the relentless bad news on most media)…. I don`t know a JP that "knows me" that will sigh either… While I understand the need for people to be "in the system", what else can one do to overcome this problem? I am sure the police would rather have people shooting with all the right licencing.
    2# I notice the councils are making many new intersections go to dual lanes just before intersections and back to single lanes straight after. What is the road rule if you are in the left lane (that ends) with a "left land ends merge right" sign.. Many times if you are ahead of the driver on the right lane and there is a gap, they speed up and force you to either stop (dangerous if you have other cars behind you)or drive in a non lane. I was under the impression it was the same as a highway entry,,, the onus is on both drivers, the left lane must endevor to find a gap, and the right must back off if the driver on left is ahead…
    Cheers again, Carey

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