INSPIRING INNOVATION HANDWRITING ANALYSIS THE VOICE

MAY 2013

A sobering realityOur new approach to alcohol-related violence

Over the last decade, reports of domestic and family violence

have consistently increased as the community recognises that it’s no longer a ‘private’ matter.

Domestic violence involves behaviour that ranges from emotional abuse, intimidation, physical abuse and at an escalated level violent attacks.

Senior Programs Officer for the Domestic & Family Violence Team, Robyn Auld said it’s a basic human

right that people should have shelter, be safe in their own home and live free from violence.

“The community has become less tolerant over time to the use of violence as a means to resolve conflict,” she said.

NSWPF Spokesperson for Domestic & Family Violence, Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said police are actively involved in providing support and referral for victims through collaborative

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CLOSED DOORSBEHIND

STORY BROOKE EGGLETON RADIO OPERATIONS GROUP

PHOTO REUBEN ENNOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

Working to address the scourge of domestic violence

working relationships with a range of government and non-government agencies.

The DVLO – who is assigned in each of the 80 LACs in NSW – performs a key role in making this effective collaboration possible.

Mount Druitt DVLO Coordinator Sgt David McInerney said the role of DVLO has a strong focus on the victim.

“We make sure the victim understands what might be required through the court system, we also put them in contact with various support services and we do a lot of victim follow up,” he said.

Sgt McInerney said that working with victims can however prove challenging for a number of reasons.

“We have victims who are too scared to give a statement or take action, are caught up in their relationship bond, sometimes it’s a financial factor,” he said. “Others are caught in the cycle of violence and some victims have either a dislike or cultural fear of police.

“Culturally speaking the fear is there from a different country where the police were seen as an enforcement agency for the government in a corrupt or violent way,” he said.

Sgt McInerney said to address these issues DVLOs work with external agencies that provide victim support in different ways.

The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) for example help female victims and defendants through the court process in explaining how the judicial

system works and what power protection orders have.

Sgt McInerney said Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) is another fantastic resource that is of great benefit to victims of domestic violence.

“They can provide support by helping the victim stay at home and within their own community,” he said. “It means the family doesn’t have to uproot their lives and change everything because the offender has done the wrong thing.”

Sgt McInerney said SHLV can provide personal protection alarms, back to base alarm systems and motion detecting cameras that help the victim feel safe and secure.

While DVLOs are victim orientated they are also sometimes involved in programs – like the Pacific Island Perpetrator Program that’s managed by Mount Druitt Probation & Parole – that aim to stem the likelihood of repeat offenders.

Mount Druitt DVLO Snr Cst Brian Johnson has been involved in the program for the last three years and said it’s managed like an open forum where participants can ask questions and clarify issues.

“Probation & Parole is a really good partner agency and I think they are really proactive in trying to achieve things,” he said.

DVLOs also develop strategies that target HROs and often work with DVOs in carrying out compliance operations that monitor AVOs as well as bail conditions.

Sgt McInerney said offender letters can also be utilised in making the offender aware that they’re being proactively targeted, not only for domestic violence related offences but any form of criminal behaviour.

“We also focus on consistent victim follow up in these instances,” he said. “It becomes more of a managed case basically – with the victim and

the offender.” LACs are also involved in event

programs that target younger demographics, which focus on breaking the intergenerational cycle of domestic violence.

Walgett LAC in conjunction with Mission Australia, Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service and other local groups hold ‘Boys Day Out’ and ‘Girls Night In’ events where teenagers can discuss relationships, the effects of drug and alcohol abuse and learn what resources are available to them in their community.

DVLO Coordinator for Domestic & Family Violence Team, Leah Archer said that breaking the cycle of violence is always a difficult challenge.

“As soon as kids realise that domestic violence is not acceptable, they’re less likely to commit it,” she said.

One of the most complex responsibilities of DVLOs is the role they play in attending court.

This involves speaking with victims and offenders, obtaining instructions on court proceedings and ensuring that orders and applications are properly completed and served.

Snr Cst Johnson said everyone has a purpose and a role at court despite the fact that they’re all ultimately working toward the same common good.

“As police we are incident driven and based around the law and our prosecutors work along the same vain.”

“Court advocacy groups take a more holistic approach in managing cases, and legal aid are very defendant based so their aim is to get the best result for the defendant,” he said.

Ms Auld said the judicial system can also prove trying for DVLOs when offenders are given perceivably lenient sentences.

“That is quite difficult for police as they do all the leg work in attending a domestic violence incident, they do the investigation, take photos and victim statements and attend court,” she said. “But sometimes from the police perspective that doesn’t seem to pay off.”

DVLOs also work with GDs in reviewing domestic and family violence reports and cases and carrying out follow up visits with victims when necessary.

Sgt McInerney said the GDs manage the initial domestic incident in attending the scene, taking statements, arresting offenders and applying for an AVO.

Sgt McInerney said the DVLO in turns acts as an oversight body in ensuring the incidents are responded to correctly – which is informed by their specialist knowledge of the area regarding SOPs for instance.

“We’re trying to help GDs, not hinder them,” he said. “Making sure that everything is done correctly is part of our job and if we can help everyone with that as in the victim, the offender and police, then we’ve done our job.”

Ms Auld said there’s a lot more resources, skills, training and knowledge available to support police now to carry out proactive investigations and prosecutions to ideally achieve better court results.

“We’re lucky to have so many passionate DVLOs,” she said. “They’re dealing with victims who may be crying, angry, scared – the whole range of emotions – and they have to find a way to connect with them.”

“It’s a credit to them – regardless of how long they work in the role – as it’s a highly emotive, volatile and dangerous area of work and they achieve great results.”

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CLOSED DOORS

ABOVE Mt Druitt LAC’s Domestic & Family Violence Liaison Officers, Snr Cst Brian Johnson and Sgt David McInerney

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THE VOICE OF THE FORCESHINES ON OUR NATION’S TV SCREENS

Started off perfect and just got more perfect from there.

– Joel Madden’s feedback to Belinda Adams following her blind audition for The Voice

ABOVE AND RIGHT Belinda Adams performing with The Police Band at The Rocks

The lead singer of the Police Band recently made it through the blind audition phase of The Voice to become an impressive contender on the top rating show.

STORY AMANDA BEADMAN POLICE MONTHLY

As a little girl Special Constable Belinda Adams was too shy

to sing in front of an audience – or anyone at all. But because she loved to sing, she would do it on her own, behind a closed bedroom door.

Her parents would listen from outside, encouraging her to come out and perform for them.

Eventually the young Belinda conquered her nerves and took to the stage as part of a Year 6 Variety Concert, where she performed Madonna’s ‘Crazy For You’ in front of her schoolmates.

“Everyone came up to me afterwards and said ‘you were so good’,” said Belinda, who now sings full time with the Police Band.

“They didn’t know I could sing like that.”

It’s a long way from the shy little girl alone in her room to the stage of one of the nation’s most popular TV shows.

With decades of experience as a professional singer behind her, Belinda has come a long way.

Her talent and ability were enough to make all four judges on the Nine Network’s The Voice ‘turn their chairs’ to indicate they were interested in mentoring Belinda throughout the competition.

The 39-year-old’s performance of the Jennifer Hudson song I am changing had Seal, Ricky Martin, Delta Goodrem and Joel Madden all pitching their heartfelt reasons for

wanting Belinda on their team. But it was Latino heartthrob Ricky who won her over in the end.

“Initially I thought I was going to choose Seal, and I am a massive fan of all of the judges, but when Ricky started talking I knew I had to choose him,” she said.

The words that won her over would be music to any vocalist’s ears coming from an artist who has sold more than 70 million albums.

“I believe that you can do anything you want with that voice,” Ricky said.

“I’m looking for a voice that walks into a studio today, records a song and years from now you will feel you can touch the sky listening to that voice and I’ve found it today – that is you.”

Although she has performed on television before, including on Mornings with Kerri-Anne and singing the national anthem at the 2012 City to Surf, Belinda said the intensity of her blind audition was a unique experience.

“It was exhilarating, nerve-racking and exciting,” she said.

“I may have looked calm on the outside but I was petrified on the inside.”

Belinda said she chose to compete on the show because of its integrity and positivity, adding that, while some might find it daunting to be thrust into the national spotlight, she was ready for any new challenges.

Unfortunately Belinda did not make it through the ‘battle rounds’ but said she loved the whole experience and welcomed the additional publicity since her appearance..

Trials and tribulationsThe excitement and opportunity of

Belinda’s involvement on The Voice represented a change of fortune for her entire family.

Belinda herself has suffered from a severe intestinal disease throughout her life and on two separate occasions has almost lost her life on the operating table.

The condition means she will be on medication for the rest of her life.

Belinda’s brother also met with physical limitations after he was hit by a bus in London and lost a leg. Despite the tragedy he went on to represent Australia twice in the Winter Paralympics.

Belinda’s father, while a professional cyclist, was involved in an accident that left him in the trauma ward undergoing facial reconstruction, enduring multiple strokes, two bypass surgeries and a cancer diagnosis – all within the space of five years.

Following on from that, her mother had a breast cancer scare and Belinda and her husband were badly burnt when a boat they were on exploded.

“We’ve had more than our fair share of misfortune, but I try to always look ahead,” Belinda said.

“We’ve faced a lot as a family.”

Follow Belinda and the Police Band on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nswpoliceband

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THE VOICE OF THE FORCE

I love everything about singing – the way it makes me feel and the way it makes other people feel. I love seeing the looks on their faces. – Belinda Adams

Making aSplash,

A group of young people from remote NSW recently visited Sydney as part of a joint NSWPF initiative.

STORY AMANDA BEADMAN POLICE MONTHLYIMAGES CHRIS ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

No one who saw Brandy Lamb take to the surf on Bondi Beach

last month would have guessed she was from an isolated town 821 kilometres west.

Well-balanced on her surfboard and carefree with the waves, the 14-year-old seemed like a natural on the nation’s most well-known strip of sand, although she was modest about her abilities.

“I think I’m ok at surfing,” she said. “Although a lot of times I was just getting smashed by the waves.”

Brandy was one of 10 Aboriginal kids visiting from Goodooga, a rural

remote town in northern NSW.The trip, with a packed itinerary

spanning seven days, was organised by NSWPF officers, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers from Walgett Police Station and staff from Goodooga High School.

According to Brandy, the initiative has the potential to change young lives for the better.

“Trips like this help kids make the right choices, instead of turning to drugs and things like that,” she said.

“It makes us feel more positive about things.”

Aboriginal people comprise around 80% of Goodooga’s modest population of less than 300, with 29% of the Aboriginal population aged under 15.

Aboriginal communities within

the town and its surrounding areas are plagued by high unemployment rates, substance abuse and domestic violence.

Walgett Det Snr Cst Dane Poole was one of the officers who helped make the Goodooga to Sydney trip a reality.

Having worked across Sydney for 10 years in areas such as Redfern, Newtown, Ashfield, and the Eastern Suburbs, he said the communities around Walgett – including Goodooga – had presented him with a new set of challenges.

“The local children have very few role models in their communities. School attendance is significantly low and a vast quantity of the local crime can be attributed to juveniles,” Det Snr Cst Poole said.

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“The children involved in the trip to Sydney were selected based on school attendance and behaviour, in order to promote both attendance and good behaviour within the school and the community.”

After arriving on a Sunday afternoon, the Goodooga kids headed to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for a Monday morning sail, followed by a visit to ANZ Stadium for the 7pm clash between South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Cronulla Sharks.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning the group started their day in the waves at Bondi, taking part in lessons provided by the Let’s Go Surfing Bondi Surf School. On the Tuesday, champion surfer Layne Beachley donated some of her time to give the amateur board riders some tips.

One of the surf school instructors, Ella Godfrey, said it was heart-warming to see the young visitors embrace such an unfamiliar environment.

“It is a really good thing for these kids, and as you can see they are having the time of their lives,” she said.

“They are experiencing something that many of them have never experienced before.”

Later in the week the group took part in an NRL training session where they met the South Sydney Rabbitohs, visited the Water Police at Balmain, sailed Sydney Harbour and experienced Taronga Zoo, as well as taking part in numerous activities connected to their Aboriginal heritage.

Goodooga teenager Tamika Wood said the trip marked her first visit to the state’s capital.

“I’ve never been to Sydney before

and what I like most about it is…ummm…everything!” said the 14 year-old, while in the midst of a laughter infused sand fight with surfing ace Brandy.

“I think this trip is a great idea because it gives us the chance to experience new things and have lots of fun.”

PHOTOS Rosie, Kirsten and Delia from Goodooga in Northern NSW

Making a Difference

A pool party hosted by the Bourke Child Abuse Squad in partnership with the Bourke PCYC was so popular that one in 10 people in town attended.

STORY GEORGIE WELLS POLICE MEDIA UNIT

The Bourke Child Abuse Squad works alongside officers from

NSW Health and the Department of Family and Community Services, and the pool party was about educating the community about child abuse and how the three agencies respond.

It was also aimed at strengthening relationships between police and the public, and with 180 people in attendance the Child Abuse Squad is hailing it a success.

Local businesses and community members threw their support behind the day, donating time, money and products to help make the

day a success.The theme was healthy eating,

and not only did those attending get a healthy barbecue lunch with no junk food or soft drinks in sight, all children received a show bag filled with healthy snacks to take home.

Child Abuse Squad Zone Manager, Det Insp John Betell, praised Det Sgt Jason Ferns and Det Snr Csts Cath Robinson and Kate Locke for organising such a successful community engagement day.

“These officers were tireless in organising the party during a very busy time in CAS; they put all the show bags together, ran the day as a whole and did not stop from start to end,” he said.

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ABOVE Romina Ferns, Fran Read, Det Sgt Ferns, Det Snr Cst Cath Robinson, Snr Cst Kelly Edwards, Det Snr Cst Kate Locke

CAS pool partyA LOCAL HIT

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STORY NORRIS SMITH CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

PHOTOS COURTESY THE NEWCASTLE HERALD

On Monday 29 April, Tony was at work in Newcastle as

NSWPF’s media liaison officer for the Northern Region when he suffered a heart attack. Despite the efforts of workmates and paramedics to resuscitate him, Tony was later pronounced deceased at The Mater Hospital.

Newcastle Commander, Supt John Gralton paid tribute to the man who only recently celebrated 35 years as a police officer.

“Tony Tamplin commenced general duties in 1978 at Chatswood, but was placed on restricted duties in 1984 following a serious motorcycle accident,” he said.

“Tony turned the negative into a positive and for the next three decades was the ‘face and voice’ of policing in the Hunter area of the Northern Region. He also worked tirelessly with local community groups including Variety-The Children’s Charity and CREST.

“Snr Cst Tamplin was a ‘gentle giant’ who had the gift of the gab.

“His outgoing personality and approachability made Tony the

perfect contact for media in the region, and for 29 years he kept locals updated and informed about policing and issues affecting the local community.

“In mid-April, a surprise celebration was held at work to mark Tony’s 35 years of duty. Surrounded by his wife, parents and five of his six children, he commented about the job, and the wider police family: I keep getting up every day, not thinking I have got to

go to work as a copper, but thinking I’m going to go and see my mates.”

“Tony’s mates in the NSWPF family and wider Hunter community – will miss him greatly,” Supt Gralton said.

ValeSNR CST

Snr Cst Tony Tamplin’s untimely death triggered an outpouring of messages from the community, including from the CEO of NBN Television in Newcastle, Deborah Wright who said that her team was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden loss of “our dear friend”.“Tony’s dedication, contribution and support over 35 years has been felt and appreciated by so many, a wonderful legacy that will live on,” she said.

TONY TAMPLIN Snr Cst Tony Tamplin, the man the Newcastle Herald recently described as “the jovial face of the Police Force across the Hunter for decades”, has died at the age of 54.

ABOVE Thousands of mourners packed Newcastle Town Hall on Thursday 2 May to celebrate the life of a man who had touched so many. PolAir and VIP Motorcycles led the procession through a 150-metre long guard of honour as Snr Cst Tamplin made one final appearance in front of an adoring public

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All members of the NSWPF were recently invited to help with the renovation of the Bryson Anderson’s family home in the Hawkesbury area.

PHOTOS A CURRENT AFFAIR AND MIKE WHYTE MULTIMEDIA UNIT

Det Insp Bryson Anderson VA and his wife Donna were in the

middle of renovations late last year when Bryson was killed on duty. Driven by Channel Nine’s A Current

Affair program, the call for help went out and the enthusiastic volunteers came flooding in, with impressive results.Bryson’s family and friends would like to sincerely thank everyone who got involved, and all members of the police family who continue to raise funds.

RENOVATING BRYSON’S HOME

v

MAY 2013 PoliceMonthly 29

The Bryson Anderson Memorial Shield Rugby League Match was held at Ballina Seagulls Rugby League ground on Sunday 24 March.

Following an initial game of touch football to start the day, a Rugby

League game was played between Richmond and Tweed Byron LACs.

Both games were held in honour

of deceased officer Det Insp Bryson Anderson VA and included players from Northern Region and FSG Lismore Crime Scene.

Supt Stuart Wilkins, Commander,

Tweed Byron LAC said the event was a huge success.

“It was a fantastic day with great camaraderie,” Supt Wilkins said.

“It was wonderful to see everyone coming together – with a great crowd of hundreds that showed up to lend their support and raise funds for Bryson’s family and to support the players from both sides.

“The games were played in the right spirit, with a lot of fun and enthusiasm for such a worthwhile cause. The main event and highlight of the day was the Rugby League

game which was played at a frantic pace with Richmond proving too strong for Tweed/Byron in the end, running out winners 30 points to 24.

After the games a number of jerseys were auctioned off, raising over $4500.

Thanks go to the organisers for such a great day and to the sponsors, First State Super, the Police Bank, and the NRL Rugby Leagues Clubs for their contributions to this very worthy cause. We are looking forward to next year’s event.

IN BRYSON’S MEMORY

BELOW The victorious RhinosRIGHT The Tweed touch teamBOTTOM RIGHT The Richmond touch team

@Alyce Whiteside [re: pursuit in Sydney’s north-west] Thank you to all officers involved! I won’t say which one, but one of those streets is my street. I hate living here but feel safe because I see the police patrol frequently doing their rounds. Keep it up especially around the parks and car parks.

@Brodie Rafferty I was in a shopping complex in Tamworth in October 2010, and the late Snr Cst Rixon was waiting in line behind me. I was unfortunately 10c short for a drink I wished to purchase, and complained to myself verbally about being thirsty. Snr Cst Rixon asked me how much cash I needed, and generously handed me the 10c I required. Just a suggestion, next time there’s a major incident in the Oxley LAC, perhaps a strike force could be named in his honour, to remember the bloke he was, and the legacy he leaves behind. RIP David

A devoted Volunteer in Policing (VIP) was recently recognised for his contribution.

STORY SGT SUE GODDARD ROSEHILL LAC

Earlier this year Rosehill LAC hosted an awards ceremony to

acknowledge VIP Frank Roll, who was presented with his five year service badge and his 1500 hours service badge by A/Supt Scott Whyte.

Frank first started as a volunteer with the NSWPF on 15 February 2007 and happily attends Rosehill LAC twice a week to assist with Crime Prevention duties.

The only time Frank has slowed down was when he was struck by a vehicle in 2012 while crossing the road.

Being the fighter he is, he recovered quickly and returned to his

VIP duties shortly after. Frank suffered another blow, also

in 2012 when his beloved wife Merle suffered an accident that saw her require on-going care.

Despite this additional commitment, Frank still found time to attend to his VIP duties in between caring for the love of his life.

Frank recently turned 86, so after the presentation of his awards, everyone in attendance sang happy birthday and watched as he blew out the candles.

Frank is well known for his jokes, and in the week before his ‘low key’ morning tea presentation he was

heard to quip that he “expected the Lord Mayor would be in attendance.”

Organisers contacted Parramatta Lord Mayor, Honourable Chedid, who enthusiastically accepted the invitation. The expression on Frank’s face was priceless when the official party, including the Lord Mayor and VIP State Supervisor Insp Steve Henkell entered the room.

The formal award ceremony dignified the occasion, with a proud tear forming in the eyes of most of the Rosehill LAC staff, who were proud to see their ‘Rollsy’ recognised with such a fitting tribute.

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A touching letter has been sent to say thank you to the NSW Police Force for the help they provide with fundraising and support for the Special Olympics.

Hello to my Police friends,I am getting my father to write this letter as I have Down Syndrome and writing a letter is something I can’t do. What I can do is athletics and swimming.And I do those with Southern Region, Special Olympics. I know that the NSW Police support Special Olympics and I would like to thank you all.I have taken part in a Torch Run and have met quite a few police officers there and also at carnivals.Oh, and Dad said thanks for helping find me (twice) when I got lost.

Your Friend,Paul Bowmaker

‘ROLLSY’ HONOURED WITH APPEARANCE OF LORD MAYOR

ABOVE VIP Frank Roll with some of the team at Rosehill

This publication is confidential and is issued for the information of all staff who are directed to obey orders contained herein. Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM

This publication is confidential and is issued for the information of all staff who are directed to obey orders contained herein. Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM

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Send your SITREP column contributions to #monthly. They need to be no longer than two paragraphs and photos are encouraged.SITREP

On 9 March the Police Media Unit’s Sara Burgess won the 45 kilometre ‘6 Foot Track’ Marathon, a cross country trek from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves. Sara, a talented runner, also recently featured in a profile article in Runner’s World magazine.

25 year veteran of the Force, Snr Cst Steven Blackett, with his blushing bride Debra Pringle

Deniliquin LAC recently celebrated the wedding of a long serving officer. Snr Cst Steven Blackett walked down the aisle with his sweetheart, Debra Pringle. In a show of pride for his chosen profession, the groom was granted approval to wear full police uniform.

This year marked the 11th consecutive year that Blacktown City has hosted the Police Games. The Games were held from March 16-31 and for the first time ever everything turned from police blue to a shade of pink to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM, Glenn McGrath and Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson APM at the launch

The Australian Police Rugby Union Golden Oldies recently hosted a team from Mitsubishi Japan, who arrived in Sydney on 1 March with the purpose of playing against the Oldies team. The game was held at Eastwood Rugby Club which was secured by our patron Nick Farr-Jones. The visit comes on the back of the Golden Oldies 2012 tour to Japan where they played two games of rugby against the Osaka Riot Squad and the Tokyo Riot Squad, as well as donating $4000 to the Commander of the three prefectures who were affected by the 2011 tsunami.

The team inside the dojo of the imperial guard

Traffic & Highway Patrol Command Open Day: Assistant Commissioner

Hartley is inviting retired HWP and traffic officers to attend an Open Day at

Huntingwood to recognise the contribution made by former officers. This will

be an opportunity to review the developments made in traffic enforcement and

technology, random breath and drug testing, as well as crash investigation.

The day will be catered. Date: 20/6/2013. 10am-2pm. Venue: 11 Liberty Road

Huntingwood. If required, transport available from Blacktown Railway Station. RSVP

by 3/6/13 to HWP@police.nsw.gov.au.

Our exhibit at this year’s Royal Easter Show bagged a swag of awards. This year the NSW Police Force exhibit won not only the Gold Ribbon for Best Hall Exhibit, but also the prestigious Best in Show Award for overall best exhibitor. Congratulations to the team at Public Affairs Branch, particularly Public Relations Officer Emily Waters. Special thanks to all police officers and VIPs who volunteered for more than 280 shifts.

This year’s exhibit was eye-catching, with a focus on cyber safety

Congratulations to all staff who were on duty or participated in Anzac Day celebrations across the state.

Members of the NSW Police Band marching along George St ahead of the NSW Police Contingent. Photo courtesy Chris Allen Photography