by CAA | Nov 20, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
20th November 2018
The unresolved ‘Red Shirts’ affair is with the OPP to provide advice to the Chief Commissioner on prosecuting those involved in this artifice.
The CAA agrees with the Herald Sun 20/11/18 that there is an overwhelming obligation to let voters know before Saturday if prosecutions are likely.
The electorate must go to the poles informed not in chasm of ignorance.
The Chief Commissioner has the responsibility to inform the electorate irrespective of what advice he may need or have.
It is no longer, whether a prosecution will succeed. The issue is whether the allegations are true or false and that can only be determined by a Court or the stench will linger for eternity.
The possibility of a constitutional crises cannot be discounted but the issue will be who caused it.
If the electorate is informed and they re-elect the current Government and a crises ensures this was the electorate exercising their democratic right and that must be respected.
If on the other hand the matter is still in limbo come the election and the Government is returned only to face a constitutional crises in the New Year, it will be the Chef Commissioner that will be held to account. A legacy no Chief Commissioner would enjoy.
Arguably, we may be faced with another election in 2019.
Whether a prosecution fails or succeeds it is a matter for the Courts after testing and evaluating the evidence not the executive arm of Government.
If there is a case to answer all participants must be charged and the electorate advised, this has to happen before Saturday.
Ivan W Ray
by CAA | Nov 18, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
18th November 2018
As Victorians move towards casting their vote the CAA has raised the sceptre of Integrity as the key element that is missing from many of our bureaucratic institutions including the Judiciary the Government, Police, IBAC and any other entity funded by the public purse.
You are funding these functions of Government and they are supposed to be serving you so at the very least you are entitled to have those entities operated and function with Integrity.
If we are inclined to donate to a charitable cause, we are automatically influenced by our perceived or actual knowledge of the integrity of the organisation that is managing the donations for the cause. We would shy away from a charitable endeavour if we suspected that the function of the charity lacked Integrity and so we should, irrespective of the cause.
A government we elect should be no different.
The CAA intends to publicly comment on matters where we identify that Integrity has been compromised and call on the organisation to respond.
If the entity does not respond then we assume the veracity of the breech alleged and we will regularly bring those breeches to the public notice.
A breech of integrity is only a hairs breadth away from corruption and if we want good governance of this state we need to ensure that Integrity is retained at all levels.
We have been disappointed at the lack lustre convoluted and in our view unsatisfactory performance of the various entities and authorities that are supposed to manage these issues. The performance of the current Government is testament to their failure.
They do not focus on what we the community might expect but bury issues in legalese to avoid punitive actions. It is extremely rare for any of these entities to detect lack of Integrity but perform half-baked responses to complaints from the public. They are all reactive and not proactive and their in lies their failure.
Governments that do not focus on what we the community expect and do everything possible to avoid accountability must ultimately expect to be held to account. It is extremely rare for many publicly funded organizations to acknowledge when they have acted with a lack of Integrity, and, when caught out, usually fail to respond adequately to complaints from the public. Being reactive and not proactive lies at the heart of their failure.
Failures of integrity must be pursued without fear or favour and the appropriate watchdog directed to take appropriate action. Independently of Government but reporting back to the Government.
An Integrity Commission can be the, ‘police on the beat’ detecting and identifying Integrity breaches and ensuring corrections.
The focus should be on correcting behaviours or processes and punitive actions reserved only for blatantly unlawful actions.
by CAA | Nov 13, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
13th November 2018
The issue of police numbers seem on the surface to be very confusing. On the one hand the Government is claiming number increases and the Opposition claiming the opposite.
The ABC Fact checker claims the Opposition is wrong but shows little understanding of police resourcing leading to misleading outcomes and the ABC is wrong.
Over recent years the Police numbers (overall) have increased to where Victoria has the highest ratio of sworn Police to every 100,000 population in Australia but also the highest crime rates.
The problem is in the definition of Operational Police that has been blurred in recent years by political manipulation of the real situation.
To understand the issue of the role of Police there are three distinct categories.
- Operational Police The frontline police working designated shifts generally operating out of Police Stations servicing the needs of the Community – manning the Divisional Vans, foot patrols and conducting other community interaction. They respond to any and every call from the community, they interact with the young and the old, the infirm and the aggressive. There are no boundaries to the demands on their work and they are in the ‘front line’, working to keep their community safe.
When you move past those members the descriptive phase ‘Operational Support Police’ applies. If Operational Police are involved in important duties and from time to time are in harms way their role is Operational Support for the front line Police.
- Operational Support Police. The Operational Support police are there to do as the name suggests and this includes all the specialist functions including the Special Operations Group, Air Wing, Crime Scene Officers, Task Forces, Squads, Groups or Units, Dog Squad, Water Police, Critical Incident Support Police and a list as long as your arm usually referred to by their acronyms.
Most of these units can be identified by a commonality that they do not work twenty four hour shifts and or they do not respond in the first instance to community needs There are exceptions but they are still Operational Support.
- Non- Operational Support Police. This covers the rest of the Police service including Management, Command and a wide range of tasks that have little or no Operational contact with the public.
All the functions in these categories are important. However the second and third category must never lose sight of their role,’ Support’. The pendulum can move to where the numbers in Support diminishes the frontline capability, which would on the surface seem to be a problem that has evolved in recent years.
The Government claims that increasing Police numbers is necessary because of population growth and recruiting stagnation over many years is attributable to both major parties are correct. The full benefit of the numbers authorised will not be achieved until 2020.
When the Opposition claims that Operational Police numbers are down, and based on information from frontline Police and the Police Association, they are correct. Explaining, in part, the Crime Tsunami.
Normally the Government of the day does not or should not influence Police allocation of resources. However, when the public is at risk then they have an obligation to intervene at a corporate level ensuring that police allocations are consistent with policing philosophies. That is not a Political interference but an intercurrence.
Where does that leave the voter when the crime Tsunami that has hit is still being felt?
The choices you have are:
Stick with the Government then endure more of the same. We can anticipate as the Police numbers increase the current ratios will remain constant with the pendulum in our view leaning perilously too far away from Operations. If you are satisfied with the ‘status quo’ then that is your call.
The Opposition however has indicated in a number of Policy announcements that they will emphasise Operational Policing, Crime Prevention and, critically, Service Delivery. That means that they will move to adjust the policing philosophies to achieve better operational policing outcomes swinging the pendulum back to balance.
When casting your vote and considering this issue remember that all the claims and counter claims are irrelevant it is how safe you feel and the confidence you have if something goes awry that you will receive the service you are entitled.
These are the facts that should influence your decision at the forth-coming election.
by CAA | Nov 12, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
12th November 2018
The Herald Sun reported (Frontline thin in hot spots 12/11/18) that the available Police at Frankston, a key metropolitan station had been cut in half.
The CAA had been led to believe that most stations operate on the” 70 -30 rule” at best, with the full burden of policing left to just 70% of the members.
Frankston takes this to a new alarming high. If that is the situation at Frankston what is happening at other large stations?
The community must be outraged at the impact on their safety and basic freedoms that effective Policing ensures. Nothing highlights this more than police taking hours and sometimes never, responding to the community needs. So much for Service delivery.
The CAA has long advocated that Police Stations must be the staffing priority and not the crucible of resource simply there to service other operational support or non-operational management whims.
This was demonstrated at the most recent Bourke Street incident where one Divisional Van Crew confronted and dealt admirably with a major incident. It was not long for huge numbers of Police to descend on the scene after the fact.
That raises the question of just where were all these police when the original call was made? With the numbers that appeared it is unbelievable that there were not multiple resources patrolling the city on foot and in cars, on bikes or horses. It would seem police managers would rather have them in an office in case! This is reactive as opposed to proactive policing. The latter to reduce the likelihood of these things happening.
The dark cloud that descends over Police staffing strategies is the increased risk of physical harm, stress and PTSD on the remaining members who must grind away with an ever-increasing workload.
The consequences are inevitable and the increase of victims in the community and within police ranks will be the outcome.
The Government cannot ‘wash its hands’ and side step this issue claiming ‘Separation of Powers’ and notwithstanding that politicians are in electoral mode this situation is very urgent and must be a addressed and the community given assurances of a solution.
by CAA | Nov 12, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
12th November 2018
A Senior Police member at Rosebud (HS9/11/18) laments the lack of Police resources and the management decision not to deploy extra Police to Rosebud for the traditional busy holiday season.
The astounding reason given – it was,” not busy enough”.
Again, Victoria Police have succumbed to the slavery of statistics, which replaces sound operational decisions.
The police member identified that the staffing levels at Rosebud are inadequate now and secondly an influx of holidaymakers will make the situation impossible to police given that domestics which tie up police crews for a minimum of four hours, reach epidemic proportions over Christmas.
To the credit of the current members at Rosebud it is clear that they are very effective even with the current staffing levels.
The most effective policing produces no measurable results because of the absence of crime and social disorder.
That large numbers of Victorians move into the area over Christmas and New Year reducing Policing demands elsewhere it defies logic that the staffing in the area is not boosted. The member is not talking about Water police, Air wing, or Mounted Branch who cannot park their vehicles in a driveway to attend an incident.
There are two types of frontline operational members, the ones that provide the policing service day in day out and are the ones we must rely on, and then others who are frontline police support who are important but are limited in their Policing response.
This whole issue is a management problem within Vicpol that must be addressed.
by CAA | Nov 12, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
12th November 2018
I start with the position that the present approach to the issue of illicit drugs in this State is full of anomalies, contradictions and anti-social ramifications.
Those who imbibe them are volunteers – nobody forces them to do so.
Making these drugs illegal, but at the same time assisting their consumption through such things as so-called “safe injecting rooms”, or testing pills at music festivals (to make sure they are “safe” to take) is the very height of hypocrisy and brings the law into disrepute. BUT BRINGING THE LAW INTO EVEN GREATER DISREPUTE IS WHAT HAPPENS IN COURTS WHEN THE ISSUE OF DRUGS AND DRUG-TAKING IS RAISED BY THOSE DEFENDING DEFENDANTS.
There is ample precedent for the proposition that self-induced influence of chemicals, coupled with conduct that might otherwise be disregarded, should be taken seriously and add to society’s criticism (or punishment) of the overall conduct by a person.
There is, and always will be, the issue that some drugs when taken – whether unlawfully or lawfully – can cause the imbiber to act in a manner dangerous to both himself and others, on the roads, in the workplace, or in the home.
But these volunteers, who choose to act unlawfully and dangerously, then commonly claim special privilege in mitigation of the nature of the offence or penalty, by virtue of that unlawful behaviour.
Such pleas or claims by the defence should not merely be disregarded, they ought not be allowed to be raised! So long as those sorts of claims relate to voluntary conduct by the accused they should not go to reduce the culpability of the volunteer.
To the contrary, such evidence should go to EXTEND the culpability of the volunteer. E.g. if a man gives himself some “dutch courage”, or reduces his inhibitions, after imbibing some chemical or for that matter alcohol, so as to conduct himself in an criminal manner, then his culpability should be increased in the interests of other citizens. We punish a person found drunk in charge of a motor car, even though no actual harm occurs to the public. We punish a person found drunk in possession of a loaded firearm, even if the weapon is not fired.
The law used to be fairly clear that self-induced intoxication was not a defence to a criminal charge. For the sake of clarity and effectiveness, we would make it plain in law that any self-induced state is both no defence but also no mitigation, either of the seriousness of any criminal charge or any subsequent penalty for that charge.
That approach should specifically apply to claims of addiction.
by CAA | Nov 9, 2018 | PTSD, Uncategorized
9th November 2018
I had not long finished publishing a Post I did earlier today highlighting that poor management decisions that place substantial stress on Police members – I am confident that the Senior policeman at Rosebud referred to in that post did not speak out because of spite, but frustration and genuine concerns for his community and his staff.
I then received an email to let me know that yet another police member has apparently committed suicide at a police station and had been discovered by colleagues this morning.
This leaves me with opposing unpleasant emotions – Very angry that this death was probably avoidable and angry that the other members had to deal with one of their own and the consequences that may evolve with them.
I am also deeply saddened that a family has lost a loved one and Police have lost another colleague.
Most of my anger is directed at the Government and Victoria Police who have known that members are under unrealistic stress and it would appear that little is being done- certainly not enough to avoid this tragedy.
We do not, of course, know all the circumstances but that is hardly the point as any plaintive justification or excuse will be rejected and properly dismissed.
The Government and the Chief Commissioner are jointly responsible and must own the issue, accept responsibility and make meaningful changes – I am afraid that Premier Andrews’s continual mantra on police numbers is clearly not the solution. Something the CAA has been highlighting for a considerable time.
It is a management problem.
by CAA | Nov 8, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
What a shocking headline and to think this is the tip of the iceberg.
Given that most of the perpetrators are children themselves, the response is even more alarming than the problem.
The implied strategy to prosecute is indicative of the failed Law and Order principles applied in this State where it is more important to prosecute than prevent the offence in the first place.
Many of the perpetrators, children as young as 10 years old, have barely learnt that there can be consequences to their actions and charging a few kids will not help many victims.
To argue that it will be a deterrent is absolute rubbish.
The severity and the effect of the problem must not be understated it can be devastating for the victim but to handle it in a draconian fashion will inevitably lead to greater problems.
We must be about preventing or managing the problem.
This problem demands proactive action and that means reintroducing the Police in Schools program so that children can deal directly with a Police member who can through education, reduce the problem and where it flares nip it in the bud before it escalates out of control.
That is being victim, not perpetrator focused, the direction unfortunately our society is inextricably heading.
Election time is a good time to contact your local MP and express your concern. Just an email will help.
by CAA | Nov 6, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
6th November 2018
Thank you for this interview on the ABC “Four Corners” program your Honour. It explains where we have a problem.
It was not an enlightenment or even a surprise to know that the Africans do not account for the majority of your (Court) work and nobody including the media is claiming otherwise. Most prosecuted African children would go through the Children’s Court so you would not see them anyway.
“If you are an African offender, and certainly if you’re an African youth of South Sudanese background from the western suburbs of Melbourne, rest assured your case will be reported upon.”- said County Court Judge Peter Kidd
This was enlightening, as most of us ‘not informed’ Victorians have believed that this ethnic group are also well represented in the South Eastern suburbs. Obviously somebody is wrong. Believe it or not we don’t care where they live it is the type of crime they commit that has the State worried.
Comments attributed to the good Judge Kidd are more judgemental on the judiciary than us ‘not informed’ or the media.
Mr Kidd also said,” the media was unfairly criticising how judges were too soft on young offenders.”
That was a surprise, maybe the Politicians bringing in mandatory minimums might be a clue to the courts sentencing values. Seems the courts have not figured that out yet.
“Unfortunately, a lot of the criticism that occurs is not informed, and it’s not balanced, and it’s not fair.
“That’s dangerous, because that undermines their confidence in the justice system. That’s our concern. It’s an attack effectively upon the rule of law,” said Judge Kidd.
You are kidding aren’t you? What is dangerous is your effusing over the prospect of rehabilitating young offenders then being insultingly dismissive of victims – perhaps they need to be rehabilitated back to a life before they had it wrecked by your youthful offender.
Seems that the judiciary might be well served by a morning assembly every Monday to recite their oath under the flag. The words ‘Fairness’ to be emphasised.
Makes a strong case for contracts for the judiciary.
Your Honour’s comments were, in football parlance, an ‘Own Goal’.
by CAA | Nov 2, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
Red Shirts
This is the dilemma facing the Chief Commissioner over the Red Shirts saga. Resolved either way that will probably be his legacy.
If he charges the politicians suspected of rorting in the Red Shirts affair he will be lauded by the majority of Victorians who want to know before they exercise their vote.
It will also dispel allegations of Political interference in the process. He will also be pilloried as interfering in politics by a noisy sector of the community who do not understand the law and the binding separation of powers conventions.
If he does not charge them he must satisfy the population that there has been no offences disclosed. A tall order when the allegations have not been put to them and they have made admissions in the public arena.
In making his decision, the Chief Commissioner must protect the integrity of his Office and Victoria Police more generally.
Victorians have started to vote so the clock is ticking for a resolution. The public have an absolute right to be informed.
Chef Commissioner we believe you to be a man of integrity therefore you only have one option. Let Victorians exercise their informed democratic right, do your job and leave the courts to be the final arbiter.
A legacy of doing the right thing without fear or favour is something to be truly proud of.
by CAA | Oct 31, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
31st October 2018
Andrew Bushnell in his article HS 31/10/18. “Give victims the right to appeal soft sentences,” is an excellent article and it is about time we had a serious discussion about the impact of sentencing on victims that is solution orientated. Victims not only suffer the consequences of the crime but are too often further traumatised by inadequate and charitable application of the sentences determined by our elected government.
Our Judiciary seem unable to comprehend the impact on victims or how the community may view their appallingly soft application of the law. They are very quick to criticise governments setting minimum sentencing legislation but fail to grasp that this would not be occurring if their sentencing reflected community expectations in the first place.
They also fail to pursue financial compensation from the perpetrators who may well be skint at court but will accumulate wealth at some point at which time they must pay for their crime. Jail time does not expunge the financial debt they owe a victim.
Your Honours have brought this on yourselves –no sympathy exists for your disquiet over this matter.
To have to endure yet another court procedure, Application to seek leave to appeal, and a subsequent appeal may be just too much for many victims leading to undesirable consequences for victims.
We should however reconsider the role of the Victims Commissioner and empower the Commissioner to intervene in cases on behalf of the victims and direct the DPP.
Vitoria has an excellent and very competent Commissioner, Mr Greg Davies and he would be well positioned and capable to undertake this role but the government has so limited his capacity by budgetary constraints he is only part time effectively nobbling the Commissioner from making any meaningful impact. Given his restraints, he does an excellent job.
Victims may be far better served by having a functioning Victims Commission with the capacity to look after their needs and provide advice, legal representation and guidance for the appeals process.
by CAA | Oct 19, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
19th October 18
Recently we witnessed the illuminated spectacle of some judges entering into the defence of the sentencing practices of our courts. That is to say, they fully recognised widespread public concern exists about those practices.
On 17 October 2018, those concerns were yet again shown to be justified – and the courts proven to be guilty!
A man who deliberately overdosed, and killed, a thirteen-year-old girl was given a slap over the wrist with a damp feather; and they call that justice? He knowingly used a dangerous and illegal drug, and he was no stranger to criminal activity – no innocent first offender here.
It is difficult to imagine a more serious offence against good order, decency, public tranquillity – all those hallmarks of a civilised society that we hold dear – than this wilful destruction of a young and gullible child as this victim was. If this was not premeditated murder it was so close as to almost be indistinguishable from murder. And the killer will probably be set loose on society some time in 2019.
Time to make our judges accountable, and our laws more in tune with public expectations. We live in a democracy where, supposedly, those expectations carry great weight.
Yet again our courts have delivered injustice. Justice may be on the right path as asserted by Justin Quill (HS 19/10/18) but it is time to pull the chain harder.
by CAA | Oct 9, 2018 | PTSD, Uncategorized
9th November 2018
The death of yet another Police member who lost their fight with coping must be a catalyst for change.
Do not let this death be in vain like so many before.
Do not use the mantra of ‘seek help’ and the other glib blame shifters to divert from the real problem which is clearly a management one. The Stress of the Job is the management not the function. With good management police all cope well with the function, they are resilient.
Show some leadership and take ownership of the issue, take control and fix it because this one might be on you.
These police members would not need to seek help if the organisation was managed properly and a work environment with less stress existed.
Mangers should be less concerned with their career and more concerned and focused on their subordinates and ensure they are properly resourced and supported.
This does not mean that they do less work because it is the environment they work in, not the work itself that is usually espoused as the culprit.
We challenge Premier Andrews and Chief Commissioner Ashton to properly address this issue without applying Band-Aids to placate the electorate with glib excuses. Grow a spine and fix it.
The CAA with over 600 years of executive policing experience has long ago identified the management and organisational failings and provided not just criticism solutions to correct the problem but has been dismissed as irrelevant and out of date.
The CAA is arguably more dedicated to Victoria Police than many VicPol managers who are more career focused than dedicated to the organisation and the police members. It is time that they recognised and the CAA advice needs to be given serious consideration – the current management of VicPol is not all that flash and could do with a hand.
The CAA stands ready to assist because – we care.
by CAA | Oct 8, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
8th October 2018
Apart from the obvious advantages for a safer Community overall, the proposal to reintroduce the Police In Schools Program to Primary Schools and embedded police in Secondary Schools (PISP) would see a substantial increase in safety for teachers.
The Community Advocacy Alliance (CAA) has submitted the PISP proposal to both the Government and the Opposition. Only the Mathew Guy Opposition has embraced and announced the inclusion of a PISP in their policy.
This initiative would be the single most effective way to help protect our educators and reduce stress.
A PISP would reduce the current cost of violence and associated stress in schools dramatically and that would go a long way to funding the program and gaining all the additional benefits the program can bring.
by CAA | Oct 6, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
6th October 2018
What must now, or should be, exercising the minds of Police Command and the Police Unions is the ever increasing danger that police are being exposed to by the plethora of options that they must consider, literally hanging of their utility belts.
In the often micro millisecond that police officers get to decide which option to use the ever increasing risk of more options multiplies the risks to police members and the community.
“Should I use the Capsicum spray the Taser or, ops too late”.
Former Chief Commissioner S.I. Miller in a reflective mood in the 1970’s expressed his concern that the soon to be introduced utility belts had a major flaw. The potential for police to rely on the belt (and all its appendages) to solve the problems they are confronted with rather than their brain.
Keeping track of the options is also quite a job. Apart from the standard issue firearm there is now greater access to long arms. Tasers, capsicum spray, rubber bullets, beanbag shot and o/c paint ball guns, tear gas and other pyrotechnic devices.
Not sure whether batons or twisted arm are still options. Not to forget the ubiquitous tackle.
Far to often Governments and police commands acquiesces to the demands of the fringe far left radicals particularly those in the law industry. The utopia they strive to oppress us with must be met with resistance.
We need a serious discussion on this issue with the Government prepared to provide enabling legislation to protect police not the perpetrator.
This same philosophy applies to police chases and anti-social street (Gangs) behaviour.
Time we started pushing back.
by CAA | Oct 6, 2018 | Library, PTSD, Uncategorized
6th October 2018
As a former Chief Commissioner I am heartened and congratulate the efforts of Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton and Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt in their effort to raise money for Retired Police (veterans) Peer Support program and awareness of the trauma faced by police veterans as a result of service to this State on their “Head to Head” walk.
During my service I saw mental health issues with serving police but they were of the overt type and the term PTSD was yet to be coined however I reflect back that the problem was probably just as bad as it is now but we did not recognise it. We did have limited psych services but the general attitude to members who were struggling was, “suck it up and get on with it.” It is only in later years I have recognised the trauma that mental health has on police veterans and their families who are often forgotten.
Time has passed and medical diagnostic skills have dramatically improved and I often wonder if we had the knowledge back then that we have now early intervention would have avoided chronic mental health issues suffered by veterans today.
The Community Advocacy Alliance (CAA) of which I am chair has been working on initiatives to assist in the problems faced by police veterans. We have presented our proposals to the Government and the Opposition as well as Federal politicians.
We wish you both great success in achieving substantial support for the real heroes of this issue, the Retired (Veterans) Police Peer Support officers.
Kelvin Glare AO APM
Chief Commissioner (Retired)
by CAA | Oct 4, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
4th of October 2018
In 1987 we were shocked and children were so traumatised by an advertising campaign featuring the “Grim Reaper” in the fight against aids the advertisement was pulled but it did it’s job.
A similar campaign “Cigarettes Kill” on social media had similar impact and linked with other anti smoking campaigns has made cigarette smoking antisocial. Effectively achieving a cultural change.
The Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) over many years has resorted to the “shock and awe” approach to road safety that has achieved substantial influence in changing the culture toward drink driving.
Maybe not the total solution in these cases but to say they have not had a profound impact is grossly underselling their effectiveness.
It concerns the CAA that the same techniques are not applied to the drug trade.
Some of the best anti-drugs ads have been produced in the US and appear regularly during the Super Bowl, one of the iconic advertising events in the world. The costs for this advertising is horrendous so we can reasonably assume the benefit exists
As we approach an election in Victoria in a few weeks time we challenge the major parties to make commitments to a substantial anti-drugs campaign designed to steer our children away for this poison.
Making drug pushers pariahs a kin to the “Grim Reaper” would be a good start.
by CAA | Oct 1, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
1st of October 2018
Music Festivals like “Listen Out” attract a fairly consistent demographic, or so you would expect. Similar results between the two largest cities in Australia hosting the festival, at least from a Policing perspective.
The usual offences at these events are associated with drugs so the police role is one of prevention and in these circumstances that is done by detection of illicit drugs.
In both states there were plenty of warnings about a zero tolerance by police so you would have to be a moron to front up with a pocket full of drugs. Unfortunately there are plenty of morons.
It appears zero tolerance has different meanings in different places.
Charged with detecting crime at the “Listen out” festival in New South Wales the constabulary detected and arrested 150 offenders. An offending rate of 1in every 214 patrons.
And what do you think the figures would have been for the same Festival in Melbourne five days before?
You would expect a near similar figures to NSW. A number somewhere around 70 would be reasonable but you guessed it. It is reported that Melbourne really stands out with two arrests, neither for drug offence but drunkenness.
Even if you count then19 diversions and 3 cautions issued that still only brings the Melbourne figure to 25 or 1 to every 600 patrons. There are some variations in the reported figures but the best case is stretched to a bit over 30.
This means one of two things. Either detection methods are not as effective in Victoria or the Victorian festival goers are smarter.
Alas and sadly the latter is unlikely.
That is the tale of two cities.
by CAA | Sep 29, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
27th September 2018
If ever there was a need for a major inquiry, it is into the debacle known as Victoria Police Information Technology, the compelling identification of failures in today’s Herald Sun 27/9/18 demand no less of a response.
Delving deeper into this issue it seems we Victorians have forked out millions of dollars for no meaningful result yet. Difficult to pin down but half a billion would seem a fair estimate.
https://delimiter.com.au/2013/11/11/victoria-police-appoints-cio-without-background/
In July, Victoria Police went to market for a large tranche of IT outsourcing services, in a deal which will reportedly be worth up to $340 million and see five separate outsourcing contracts consolidated into one substantial contract representing one of the largest such deals in Australia’s public sector this year. Setting aside the IT project issue — projects which have catastrophically failed before — Victoria Police is fundamentally revolutionising its ICT delivery model as a whole right now, outsourcing most of its work.
Now that sounds like there is hope and the solution is just around the corner. but that comment was published in 2013 – 5 years ago.
And it is not as though the Government was not warned.
A report published by the State Services Authority in Victoria in March 2012 found that the (VicPol) division had no ability to deliver such projects
November 2009 a report handed down by Victoria’s Ombudsman found that the department’s IT management had a “disregard for proper procurement and contract management”
A litany of failures at management level have resulted in police members having one hand tied behind their back.
In an era where you can have an app on your phone or IPad for almost anything can the solution be so difficult.
I can lodge receipts and receive payments for health insurance using an app as I can check the weather radar or track every international flight in real time, accessing data for police should be straight forward.
It is true that problems preceded the current government but they have thrown over three hundred million at the problem with a promise to fix it including the appointment of a Deputy Police Commissioner to manage the program. Another Government exercise in throwing money at a problem hoping that will fix it, it has not and probably will not. Time to get somebody who knows what they are doing to solve it.
There should be some rolling heads over this absolute embarrassment, recouping some of the millions spent for no result that puts all Victorians at risk, not to mention our police members.
by CAA | Sep 25, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
25th September 2018
OPEN LETTER TO ALL VICTORIANS
The Community Advocacy Alliance Inc. (CAA), formed over three and a half years ago, is a body of citizens including retired very senior police, a wide range of business people, victim’s advocates and social workers who are concerned about a number of issues affecting Victorians. The CAA set out to be apolitical and initially the CAA concentrated on suggesting reforms to the way in which the Victoria Police operated and on promoting changes to the criminal justice system. Our efforts have been rebuffed by the Victoria Police and by the Government. Our offer to consult with both is still open.
Putting aside for the moment the Law and Order issues, in light of the coming State Election we have identified the major issue, a need for ethical and honest government as an overarching necessity.
An examination of the present Government’s decisions, activities and performance discloses the Victorians have been let down in terms of governance and good government. Some of the activities are alleged to be criminal.
The real possibility is that if the current Government is returned a number of their elected members may face criminal charges including current Minsters. If that transpires and they are convicted the Government may be forced back to the polls and we Victorians will have to foot the bill, not to mention the disruption to Governance of our State.
The CAA invites all Victorians to bear these issues in mind when casting their vote at the next election. We need good, ethical, honest and accountable government and must not settle for less.
Kelvin (Kel) Glare AO APM.
Chair, Community Advocacy Alliance Inc.
by CAA | Sep 24, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
24th September 2018
The argument proffered by Les Twentyman on how we should treat young offenders is however flawed and omits important steps in the process of accountability for young people.
The argument that Police not intervening in potentially violent events is the best strategy as intervention may increase violence is sadly a myth as it infers police are the instigators of the violence. It is however, their obligation that they must intervene to maintain law and order as their obligation is to the broader community. We have seen recently non-intervention spawns more disobedience.
The perpetrators instigate the violence by their civil disobedience. Civil compliance does not generate violence.
Often overlooked in commentary on perpetrators, particularly young people, is the Police Cautioning Program. Not to be confused with a Caution issued by the courts.
The Police Cautioning Program is in need of updating and should be properly resourced and broadened substantially. Investing well in this program will be substantially cheaper and as statistics point out more effective than the Courts. Sadly, the program has seen a trend towards less use of this important tool over recent years, which correlates to the increase in crime. Research shows that the program has the best non-recidivism rates of any of the law enforcement functions as shown in the Crime Statistics Agency research.
There is no doubt that there is an important role for Youth workers to be an integral part of this process so that the Police Cautioning Program can build on its non-recidivism rate already better than the courts best efforts.
The community wants lawlessness to be curtailed as it manifests but will support a program that helps correct young people’s behaviour without long-term consequences, but there must be some consequences.
Press reports give the impression that the number of cautions issued by the Courts is quite high so why not give the caution by Police and cut out all the waste.
We know that there is a better chance of the police caution working anyway.
by CAA | Sep 20, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
20th September 2018
Have you ever heard anything so ridiculous?
The Herald Suns and the Age today (20th Sept’18) published stories that there is a proposal to furnish State MPs allegedly involved in the Red Shirts theft by deception with a questionnaire over their involvement in the scam.
Lawyers were quick to label this proposal as highly unusual, they are very kind, ridiculous would be our take and no competent Law Enforcement Agency would even consider the idea, suggesting that this may not have come from the Investigators but somebody causing mischief.
If this was a serious consideration, and we do not believe it could be, there are number of factors that need to be explained for those who think it could be reasonable.
- Would the questionnaire be inadmissible as evidence?
- Most importantly, rule number one for any prosecution is proof of identity and a questionnaire cannot determine that.
- For the benefit of the suspect (the MP), who administers and is satisfied that a caution is understood?
- How do any answers given get tested?
- And how is a jurat administered?
No, this cannot possibly be a proposal from a competent investigation team; this is wishful thinking by somebody.
Our advice to the MP’s involved – make sure you are up early each morning as a knock on the door is coming.
by CAA | Sep 10, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
20th September 2018
Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius on Sunday night tried to deflect the criticism by The Police Association (TPAV), Community Advocacy Alliance (CAA) and the public of the lack of police on the frontline.
It is true there is a reduction in Jewellery Shop robberies as claimed but crime does not stand still it evolves probably attributable to the offenders growing out of the behaviour rather than the success off arrests or our penal system.
Crime is not referred to as” a crime wave” by coincidence. The nature of the behaviour comes in waves. The current one being Airbnb causing the community grief. You will notice Bank robberies used to be a pandemic as did Horse stealing and Rum theft before that.
There is a shrill cacophony coming from the community. A pity Police Command and the Government has a tin ear to the issue.
by CAA | Sep 10, 2018 | Library, Uncategorized
| Different Thinking – Drugs |
Drugs
Overview
The Community Advocacy Alliance (CAA) has accepted a challenge by Matt Johnston of the Herald Sun to apply different thinking to the Ice and by natural extension the entire illicit drug problem.
The CAA comprises retired executive police with over 300 years of experience, Social workers, Victims’ advocates, former and current lawyers, and representatives of the corporate and business sectors. The diversity of its experience is the CAA strength.
There is no debate that the present system and strategies have failed miserably and the growth of the drug epidemic rolls on unfettered.
Therefore, the basic premise of this paper is that what we are doing is failing and although this paper may not be the panacea, it cannot be any worse than what we are doing.
The first major premise is that the CAA believes the answer lies in the overall philosophical approach to the issue. The problem is not one of criminality, social issues, or health. It is all of these things and more, so we need to address the problem from an overall perspective.
The CAA draws upon the philosophy behind marketing, “Supply and Demand.”
Anybody who has any experience with the free market concepts will cite many examples of where demand spawns the supply and where demand diminishes so does supply. An excellent example is the growth of the illicit tobacco industry and the introduction of chop-chop into the market. A demand created for a cheaper alternative to retail cigarettes and an illicit industry blossomed. It was not that long ago that chop-chop was a minor part of this industry with very few people accessing or knowing how to access the product.
Targeting the end user (Demand) rather than the cigarette manufactures (Supply) making smoking socially unacceptable has been a highly successful strategy.
Tackling the demand side is the only effective way of achieving any meaningful inroads to reducing the prevalence and availability of illicit drugs. Where demand slows the initial impact on the supply line will be to cut overheads and reduce cost. This will inevitably lead to fewer supply lines as they become uneconomical. That we are talking about criminal activity makes no difference criminals are in the illicit drug business for the easy riches and the lifestyle..
To understand this drug problem some truths that must be exposed.
- To become addicted takes more than one experiment in the vast majority of cases so addiction is a path sought, not an accident.
- Addicts are generally in denial about their addiction “I am in control I am not addicted – I can stop at any time if I wanted”.
- The vast majority of drug users are addicts ,
- The vast majority of addicts service their addiction by criminal activity
- By far and away, most addicts are drug pushers.
- Drug addicts enjoy their drug lifestyle – it is as addictive sometimes as the drug. No responsibilities – no work – no family pressure – loads of cash the night life the girls the tough men, the excitement and mystique of the bikes it is like living a dream for many – the ultimate cop out.
- The first step for recovery of an addict is to admit they are addicted
- Drug addicts are accomplished manipulators and liars and this trait does the most harm to the addict’s family. Believe nothing a drug addict has to say.
- A drug addict cannot be rehabilitated until they decide they want to be. The best that can be done is to encourage that path and make the option of addiction less palatable.
- Drug taking and addiction can in many cases surface while a child is still at Primary School.
Our plan has many new and original ideas and revamps many that have been successful in the past. It will need some new money from the government but is aimed at redirecting existing funding rather than new.
We have no doubt that there are many worthwhile projects that deserve support and inclusion but we have to start somewhere and build a framework that can accommodate other initiatives. As these initiatives are implemented, we will see other programs included, both existing and future.
A major issue is that current anti-addiction/drugs programs are not coordinated. Everybody is doing his or her own thing.
As a community we have no method to manage and ensure that drug addicts are accessing proper medical care. Obversely we have no idea if the appropriate care is extended to the younger people who have the propensity to be susceptible to becoming involved with in the allure of the drug scene. Equally, in Law Enforcement it is essential that all the effort is not biased toward recidivists or major suppliers at the expense of preventative work to reduce the demand.
To achieve a better outcome the CAA has designed a framework so that the various functions can be included and where there is a gap that gap can be filled whether by redirecting resources from a more heavily resourced area or creating new programs.
More importantly the various programs can be subjected to ongoing assessment to ensure relevance and to ensure the objectives set are being met.
The CAA welcomes constructive criticism of this initiative but absolutely rejects any criticism that is not accompanied by an alternative. Criticism for criticisms sake is pointless anyway.
Part 1
Before the problem.
- Pre School
- Parent Training –
Parenting is the most important job anybody can take on in their life and is about the only one for which there is no Degree, Certificate IV, or anything else. Most new parents rely on life experiences, which can be problematic.
Introducing training, in particular as it relates to their Child’s social development, is best done at the times when the parents are most focused on their child and forward-looking.
At this critical time in a child’s development, (in reality and in particular in the minds of the parents) is at pre-school or immediately when they start Primary School.
Basic training in behavioral and development issues are best delivered by a clinician in child behavioral discipline.
A three night by two-hour session for all parents organised by the school aimed at the prep grade children’s parents should be adequate and marketed as quasi mandatory. The police members working at the school as part of the PISP can be introduced to the parents as a potential resource. That introduction would be critical as it portrays the relationship in the various disciplines. A new initiative organised by all primary Schools.
- Police In Schools Program –
The primary focus of the Police in Schools Program (PISP) should be on these formative years where social skills can be addressed, as can anti-social behaviours. Basic concepts of right and wrong together with social responsibilities in a structured program delivered by trained Police School Resource Officers (SRO) can have a positive lasting effect on the development of children at this age.
The Child’s personal safety skills can start to be developed creating basic situational awareness techniques.
Although the focus of the SROs is on the grades 3-4 they have a much broader function within the school community. SROs become a reference point for concerned parents whether it relates to a child or their own personal circumstance like domestic violence or illicit drug use within their family or neighbourhood.
The SROs become an integral part of each school community they manage and can be an early warning resource for a number of community risk factors.
Victoria Police should reintroduce this essential program. which should extend throughout the school life of every student.
The following proposals should be considered in light of this requirement
As young people start to think about developing their social skills, fly the coop, to the exclusion of their parents, the core function of Blue Light becomes evident. Designed for young people to enjoy social events free from alcohol, violence and drugs the Blue Light Disco program provides a safe environment that parents find acceptable and the young people relate to, a rare phenomenon at this age.
Supervised and run by off duty police members supported by other emergency Service Personnel and community volunteers the program has many positives too numerous to list here. Providing a safe space for these early developments is essential. Victoria Police should re-engage with Blue Light in a positive way.
Blue Light Discos make a profit and the money is channelled back into the community, an often overlooked advantage of the program. With the reintroduction of SROs and Embedded Police Officers (Secondary School EPOs) the money can be channelled to assist them directly contributing to the community they serve giving added value to their function.
An extension of the Blue Light program, the Maldon Blue Light Youth camp provides structured activities and while having fun is an essential part of any adventure camp the underlying focus of Derby Hill is Safety, Independence and Road Safety and integrates with the Bike-Ed program developed within the Primary Schools. The camps capacity needs to be substantially increased from about 4000 children per year at this site or an additional site established to allow the advantages of this program to be wide enough to have substantial impact. Victoria Police need to re-engage with the Youth Camp in a positive way.
Another youth program from which Victoria Police disengaged some years ago needs to be reconnected. The strategies developed by the New Start Program can be applied to students in the primary system already showing signs of disengagement from education. Irrespective of whether it is the child’s problems or problems at home, Operation New Start can engage troubled young people early and outside the school gate, beyond the limitation of educators.
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A unique program developed by the Night Club Industry is an ideal vehicle to commence drug minimisation and risk taking hopefully before the children are exposed to illicit drugs. The content may not be to everybody’s taste but letting young people know what they could possibly be ingesting at this early stage in their social development and when they are starting to be very body conscious has substantial merit. That it is delivered by people in the Night Club Industry gives the message credibility in the eyes of the students.
- Police Cautioning Program
A revamped Police Cautioning program used to intervene in any criminal or anti-social activity by young people is a corner stone of diversion. Introducing punitive penalties agreed to by the parent and the cautioning Officer can be very effective. From losing their phone for a week to curfews, or school detentions could form the arsenal of sanctions but creative additions would be encouraged. Critically, with the parent’s or guardians’ consent the School class coordinator or other appropriate school official could be invited to join the process, as should the SRO from the Primary School and where appropriate the Operation New Start representative. The child can see that their behaviour is not acceptable to a broad cross section of authority figures. As participation in the process of a caution is an invitation by police as an alternative to Court, the police and the Parents have substantial freedom to find creative ways to teach the child that their behaviour has undesirable consequence. Should the child offend again the consequences should increase.
If a child develops into a recidivist then the courts must acknowledge the function and importance of the Police Cautioning Program and determine sentence on the basis that the child has already received two or three cautions before arriving at Court. The Courts in appropriate circumstances could refer children back to the police Cautioning program freeing up Court time.
Critical to the success of this program is that the child is cautioned within a relatively short time of being detected committing an offence. To expedite matters a full brief is not required and a simplified approval process would see the child processed and cautioned within seven days. The timing is a critical factor in the success or otherwise of this program.
- Parental training (Secondary)
An extension of the early training program by Clinicians applied to parenting an adolescent or young adult. A difficult time for most parents training at this stage alerting parents to what they may be confronted with as the child matures and develops through puberty at a critical point in their development.
How to deal with children testing their boundaries and how to manage risk taking behaviours including drugs and alcohol.
- Police in schools (Secondary)
Embedded Police Officers (EPOs) in Secondary Schools is a major initiative that will have substantial influence on young people as they move through the secondary education system. The benefits are not too hard to identify but above all else the role model these police will provide is invaluable. The EPOs working with the SROs can provide continuing management of problematic young people. EPOs will develop lifelong influences on young people and be a critical support mechanism for young people who find themselves victims of crime or anti-social behaviour. As with SROs, EPOs will perform functions that currently fall unfairly on the shoulders of educators who are sometimes ill equipped to manage some problems and are restricted to the school gate minimising their impact. Police can and will follow up at the child’s home with whatever action or additional services that may need to be applied.
- Police Cautioning Program
A continuation of this program in secondary years is critical to divert young people and additional resources and research must be applied to improve the effectiveness and success rate of this program. The program has been derided by sectors of the legal community claiming police have no role to play in the dispensing of justice. These critics are clearly basing their position on self-interest not the interest of the young people. The legal system cannot fairly claim the moral high ground in this debate. Enough jurists have not covered themselves with glory in their deliberations and outcomes to support that claim. It may however be a sound strategy to have a senior Jurist as a consultant to the project as it needs to be expanded dramatically. This would gain credibility within the legal fraternity and bridge the current gap between the program and the legal system.
Although a labour intensive program, it nevertheless can save the community many thousands of dollars by taking care of the worst and most likely young people who disengage from education, far too often prematurely. Coordinated with the Police Cautioning Program this very effective program needs to be resourced properly. Victoria Police disengaged from Operation New Start some time ago but the program in an abridged version continues in a limited fashion. However the architects and managers of the scheme need to be consulted on the best way forward. The potential for Service Clubs to become actively involved in this program should be explored.
Conducted as a field trip this program can alert young people to the dangers of illicit drugs as well as educate them on the protocols of going out. The session held at a (Closed) Night Club is likely to have greater penetration than if the subject was delivered in the classroom. Young people see the people involved in the Night Club Industry as having credibility on this subject. Understanding what constitutes bad behaviour at these venues has a ‘knock on’ effect to the child’s behavioural development. Contrary to critics who claim it is encouraging young people to attend Night Clubs, there is no evidence to support that theory. Most responsible people however would rather their offspring venture to a well-controlled Night Club when old enough, as opposed to a party in a short-term rental property without controls or walking the streets meeting in parks or other public places after hours.
- Police and Citizens Youth Clubs
A highly effective program that operates in nearly every other State but is limited to just one club in Victoria that has little connection with police, the PCYC is a program worth exploring.
Although initial set up costs can be substantial the clubs usually become self-sufficient in a very short time. Clubs have substantial gym equipment and the commercial use of the Gym offsets running costs and usually returns a healthy profit that can be channelled back into youth programs often funding youth worker outreach work. The demand for safe Gyms for adults, particularly for females, is very important and the PCYCs fill a gap. At least clients of the club can be assured that their Gym is not surreptitiously run by Outlaw Motor Cycle Gangs or other organised crime. With the support of the Government and police a working party should examine and provide a frame work for the development of PCYCs for Victoria. Another piece to the puzzle.
As a child is exposed through the various stages of this strategy a consistent reinforcement of the message associated with the risk of experimenting or being associated with drugs needs to be reinforced by constant reminders of the risks. Reinforcing the risks at every opportunity supports parents and young people but it is essential that a common simple message is portrayed wit uniform graphics whether the messages are on the back of toilet doors attached to school communications posters where young people traverse the message must be simple and clear and directly aimed at discouraging experimentation. “Would you put this in your body” with graphics of the various undesirable products detected in illicit drugs particularly party drugs.
Using the techniques of the advertising industry with point of sale advertising these principles can be applied to this issue and would be incredibly cost effective as the material once displayed would be anticipated to have a substantial shelf life. The familiarity of the same message exposure at multiple places over an extended period (years) can impact and change behaviours.
Part 2
Addressing the problem
- Adult Driver Cautioning program.
A paper entitled, “Lose your licence lose, your life” prepared by the CAA on this subject is attached for reference but in summary the idea is to make the penalties imposed on young drivers commensurate with the offence. Minor offences need to be dealt with compassionately, not draconian penalties that far too often ruin people’s lives. Having penalties imposed that are determined by legislation that exceed the penalties regularly dispensed for serious criminal activity is unjust and breeds contempt for authority.
The impact on young drivers can be catastrophic as they generally lose their job (in many cases apprenticeships that they do not return to) so they cannot pay their fines or maintain the payments on their car or compliance fees. It creates a vicious circle that often spirals the young person towards less desirable behaviours. They are confronted with what appear to be insurmountable problems for which there is no solution or way out.
Restricting car use using technology could be part of the deterrent for a breach of the road law. Allowing minor traffic offenders to drive at certain times and places, for example, to work, school or for other legitimate but not social purposes could be administered through an expanded police cautioning program freeing up expensive Court time. A driver would need to elect to be cautioned so they agree to conditions or other penalties imposed by the Police Cautioning Officer. If the driver is aggrieved by the Caution conditions or they breach the agreed conditions they can elect to be or can be referred to the Magistrates Court.
The solution to managing breaches to this program could be as simple as installing a low cost timer or tracking device on the driver’s vehicle.
It seems crazy that we impose penalties that cause so much harm and have such a detrimental effect on the work capacity of drivers and such an adverse economic impact particularly on the welfare bill for relatively minor matters. Surely, this was not a deliberate strategy but unintended consequences. Are we that cruel? See attachment.
This change in direction does not recommend that the attention to drug cartels and other major players in the drug industry should be curtailed but a balance back toward more effectively dealing with the end user or customer and low level dealers must be the new focus.
Tackling the problem from the bottom removes or reduces demand causing more grief to the kingpins who then have to move their operations closer to the market eliminating steps in the process to save on overheads risking exposure.
Dealing with the problem at street level needs a mechanism to expeditiously process offenders and reduce the veil of anonymity and apparent indemnity from prosecution.
A useful analogy is policing itself. If you want to have an ineffective police service, reduce the numbers of police at the bottom end. The result is an unsustainable bloating at the top, which must ultimately be shrunk to replace the Police on the coalface. Simple structural realities. When applied to the drug trade, market forces do the job. Rather than external intervention which is the inevitable result needed in a bureaucracy to correct misalignment. Reducing demand for drugs will achieve the same outcome in that industry.
Similar to other adult police cautioning a drug cautioning Officer is supported by a clinician to respond to the welfare both physical and mental of the offender. Under this program offenders can be directed to attend assessment interviews recommended by a participating Clinician and agree to non-association conditions identified in the cautioning process.
We need to pressure addicts to identify their suppliers with an advantage to the addict if they do. We understand that the information generally available from an addict is of little intelligence value as it will be generally something like:” I get my shit from Travis, I ring him and he meets me”. The phone number will be to a throwaway and the supplier who is streetwise will be difficult to trace. The process is more aimed at putting pressure on the supplier and help drive the trade underground off the streets making operations difficult and reducing exposure of the illicit trade to our kids.
We continue to be amazed that the trade is allowed to flourish out in the open exposing all to its evil. Community leaders tend somehow to be unresponsive to this overt trading, as is the hierarchy of Police.
Lack of police action is a direct contradiction of the aims of policing and the Mission Statement for Victoria Police. Driving the problem underground may remove the exposure of ordinary citizens using toilets or going about their business not having to avoid used syringes and other paraphernalia let alone drug addicts off their face or ice addicts strutting around without their shirts, on the cusp of turning violent.
We suggest dozens of low-level dealers could be apprehended every day at present if Police carried out their sworn duty.
- Drugs Impact on Road Safety.
The actual impact on road safety is not exactly known but anecdotally police members are convinced the problem is far greater than we are led to believe. The over focus on alcohol presumably masks the true depth of the drug problem. One example that we all see on our roads from time to time is the lunatic weaving through the traffic hanging out the window usually without a shirt on, irrespective of the weather. Those in the know realise this person is high on Ice. The current option of calling 000 is a waste of time as the job is rarely is ever tasked or followed up, reinforcing the perception that even Police are not interested in following up on addicts.
The ability for the public to report this type and other bad road behaviours and have some action taken is now counter intuitive to the mantra of policing asking for public help in other areas. We accept that often the public do not provide sufficient information and encouraging them to get the registration number could encourage risk.. However there needs to be follow up and an explanation to the complainant as to the outcome of the reported incident.
Next time that member of the public might witness something more than an errant driver and their cooperation is critical.
Essential to bring pressure on dealers is a concept that when a drug addict progresses through the legal process there are two requirements mandated for assessing sentencing. The first is that they must identify their supplier and secondly being effected by self-induced drugs cannot be used to mitigate their criminal behaviour.
The need also exists for powers for Police to compulsorily drug test every suspect or person charged so that the true depth and breadth of the issue can be measured.
This approach also can pressure the addict into admitting their addiction, step one in any chance of rehabilitation. A positive result must be followed by a charge in relation to the use of the drug making it more difficult for the denial of the addict to continue. It is also essential that the courts record a conviction based on the test making denial even more difficult. The ability to require many addicts to confront their addiction that they try to hide of itself will act as a deterrent. The courts and the corrections system can then know in advance the drug status of the addict.
- Jail / secure facility – A New Paradigm.
The creation of a Drugs and Mental Health Facility (DAMHF) has a number of advantages. It can address overcrowding of jails and the likely flow on to the penal system from this drug initiative will provide the essential expanded capacity for the prison system. Rather than simply construct another jail along the lines of the current models developing and building a high capacity dormitory style facility that is secured by Corrections staff, aided by substantial electronic security systems, but where detainees are treated as patients managed by clinicians. Providing a structured day for the inmates, the facility would house both long term and short-term prisoners/patients. It should be deigned to deal with long term mentally ill inmates whose period of detention managed by clinicians and have the capacity to deal with short-term drug addicts.
Not designed to be the sole rehabilitation centre for addicts but a piece of the rehabilitation process. This facility could take the weight off Corrections and lead to better outcomes for the community and inmates alike. At last, there would be a facility that could house people who are too ill to be left to their own devices (a current cruel practise) or house ill people who pose too greater risk to be immediately released back into the community
- Mandatory detention for addicts.
Although at first glance draconian, this concept may be the best method to dramatically reduce the number of drug addicts in society. It is well recognised that the only drug addict that can be reformed is one that wants to be, otherwise nothing known works. Lies and false promise from an addict are part and parcel of the process but nothing will change until a decision is made voluntarily.
Mandatory short term sentences will achieve a number of positives.
- Addicts can be assessed both physically and mentally.
- The short stay gives the opportunity for the addict to break the nexus of their addiction both socially and physically.
- An addict will not want to go through the withdrawal process for a second time and if they do they may be encouraged more easily to follow an alternate path making appropriate decisions.
- The drug supplier to the addict or pusher will not know whether their identity has been given to Police making life difficult for them. A former addict supports the potential The ‘yo–yo’ effect experienced by recidivist in and out of the facility. This will create pressure and opportunity for addicts to opt out of their addiction. Ending up in jail every few weeks can be a powerful incentive to seek rehabilitation.
- Families can have some short respite from the addict.
Serving a nominal sentence will give the addict a chance to clean up physically and be engaged in useful structured activity that may help clear their mind while under the supervision of a clinician. If their mental health has deteriorated dramatically, the powers of the Mental Health Act can be applied to treat the person.
There are a raft of potential medications that are claimed to have very high success rates in treating addictions both opiate and methamphetamine (Ice).
Drugs like Nalaxone, Buorenophine, Naltrexone, Metazapine, Modafinil, all claim to achieve positive outcomes, and in South Australia, they have developed a Matrix Model Treatment initiative that claims outstanding results. Whether anybody in Victoria is seriously looking at these new approaches is not clear but they must be explored with vigour as the community and the addicts do not have time to wait. At the very least, the community is entitled to know whether these issues are being examined, by whom and what time lines are applied.
Most of the research on the causes of drug addiction are about as effective as spray painting a house on a very windy day – ends up all over the place. When it comes down to what specifically can be done and what levels of result will be achieved over what period the research is found wanting. The majority of research comes up with glib findings blaming socio economic problems un-defined.
This initiative of a secure facility will give the opportunity for accurate data to be compiled from addicts in a controlled environment while they are addicted and can be accumulated as part of the assessment process.
Research gathered by this method will provide the indicators to create specific strategies and modify existing strategies to have a far more targeted impact of the drug problem.
- Marketing to attack the problem
The role of marketing to the addict is of equal importance as advertising targeting prevention. Clever and creative marketing reinforcing the need for addicts to admit addiction should be the target,
“If you use an illicit drug every day you are addicted”-
“If you cannot go more than ? hours without a hit you are addicted. no if’s no buts”.
“If most of your friends are addicts, so are you”
“Do drugs and die”.
Admission of addiction is the first step to rehabilitation and the power of advertising can play a pivotal role.
A, “what have you become campaign,” could also be effective and equally act as a deterrent.
Many years ago, Police Life ran a series of articles publishing (with permission) Police photographs (Mug shots) of a drug addict taken over a few years highlighting the deterioration in the person. After the pictures were published, the addict sought and successfully completed rehabilitation and as far as we know went on to a drug free life.
This example highlights the importance of addicts confronting their reality and visual prompts are the key.
Everywhere an addict goes they should be confronted with a consistent message..
Making Drug addicts the pariah’s of society and socially unacceptable similar to the success of the anti-smoking strategy has every chance of working in particular if the focus is on role models addicts may relate to.
We once wrote to the father of an addict who was at his wits end trying to deal with the manipulation, lying and stealing that was being imposed on his family by an addicted son. Our advice was, “You are grieving because the son you nurtured and looked after, took to his first day at school and shared all the other milestones of his life is not the person masquerading as your son – he is an impostor your son would never treat you like that. We can only hope that circumstance change and your son returns but until that time we suggest you distance yourself and do not connect with the imposter.” As difficult as that distancing is for a parent it is often the only viable alternative.
A series of seminar/workshops should be organised by Government, involving clinicians, police and the judiciary to provide advice and options for parents living through the nightmare of an addict in their family.
Conclusion
The drug problems requires action not just rhetoric and this document provides a plan for that action.
It is worthy of note that this plan can dovetail into the Victoria Police Association policing priorities 2017-2022 , “Your Safety Our Priority”.. That the CAA and the TPAV are not poles apart in their views is not insignificant, arriving at similar recommendations independently adds more weight to the recommendations of both organisations.
This strategy has five objectives
- Reduce the risk of young people experimenting with drugs.
- Reinforce the criminality of the illicit drug trade as opposed to the attraction to better lifestyle.
- Force the drug trade underground to reduce exposure to our young people.
- Create environment where the addicts are forced to accept they are addicted.
- Provide opportunities for addicts to undertake rehabilitation.
The problem is getting worse, not better and the traditional approach is failing both the addicts and the community.
It will fall to the politicians to provide the leadership and create the structure for the community if we are going to make a meaningful impact on this issue.
As this paper was prepared it became very obvious that new Authority with wide ranging powers and authority needs to be established to put these and other worthy initiatives in place and ensure duplication is avoided and only the most effective programs draw the bulk of the funding.
A very pragmatic approach by an authority that can quickly respond to market variables and be flexible enough to change direction as required based generally on empirical data but sometimes less scientific rationale that is obvious.
Programs that are nice to do, must be subject to critical analysis, and if they do not stack up exclude from the mainstream strategy.
Non-Partisan pragmatism is what will achieve change.
