The Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt was reported in the Herald Sun on the 16th of November under the heading ‘Police union boss Wayne Gatt slams 90-day summer operation as ‘brain fart’ amid struggle to fight crime’, which is somewhat of a surprise and disappointing for a respected Union.
Later in the article, Gatt said, “while the union did not in principle oppose the potential of the moves, there were concerns about ‘a lack of detail or thought or planning”.
So what was he on about, accusing the Chief of a ‘Brain Fart’?
That seems like a euphemism for, “Why wasn’t I told?” Obviously, the Union was told so that Gatt was able to relay the Union’s views.
Perhaps this is more about Gatt’s influence fading.
Criticising the Government, Gatt also failed to be aware of the circumstances, such as the reorganisation of resources and the introduction of reservists, which had been devised by the Chief and the Minister, advised. But that may have been more to do with masking his derogatory reference to the Chief.
Gatt may like to explain why putting more people on the street is reckless and what the ‘dependencies’ he is referring to are.
Mr Gatt would be well advised also to start leading and creating innovative ideas on how to reduce the crime rate, rather than promoting “lack of detail or thought or planning”. That, together with his issue of consultations, won’t help the community at all. Bush’s action will help immediately, and that’s what the community wants.
But to the nub of the matter, the allocation of resources is a matter for the Chief Commissioner.
Bush has read the room correctly, and for Gatt to accuse the Chief of a “Brain Fart” is disingenuous and disrespectful to his office; to have Gatt slight him in this manner requires an apology.
The Chief is demonstrating leadership that has been lacking in a string of previous Chief Commissioners, so the Association will have to get used to the idea that the Force now has a leader. And they should treat him with respect.
These initiatives, supported by the CAA, are going to be welcomed by the community, as up until now, and apart from platitudes, every time there is a serious community issue raised about crime, nothing changes in VicPol, and the community has long tired of ‘More patrols’ knowing they may get some. Still, it will be a splash in the pan and not address the real issues they are dealing with.
Bush’s move to more proactive policing is also welcome, as preventing crime must be the primary function of any Police Force and a strategy more likely to be embraced by the community than ‘more police’. Interestingly, those who push the more police mantra rarely give any insight into what that means, what will be achieved and when.
It will literally take years to bring the force up to full strength, so the use of reservists is a very clever move to free additional police to provide the public with a better police service and reduce the crime rate.
Critics of the use of Reservists should read this comment from the CAA Website by a former member who was medically discharged.
“I already volunteer as a Justice Peace at the reception counter of my local 24 HR police station? Other unofficial duties in the absence of sworn uniform members include signing in those reporting on bail, compiling VicPol property forms & taking property over the counter, general police advice, and taking messages for members. You never forget your training & previous knowledge base. I was ESSS Discharged, pensioned out of my job with a spinal injury. Not ready to retire yet, so will happily return as a paid VPS1 or reservist part-time!!”
We are aware of many former members who would like to be considered for involvement in a Reserve program.
There would also be hundreds of former members who left their police careers to raise their families, and when their families grew up, would jump at the chance for a Reservist position.
Their life experiences make them a valuable asset if they can be encouraged to return.
The sad part of this announcement is that where you would expect the Police Association to support the initiative and encourage Reservists to rejoin that organisation, instead, they have all been insulted, being classified as a ‘Brain Fart’ that will be remembered as Gatt’s Gaff.
Let’s not lose sight of the fact that it has been under Gatt’s watch that we have 1000 vacancies along with some 800 on sick leave. And the sellout of members now as of the 31st December unable to cash in their sick leave which has created another mass exodus. Where was the union during the attrition and sick leave years of the members. Why was not the union vocal about that who should represent the rank and file and community safety. Vic Pol now has a leader determined to win the streets back and move the chair warmers to operational positions. Fill support gaps with qualified retired members. Get with the program!!
Well said charlie!
I like what I’ve read…
Reservists should be used as they have a more balanced life experience…
Some coming from trauma, compassionate leave, etc etc…
Not just hard faced but more wisdom
..
I believe Gatt is referring to it as a “Brain Fart” as VicPol/Government have announced these new Patrols without the resources to fill them. These new shopping centre patrol shifts are being filled by Voluntary Duties as stations do not have the capacity to roster for them. This initiate is only being propped up by members willing to sacrifice their Rest Days for a bit more cash, and not by actual planning and improved resource allocation. CCP Bush is doing a lot to improve things, but recruitment and retention are still the #1 reason we cannot meet even our basic resource demands.
Well said charlie!
I retired last year after 46yrs – over 40 in general duties. I mentioned to Mr Bush at our TPAV retirement dinner last month that at least 50 of the 246 retirees in the room would probably go back as Reservists 2 or 3 days a week to help out – providing the “job description” was worthwhile (not just glorified admin staff). He said “we’re looking into that”. Ten days later he made the public announcement.
I would like to come back as a paid reserve. Smdempster,ret s/c 18387,what are the conditions please,I’m in the eastern suburbs,regards Sam d
I think it is an excellent idea by CCP BUSH to bring in Reservists as a way of releasing more MOPF to operational duties.
PSOs patrolling shopping centres is another great idea and the sight of uniformed officers will help restore some public confidence
It’s time all the sworn members who are sitting in cushy offices such as the transport office, equity & diversity, camera office, safe street cameras etc, are moved to crime departments where they can actually assist with investigations, intelligence gathering, warrant preparation etc.
A PS1 or 2 can easily fill the non operational roles therefore dramatically reducing the budget costs.
I totally agree with Charlie B.
Give the bloke a go….aiding him and having his ear is way better value for the Union and its leader as well as the public.
The Police Association has as its primary responsibility to advocate for the working conditions of its members.
The Chief Commissioner of Police has the responsibility for the preservation of the peace, the prevention and detection of crime, and the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
It’s that simple and important that the Police Association does not interfere with operational matters that are clearly the responsibility of the Chief Commissioner of Police.
All the best to Chief Commissioner Bush for doing what has been needed for decades.
I am not a fan of Gatt at all. After 36 years of service and paying union fees, not even a courtesy phonecall to say sorry, we couldn’t do anything for you. Nothing. I wish I never joined the TPA.
I for one would love to take a “Reservist” position, be really good if you could job share with someone eg. 2 days one week, 3 days the next week. This would enable lots to help out and not effective retirement beings for some!
Great idea, should have been done years ago.
At least the CCP is trying something, we’ll done I say.
Well said Charlie
Should never have gotten rid of reservists. I was medically discharged many years ago but was more than capable of being a reservist. Would happily have job shared but probably past it now sadly.
Gatt would be better employed serving all the members on sick leave wouldn’t he?
I and many junior members learnt that much in our early years from a marvellous reservist ,mainly in dealing with people,good and bad in all types of situations,he was priceless. Vin Ewer was his name at Camberwell and surrounds. Bring them back by all means,just to ease the day to day workloads of already stressed out members and be of great assistance to those still learning the “ trade”.