| Illness while on Annual leave |
| Remember
that if you fall sick while on annual leave you can have the
annual leave substituted for sick leave but only from the date you
notify your supervisor. Sworn members see GI L415. Non Sworn refer to the Employment Agreement section 4.7.6. If you are a sworn member on annual leave and you receive notification that it is cancelled for the exigencies of Police work, then the period between notification of cancellation and the date on which a member resumes duty shall not be counted as leave taken. This is covered by GI L308. |
| GSF for Married Pensioners |
| If a pensioner receiviong a Government Superannuation Fund (GSF)
pension marries after retirement then upon his/her death the
surviving spouse is entitled to receive a pension. The pension
payable is half of the members pension if the marriage has been of
five or more years duration. If the marriage is less than five years
old a pro rata amount is payable. A spouse can include a de facto partner but supporting documentation, including a statutory declaration, is required to verify the nature of the relationship. |
| Vehicle Pursuits - Coroners inquests / PCA |
| Following a number of police pursuits, which have resulted in fatalities, members should be aware that in situations where a Coroners inquest is held that they may elect to refrain from giving evidence until such time as the Police Complaints Authority Investigation is finalised. |
| Police Association "Ownership" |
| As
Police Association members, you are in fact the Police Association.
The activities and direction of the Association is determined by the
wider membership. Your subscriptions are used to employ professional
staff, pay for the secondment of the elected President, undertake
research, advocacy and provide legal assistance to and for the
benefit of members. The Police Association is completely separate and independent from the NZ Police. The Association is "politically neutral", which means we do not favour or subscribe to any political party - we simply represent the best interests of members. Membership of the Police Association also entitles members to access the Welfare arm of the Association - the police welfare fund. The Welfare Funds health plan, holiday homes, Insurtance packages and mortgage facilities are the envy of many. As Welfare Fund Members you actually own a part share. |
| Cancelled tickets - Cancelled Leave |
| In these days of non refundable air tickets (and any other non refundabvle tickets), Police managers who cancel your previously approved leave ought to reimburse losses incurred by way of "out of pocket" expenses. Clause 6.9 of the Non Sworn Agreement covers this. |
| Members employed for less than 32 hours per week |
| Those sworn and non sworn members who reduce their working hours to less than 32 hours per week can pay a reduced subscription to the Police Association, It is a members responsibility to inform the Association of changes to their working hours, especially when they fall below or rise above 24 or 32 hours per week. Click here to view our current subscription rates. |
| The need to keep Documentation |
| Members need to keep documentation sent or received about issues that thay may want to take further action on. It can make it impossible for Association representatives to help members if they do not have supporting paperwork. |
| Length of CV's |
| The length of CV's is now restricted to one page per person specification. This is an absolute rule and the additional material will simply not be read. See new General Instruction GI A060. |
| Shift Workers Leave |
| Shift workers leave is additional to annual leave and has its own procedure for management. Sworn members may accumulate up to two years entitlement, then it is forfeited if not taken (L351). For non-sworn members, shift workers leave is additional annual leave and is managed in accordance with Police policy, which allows accumulation of up to two years entitlement before forfeiture (paragraph 4 of the September 1995 Administration of Holidays and Leave Entitlements). Police have a hierarchy for taking leave - TOIL is to be taken first under the TOIL Management Policy and the Association recommends members manage their shift workers leave through leave management plans. |
| Association Sponsors Police Sporting Events |
| The Police Association now sponsors national Police sporting events through the Police Council of Sport. We support the valuable role Police play in sports and encourage members to join the Police Council of Sport. |
| Booking Holiday Homes Online |
| Sworn and Non-sworn Welfare Fund Members can book holiday Homes online and check and update their own membership details? It's as simple as calling our Member Services Centre between 8.00am and 5.30pm on 0800 500 122 or Police Network 44446 and asking for a password! |
| Non-sworn Staff Rostered To Work Christmas and New Year Holidays |
| Non-sworn shift staff rostered to work Christmas and New Year holidays do have to work those days (unless granted leave or they swap shifts), but in return for this they can choose when they want to take their substitute holidays. See the "Note" to clause 4.4.01 of the Collective Agreement. |
| Illness While On Leave |
| Over
the Christmas holiday period, some members will be lucky
enough to have been granted leave. Remember if you are on annual or shift leave and fall ill, you are entitled to have the period from which you notify Police of your illness up until your recovery, counted as sick leave. It is important to note that you cvan't just tell Police of your illness upon return to work and expect to have your annual leave reimbursed. You must inform Police of your predicament at the time of your illness and produce a medical cxertificate in due course. |
| Disputes Resolution Process (DRP) |
| The
Police have an internal procedure for resolving employment disputes
called the "Disputes Resolution Process" or
"DRP" This process involves raising issues through your supervisor or in some cases your HR manager. Any unresolved matters go to a local committee of three, which advises the District Commander about the best solution. The process includes time frames to keep things moving and keeps alive other rights, such as personal grievances, if the DRP doesn't resolve the matter. Police and the Association agreed to the DRP to give members and managers an additional non-legalistic forum for trying to resolve matters internally. Copies of the process are held by Local Association Chairpersons and Secretaries, Regional Directiors and Field Officers. Your HR office should also have a copy. |
| The 9 Hour Break Rule |
|
If
a member works overtime or is called back at the end of their
rostered shift they must have a break of 9-hours before they start
work again. If their next shift starts before the end of 9 hours
they simply let their supervisor know and start work once the 9
hours is up. |
| Non-sworn Wardrobe |
| A new non-sworn wardrobe with the Police crest was being considered by Police. It would have become compulsory for some members and accordingly supplied at no cost. Other members would have had the opportunity to wear the new wardrobe on a voluntary basis with an increased subsidy to assist in the purchase. In December 2002, Police decided not to proceed with the Non-sworn uniform. |
| Stress Leave |
| There is no "Stress Leave". If stress is causing members to be away from work, this comes under sick leave. Therefore, the time off work is deducted from a members sick leave balance. |
| PSS and Study Leave |
| PSS
(Police Superannuation Scheme ) members on part or full time study
leave are eligible for the Commmissioners Superannuation subsidy for
the period of unpaid study leave. The study leave needs to have been recognised as in the interests of Police or the members career development. This benefit can be claimed within one year of returning to paid service. |
| Police Welfare Officers |
| That Police Welfare Officers are available for confidential guidance and counselling regarding personal or work related problems. This service even extends to the families of serving, retired or deceased members. Police Welfare Officers are employed by the Commissioner but work very closely and effectively with the Police Associations Welfare Fund. |
| Access to our "Member Only" Section |
| To access our secure "members only" site simply select the "Members Only" option from the menu on the left, then enter your membership number and password. If you have forgotten your password contact our Member Services Centre on 0800-500-122. |
| Bankruptcy |
That as a police officer your ongoing employment could be jeopardised if you become bankrupt. Whilst each case is determined on its circumstances, this highlights the importance of budgeting and living within your means.
Credit cards and hire
purchase debts are the main contributors when members of Police experience
serious financial problems.
The Welfare Fund
recommends the Spicers Financial Planning Service to all members who
desire to be in control of their current and future finances, lifestyle
and security.