My inbox has been pretty popular recently. There seems to be items of interest in our realm that have quite a few of you boiling, so let’s get into it.

We know where we stand

Please tell me why we still have some stations, areas, districts that continue to ask our colleagues who are on a day off to be on “standby” for a court case? I thought we grew out of that nonsense. Obviously some people can’t read plain English. You know, the plain English written into the collective employment agreement. Either roster them on or pay them standby – or did I miss the memo?

Let it rest in peace

I hear the Coroners Court in some parts of the country is taking a swing at us, even after a criminal investigation and an Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation justify police actions in some serious incidents. I know a coroner can investigate any instance involving death, but to what end, if two, and possibly more, professional investigations have asked the right questions and come to the same answer? What can be gained from another inquiry that is usually based solely on hindsight?

Words fail me…

500 new cops. Two years. Fail. Need I say more?

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

Victoria Police has a new commissioner – our old mate Mike Bush is at the helm! Legend. I have to ask, after his time here, the constant demand, the long hours and the pressure, why would he want to do it again? And, with Aussies? You have a tough hide Mr Bush, I wish you well.

‘Without fear or favour’

The above is an old-school line, but one that resonates with us all. We police without the influence of politics or interested parties; we uphold the law for every New Zealander. We also police with the same expectations we hold of each other. That defines the standards, or values, for how we behave. They are high expectations, my friends. We judge each other harshly when those standards are not met because we expect more from those we serve with. I know recent news is shocking and I know the media storm is something we have to endure. But I also know that New Zealanders have great respect for us, as we do for each other, and that is what counts.

Step in the right direction

Parades have returned to Police College. About time! It’s where our police journey begins. Along with learning the Police “trade”, values, standards, expectations and pride are developed. We have so many silos now that it’s hard to corral everyone – unless there’s free food. Parades get us together, in one spot, for one reason, regardless of your workgroup. We get to show ourselves off with collective pride in who we are and what we do. We may need to do more drills, but most of us know left from right, don’t we?