A weekly round up of news on the cops. Former Australian Crime Commission Chair says Victorian cops are the most corrupt in Australia -- so they are given extra powers -- and so Melburnians can be patrolled by the army -- and have business deals with McDonalds. Top cops in NSW cleared after investigation -- but another one charged with child slavery. Western Australian police officer leaves the force under secrecy -- and Canberra hospital nurse tells the Federal Police to bugger off.
Victorian Police have won the prize of being the most corrupt police in Australia, in the opinion of the former chairman of the Australian Crime Commission, Peter Faris QC, according to the Sept 19 Australian.
Mr Faris further said that the Victorian Police Commissioner, Christine Nixon, was weak and a 'slave' to the Bracks Government, as he spoke to a parliamentary committee.
Corruption had been 'swept under the carpet' and allowed to fester, he said.
'I think there's a huge amount of corruption in the Victoria Police that's never been addressed,' Mr Faris said.
'When the balloon went up about the drug squad, that was only a small part of the corruption, and all the rest has never been looked at, it's all been swept under the carpet.'
The QC added 'I think we have dire problems here. I think we have a weak commissioner. I think the commissioner is a slave to the Government.'
The coppers in Victoria have been under sustained fire since the disgraced drug squad was disbanded in 2001.
Victoria: even more powers for the 'most corrupt police in Australia'
But your average copper these days is not so much the filth that we know of old, but a top notch counter-terrorism fighter. How appropriate, then, that they will be given police state powers.
Numerous media outlets reported on Sept. 21 that Victorian police will be given stop and search powers by the Bracks Labor government.
Police will also be able to search cars, demand identification, seize property, seize closed-circuit TV footage without a warrant and conduct secret property searches.
Some of these powers will be extended to officials and security guards at airports, power stations and reservoirs.
On the terrorism front, Premier Bracks has kissed the bottom of the Prime Minister, John Howard, saying that he approved of Federal Government plans to allow terrorist suspects to be detained for up to two weeks.
The Prime Minister, John Howard, has reciprocated by kissing the bottom of Premier Bracks, while at the same time indulging in a little bit of tongue action.
The Prime Minister said 'I think [the plans of Premier Bracks] are very sensible in the context of the preparations in this city for the Commonwealth Games' according to ABC's The World Today program on Sept. 21.
The President of Liberty Victoria, barrister Brian Walters, commented 'We've spent more than $5 billion on security since [the US false flag operations on] September the 11th, 2001 and it's hard to see that that reaction is proportionate to the threat that's posed,' said Brian Walters.
Walters continued 'Well I think there is some hysteria about the threat of terrorism and there is often the belief that getting rid of human rights will somehow make us safer, but our greatest security lies in our human rights.'
Further guranteeing our human rights will be the jackboots of the military, drafted in to occupy Melbourne during the Commonwealth Games, according to ABC news online.
Victorian Police Commissioner Christine Nixon, described as weak and a 'slave' by a witness to a parliamentary committee (see above), will be the head of security for the games.
A total of 1,200 Australian Defence Force personnel will be in Melbourne in addition to the 13,000 police who will be deployed.
Melburnians have been warned to expect Defence Force personnel and equipment in and around the city in the lead-up to the Games. ADF tactical assault teams will be deployed.
Equipment to be used include Black Hawk helicopters and fighter jets, according to a Sept. 20 AAP report.
Melburnians have also been warned to expect personal searches, cars in the city to be subject to spot checks and residents could expect to see military aircraft overhead in the lead-up to, and during, the Games.
Meanwhile, doughnuts are being replaced by Big Macs as the favourite food of coppers in Victoria.
In a scene guaranteed to make any right-thinking person shudder with dread, Victorian Police have linked up with McDonalds to produce 'blue ribbons' for coppers killed on duty, according to the Sept 20 Ararat newspaper.
Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO Neil Soullier, in support of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, has raised more than $4 million for community projects since 1993 which perpetuate the memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty.
No mention has been made in the various press releases about fundraising for the families of victims shot dead by police.
In New South Wales, Deputy Police Commissioner, Dave Madden, who is otherwise leaving the police service, will not be charged with any offence under the Telecommunications (Interception) Act in relation to phone tap leaking allegations, according to the Sept 20 Sydney Morning Herald.
The Assistant Commissioner, Peter Parsons, has also been told he is in the clear.
Mr Madden has applied for medical discharge because of stress.
The leaks related to allegations that some Bulldogs players had raped a woman at Coffs Harbour on February 22.
They haven't escaped yet though. The Department of Public Prosecutions has referred the matter back to the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) to consider disciplinary action, according to a Sept 20 AAP report.
Although these two coppers might get off, that is not the case with former copper, Christopher White, who has been granted bail of 300,000 Thai baht ($A15,000) while facing child molestation charges, according to a Sept 20 AAP report.
White was arrested at his home in Bangkok on August 24 and denies charges that he sexually abused a teenage girl from Chiang Mai for four years. He is accused of forcing her to perform sexual acts on video with him and his friends.
In Western Australia, one of the state's most senior police officers has quit after making an 'error of judgment.'
Deputy commissioner Tim Atherton resigned, but we don't quite know why. The Sept 21 Advertiser reports that State Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan refused to provide details of the inappropriate conduct that led to his deputy's surprise resignation
He would not reveal when the conduct occurred and refused to say whether the behaviour involved sexual harassment.
But this week's round up has a happy ending. Australian Federal Police were put in their place by Canberra Hospital staff when they attempted to bully their way in past the emergency reception desk, according to the Sept. 16 Australian.
When the cops, with Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile in tow, tried to break the relatives-only visitor rule to see Senator Barnaby Joyce, the badge-flashing cops were told by the desk nurse 'That means nothing here, sonny.'
It was reported that Senator Joyce had arrived at the hospital at 8.45pm complaining of a migraine.
By Cop Watcher posted 27 September 05
Related:
Cop Watch - The threat of privatised state power
Cop Watch will stay silent on proposed anti-terrorist laws and the arrest of peace activist Scott Parkin as so many others are writing about it, but a moment needs to be spent on private security guards - the private army of the state.
Cop Watch - Tweed Heads Terrorism brings town to standstill
Another terror attack in Australia brings Tweeds Heads (NSW) to a standstill - police brake speed limit to get footy player to footy match - woman ends up dead because of police failure, according to coroner - corrupt corruption commissioner might end up in prison - 14 year old girl gets locked up by police unlawfully - ex-copper gets massive $650,000 pay-out.
A copper's lot may not be happy, but it is certainly well paid
NSW Police to set up full time riot squad following Forbes protests - no one wants to be Commissioner of Police in NSW - no one wants to be a copper in SA - another copper rapes a juvenile - more secrecy bungles in Victoria - more drugs for the cops on duty - Justice Wood (former Commissioner into Police Corruption) says little has changed in 10 years - cops on corruption charges get stressed out and get compo.
Cop Watch: When permanent head injuries ruled to be reasonable force Former copper kidnaps and rapes 10 year old (allegedly) - Commission rules that police violence that leads to serious and permanent head injuries is 'reasonable' - more police lies on the de Menezes killing in London by terrorist police officers - NSW Police Association criticise A30 Opera House cost of policing - Victorian Police stuff up traffic tickets (again).
Cop Watch: No. 4 Terrorism in Ballarat
Terrorism in Ballarat - former Sydney copper sues the police after becoming drug addict - Victorian Police unlawfully releases 'up to 20,000 pages' of confidential files.
Australia: Cop Watch No. 3
This round-up includes: disgraced officers may get reinstated with back pay - more confidential information gets released into the public domain by police - body searching at the Sydney Opera House - and Irish police pissed off over WA police poaching campaign in Ireland.
Australia: Copwatch No.2
A review of what the boys and girls in blue have been up to shows that their respective juices have been stimulated by their ability to demand greater and greater police powers.
Australia: Cop Watch
The roundup this week - dodgy riot gear, shooting French photographers, senior coppers being 4 times over the legal limit, dodgy promotions in NSW, more terrorism powers in WA and drug-dealing coppers in Melbourne (it is alleged).
Assaulted, intimidated or harassed in custody?
"Then make an Apprehended Violence Order application against the police, says assault victim Ms Teresa Kiernan.
NSW Police Force: 2 dead, $1 million dollars to catch a thief?
NSW police have expressed concern about their response to the Macquarie Fields riots in south-western Sydney after a police pursuit that killed two young youths Dylan Rayward 17, and Mathew Robertson, 19 that went horribly wrong.
OUR STORIES MUST BE TOLD. THEY HAVE TO BE
On Sunday 13th February, a Community gathering will be held to enable all people to remember the death of one of our young Community members, 'TJ' Hickey.
Vic police chief moves to sack officers
The Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Christine Nixon, has moved to dismiss two police officers as part of a crackdown on corruption and says up to 20 more dismissals could follow.
Vic flop cop warns there's more corruption
Victorian Police Chief Commissioner, Christine Nixon, says Victorians should brace themselves for more evidence of police corruption.
Vic police corruption report tabled in Parliament
The Victorian Ombudsman's report on the Ceja Taskforce and drug related corruption in Victoria police has been tabled in State Parliament.
Bent police compromise Bulldogs gang-rape case
Deputy Commissioner Dave Madden could have compromised gang-rape investigation? Steve Mortimer resigned!
More NSW Police Corruption?
Line of fire? [Bullshit! Line of Lick Arse Noble Cause NSW Corrupt Cops] (clockwise from top left) Deputy Commissioner Dave Madden, Assistant Commissioner Peter Parsons, Superintendent Dave Swilkes, Assistant Commissioner Bob Waites and Superintendent Dave Owens.
NSW Cop suspect in murder?
A sacked Sydney police officer has finished giving testimony at a hearing into his corrupt activities over the past eight years. Christopher John Laycock was yesterday recalled to the witness stand at the Police Integrity Commission (PIC).
Corrupt NSW police officer sacked
New South Wales Police Commissioner Ken Moroney has sacked an officer who confessed to being involved in corrupt activities over the past eight years.
Policeman draws blank on fake raids
A suspended Sydney policeman has told an inquiry that he has "little recollection" of the details of fake police raids he set up.
Officer planned to kidnap criminals
A senior Sydney police officer who has admitted taking money for tipping off a child porn suspect had also been planning to kidnap criminals and extort money from them, the Police Integrity Commission heard yesterday.
Police offer protection to family following gang rape allegations
The parents of a 14-year-old girl claim their daughter was gang-raped in Sydney earlier this year, and have raised concerns about corrupt policeman Detective Sergeant Christopher Laycock's review of the case.
NSW police prosecutor charged with child porn possession
A New South Wales police prosecutor has been charged with the possession of child pornography.
Police, teachers charged in child porn bust
One-hundred-and-fifty people, including police officers and teachers, have been arrested in what the Federal Police (AFP) describe as Australia's biggest Internet child pornography bust.
A corrupt way to treat the community?
I seen the police bleeding on Nine's Sunday program arguing that promotion should depend on how many crimes police have solved and not how many brains they have and that was coming from police commissioner Ken Moroney and Police Minister John Watkins?
Judges Blood Sample: After the fact of the fact of a hangover?
Lawyers say New South Wales Supreme Court judge Jeff Shaw should not give police his own sample of blood taken after he crashed his car near his Sydney home last month.
NSW police drug amnesty under review
A drug amnesty for the New South Wales police force is under review, Police Commissioner Ken Moroney has said.
Police to uphold law not decide mental health
A diagnosis of mental illness could be made over the phone instead of in person, and involuntary psychiatric patients could lose the right to have their case reviewed by a magistrate, under proposed changes to NSW mental health laws.
Redfern police need education not weapons
According to the description of one senior police officer, the ACLO called out on the afternoon before the Redfern violence escalated was "hopeless, intoxicated and had no driver's licence."
Bulldogs simply not the best!
SIMPLY NOT THE BEST AND DEFINITELY NOT BETTER THAN ANYONE, ANYONE I'VE MET.
Clive Small, NSW Inspector Gadget
NSW Police has revived controversial plans for a specialist discriminative squad to tackle the wave of violent crime that has plagued Sydney's south-west for more than a decade.
2,500, crooked detectives? Or a corrupt Government?
The Wood Royal Commission into police corruption. Where did the police learn their trade skills? Led by example perhaps?
Australia's Political Underworld...And their enforcers
The promotion of law and order means money to big business. Profits from insurance, security fixtures, patrol services and the like can only continue to grow if the perceived threat of uncontrollable crime wave escalates. In the past few months there have been many examples of the true nature of our blood thirsty politicians and their sinister attempts to spoon-feed a not so gullible public with their repetitious rhetoric.
Lord Denning
Interesting how a member of the Police Board Mr. Tim Priest would hold grave fears for his safety from dangerouse senior police but fails to name them or have them sacked. Rather Priest resigns as if he had no powers. Could that mean what he was saying is that the Governments are also corrupt?
Black Nexus
The Separation of Powers Doctrine is nowcontaminated witharangeofcolours, now leaving us with a black shirt on a once blue bridge that crossed that thin blue line. The 'Amery and Woodham show'.
Partners in crime - history!
Roger Rogerson, the old hero, who never faced a result in the Lanfranchy, or Huckstepp murders, was let off in my opinion when the New South Wales Government rolled the legal system (deciding what evidence to give the police prosecutor) to have the jury believe the illusion they (the Government wanted to create).Similarly, Peter Ryan facing the Police Integrity Commission for questions about his involvement in the demise of the dysfunctional reform unit. Chess in the court (rolling the legal system).
Police Chronology 1994-2001
View events in the NSW Police Force since the Wood Royal Commission began in 1994. 1994 May Justice James Wood is appointed Commissioner of the Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service ('WRC').
Federal Police
AFP: The unlikely CRIMINAL
It was born of a bombing and it made its name after a far more devastating act of terrorism. But for most of the 25 years in between, little was known about the Australian Federal Police force or the work it did.
