175 YEARS OF POLICING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

This year SAPOL is commemorating 175 years of policing in South Australia. With a strong and vibrant heritage dating back to 1838, SAPOL is the oldest centrally controlled police service in Australia and one of the oldest in the world.

Throughout the year the SA Police News website and SAPOL Facebook page will be highlighting significant milestones and stories in SAPOL's rich and diverse history through a range of photographs and articles sourced from the South Australian Police Historical Society.

MOMENTS IN TIME #10

Our latest story is about camels and how they were first used by SAPOL from the 1880s through until the early 1950s when outback roads had improved and railways were expanding. The Officer in Charge of the Northern Division wrote a report in 1885 recommending purchasing the first 18 camels for police work. Here's an extract of what he reported:

"I have had five years' experience with camels and found them to be suitable, safer and less expensive on the whole than horses for the far Northern Stations. The men like them better than horses, and in fact, they are the only safe animal to bridge over long tracts of waterless country so frequently met with in the far North of this province ......."

" The pack camels can average 20 miles per day for months, carrying from 4 to 6 cwt, travelling six days per week. ......... They eat greedily herbage and bushes no other animal will touch. The total absence of grass does not affect them if bushes are obtainable, and they generally are."

Photo: Penong Police Camel Patrol in 1915, in front of the Penong Police Station. Photo courtesy South Australian Police Historical Society.

View our Moments in Time.

Read the full story at SA Police News.

If you're wondering why there are a few red noses around the city today, it's not due to a sudden flu outbreak. Police, emergency services personnel and around 200 school children gathered at the Metropolitan Fire Service station on Wakefield Street this morning to raise awareness of the annual Red Nose Day which will be held nationally on 28 June 2013.

They were joined by the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR and his wife, for a parade through the city to Government House. The parade was coordinated by the SIDS and Kids organisation, with participants including families and friends affected by the sudden, unexpected death of an infant child.

The Band of the South Australia Police hit all the right notes throughout the parade while mounted police reined in the traffic to ensure the parade reached Government House safely, where those involved enjoyed a BBQ lunch in the grounds.

Click here for more information about Red Nose Day.

Read more at SA Police News.

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS 

Three SAPOL members were bestowed the Australian Police Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours - Assistant Commissioner (A/C) Paul Dickson, Senior Sergeant First Class (SS1C) Thomas Nyenhuis and Detective Senior Sergeant (DSS) Wayne Williamson.

A/C Paul Dickson has been recognised for his contribution to SAPOL through his outstanding leadership and efficiency in the management of significant corporate projects and initiatives.

SS1C Nyenhuis is a long-serving operational police officer who through his knowledge, leadership and actions embraces all aspects of the Leadership Charter within SAPOL.

DSS Williamson joined SAPOL in 1976 and for more than 25 years he has worked tirelessly in the field of investigations and has managed complex and protracted criminal investigations.

SAPOL STOPS TRAFFIC IN SWITZERLAND

In July this year, the Band of the South Australia Police will take to the world stage by performing at the acclaimed Basel Tattoo in Switzerland.

Now in its eighth year, the Basel Tattoo will see the Band perform as part of a cast of around 1,000 musicians and dancers who will provide live entertainment to 120,000 people over a total of 15 performances.

The Band will also strike a chord with an estimated 140,000 spectators when they participate in the city parade through Basel.

In the past week, the Band's Drum Major, Sergeant Adam Buckley, represented SAPOL at a production meeting in Basel, where plans were finalised with the producer and CEO of the Basel Tattoo Erik Julliard, the Principal Director of Music, technical production associates, and international members from other participating bands from across the world.

Basel Tattoo has generously provided funding to cover the costs for our band members to travel to this year's event, covering all airfares, meals and accommodation.

The event's organisers were so impressed with the Band's last appearance in Basel in 2010 that they have used the Band in their promotional material for this year's Tattoo, with Sergeant Buckley featuring prominently in advertising on Basel's public transport.

The passport works by asking bicycle owners to write down identifying features and take a photograph of the bicycle to make it easy to identify if stolen. Crime prevention tips also urge owners to 'lock your bicycle effectively - always lock your bicycle's frame and both wheels to a secure object.' Help to protect your bike by following the advice in this passport.

Download a copy of the Bicycle Passport or contact your Local Service Area Crime Prevention Section.

Read more

Police from across Australia have launched Operation Unification - Illicit Firearms, a two-week operation which aims to remove illicit firearms from the hands of criminals.

Supported by SAPOL and Crime Stoppers and led by the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA), this joint, nationwide crackdown on illicit firearms will target weapons that are illegally imported or manufactured in Australia or stolen from registered owners and potentially used in criminal activities.

Operation Unification is part of a broader range of measures used by SAPOL to tackle illicit firearms activity. It follows on from the recent Operation Disarm which offered significant rewards for information on illegal weapons, and last year's Gun Amnesty, which saw more than 3000 unwanted or unregistered weapons handed in.

Anyone with information about the location of illegal firearms, or the identity of anyone using, making or keeping illegal firearms can anonymously call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au.

For further information about Operation Unification - Illicit Firearms please visit the ANZPAA website.

Read more at SA Police News.

A DRIVING FORCE IN ROAD SAFETY

Sergeant John Illingworth was awarded the South Australia Police Officer of the Year for 2012 at a ceremony held in Rundle Mall on Tuesday, 21 May.

The well-known Program Coordinator with SAPOL's Road Safety Section was nominated for his tireless and inspirational work in promoting road safety to the community and his valuable contribution to a range of road safety programs including 'Towards Zero Together', 'Living Neighbourhoods' and 'Way2GO' bike education for children.

Sergeant Illingworth has been a driving force behind SAPOL's highly acclaimed Road Safety Centre which opened in February this year.

He has played a pivotal role in developing the new partnership between SAPOL and Humphrey B Bear, with the iconic character featured in a range of road safety education material for children visiting the centre.

Sergeant Illingworth received several nominations for the prestigious award, with nominees such as the Motor Accident Commission praising his positive attributes and knowledge towards enhancing road safety and the influence this has had in reducing the trauma experienced in our community.

Read more at SA Police News.

With the revitalisation of the rail network well underway, SAPOL's Transit Services Branch has produced a timely reminder for the travelling public who access the Adelaide Metro network.

The Travel Safety Guide is a handy pocket-sized guide containing valuable safety tips and information for commuters using public transport.

The guide is available from the Adelaide Metro Info Centres located on the corner of Currie Street and King William Street in the city and at the Adelaide Railway Station. You can also download a copy of the guide here.

'WHERE IS?'... PROPERTY THEFT PREVENTION

SAPOL's 'Where is? Property Theft Prevention' posters aim to raise the community's awareness about securing personal property when out and about. 

Licenced premises, including hotels, cafes and restaurants can be seen as an easy target for the theft of handbags, tablets and mobile phones. 

This campaign poses the question to people, 'Where is?' their personal property to remind them to take care of their valuables when out and about.

Posters should be displayed in highly visible areas, such as café and hotel entrances, outdoor dining areas and amenities to maximise the visual reminders to customers. 

To obtain posters for your business contact your Local Service Area Crime Prevention Section.

A limited edition 'historic police bear' is now on sale as part of SAPOL's commemorations for 175 years of policing in South Australia.

Dressed in the original 1838 uniform of the day, the bear is available for $50 (plus postage).

All profits from the sales will go to SA Police Legacy, which helps the families of any SAPOL officer who dies either while in service or in retirement.

The historic bears are available from all branches of Police Credit Union, the South Australian Police Historical Society and the Police Legacy office (telephone 8232 5513).

With only 500 available, they are sure to sell out quickly.

For keen arctophiles (those who collect teddy bears) Police Legacy also has the new SAPOL bear available for sale.

Dressed in the new dark blue uniform, the bear can be yours for just $30.

Either bear will ensure that your next teddy bears' picnic will be a safe and peaceful event.

On Sunday, 28 April SAPOL commemorated 175 years of policing in South Australia with an Open Day at the Police Academy.

Around 5,000 people enjoyed the event, which showcased the new Police Academy training facility and featured community engagement and displays from a diverse range of SAPOL areas demonstrating their role within the organisation and value to South Australia.

A major highlight of the Open Day was the Foundation Day Ceremony which tracked the development of SAPOL over the past 175 years and included a re-enactment of the swearing in of South Australia's inaugural 20 police officers in 1838.

The popular Open Day was a highly successful follow-up to the commemorative street parade, which enthralled onlookers in the city on Friday, 26 April. View photos here.

These events are just the start of a year of festivities to be held throughout the state as SAPOL commemorates 175 years of service to the community. To further whet the appetite for police history, SA Police News is publishing a number of historic policing stories sourced from the South Australian Historical Society. The first instalment is available here.

The Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers (SHDP) project is a South Australia Police (SAPOL) corporate initiative to combat property crime through legislative and regulatory change. To support this initiative, SAPOL has identified the need for legislative reform in the areas of licensing and regulation of the second-hand and pawnbroker industry.

Public consultation regarding the proposed Second-hand Goods Bill was conducted by South Australia Police (SAPOL) Second-hand Dealers project team between 30 April and 28 of May 2011.

A report summarising the consultation process as well as significant submissions received from industry groups and interested persons has been prepared by the SAPOL project team, a copy of which is now available for information and downloading.

Read more

'How will you be leaving the store today?'

The aim of the Shop Theft Prevention initiative is to engage potential shop theft offenders by causing them to rethink their behaviour.

The poster is designed to be displayed in highly visible areas, such as entrances, change rooms and point of sales in any retail business. This will assist to maximise the opportunity to prevent shop theft crime.

The shop theft crime prevention posters are available through Local Service Area Crime Prevention Sections.

The latest edition of SAPOL's magazine, Blueprint (PDF 9.3MB), is out now.

In this edition you can read stories about our people, their achievements and key issues affecting SAPOL including:

• Cracking the code of cybercrime
• SAPOL feels The Force of reality television
• A positive report card for the Schoolies Festival
• Mounted Operations Unit harnessing their strengths
• The sobering reality of alcohol-fuelled violence
• Dog Operations Unit - new puppies to collar criminals
• Charging to Prosecution Project - a strong case for reform
• The community warms to Summer Safety
• Getting a kick out of sport with the South Australia Police Sports Federation
• Achieving a degree of success with the Bachelor of Management (Policing)

OPENING OF THE NEW ROAD SAFETY CENTRE

Since the opening of the Road Safety School at Port Road, Thebarton in 1964, South Australia Police (SAPOL) has been at the forefront of road safety education in South Australia. During its 47 years of operation, the school provided over 500,000 students with a positive interaction with police as they learned about using our road systems safely.

Now, a new generation of young South Australians will have the chance to enjoy a similar experience, with a new SAPOL Road Safety Centre officially opened on Monday, 25 February 2013.

Located at Port Road, Thebarton, the modern $3.55 million centre will be the first of its type operated by police within Australia. It incorporates a mock roadway located within Bonython Park (built in co-operation with the Adelaide City Council), which will be open for use by the public on weekends and public holidays when not required by SAPOL.

Apart from the 10,000 children expected to use the facility each year, for the first time road safety presentations will be provided at the centre for other groups including secondary school students, businesses, special interest groups, community groups and older-aged road users. This approach supports SAPOL's concept of road safety education being a lifelong learning process.

The opening of the Road Safety Centre also heralds a new partnership between SAPOL and the iconic Humphrey B Bear. Every group of children coming through the Centre will now see a road safety Humphrey B Bear DVD where Humphrey, with the help of SAPOL personnel and friends, reinforces cycling road safety messages.

Bookings for road safety education can be made by telephoning 8207 4668.

Read more at SA Police News.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF MURRAY BRIDGE POLICE STATION

The new Murray Bridge Police station was officially opened at a special ceremony today by Commissioner Gary Burns and the Minister for Police, the Hon. Michael O'Brien MP.

Replacing the original station built in 1884, the new environmentally sustainable building is now the headquarter station for Murray Mallee Local Service Area. It provides the rapidly growing local population with access to the full range of policing services and offers a safer environment for staff and prisoners, with an integrated security and CCTV system for advanced custody management.

The $12.5m purpose built facility allows operational and support policing units to work together, so supervision, operational issues, emergency management, prisoner management, property storage, equipment storage and security all interact efficiently.

"The new station will provide 24/7 services to the area and will meet the needs and expectations of the local community, in a way the former police station was no longer equipped to do," said Assistant Police Commissioner Neil Smith.

Read more at SA Police News.

Commissioner of Police Gary Burns has released the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Strategic Direction 2012 - 2015. The Strategic Direction 2012 - 2015 is the guiding document for the delivery of policing services to the community with the SAPOL Vision to provide "A visible, responsive police service for all South Australians".

The Strategic Direction has eight main goals, as the key elements of a visible and responsive police service. It describes how these goals will be achieved, through four main areas of focus. These target police visibility and availability, community contact, engagement with our people and innovation to maximize effectiveness and responsiveness.

Read more about the South Australia Police Strategic Direction 2012 - 2015.

IS YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF BASIC ROAD RULES UP-TO-DATE?

Breaking basic road rules contributes to thousands of avoidable crashes in South Australia resulting in injuries and fatalities every year.

The Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure has launched a road rules refresher page on the mylicence.sa.gov.au website. The road rules refresher can help make you aware of gaps or misunderstandings in your road rules knowledge. It looks at everything from giving way, overtaking, roundabouts, U-turns, merging and more and features online video clips showing the road rules in action as well as a quiz.

You can use the free, easy to use tools available on this page to refresh your basic road rules knowledge and be a smarter, safer driver.

Road rules are developed for your safety. Make sure you know and follow the road rules at all times.

Following extensive consultation, including the preparation of a Regional Impact Assessment Statement, the Narrung Police Station was officially closed on 21 December 2012.

Policing services to the Narrung community and surrounding district pastoral properties are now served by the Meningie, Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge police stations.

For contact details on these police stations, please visit the Country Police Stations page.