New South Wales Police
Encyclopedia
The New South Wales Police Force (NSW Police Force; previously New South Wales Police Service & New South Wales Police) is the primary law enforcement agency
in the State of New South Wales
, Australia
. It is an agency of the Government of New South Wales
within the New South Wales Ministry for Police
. Divided into eighty Local Area Commands (LAC), the NSW Police Force consists of over five hundred local police stations and covers an area of 801,600 square kilometres whilst serving the state's population of seven million people.
Under the Police Regulation Act (1862), the organisation of the New South Wales Police Force was formally established in 1862 with the unification of all existing independent police units within New South Wales. The authority and responsibility of the entire police force was given to the Inspector General of Police. Presently, the Commissioner of Police controls the police force.
The current Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force is Andrew Scipione
, APM
, who replaced Ken Moroney
AO
APM
, on 31 August 2007, with Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens APM
, Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas APM
and Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn APM
. The State Government Cabinet Minister responsible for the New South Wales Police Force portfolio is The Honourable Mike Gallacher
, MLC. As of 2011, the New South Wales Police Force consists of approximately 15,915 officers.
features the state badge of New South Wales, a soaring Australian Wedge Tail eagle carrying a scroll with the word Nemesis, a wreath and the St Edwards Crown, crown of the Queen of Australia, representing Her Majesty's Government. The insignia was first used in 1959 at the South Pacific Police Commissioners Conference in the table placenames of each of the attending commissioners. It was designed for this purpose by then Detective-Sergeant Norm Merchant and subsequently adopted as the official insignia.
The overall mission of the New South Wales Police Force is to protect the community and property of the state of New South Wales. Services provided by the New South Wales Police Force include:
Further policing duties performed are traffic control, intelligence analysis and anti-terrorist negotiation.
Like all other States of Australia, municipalities and shires in New South Wales have no or very limited law enforcement responsibilities.
The New South Wales Police Force has existed in various forms since the foundation of the colony of New South Wales at Sydney
in 1788. In order to protect the infant town against thieves and petty criminals after dark, Governor Arthur Phillip
authorised the formation of a nightwatch in August 1789, consisting of eight of the best-behaved convicts. After his appointment as the new governor of New South Wales, Governor Lachlan Macquarie
restructured the police force in January 1811, setting up a basic system of ranks and control and recruiting free men into the force instead of convicts. Police units were under the rule of the district magistrates.
Responding to the various forms of crime, a number of independent specialised units were set up. The earliest of these units formed was the Mounted Police, established in 1825 to keep the settlers safe and guard road transportation. In 2009, it had 34 horses and was claimed to be the oldest mounted police unit in the world.
Other specialist groups formed during this time were the Water Police (formed in 1832), the Border Police (formed in 1839) and the Native Police (formed in 1848).
By 1872, 70 police stations existed throughout the colony in various sub-districts with a total of 803 police officers. In 1915, the first female police officers were appointed. The number of members of the force increased to 5717 in 1961, the following year being its centenary. In November 2008, the total strength of the force was 15,354.
years. Constable Byrne almost single-handedly fought off the Ben Hall gang when they attacked a gold escort at Major's Creek on 13 March 1865. Constable O'Grady was taken ill with cholera when, on 9 April 1866, he left his sick-bed to confront the Clarke gang, who were renowned as being the "bloodiest bushrangers" of the Colony of New South Wales and of Australia. Constable Walker was one of the earliest Australian-born mounted troopers
to gain fame. He brought Captain Thunderbolt
's enduring "bushranging" career to an end by shooting him near Uralla in New England
, New South Wales.
Constable Ernest Charles Day (later the Inspector General of Police) showed courage under fire when he shot and captured bushranger Hobson. Hobson was later hanged. Day later investigated a string of murders involving a hawker, Tommy Moore, by tracing his activities to South Australia
and solved one of Australia's earliest serial-killer cases.
, the 1997 Thredbo landslide
, Waterfall train disaster
, Grafton bus crash
, 1989 Newcastle earthquake
, Sydney Hilton bombing
, the arrest of serial killer Ivan Milat
, the 2004 Redfern riots
, the 2005 Macquarie Fields riots
and the 2005 Cronulla riots
. They were responsible for the security of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and World Youth Day 2008
.
and the public's responsilibity in crime control, aided by the police. In accordance with the Police Service Amendment (NSW Police) Bill in 2002, the New South Wales Police Service was then renamed again to simply New South Wales Police. The then Minister for Police, Michael Costa, explains: In 2006, the Police Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill resulted in a name change for the third time, renaming the New South Wales Police to New South Wales Police Force.
(SPG) was formed, incorporating the former Special Weapons & Operations Section (SWOS), the Witness Security Unit, regional Tactical Response Groups and the Rescue Squad. The Security Management Branch and the Bomb Disposal Unit were later included in the group.
The New South Wales Police Force has grown to be the largest in Australia and the highest paid.
, which sought to trial voluntary service within the police force, along the lines of the United Kingdom
's special constabularies
. The trial was not successful and lapsed with the automatic repeal of the Act in 1994.
The Corporate Services of the New South Wales Police Force is headed by the Deputy Commissioner (Corporate Services), who is charged with the management of recruitment and education, firearms, records and information process services, Security Industry Registry
(SIR), investment and commercial services, safety, business and technology services, human resources, education services, finance, public affairs and legal services.
The Field Operations of the New South Wales Police Force, headed by the New South Wales Police Force Deputy Commissioner (Field Operations), is responsible for managing and overseeing the North West Metropolitan region, South West Metropolitan region, Central Metropolitan region, Southern Metropolitan region, Northern Metropolitan region, Western Metropolitan region, State Crime Command, Traffic Services, APEC Police Security Command and Major Events & Incidents Group.
The Specialist Operations
of the New South Wales Police Force, headed by the Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations), is responsible for a range of specialist groups of the police force. These groups include Operations Communications & Information Group, Forensics Services Group, Special Services Group, Counter Terrorism and Public Order Management, Police Prosecutions and Professional Standards Command.
Founded in September 1825 by state governor Thomas Brisbane
, the Mounted Police were recruited from a British military regiment stationed in NSW at the time, to protect travellers, suppress convict escapees and fight Indigenous Australians
. For over a century they were a key part of policing, as horses were the main form of transport. The NSW Mounted Police Unit is the oldest continuous mounted group in the world. The unit was formed three years before the London Mounted Police
and 38 years prior to the 1873 formation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
.
Duties include traffic and crowd management, patrols, and ceremonial protocol duties. The 34 horses used today are bay geldings, 15.3 hands high or more and include a number of former racehorses.
The New South Wales Police Force is run in a para-military structure. All sworn members start at the lowest rank of Probationary Constable / Constable and work their way up. Promotion beyond Senior Constable is highly competitive. The following ranks are listed lowest to highest from left as set out in 2002:
Promotion to the rank of Senior Constable can be obtained after five years service and requires the officer to pass an examination which can cover a broad area of policing knowledge. Incremental Senior Constable is obtained after ten years of service. Senior Constables of all grades are referred to as either "Senior Constable" or "Senior".
Upon promotion to Sergeant and Senior Sergeant, members are issued a Warrant of Appointment under the Commissioner's hand and seal.
A Sergeant normally manages a team during a shift. A Detective Sergeant is normally in charge of a team in a specific part of either Local Area Command Detectives or State Crime Command's many specialised squads.
A Senior Sergeant oversees the Sergeants and traditionally performs more administrative work, coordination of policing operations or specialist work than active patrol duties. Many Senior Sergeants are attached to Regions in Region Training Coordinator, Region Traffic Coordinator, Region Operations Coordinator positions or in Legal Services, Professional Standards, Protocol, Education Services and perform middle management duties.
Sergeants and Incremental Sergeants are referred to as "Sergeant", whilst Senior Sergeants are referred to as "Senior Sergeant".
. As it is a designation and not a rank, the designation comes prior to the rank, i.e. Detective Constable, or Detective Senior Constable etc. Returning to general duties (uniform) is common for detectives, and many detectives do seek promotion in the general duties arena. However, while they do not lose their detective's designation if they leave full time investigation duties, it is customary not to use their designation while performing general or other duties which are not an authorised investigative position. Upon returning to an authorised position they can use their designation again without having to requalify. There has been some consideration given by the police force in recent years to identify designated detectives performing uniform duties by way of a distinctive badge or uniform embellishment, but this has not been adopted.
Working Dress of the New South Wales Police Force (known as Operational Dress) consists of navy blue cargo pants with map pockets, ballooned at the bottom, light blue marle short or long sleeve shirt, navy blue baseball cap with blue and white Sillitoe Tartan
, and general purpose boots. During winter a navy blue Polartec jacket is worn throughout the state. Ranks are worn on the shoulders by both NCOs and Commissioned Ranks.
Service Dress consists of general purpose boots, Straight Leg Navy Blue Trousers, Blue Marle Shirt, Antron Cap and Leather Duty Jacket. Dependant on rank, members may be issued with polishable lace-up leather boots for ceremonial occasions, similar to that work by senior military personnel.
Officers wear a similar uniform when attending court proceedings, this is usually the full Service Dress during the winter months and for summer consists of Straight Leg Navy Blue Trousers, Blue Marle Shirt and Antron Cap.
During ceremonial occasions, NSW Police Force College Staff, New South Wales Police Force Protocol and NSW Police Force Field Protocol Officers generally wear a Navy Blue Ceremonial Tunic during official occasions such as Attestation Parades (passing out parades), medal ceremonies and funerals etc.
New South Wales Police Force Field Protocol Officers are issued with a light blue/navy blue lanyard to be worn over the right shoulder and tucked into the right pocket during ceremonial occasions.
Full-time Protocol Officers and members of the VIP Cyclists are entitled to wear a black basketweave Sam Browne belt during ceremonial occasions.
In line with the name change of the organisation back to NSW Police Force, the current shoulder patch for uniform reads New South Wales Police Force, and has a redesigned and recoloured eagle.
Specialist units such as the Public Order and Riot Squad
, Air Wing, Marine Area Command and the State Protection Group
Tactical Operations Unit all have different uniform needs and are outfitted accordingly such as New South Wales Police Force Rescue Squad with their white overalls, Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) with black and Dog Squad with subdued blue. Detectives wear plain clothes.
During ANZAC day marches and United Nations Day marches in Sydney, New South Wales Police Force Officers can be seen alongside their Australian Federal Police counterparts wearing the distinctive United Nations blue beret and full sized medals, if they have served with the Australian Federal Police in United Nations sanctioned peacekeeping operations.
, O.C.
(capsicum spray), expandable baton, Motorola XTS3000/XTS5000/XTS2500 (Digital UHF) or Tait Orca (VHF) Portable radio
, and a first aid kit
. Members also have access to a fixed baton
and Maglite rechargeable torch, which are usually located in all first response police vehicles for each officer 'on the car'. There is also access to overt body armour in every vehicle as required. Specialist tactical officers from elite units such as the State Protection Group
and riot officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad
have access to a variety of specialised weapons and equipment.
The NSW Police Force has issued TASER Electronic Control Devices (ECDs) which generally are carried by one officer on every first response General Duties vehicle. TASER is also issued to some specialist squads (e.g. Public Order and Riot Squad State Protection Group and the State Protection Support Unit). Each TASER X26 issued to police includes an integrated camera to record all deployments of the device as well as any additional video while the device's safety is switched off. The grip used by police may result in no video footage being available; however, audio footage is still "loud and clear". This is due, for safety reasons, to the grip being the same as that used to hold the glock pistol. http://www.smh.com.au/national/police-get-a-grip-on-stun-guns-20090906-fcu4.html.
Officers carry their equipment on a Leather Duty appointment belt. In recent times, there has been a large movement within the NSW Police Force to implement changes in methods of equipment carry to relieve officers with back injuries. This has ranged from trials of lightweight nylon duty belts, to thigh holsters for firearms and equipment vests. As of 2010, the load-bearing vest has become increasingly prevalent amongst general duty officers and it is anticipated that this trend will continue. It is believed that the vests are effective in relieving officers of chronic back pain, as it takes most of the weight away from the waist and back area, and distributes it across the frontal area of the officer's torso.
. Behind the police badge, a member has a coloured plastic backing card which helps identify a member's rank in the force, namely:
Light Blue - Constable & Senior Constable
Dark Blue - Sergeant & Senior Sergeant
Red - Inspector & Chief Inspector
Green - Superintendent & Chief Superintendent
White - Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner & Commissioner
The above colour coding also occurs on a member's name plate. For administrative officers of all grades, the colour on their name plates are gold. Administrative officers are not issued with badges; however, civilian forensic staff are issued with warrant cards.
sedans. Ford Rangers, Holden Rodeos and VW Transporters are used as caged vehicles. Specialist vehicles include the Nissan Patrol
, Mitsubishi Pajero
and Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD
for rural and remote areas. Highway Patrol vehicles usually consist of a combination of marked and unmarked Holden SS Commodores
and Ford Falcon XR6 Turbos, as well as BMW or Yamaha road motorcycles and trail bikes for off-road duty. Other specialist sections and units use a variety of police vehicles including Toyota Hi-Ace buses, Iveco prisoner vans, Mercedes Sprinter vans, Isuzu trucks, specialist rescue and bomb disposal vehicles, a Lenco BearCat
armoured truck and various Suzuki Jimmy Beach Buggies.
In late 2007 (though trialled at various locations for some time), a program introduced by the NSW Police Force to blend in with the community has seen the addition of Performance & Modified vehicles to their vehicle fleet. Mainly the latest Ford Typhoons, but also included is the Subaru Impreza
and other older-styled vehicles. The vehicles are fitted with the latest accessories and are in a range of colours.
The current fleet is composed of:
On 6 June 2011, the NSW Police Force Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, announced the incorporation of a new helicopter to the fleet. Referred to as PolAir 4, this is a state-of-the-art, twin-engine Eurocopter EC135
P2+ that is fitted with modern blade technology including a "fenestron
" tail-rotor to make aircraft operations quieter over urban areas, and a speed of up to 220 kilometres per hour (136.7 mph). It is planned that the PolAir 4 will replace the current single-engine models.
The New South Wales Police Academy
(formerly known as the New South Wales Police College) occupies some 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) within Goulburn city boundaries. The Academy is the alma mater of the New South Wales Police Force. The primary function is to educate and train police officers from the newly recruited to the senior executive level. The Academy is located at McDermott Drive, Goulburn NSW 2580.
Located within the Memorial & Honour Precincts, the Academy has a number of memorials dedicated to the Proud Traditions of the New South Wales Police Force, namely the Walls of Remembrance at the College Chapel (which feature those who have died on duty on the Northern Side, and those who have served in war and peacekeeping operations on the Southern Side); the Rose Garden and Eternal Flame; the NSW Police Force Horse & Dog Memorial; and Heroes' Walk (featuring 15 bravery banners including George Cross, Cross of Valour, Star of Courage and George Medal NSW Police Force Recipients).
The latest aspect to the proud traditions project was the installation of the NSW Police Academy Peackeeping display. The display features a range of memorabilia and photographs from peacekeeping missions which NSW Police Force members have contributed to. The display also features the Dag Hammerskjold Medal belonging to the late Sergeant Ian Ward, which is on loan from the AFP for a period of five years.
(CSU).
However, a prospective student can choose to undertake a Bachelor of Justice Studies (Policing) directly with Charles Sturt University
on a 'civilian' campus for Session 1 for two years and then move onto the Police College to complete policing oriented subjects (including practical training and experience) before attesting Probationary Constable.
Alternate entry pathways to NSW Police Force are available. Examples are: the 3-year Bachelor of Policing course (offered by the University of Western Sydney
(UWS)), or the Bachelor of Justice Studies (Policing) course of the same length offered also by Charles Sturt University
(Bathurst Campus). Both of these courses require the final portion to be completed at the Goulburn Police College, alongside common-entry recruits, for the practical components of policing education.
On 29 September 2006, the Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, presented the NSW Police Banner to the New South Wales Police Force at a moving ceremony adjacent to the NSW Police Force Roll of Honour at the Domain in Sydney, Australia.
Later that day, the banner led the NSW Police Force marching contingent at the Dedication of the National Police Memorial in Canberra.
NSW Police Force Flag and Pennants
The New South Wales Police Force has an official flag. It has the NSW Police 'Nemesis' logo on a light blue over white bicolour.
The New South Wales Mounted Police unit carries a swallowtailed Navy Blue and White pennant on Lances. There is no 'Nemesis' logo attached.
The NSW Police Commissioner and the VIP Cyclists have a NSW Police 'Nemesis' logo on a light blue over white bicolour pennant on their transportation. The pennant is swallowtailed.
and the Australian Honour the Cross of Valour
. Sergeant 3rd Class Eric George BAILEY
GC was awarded the George Cross
posthumously on the 12 January 1945.
New South Wales Police Force also has the distinction in having one of its members being awarded the highest civilian bravery award, namely the Cross of Valour
. In its history, only five people have been awarded that award, with a New South Wales Police Officer being the first Australian Police Officer to receive it. On 3 May 1996, the then Detective Senior Constable Sparkes rescued a boy trapped in a flooded underground storm water drain following record rainfalls at Coffs Harbour.
QPM
implemented the New South Wales Police Force Commissioner's Olympic Commendation and the New South Wales Police Force Olympic Citation. This award is significant as the New South Wales Police Force is the only police force in the world to be permitted the Olympic Rings to be attached. It has been widely reported and accepted that the Sydney 2000 Olympics was the "Safest Games in modern Olympic history".
Former New South Wales Police Force Commissioner Ken Moroney
AO
APM
implemented the Commissioners Community Service Commendation and Community Service Citation in 2002.
New South Wales Police Force Honours and Awards are regarded by members of the New South Wales Police Force to be highly prized due to the fact that they are only awarded to members in small numbers. The only award that was given out in large numbers was the Commissioner's Olympic Citation due to the massive contribution by all members of the force.
The above in-service decorations are worn 5mm below the officer's name plate and are right-sided decorations.
operations, New South Wales Police Force Officers are seconded to the Australian Federal Police
and take an Oath or Affirmation of the AFP. They are then appointed to the Rank of Senior Sergeant, Station Sergeant, Superintendent or Commander. Following their service, UN Peacekeeping Veterans are awarded the United Nations Medal
for their particular Mission. In addition, under the Australian System of Honours and Awards, police officers serving with peacekeeping organisations are awarded the Police Overseas Service Medal with the relevant clasp for the prescribed area of service. As at 2008, two clasps to the Police Overseas Service Medal have been awarded to NSW Police members, namely Cyprus and East Timor.
NSW Police Force members were subsequently withdrawn from Cyprus in 1976, along with all other State and Territory Police following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus
on 20 July 1974. During the invasion and preceding it the Australian Police were subject to machine gun and mortar fire and Turkish air attack. Some of their personal motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal items at that time were destroyed, lost or stolen. Fortunately, there was no loss of Australian lives at that time. Australian police continued to negotiate between the invading Turkish Army, other warring parties and escorted refugees to safety from both sides.
commenced, a large number of the NSW Police has served in Cyprus
alongside other Australian police jurisdictions. From 2002 to 2005, 45 NSW Police Force Officers were involved in UNTAET
and UNMISET seconded to the Australian Federal Police for their Tour of Duty in East Timor
with the United Nations.
In addition, two New South Wales Police Force Officers have been commended for courage for Peacekeeping in East Timor, one by the Australian Government, and the Australian Federal Police Commissioners Commendation for Bravery (Station Sergeant David McCann OAM - UNMISET and one by the New South Wales Police Force Commissioner (Senior Sergeant Mark Aubrey Gilpin - UNTAET). Station Sergeant McCann was awarded the Commendation for Brave Conduct for his part in the rescue of 110 vulnerable persons from a village in East Timor after it suffered major flooding. Senior Sergeant Gilpin was awarded the New South Wales Police Commendation (courage) for his part in protecting a member of the community who was being subjected to mob justice. He placed his body in front of the mob, who were armed with machettes and other weapons and managed to extract the victim to safety.
Out of the ten Australian peacekeepers who have died on peacekeeping missions, two were from New South Wales Police Force whilst serving with UNFICYP. Sergeant Ian Ward and Inspector Patrick Hackett died in separate incidents in UNFCYP. 124 soldiers and police gave their lives whilst serving with the United Nations in Cyprus.
, which lasted approximately two years, uncovered crimes and institutionalised corruption throughout the NSW Police Service (as it was then known) by a large number of officers, most notably detectives. This unexpected discovery by the Royal Commission led to a widening of its terms of reference to include the investigation of paedophilia and sex crimes outside the Police Service and implicated members of the legal fraternity . However, critics of the Royal Commission argue that it should have had a wider terms of reference, namely the New South Wales Parliament and New South Wales Criminal Justice System but considering the political ramifications that would have resulted, this did not occur .
The biggest impact of the Wood Royal Commission was the uprooting of many corrupt detectives in the force (which, despite the almost daily allegations of depravity and criminality, consisted of only a small but very influential minority of the total Police Service) and the establishment of the Police Integrity Commission
- an independent, permanent tribunal with some judicial powers that now stands as a permanent watchdog over police corruption, but is not part of the NSW Police (unlike the old Internal Affairs Bureau). Indeed, the legislation which established and authorises the activities of the PIC prevents any person who is a current member, or has ever been a member, of the NSW Police from being employed by the PIC. The inclusion of this provision was a recognition of the questionable impact that NSW Police seconded to the ICAC had on the capacity of that agency to deal with police corruption in NSW.
, Bob Pritchard, commented on 7 January 2007, that the state is "very short of police and that there is a need to increase the number of police officers throughout the state significantly".
Former units:
Individuals:
Other:
Law enforcement agency
In North American English, a law enforcement agency is a government agency responsible for the enforcement of the laws.Outside North America, such organizations are called police services. In North America, some of these services are called police while others have other names In North American...
in the State of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. It is an agency of the Government of New South Wales
Government of New South Wales
The form of the Government of New South Wales is prescribed in its Constitution, which dates from 1856, although it has been amended many times since then...
within the New South Wales Ministry for Police
New South Wales Ministry for Police
The New South Wales Ministry for Police is a ministry of the Government of New South Wales. It has responsibility for three government agencies:*New South Wales Crime Commission*New South Wales Police*New South Wales Police Integrity Commission...
. Divided into eighty Local Area Commands (LAC), the NSW Police Force consists of over five hundred local police stations and covers an area of 801,600 square kilometres whilst serving the state's population of seven million people.
Under the Police Regulation Act (1862), the organisation of the New South Wales Police Force was formally established in 1862 with the unification of all existing independent police units within New South Wales. The authority and responsibility of the entire police force was given to the Inspector General of Police. Presently, the Commissioner of Police controls the police force.
The current Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force is Andrew Scipione
Andrew Scipione
Andrew Phillip Scipione APM is the Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force in Australia, succeeding Ken Moroney on 31 August 2007.-Personal:...
, APM
Australian Police Medal
The Australian Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry and Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service....
, who replaced Ken Moroney
Ken Moroney
Kennneth Edward Moroney AO APM was the Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force in New South Wales, Australia from 2002 until 2007.- Personal life :...
AO
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
APM
Australian Police Medal
The Australian Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry and Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service....
, on 31 August 2007, with Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens APM
Australian Police Medal
The Australian Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry and Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service....
, Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas APM
Australian Police Medal
The Australian Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry and Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service....
and Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn APM
Australian Police Medal
The Australian Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry and Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service....
. The State Government Cabinet Minister responsible for the New South Wales Police Force portfolio is The Honourable Mike Gallacher
Mike Gallacher
Michael Joseph Gallacher MLC, an Australian politician, is the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter region and Vice-President of the Executive Council in the O'Farrell-Stoner Liberal/National coalitition government since 2011...
, MLC. As of 2011, the New South Wales Police Force consists of approximately 15,915 officers.
Mission and authority
The motto of the New South Wales Police Force is Culpam Poena Premit Comes. When translated from Latin to the English language, it means "Punishment Follows Closely Upon Crime". The insignia of the NSW Police Force also depicts this sentiment. Its coat of armsCoat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
features the state badge of New South Wales, a soaring Australian Wedge Tail eagle carrying a scroll with the word Nemesis, a wreath and the St Edwards Crown, crown of the Queen of Australia, representing Her Majesty's Government. The insignia was first used in 1959 at the South Pacific Police Commissioners Conference in the table placenames of each of the attending commissioners. It was designed for this purpose by then Detective-Sergeant Norm Merchant and subsequently adopted as the official insignia.
The overall mission of the New South Wales Police Force is to protect the community and property of the state of New South Wales. Services provided by the New South Wales Police Force include:
- Preventing, detecting and investigating crime;
- Monitoring and promoting road safety;
- Maintaining social order; and
- Performing and coordinating emergency and rescue operations.
Further policing duties performed are traffic control, intelligence analysis and anti-terrorist negotiation.
Like all other States of Australia, municipalities and shires in New South Wales have no or very limited law enforcement responsibilities.
1788 - Australia's first police force
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
in 1788. In order to protect the infant town against thieves and petty criminals after dark, Governor Arthur Phillip
Arthur Phillip
Admiral Arthur Phillip RN was a British admiral and colonial administrator. Phillip was appointed Governor of New South Wales, the first European colony on the Australian continent, and was the founder of the settlement which is now the city of Sydney.-Early life and naval career:Arthur Phillip...
authorised the formation of a nightwatch in August 1789, consisting of eight of the best-behaved convicts. After his appointment as the new governor of New South Wales, Governor Lachlan Macquarie
Lachlan Macquarie
Major-General Lachlan Macquarie CB , was a British military officer and colonial administrator. He served as the last autocratic Governor of New South Wales, Australia from 1810 to 1821 and had a leading role in the social, economic and architectural development of the colony...
restructured the police force in January 1811, setting up a basic system of ranks and control and recruiting free men into the force instead of convicts. Police units were under the rule of the district magistrates.
Responding to the various forms of crime, a number of independent specialised units were set up. The earliest of these units formed was the Mounted Police, established in 1825 to keep the settlers safe and guard road transportation. In 2009, it had 34 horses and was claimed to be the oldest mounted police unit in the world.
Other specialist groups formed during this time were the Water Police (formed in 1832), the Border Police (formed in 1839) and the Native Police (formed in 1848).
Passing of the Police Regulation Act, 1862
As the colony expanded, a more sophisticated form of crime management was called for, which involved unifying all the police units into a single cohesive police force with the centralisation of authority. After a failed attempt made by Act No. 38 of 1850, unified control of the police eventuated in 1862 when the Police Regulation Act (1862) was passed, establishing the New South Wales Police Force. The first Inspector General of Police, John McLerie, was appointed to assume overall authority and responsibility. The Police Regulation (Amendment) Act, passed in 1935, changed the official title to Commissioner of Police, with its role clearly defined. The position of Deputy Commissioner was also created.By 1872, 70 police stations existed throughout the colony in various sub-districts with a total of 803 police officers. In 1915, the first female police officers were appointed. The number of members of the force increased to 5717 in 1961, the following year being its centenary. In November 2008, the total strength of the force was 15,354.
Bushrangers and villains
After the formation of the New South Wales Police Force in 1862, most crimes were conducted by bushrangers, particularly during the Victorian gold rushVictorian gold rush
The Victorian gold rush was a period in the history of Victoria, Australia approximately between 1851 and the late 1860s. In 10 years the Australian population nearly tripled.- Overview :During this era Victoria dominated the world's gold output...
years. Constable Byrne almost single-handedly fought off the Ben Hall gang when they attacked a gold escort at Major's Creek on 13 March 1865. Constable O'Grady was taken ill with cholera when, on 9 April 1866, he left his sick-bed to confront the Clarke gang, who were renowned as being the "bloodiest bushrangers" of the Colony of New South Wales and of Australia. Constable Walker was one of the earliest Australian-born mounted troopers
Trooper (police rank)
Trooper is a rank used by several civilian police forces in the United States. In its plural form, troopers, it generally refers to members of state highway patrol or state police agencies, even though those officers may not necessarily be of the rank of trooper.For example, in the Louisiana State...
to gain fame. He brought Captain Thunderbolt
Captain Thunderbolt
Frederick Wordsworth Ward was an Australian bushranger renowned for escaping from Cockatoo Island, and also for his reputation as the "gentleman bushranger" and his lengthy survival, being the longest roaming bushranger in Australian history.-Early years:Frederick Ward was the son of convict...
's enduring "bushranging" career to an end by shooting him near Uralla in New England
New England (Australia)
New England or New England North West is the name given to a generally undefined region about 60 kilometres inland, that includes the Northern Tablelands and the North West Slopes regions in the north of the state of New South Wales, Australia.-History:The region has been occupied by Indigenous...
, New South Wales.
Constable Ernest Charles Day (later the Inspector General of Police) showed courage under fire when he shot and captured bushranger Hobson. Hobson was later hanged. Day later investigated a string of murders involving a hawker, Tommy Moore, by tracing his activities to South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
and solved one of Australia's earliest serial-killer cases.
Notable events
NSW Police officers have been involved in many notable events in NSW history, including APEC Australia 2007APEC Australia 2007
APEC Australia 2007 was a series of political meetings held around Australia between the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation during 2007...
, the 1997 Thredbo landslide
1997 Thredbo landslide
The Thredbo landslide was a catastrophic landslide that occurred at the village and ski resort of Thredbo, New South Wales, Australia, on 30 July 1997. Two ski lodges were destroyed, and a total of 18 died.- Landslide :...
, Waterfall train disaster
Waterfall train disaster
The Waterfall rail accident was a train accident that occurred on 31 January 2003 near Waterfall, New South Wales, Australia. The train derailed, killing seven people aboard, including the train driver.-Incident:...
, Grafton bus crash
Grafton bus crash
The Grafton bus crash killed 21 people and injured 22 on the Pacific Highway on the North Coast of New South Wales near Grafton. At some time between 3:50 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Friday, 20 October 1989 a southbound semi-trailer truck carrying a load of tinned fruit juice veered onto the wrong side...
, 1989 Newcastle earthquake
1989 Newcastle earthquake
The 1989 Newcastle earthquake was a Richter magnitude 5.6 earthquake that occurred in Newcastle, New South Wales on Thursday, 28 December 1989, at 10:27 am. It was one of Australia's most serious natural disasters, killing 13 people and injuring more than 160...
, Sydney Hilton bombing
Sydney Hilton bombing
The Sydney Hilton bombing occurred on 13 February 1978, when a bomb exploded outside the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. At the time the hotel was the site of the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Regional Meeting , a regional off-shoot of the biennial meetings of the heads...
, the arrest of serial killer Ivan Milat
Ivan Milat
Ivan Milat-Luketa was a Croatian painter and sculptor. He is a painter of the modern era in Croatian art history.-Life:...
, the 2004 Redfern riots
2004 Redfern riots
The Redfern Riots on the evening of Saturday 14 February 2004 was an event in the inner Sydney suburb of Redfern sparked by the death of Thomas 'TJ' Hickey, a 17 year old Indigenous Australian....
, the 2005 Macquarie Fields riots
2005 Macquarie Fields riots
The Macquarie Fields riots were a series of disturbances across southwest Sydney in February 2005 which were referred to as a riot by both the Parliament of New South Wales and the media....
and the 2005 Cronulla riots
2005 Cronulla riots
The 2005 Cronulla riots were a series of sectarian clashes and mob violence originating in Cronulla, New South Wales and spreading, over the next few nights, to additional Sydney suburbs....
. They were responsible for the security of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and World Youth Day 2008
World Youth Day 2008
The 23rd World Youth Day 2008 was a Catholic youth festival that started on 15 July and continued until 20 July 2008 in Sydney, Australia. It was the first World Youth Day held in Australia and the first World Youth Day in Oceania. This meeting was decided by Pope Benedict XVI, during the Cologne...
.
Passing of the Police Service Act, 1990
In 1990, the Police Service Act was introduced to replace the Police Regulation Act. The New South Wales Police Force was consequently renamed to the New South Wales Police Service, which reflected "community-based policing at the time" of the Greiner GovernmentNick Greiner
Nicholas "Nick" Frank Hugo Greiner AC, is an Australian businessman and former politician. He was the 37th Premier New South Wales from 1988 to 1992. He was Leader of the New South Wales Division of the Liberal Party from 1983 to 1992 and Leader of the Opposition from 1983 to 1988. He is married...
and the public's responsilibity in crime control, aided by the police. In accordance with the Police Service Amendment (NSW Police) Bill in 2002, the New South Wales Police Service was then renamed again to simply New South Wales Police. The then Minister for Police, Michael Costa, explains: In 2006, the Police Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill resulted in a name change for the third time, renaming the New South Wales Police to New South Wales Police Force.
Amalgamation of special security units, 1991
In June 1991, the State Protection GroupState Protection Group
The State Protection Group is part of the Specialist Operations division of the New South Wales Police Force, having been established in 1991 to deal with extraordinary policing responses. The SPG directly supports police in high-risk incidents such as sieges with specialised tactical,...
(SPG) was formed, incorporating the former Special Weapons & Operations Section (SWOS), the Witness Security Unit, regional Tactical Response Groups and the Rescue Squad. The Security Management Branch and the Bomb Disposal Unit were later included in the group.
The New South Wales Police Force has grown to be the largest in Australia and the highest paid.
Trial of volunteer police officers, 1992
After much debate, the NSW Parliament passed the Police Service (Volunteer Police) Amendment Act 1992Police Service (Volunteer Police) Amendment Act 1992
The Police Service Amendment Act 1992 was an Act of the Parliament of New South Wales, Australia, establishing a trial of volunteer police officers in the New South Wales Police Service...
, which sought to trial voluntary service within the police force, along the lines of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
's special constabularies
Special Constabulary
The Special Constabulary is the part-time volunteer section of a statutory police force in the United Kingdom or some Crown dependencies. Its officers are known as Special Constables or informally as Specials.Every United Kingdom territorial police force has a special constabulary except the...
. The trial was not successful and lapsed with the automatic repeal of the Act in 1994.
Organisation
The headquarters of the New South Wales Police Force is located at 1 Charles Street, Parramatta 2150. The New South Wales Police Force maintains over 500 local police stations coordinated by their respective Local Area Commands.Divisions
The New South Wales Police Force consists of three major divisions: Corporate Services, Field Operations and Specialist Operations.The Corporate Services of the New South Wales Police Force is headed by the Deputy Commissioner (Corporate Services), who is charged with the management of recruitment and education, firearms, records and information process services, Security Industry Registry
Security Industry Registry
The Security Industry Registry is a corporate service provided by the New South Wales Police Force and is responsible for the administration of Security Industry Act 1997 and Security Industry Regulation 2007 by delegation from the Commissioner of Police....
(SIR), investment and commercial services, safety, business and technology services, human resources, education services, finance, public affairs and legal services.
The Field Operations of the New South Wales Police Force, headed by the New South Wales Police Force Deputy Commissioner (Field Operations), is responsible for managing and overseeing the North West Metropolitan region, South West Metropolitan region, Central Metropolitan region, Southern Metropolitan region, Northern Metropolitan region, Western Metropolitan region, State Crime Command, Traffic Services, APEC Police Security Command and Major Events & Incidents Group.
The Specialist Operations
Specialist Operations (New South Wales)
The Specialist Operations is a Command within the New South Wales Police Force that is responsible for a range of specialist groups of the police force...
of the New South Wales Police Force, headed by the Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations), is responsible for a range of specialist groups of the police force. These groups include Operations Communications & Information Group, Forensics Services Group, Special Services Group, Counter Terrorism and Public Order Management, Police Prosecutions and Professional Standards Command.
Field Operations: Major Events & Incidents Group
Mounted Police UnitThomas Brisbane
Major-General Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, 1st Baronet GCH, GCB, FRS, FRSE was a British soldier, colonial Governor and astronomer.-Early life:...
, the Mounted Police were recruited from a British military regiment stationed in NSW at the time, to protect travellers, suppress convict escapees and fight Indigenous Australians
Australian frontier wars
The Australian frontier wars were a series of conflicts fought between Indigenous Australians and European settlers. The first fighting took place in May 1788 and the last clashes occurred in the early 1930s. Indigenous fatalities from the fighting have been estimated as at least 20,000 and...
. For over a century they were a key part of policing, as horses were the main form of transport. The NSW Mounted Police Unit is the oldest continuous mounted group in the world. The unit was formed three years before the London Mounted Police
Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch
The Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch is a Central Operations branch of London's Metropolitan Police Service. The responsibility of the branch is to conduct safe policing of football matches, and crowd control at other large public order events....
and 38 years prior to the 1873 formation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police , literally ‘Royal Gendarmerie of Canada’; colloquially known as The Mounties, and internally as ‘The Force’) is the national police force of Canada, and one of the most recognized of its kind in the world. It is unique in the world as a national, federal,...
.
Duties include traffic and crowd management, patrols, and ceremonial protocol duties. The 34 horses used today are bay geldings, 15.3 hands high or more and include a number of former racehorses.
Local Area Commands (Listed by CAD Prefix / Vehicle Bonnet Codes)
| AB | Albury | AS | Ashfield | BA | Barwon | BB | Botany Bay | BK | Bankstown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL | Blue Mountains | BN | Blacktown | BR | Barrier | BU | Burwood | BW | Brisbane Water |
| CA | Campsie | CB | Canobolas | CC | Coffs/Clarence | CEH | Central Hunter | CF | Chifley |
| CI | City Central | CM | Cabramatta | CN | Camden | CS | Castlereagh | CT | Campbelltown |
| CU | Cootmundra | DL | Darling River | DQ | Deniliquin | EB | Eastern Beaches | ES | Eastern Suburbs |
| EW | Eastwood | FA | Fairfield | FL | Flemington | FS | Far South Coast | GF | Griffith |
| GL | Gladesville | GN | Goulburn | GV | Green Valley | HB | Hawkesbury | HI | The Hills |
| HR | Holroyd | HS | Harbourside | HU | Hurstville | HV | Hunter Valley | KU | Ku-Ring-Gai |
| KX | Kings Cross | LE | Leichhardt | LI | Lake Illawarra | LL | Lachlan | LM | Lake Macquarie |
| LP | Liverpool | MD | Mount Druitt | ME | Mudgee | MF | Macquarie Fields | ||
| MG | Manning/Great Lakes | MI | Miranda | ML | Manly | MN | Monaro | MC | Mid North Coast |
| MR | Marrickville | NB | Northern Beaches | NCC | Newcastle City | ND | New England | NS | North Shore |
| NT | Newtown | OR | Orana | OX | Oxley | PA | Parramatta | PE | Penrith |
| PTS | Port Stephens | QH | Quakers Hill | RB | Rose Bay | RF | Redfern | RH | Rosehill |
| RM | Richmond | RX | The Rocks | SG | St George | SH | Surry Hills | SM | St Marys |
| SU | Sutherland | SV | Shoalhaven | TB | Tweed/Byron | TL | Tuggerah Lakes | WG | Wollongong |
| WW | Wagga Wagga |
Squads and Groups (Listed by CAD Prefix / Vehicle Bonnet Codes)
| CIU | Crash Investigations Unit | CLG | NSW Police College | DOG | Dog Squad | FLT | Fleet trial vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMS | Fleet Management Services | FSG | Forensic Services Group | HWP | Highway Patrol | MDT | Mobile Data Terminal trial vehicle |
| MEOC | Middle East Organised Crimes Squad | MTD | Mounted Police | NWM | North Western Metro | OSG | Public Order Operations Support Group |
| PDT | Police Driver Training | PORS | Public Order & Riot Squad | R | Police Rescue | RES | Region Enforcement Squad |
| SLP | School Liaison Police | SWM | South West Metro | TOU | Tactical Operations Unit | ICV | Highway Patrol Camera Trial Vehicle |
Rank structure
| Rank | Probationary Constable Constable A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.-Etymology:... |
Constable | Senior Constable |
Incremental Senior Constable |
Leading Senior Constable |
Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.... |
Incremental Sergeant |
Senior Sergeant |
| Insignia |  |
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| Rank | Inspector Inspector Inspector is both a police rank and an administrative position, both used in a number of contexts. However, it is not an equivalent rank in each police force.- Australia :... |
Chief Inspector |
Superintendent Superintendent (police) Superintendent , often shortened to "super", is a rank in British police services and in most English-speaking Commonwealth nations. In many Commonwealth countries the full version is superintendent of police... |
Chief Superintendent |
Assistant Commissioner |
Senior Assistant Commissioner |
Deputy Commissioner |
of |
| Insignia |  |
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Constables
All grades of Constable perform the same basic range of duties, with the rank only reflecting experience. The rank of Probationary Constable is held for the first twelve months of service. Following twelve months of satisfactory service and upon completion of the Associate Degree of Policing Practice via distance education, the Probationary Constable will be confirmed to the rank of Constable. Constables are referred to as "Constable".Promotion to the rank of Senior Constable can be obtained after five years service and requires the officer to pass an examination which can cover a broad area of policing knowledge. Incremental Senior Constable is obtained after ten years of service. Senior Constables of all grades are referred to as either "Senior Constable" or "Senior".
Non-commissioned officers
As in the case from promotion to and throughout commissioned ranks, promotion to the rank of Sergeant and beyond is based upon a "merit based" promotion system. This comprises for appointment by way of promotions from promotion lists. Appointment to any position by way of promotion is made by appointment of the highest ranked available member from a promotion list for the rank concerned. Members seeking placement on a promotion list must have spent the requisite time at the rank below, which is at least two years, and must successfully complete a pre-qualifying assessment, a promotion examination, an applicant evaluation and must meet the eligibility program. Officers who qualify for a promotion list are given an eligibility mark and are ranked according to order of merit from the highest mark to the lowest. A new promotion list for each rank or grade is prepared each year, and an applicant who does not accept promotion can remain on a list only for three years before having to requalify for the list.Upon promotion to Sergeant and Senior Sergeant, members are issued a Warrant of Appointment under the Commissioner's hand and seal.
A Sergeant normally manages a team during a shift. A Detective Sergeant is normally in charge of a team in a specific part of either Local Area Command Detectives or State Crime Command's many specialised squads.
A Senior Sergeant oversees the Sergeants and traditionally performs more administrative work, coordination of policing operations or specialist work than active patrol duties. Many Senior Sergeants are attached to Regions in Region Training Coordinator, Region Traffic Coordinator, Region Operations Coordinator positions or in Legal Services, Professional Standards, Protocol, Education Services and perform middle management duties.
Sergeants and Incremental Sergeants are referred to as "Sergeant", whilst Senior Sergeants are referred to as "Senior Sergeant".
Commissioned officers
Upon commissioning, commissioned officers are issued a Certificate of Commission under the Commissioner's hand and seal. Whilst all commissioned ranks may be referred to by the rank they hold, the most common usage is that of "Sir", "Ma'am" or "Boss".Designations
If a New South Wales Police Force officer elects to undertake criminal investigation duties, after a period of exams and assignments, and given experience in a criminal investigation office that officer is given the designation of DetectiveDetective
A detective is an investigator, either a member of a police agency or a private person. The latter may be known as private investigators or "private eyes"...
. As it is a designation and not a rank, the designation comes prior to the rank, i.e. Detective Constable, or Detective Senior Constable etc. Returning to general duties (uniform) is common for detectives, and many detectives do seek promotion in the general duties arena. However, while they do not lose their detective's designation if they leave full time investigation duties, it is customary not to use their designation while performing general or other duties which are not an authorised investigative position. Upon returning to an authorised position they can use their designation again without having to requalify. There has been some consideration given by the police force in recent years to identify designated detectives performing uniform duties by way of a distinctive badge or uniform embellishment, but this has not been adopted.
Working and Service dress
New South Wales Police Force has two uniforms for general duties police officers, one operational (Working Dress) and one ceremonial (Service Dress).Working Dress of the New South Wales Police Force (known as Operational Dress) consists of navy blue cargo pants with map pockets, ballooned at the bottom, light blue marle short or long sleeve shirt, navy blue baseball cap with blue and white Sillitoe Tartan
Sillitoe Tartan
The Sillitoe Tartan is the name given to the distinctive black and white chequered pattern which was originally associated with the police in Scotland, but which later spread to Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the United Kingdom, as well as to some other places such as Chicago...
, and general purpose boots. During winter a navy blue Polartec jacket is worn throughout the state. Ranks are worn on the shoulders by both NCOs and Commissioned Ranks.
Service Dress consists of general purpose boots, Straight Leg Navy Blue Trousers, Blue Marle Shirt, Antron Cap and Leather Duty Jacket. Dependant on rank, members may be issued with polishable lace-up leather boots for ceremonial occasions, similar to that work by senior military personnel.
Officers wear a similar uniform when attending court proceedings, this is usually the full Service Dress during the winter months and for summer consists of Straight Leg Navy Blue Trousers, Blue Marle Shirt and Antron Cap.
During ceremonial occasions, NSW Police Force College Staff, New South Wales Police Force Protocol and NSW Police Force Field Protocol Officers generally wear a Navy Blue Ceremonial Tunic during official occasions such as Attestation Parades (passing out parades), medal ceremonies and funerals etc.
New South Wales Police Force Field Protocol Officers are issued with a light blue/navy blue lanyard to be worn over the right shoulder and tucked into the right pocket during ceremonial occasions.
Full-time Protocol Officers and members of the VIP Cyclists are entitled to wear a black basketweave Sam Browne belt during ceremonial occasions.
In line with the name change of the organisation back to NSW Police Force, the current shoulder patch for uniform reads New South Wales Police Force, and has a redesigned and recoloured eagle.
Specialist groups and special events
New South Wales Police Force officers are also entitled to wear Mess dress with Mess kit for black tie or formal dinners/dances. The dark navy blue trousers and mess jacket with cobalt blue cuffs, epaulettes (with ranks) and lapels clearly identify them as being members of the New South Wales Police Force.Specialist units such as the Public Order and Riot Squad
Public Order and Riot Squad
The Public Order and Riot Squad is the full-time 'riot squad' of the New South Wales Police Force. PORS is within the command of Field Operations under the Major Events and Incidents Group which is responsible for planning for major events such as Operation Vikings, APEC, the World Youth Day and...
, Air Wing, Marine Area Command and the State Protection Group
State Protection Group
The State Protection Group is part of the Specialist Operations division of the New South Wales Police Force, having been established in 1991 to deal with extraordinary policing responses. The SPG directly supports police in high-risk incidents such as sieges with specialised tactical,...
Tactical Operations Unit all have different uniform needs and are outfitted accordingly such as New South Wales Police Force Rescue Squad with their white overalls, Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) with black and Dog Squad with subdued blue. Detectives wear plain clothes.
During ANZAC day marches and United Nations Day marches in Sydney, New South Wales Police Force Officers can be seen alongside their Australian Federal Police counterparts wearing the distinctive United Nations blue beret and full sized medals, if they have served with the Australian Federal Police in United Nations sanctioned peacekeeping operations.
Firearms
Members of the NSW Police are issued with the Glock 22 with some specialist sections and plain clothes officers having either the Glock 23 or Glock 27 smaller models available in lieu of the standard model. Members are also issued with a spare magazine for their pistol.Equipment and holsters
In addition to the standard issue firearm, officers are further issued with Saflock (mark IV & V) handcuffsHandcuffs
Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists close together. They comprise two parts, linked together by a chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each half has a rotating arm which engages with a ratchet that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person's wrist...
, O.C.
Pepper spray
Pepper spray, also known as OC spray , OC gas, and capsicum spray, is a lachrymatory agent that is used in riot control, crowd control and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears...
(capsicum spray), expandable baton, Motorola XTS3000/XTS5000/XTS2500 (Digital UHF) or Tait Orca (VHF) Portable radio
Two-way radio
A two-way radio is a radio that can both transmit and receive , unlike a broadcast receiver which only receives content. The term refers to a personal radio transceiver that allows the operator to have a two-way conversation with other similar radios operating on the same radio frequency...
, and a first aid kit
First aid kit
A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, and can put together for the purpose , or purchased complete...
. Members also have access to a fixed baton
Club (weapon)
A club is among the simplest of all weapons. A club is essentially a short staff, or stick, usually made of wood, and wielded as a weapon since prehistoric times....
and Maglite rechargeable torch, which are usually located in all first response police vehicles for each officer 'on the car'. There is also access to overt body armour in every vehicle as required. Specialist tactical officers from elite units such as the State Protection Group
State Protection Group
The State Protection Group is part of the Specialist Operations division of the New South Wales Police Force, having been established in 1991 to deal with extraordinary policing responses. The SPG directly supports police in high-risk incidents such as sieges with specialised tactical,...
and riot officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad
Public Order and Riot Squad
The Public Order and Riot Squad is the full-time 'riot squad' of the New South Wales Police Force. PORS is within the command of Field Operations under the Major Events and Incidents Group which is responsible for planning for major events such as Operation Vikings, APEC, the World Youth Day and...
have access to a variety of specialised weapons and equipment.
The NSW Police Force has issued TASER Electronic Control Devices (ECDs) which generally are carried by one officer on every first response General Duties vehicle. TASER is also issued to some specialist squads (e.g. Public Order and Riot Squad State Protection Group and the State Protection Support Unit). Each TASER X26 issued to police includes an integrated camera to record all deployments of the device as well as any additional video while the device's safety is switched off. The grip used by police may result in no video footage being available; however, audio footage is still "loud and clear". This is due, for safety reasons, to the grip being the same as that used to hold the glock pistol. http://www.smh.com.au/national/police-get-a-grip-on-stun-guns-20090906-fcu4.html.
Officers carry their equipment on a Leather Duty appointment belt. In recent times, there has been a large movement within the NSW Police Force to implement changes in methods of equipment carry to relieve officers with back injuries. This has ranged from trials of lightweight nylon duty belts, to thigh holsters for firearms and equipment vests. As of 2010, the load-bearing vest has become increasingly prevalent amongst general duty officers and it is anticipated that this trend will continue. It is believed that the vests are effective in relieving officers of chronic back pain, as it takes most of the weight away from the waist and back area, and distributes it across the frontal area of the officer's torso.
Name plates and identification
Each police officer is issued an identification metal badge with a Warrant CardWarrant card
A warrant card is proof of identification and authority carried by police officers. The term is normally used only within the United Kingdom and in current and former Commonwealth countries...
. Behind the police badge, a member has a coloured plastic backing card which helps identify a member's rank in the force, namely:
Light Blue - Constable & Senior Constable
Dark Blue - Sergeant & Senior Sergeant
Red - Inspector & Chief Inspector
Green - Superintendent & Chief Superintendent
White - Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner & Commissioner
The above colour coding also occurs on a member's name plate. For administrative officers of all grades, the colour on their name plates are gold. Administrative officers are not issued with badges; however, civilian forensic staff are issued with warrant cards.
Vehicles
NSW Police Force has the largest Government fleet in Australia with almost 3000 vehicles obtained on a lease basis. Most LAC response vehicles include Holden Commodore Omega and Ford FalconFord Falcon (Australia)
The Ford Falcon is a full-size car which has been manufactured by Ford Australia since 1960. Each model from the XA series of 1972 onward has been designed, developed and built in Australia and/or New Zealand, following the phasing out of the American Falcon of 1960–71 which had been re-engineered...
sedans. Ford Rangers, Holden Rodeos and VW Transporters are used as caged vehicles. Specialist vehicles include the Nissan Patrol
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol is a four-wheel drive vehicle manufactured by Nissan in Japan since 1951. In Japan since 1980, it has been known as the Nissan Safari. The Patrol is available in Australasia, Central and South America, South Africa, parts of Southeast Asia and Western Europe as well as Iran and...
, Mitsubishi Pajero
Mitsubishi Pajero
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a sport utility vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. It was named after Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas Cat which is native to the Patagonia plateau region of southern Argentina. However, since pajero is an offensive term for "wanker" in Spanish, alternative names have...
and Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD
Toyota Land Cruiser
The is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese car maker Toyota Motor Corporation. It is not related to the Studebaker Land Cruiser car produced in the US from 1934-1954....
for rural and remote areas. Highway Patrol vehicles usually consist of a combination of marked and unmarked Holden SS Commodores
Holden Commodore
The Holden Commodore is an automobile manufactured since 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors in Australia, and, formerly, in New Zealand. In the mid-1970s, Holden established proposals to replace the long-serving Kingswood nameplate with a smaller, Opel-based model...
and Ford Falcon XR6 Turbos, as well as BMW or Yamaha road motorcycles and trail bikes for off-road duty. Other specialist sections and units use a variety of police vehicles including Toyota Hi-Ace buses, Iveco prisoner vans, Mercedes Sprinter vans, Isuzu trucks, specialist rescue and bomb disposal vehicles, a Lenco BearCat
Lenco BearCat
The Lenco BearCat is a wheeled armored personnel carrier in use with numerous military and law enforcement agencies.-History:Since 1981 the Massachusetts based Lenco Industries, known as Lenco Armoured Vehicles has designed and manufactured armored vehicles for Law Enforcement, Military, Government...
armoured truck and various Suzuki Jimmy Beach Buggies.
In late 2007 (though trialled at various locations for some time), a program introduced by the NSW Police Force to blend in with the community has seen the addition of Performance & Modified vehicles to their vehicle fleet. Mainly the latest Ford Typhoons, but also included is the Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza
Introduced in November 1993, the Impreza was offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions and as a four-door sedan/saloon or five-door station wagon/estate. According to a Motor Trend article written March 1992 on page 26, the name of Subaru's new compact was, initially, to be...
and other older-styled vehicles. The vehicles are fitted with the latest accessories and are in a range of colours.
Police Aviation Support Branch
The Police Aviation Support Branch (Airwing), callsign "POLAIR", is an integral part of the NSW Police Force. It provides services as: search and rescue, support for crime investigation, counter-terrorism, and helps with prevention and detection by keeping a visible presence patrolling the skies.The current fleet is composed of:
- helicopters:
- one Kawasaki BK117 for rescue, transport and special operations;
- two single-engine and one twin-engine Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil (Squirrel) for general police operations;
- one twin-engine Eurocopter EC135Eurocopter EC135The Eurocopter EC135 is a twin-engine civil helicopter produced by Eurocopter, widely used amongst police and ambulance services and for executive transport. It is capable of flight under instrument flight rules .-Development:...
.
- fixed-wing aircraft:
- one single-engine Cessna 206 Stationair.
On 6 June 2011, the NSW Police Force Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, announced the incorporation of a new helicopter to the fleet. Referred to as PolAir 4, this is a state-of-the-art, twin-engine Eurocopter EC135
Eurocopter EC135
The Eurocopter EC135 is a twin-engine civil helicopter produced by Eurocopter, widely used amongst police and ambulance services and for executive transport. It is capable of flight under instrument flight rules .-Development:...
P2+ that is fitted with modern blade technology including a "fenestron
Fenestron
A Fenestron is a shrouded tail rotor of a helicopter that is essentially a ducted fan. The housing is integral with the tail skin, and, like the conventional tail rotor it replaces, is intended to counteract the torque of the main rotor...
" tail-rotor to make aircraft operations quieter over urban areas, and a speed of up to 220 kilometres per hour (136.7 mph). It is planned that the PolAir 4 will replace the current single-engine models.
NSW Police Academy, Goulburn
New South Wales Police Academy
The New South Wales Police Force Academy, the sole provider of police training and education to probationary constables of the New South Wales Police Force, is located at the city of Goulburn in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia....
(formerly known as the New South Wales Police College) occupies some 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) within Goulburn city boundaries. The Academy is the alma mater of the New South Wales Police Force. The primary function is to educate and train police officers from the newly recruited to the senior executive level. The Academy is located at McDermott Drive, Goulburn NSW 2580.
Located within the Memorial & Honour Precincts, the Academy has a number of memorials dedicated to the Proud Traditions of the New South Wales Police Force, namely the Walls of Remembrance at the College Chapel (which feature those who have died on duty on the Northern Side, and those who have served in war and peacekeeping operations on the Southern Side); the Rose Garden and Eternal Flame; the NSW Police Force Horse & Dog Memorial; and Heroes' Walk (featuring 15 bravery banners including George Cross, Cross of Valour, Star of Courage and George Medal NSW Police Force Recipients).
The latest aspect to the proud traditions project was the installation of the NSW Police Academy Peackeeping display. The display features a range of memorabilia and photographs from peacekeeping missions which NSW Police Force members have contributed to. The display also features the Dag Hammerskjold Medal belonging to the late Sergeant Ian Ward, which is on loan from the AFP for a period of five years.
Students
The Academy has a constant stream of recruits. On 30 January 2007 the largest class of police recruits, numbering 799, in Australia were attested on the Academy Parade Ground. In May 2007, a further 284 recruits were attested. Students are identified by a light blue hat band and light blue epaulettes with the word STUDENT (in block capitals, as here) as opposed to rank.Qualification
The Associate Degree of Policing Practice is awarded to a graduate of the college by its university provider, Charles Sturt UniversityCharles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University is an Australian multi-campus university located in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. It has campuses at Bathurst, Canberra, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Burlington, Ontario...
(CSU).
However, a prospective student can choose to undertake a Bachelor of Justice Studies (Policing) directly with Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University is an Australian multi-campus university located in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. It has campuses at Bathurst, Canberra, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Burlington, Ontario...
on a 'civilian' campus for Session 1 for two years and then move onto the Police College to complete policing oriented subjects (including practical training and experience) before attesting Probationary Constable.
Alternate entry pathways to NSW Police Force are available. Examples are: the 3-year Bachelor of Policing course (offered by the University of Western Sydney
University of Western Sydney
The University of Western Sydney, also known as UWS, is a multi-campus university in the Greater Western region of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
(UWS)), or the Bachelor of Justice Studies (Policing) course of the same length offered also by Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University is an Australian multi-campus university located in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. It has campuses at Bathurst, Canberra, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Burlington, Ontario...
(Bathurst Campus). Both of these courses require the final portion to be completed at the Goulburn Police College, alongside common-entry recruits, for the practical components of policing education.
Charles Sturt University campus
Charles Sturt University has a campus on the grounds of the New South Wales Police Academy. The School of Policing Practice forms part of Charles Sturt University Faculty of Arts. The School also offers the Bachelor of Policing and the Bachelor of Policing (Investigations).Symbols and Tradition
NSW Police Force BannerLater that day, the banner led the NSW Police Force marching contingent at the Dedication of the National Police Memorial in Canberra.
NSW Police Force Flag and Pennants
The New South Wales Police Force has an official flag. It has the NSW Police 'Nemesis' logo on a light blue over white bicolour.
The New South Wales Mounted Police unit carries a swallowtailed Navy Blue and White pennant on Lances. There is no 'Nemesis' logo attached.
The NSW Police Commissioner and the VIP Cyclists have a NSW Police 'Nemesis' logo on a light blue over white bicolour pennant on their transportation. The pennant is swallowtailed.
Honours and awards
Recognition for the bravery and sacrifice of members of the New South Wales Police Force is expressed through honours and awards. The New South Wales Police Force was the first Australian Police jurisdiction to have one of its members awarded the Imperial Honour, namely the George CrossGeorge Cross
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and also holds, or has held, that status in many of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations...
and the Australian Honour the Cross of Valour
Cross of Valour (Australia)
The Cross of Valour is Australia's highest civilian award for bravery. It was established in 1975 to replace the British George Cross, previously awarded to Australians....
. Sergeant 3rd Class Eric George BAILEY
Eric George Bailey
Eric George Bailey GC was a Sergeant with the New South Wales Police Force who was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest British award for bravery out of combat....
GC was awarded the George Cross
George Cross
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and also holds, or has held, that status in many of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations...
posthumously on the 12 January 1945.
New South Wales Police Force also has the distinction in having one of its members being awarded the highest civilian bravery award, namely the Cross of Valour
Cross of Valour (Australia)
The Cross of Valour is Australia's highest civilian award for bravery. It was established in 1975 to replace the British George Cross, previously awarded to Australians....
. In its history, only five people have been awarded that award, with a New South Wales Police Officer being the first Australian Police Officer to receive it. On 3 May 1996, the then Detective Senior Constable Sparkes rescued a boy trapped in a flooded underground storm water drain following record rainfalls at Coffs Harbour.
Australian honours and awards
New South Wales Police Force Officers are eligible for the following National Honours and Awards:- Australian Bravery Decorations, namely the Cross of ValourCross of Valour (Australia)The Cross of Valour is Australia's highest civilian award for bravery. It was established in 1975 to replace the British George Cross, previously awarded to Australians....
(CV), Star of CourageStar of Courage (Australia)The Star of Courage is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians. It is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril. The SC was created on 14 February 1975. The decoration recognises acts of bravery by members of the community. They selflessly put themselves in...
(SC), Bravery Medal (BM) and the Commendation for Brave ConductCommendation for Brave ConductThe Commendation for Brave Conduct is a bravery decoration awarded to Australians. It is awarded for an act of bravery that is worthy of recognition. The Commendation for Brave Conduct was created in February 1975. The decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community who selflessly...
. - Australian Police MedalAustralian Police MedalThe Australian Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry and Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service....
(APM) - Police Overseas Service MedalPolice Overseas Service Medal (Australia)The Police Overseas Service Medal is an award in the Australian honours system. The award is presented to those members of an Australian Police force who undertake service;* with international peace-keeping organisations, or...
; - National MedalNational Medal (Australia)The National Medal is an Australian award given for long service by operational members of specified eligible organisations. It was introduced in 1975, as an original component of the new Australian honours system, and replaced a range of medals available to military and civilian uniformed...
; - Campaign Medals such as United Nations Medal For ServiceUnited Nations MedalThe term United Nations Medal refers to one of several international decorations which are issued by the United Nations to the various militaries of the world for participation in joint international military and police operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief...
.
Internal New South Wales Police honours and awards
New South Wales Police Force also has a number of inservice Honours and Awards, awarded by the Commissioner of New South Wales Police Force. Commissioner Peter RyanPeter Ryan (police commissioner)
Peter James Ryan, QPM is a former British police officer, who was the Commissioner of New South Wales Police in Australia from 1996 to 2002.-Early life and education:Ryan was born in 1944 in Lancaster to Laurence and Maureen Ryan....
QPM
Queen's Police Medal
The Queen's Police Medal is awarded to police officers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth for gallantry or distinguished service. Recipients may use the post-nominal letters "QPM", although the right to use these was only granted officially on 20 July 1969...
implemented the New South Wales Police Force Commissioner's Olympic Commendation and the New South Wales Police Force Olympic Citation. This award is significant as the New South Wales Police Force is the only police force in the world to be permitted the Olympic Rings to be attached. It has been widely reported and accepted that the Sydney 2000 Olympics was the "Safest Games in modern Olympic history".
Former New South Wales Police Force Commissioner Ken Moroney
Ken Moroney
Kennneth Edward Moroney AO APM was the Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force in New South Wales, Australia from 2002 until 2007.- Personal life :...
AO
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
APM
Australian Police Medal
The Australian Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.The APM was introduced in 1986, and replaced the Imperial Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry and Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service....
implemented the Commissioners Community Service Commendation and Community Service Citation in 2002.
New South Wales Police Force Honours and Awards are regarded by members of the New South Wales Police Force to be highly prized due to the fact that they are only awarded to members in small numbers. The only award that was given out in large numbers was the Commissioner's Olympic Citation due to the massive contribution by all members of the force.
Commendations and medals
- New South Wales Police Force Valour Award (VA);
- New South Wales Police Force Commissioners Commendation (Courage);
- New South Wales Police Force Commissioners Commendation (Service);
- New South Wales Police Force Commissioners Olympic Commendation;
- New South Wales Police Force Commissioners Community Service Commendation;
- New South Wales Police Force Medal for Diligent and Ethical Service.
The above in-service decorations are worn 5mm below the officer's name plate and are right-sided decorations.
Citations
The following in-service decorations are worn 5mm above the officer's name plate and are right-sided decorations.- New South Wales Police Force Unit Citation (maximum 3 further awards are indicated by silver stars) - metal device, with silver laurel leaf surround, with light blue enamel centre;
- New South Wales Police Force Commissioner's Community Service Citation (maximum 1 further award indicated by one silver star) - metal device, with silver laurel leaf surround, with white enamel centre.
- New South Wales Police Force Commissioner's Olympic Citation - metal device, with silver laurel leaf surround, with navy blue enamel centre and silver Olympic rings in centre;
Peacekeeping
In peacekeepingPeacekeeping
Peacekeeping is an activity that aims to create the conditions for lasting peace. It is distinguished from both peacebuilding and peacemaking....
operations, New South Wales Police Force Officers are seconded to the Australian Federal Police
Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police is the federal police agency of the Commonwealth of Australia. Although the AFP was created by the amalgamation in 1979 of three Commonwealth law enforcement agencies, it traces its history from Commonwealth law enforcement agencies dating back to the federation of...
and take an Oath or Affirmation of the AFP. They are then appointed to the Rank of Senior Sergeant, Station Sergeant, Superintendent or Commander. Following their service, UN Peacekeeping Veterans are awarded the United Nations Medal
United Nations Medal
The term United Nations Medal refers to one of several international decorations which are issued by the United Nations to the various militaries of the world for participation in joint international military and police operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief...
for their particular Mission. In addition, under the Australian System of Honours and Awards, police officers serving with peacekeeping organisations are awarded the Police Overseas Service Medal with the relevant clasp for the prescribed area of service. As at 2008, two clasps to the Police Overseas Service Medal have been awarded to NSW Police members, namely Cyprus and East Timor.
Cyprus (UNFICYP)
NSW Police Force members were among the first Australian Police sent to Cyprus in May 1964 as the first United Nations Police Contingent. The United Nations Civilian Police (now known as UNPOL or United Nations Police) was established with a 3 month mandate to end hostilities between the Greek and Turkish communities and promote peace on the Island. The operation has been extended for some 42 years.NSW Police Force members were subsequently withdrawn from Cyprus in 1976, along with all other State and Territory Police following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus
Turkish invasion of Cyprus
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus, launched on 20 July 1974, was a Turkish military invasion in response to a Greek military junta backed coup in Cyprus...
on 20 July 1974. During the invasion and preceding it the Australian Police were subject to machine gun and mortar fire and Turkish air attack. Some of their personal motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal items at that time were destroyed, lost or stolen. Fortunately, there was no loss of Australian lives at that time. Australian police continued to negotiate between the invading Turkish Army, other warring parties and escorted refugees to safety from both sides.
East Timor (UNTAET & UNMISET)
Since UNFICYPUnited Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus was established in 1964 to prevent a recurrence of fighting between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions...
commenced, a large number of the NSW Police has served in Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
alongside other Australian police jurisdictions. From 2002 to 2005, 45 NSW Police Force Officers were involved in UNTAET
United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor
The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor provided an interim civil administration and a peacekeeping mission in the territory of East Timor, from its establishment on October 25, 1999 until its independence on May 20, 2002 following the outcome of the East Timor Special...
and UNMISET seconded to the Australian Federal Police for their Tour of Duty in East Timor
East Timor
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, commonly known as East Timor , is a state in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecusse, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor...
with the United Nations.
In addition, two New South Wales Police Force Officers have been commended for courage for Peacekeeping in East Timor, one by the Australian Government, and the Australian Federal Police Commissioners Commendation for Bravery (Station Sergeant David McCann OAM - UNMISET and one by the New South Wales Police Force Commissioner (Senior Sergeant Mark Aubrey Gilpin - UNTAET). Station Sergeant McCann was awarded the Commendation for Brave Conduct for his part in the rescue of 110 vulnerable persons from a village in East Timor after it suffered major flooding. Senior Sergeant Gilpin was awarded the New South Wales Police Commendation (courage) for his part in protecting a member of the community who was being subjected to mob justice. He placed his body in front of the mob, who were armed with machettes and other weapons and managed to extract the victim to safety.
Out of the ten Australian peacekeepers who have died on peacekeeping missions, two were from New South Wales Police Force whilst serving with UNFICYP. Sergeant Ian Ward and Inspector Patrick Hackett died in separate incidents in UNFCYP. 124 soldiers and police gave their lives whilst serving with the United Nations in Cyprus.
Wood Royal Commission
This concentration of policing power in the New South Wales Police is thought to have led to the multi-generational and endemic levels of corruption, graft and vice. Following a number of highly secretive operations conducted between 1989 and 1992 by NSW Police and Officers of the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence (ABCI) (these operations included: Asset, Seca 1, Seca 2 and ABCI Intelligence Probe Buckshot), it became clear that this corruption was beyond the investigation capacity of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (NSW ICAC). This was because the investigation staff of the ICAC included police on secondment from the NSW Police Service. What followed was a series of articles in the Sydney press exposing what became known at the time as the "Black Knights versus White Knights" within the NSW Police Service. Independent members of the NSW Parliament pressured the Liberal government of the day to establish what became Australia's largest ever Royal Commission. Known informally as 'the Wood Royal Commission', it was a State-sponsored judicial inquiry into police corruption led by Justice James Wood of the New South Wales Supreme Court. This Royal CommissionRoyal Commission
In Commonwealth realms and other monarchies a Royal Commission is a major ad-hoc formal public inquiry into a defined issue. They have been held in various countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia...
, which lasted approximately two years, uncovered crimes and institutionalised corruption throughout the NSW Police Service (as it was then known) by a large number of officers, most notably detectives. This unexpected discovery by the Royal Commission led to a widening of its terms of reference to include the investigation of paedophilia and sex crimes outside the Police Service and implicated members of the legal fraternity . However, critics of the Royal Commission argue that it should have had a wider terms of reference, namely the New South Wales Parliament and New South Wales Criminal Justice System but considering the political ramifications that would have resulted, this did not occur .
The biggest impact of the Wood Royal Commission was the uprooting of many corrupt detectives in the force (which, despite the almost daily allegations of depravity and criminality, consisted of only a small but very influential minority of the total Police Service) and the establishment of the Police Integrity Commission
Police Integrity Commission
The Police Integrity Commission was established in 1996 upon the recommendation of the Royal Commission in to the New South Wales Police Service. The commission is a corporation established by the New South Wales Government to prevent, detect and investigate alleged serious misconduct in the New...
- an independent, permanent tribunal with some judicial powers that now stands as a permanent watchdog over police corruption, but is not part of the NSW Police (unlike the old Internal Affairs Bureau). Indeed, the legislation which established and authorises the activities of the PIC prevents any person who is a current member, or has ever been a member, of the NSW Police from being employed by the PIC. The inclusion of this provision was a recognition of the questionable impact that NSW Police seconded to the ICAC had on the capacity of that agency to deal with police corruption in NSW.
Staffing numbers
Due to the growing number of violent attacks in the state in 2006, then president of the New South Wales Police AssociationNew South Wales Police Association
The Police Association of New South Wales was formed in 1922 and is the industrial association representing over 99 percent of the sworn police officers in the State of New South Wales, Australia. The current president of the association is Scott Weber....
, Bob Pritchard, commented on 7 January 2007, that the state is "very short of police and that there is a need to increase the number of police officers throughout the state significantly".
See also
- State Protection GroupState Protection GroupThe State Protection Group is part of the Specialist Operations division of the New South Wales Police Force, having been established in 1991 to deal with extraordinary policing responses. The SPG directly supports police in high-risk incidents such as sieges with specialised tactical,...
- Public Order and Riot SquadPublic Order and Riot SquadThe Public Order and Riot Squad is the full-time 'riot squad' of the New South Wales Police Force. PORS is within the command of Field Operations under the Major Events and Incidents Group which is responsible for planning for major events such as Operation Vikings, APEC, the World Youth Day and...
- Crime in SydneyCrime in SydneyCrime in Sydney is primarily fought by the New South Wales Police and supporting government institutions. Crime in Sydney is very unevenly distributed, with different categories of crime rising and falling in areas as localised as well as wider criminogenic factors shift.-Crime statistics:The NSW...
Former units:
- Tactical Response Group (TRG) - Former NSW Police unit.
- Special Weapons and Operations Squad (SWOS) - Former NSW Police unit.
Individuals:
- List of Commissioners of New South Wales Police
- Phillip ArantzPhillip ArantzPhilip Arantz was a Detective Sergeant in the New South Wales Police.In the 1970s he was involved in a long-running and highly-publicised battle with the NSW government after his dismissal from the Police Service, and Arantz claimed that he had been victimised for his whistle-blowing actions,...
Other:
- Public Service Association of NSW, the Union for Administrative and Support Staff employed in NSW PolicePublic Service Association of NSWThe Public Service Association of NSW is a union which represents New South Wales Government, NSW university and related private sector employees. The union is registered under New South Wales state legislation....
External links
- NSW Police website
- Rank insignia of the NSW Police
- www.policensw.com – Unofficial site with much information about the NSW Police
- National Police Memorial website
- Union for NSW Police
- Badge History of NSW Police
- NSW Police Force Media
- New South Wales Highway patrol Photography