Police Association of NSW


Scott Webber Police Association.mp3	Time called on alcohol fuelled violence: Scott Weber speaks with Wendy & Angela ABC 702

Hospital staff cop ugly side of alcohol

By Ava Benny-Morrison

SYDNEY, March 7 AAP - Before the nurse has a chance to extend a caring hand, the aggressive woman inside the police paddy wagon fires off a torrent of abuse.

Spit flies out and lands on the male nurse's chest.

Welcome to Saturday night at St Vincent Hospital's emergency department, a stone's throw from the notorious Kings Cross precinct in Sydney.

The nurse heads off to change his scrubs and police move in and lock the van, leaving the woman - thought to be drug affected - hysterical and screaming at the top of her lungs.

Later, it takes a team of 10 - security staff, police, nurses and doctors - to hold the woman, who thrashes about with a strength that exceeds her size, onto a hospital bed.

It's not unusual for staff at St Vincent's to deal with multiple cases like this on a Saturday night.

But not this night.

March 1 was the first Saturday since NSW's new bar lock-out laws came into effect.

A pulsing Mardi Gras crowd of 300,000 have already taken to Sydney's streets, prompting St Vincent's emergency department director Professor Gordian Fulde to roster on additional staff in anticipation of another night's chaos.

It might be the rain, or the new laws. But whatever the reason, it turns out to be vastly quieter for Sydney's busiest emergency department.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch also notices a change on the streets of the newly-formed Sydney CBD entertainment precinct - encompassing Cockle Bay, The Rocks, the CBD and Kings Cross - which has had its fair share of senseless assaults.

Hundreds of licensed venues within the precinct are subject to NSW's new trading restrictions, including 1.30am lock-outs and 3am last drinks.

7 March 2014

Source: AAP

BFL members charged with shooting girl

SYDNEY, March 5 AAP - Two alleged Brothers for Life gangsters are behind bars, charged with the attempted shooting murder of a teenage girl in western Sydney.

Wahid Karimi, 18, and Mohammad Kalal, 28, appeared via video link in Waverley Local Court on Wednesday accused of attacking the 13-year-old at her Blacktown home on November 4 last year.

Police allege the pair and another man arrived at the house armed with a shotgun and argued with a man who answered the door.

As the resident tried to shut the door, police allege, shots were fired and a 13-year-old girl inside the home was hit in the back.

She was hospitalised but has since been released.

Kalal and Karimi are said to be members of the brutal Blacktown faction of the Brothers for Life (BFL) street gang.

Both men were already in Long Bay prison on other charges on Tuesday when detectives charged them over the alleged November 4 shooting.

Both are accused of discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and wounding a person with intent to murder.

A baby-faced Karimi agreed in court that the accusations were "serious matters".

The Marrickville teen has also been charged with the attempted murder of another suspected BFL member at Winston Hills the night before the Blacktown incident.

5 March 2014

Source: AAP

Man gunned down in Sydney street

SYDNEY, March 5 AAP - A man gunned down on an inner western Sydney street was known to police.

The 44-year-old was found lying on a footpath at Petersham with a gunshot wound when emergency services arrived just after 11pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.

Paramedics tried to revive him but he died at the scene.

Investigators don't believe he had any links to bikie gangs, but won't rule it out yet.

"At this stage, he's not connected with outlaw motorcycle gangs," Acting Superintendent Alf Sergi told reporters at the scene.

The man has not been formally identified but is believed to be from nearby Ashfield.

Detectives from Marrickville Local Area Command and the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad have urged anyone who saw any suspicious activity in Railway Parade to come forward.

5 March 2014

Source: AAP

No wall of silence on rape: police

SYDNEY, March 4 AAP - Police investigating the gang rape of a 14-year-old Sydney girl have taken the step of releasing security images of three men sought over the attack.

Detectives say the trio, all believed to be in their late teens or early 20s, were caught on CCTV cameras at Blacktown and then Parramatta railway stations on the night of the assault, in a Doonside park early last month.

It is alleged one man forced the girl to the ground and sexually assaulted her before up to five of his friends took turns during the following half hour.

A 16-year-old boy who went to a Sydney police station a week after the February 8 attack, has been charged with aggravated sexual assault.

Detective Inspector Mick Haddow from the State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad says the public has provided solid information on the case but almost a month on, investigators have decided to identify the suspects in the hope of a breakthrough.

"We are getting an enormous amount of assistance from the community," Insp Haddow told reporters on Tuesday.

However, the images, which were taken a short time after the attack, could prove vital.

"We can confirm those three males were travelling together on that night," he said.

Detectives don't know how the men know each other, and Det Insp Haddow couldn't say what assistance the 16-year-old charged over the attack has offered.

4 March 2014

Source: AAP

NSW police boss Scipione staying put

SYDNEY, March 4 AAP - NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has scotched rumours he is planning to step down.

In his first public appearance of the year, Mr Scipione addressed speculation he is intending to hand the reins to his deputy, Nick Kaldas.

He says he'll remain in the job for at least another 12 months.

"I have indicated to government that I'll be sticking around," Mr Scipione told reporters on Tuesday.

Asked if he had been considering leaving, Mr Scipione said: "Look, I considered leaving when I was in my second year of policing ...

"It's not something I've given any significant attention to.

"You know that there's been rumours going since the day I was appointed, I don't turn my mind to that.

"There's more to be done."

Mr Scipione's contract is due to expire in August 2015.

4 March 2014

Source: AAP

NSW super-squad to chase top crims

SYDNEY, March 4 AAP - NSW police say a newly formed squad will hit elite organised criminals where it hurts by cracking down on money laundering and tracking the proceeds of crime.

The state's Asian Crime Squad, Organised Crime Targeting Squad and Casino and Racing Investigation Unit have merged to become the Organised Crime Squad, which is backed up by the NSW Crime Commission and federal law enforcement agencies.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the squad's brief was to pursue criminals at "the top of the food chain".

"It's all about the money," Mr Scipione told reporters on Tuesday.

"We will see a fully dedicated money-laundering unit that will go after those that are laundering money (and) unexplained wealth.

"I don't think many of these crime syndicates have amassed their money simply because they're good savers."

Squad commander Detective Superintendent Scott Cook said his 100-strong team was already pursuing lines of inquiry ranging from gambling to drug trafficking.

"The focus for us is going to be criminal networks, not an individual group at any moment in time," he said.

"We're going to work with other agencies, as well as the NSW Crime Commission, to make sure that we cut everyone off - the lawyers, accountants, other professionals - doesn't matter who they are, they might find themselves down at the Crime Commission answering questions."

4 March 2014

Source: AAP

Alcohol laws bring lasting change: study

SYDNEY, March 3 AAP - Alcohol laws similar to those now in force across inner Sydney have helped keep Newcastle assault rates down, a study has found.

The University of Newcastle-led study found that early pub closing times in the Newcastle city centre resulted in a lasting reduction in assaults.

But the research found "softer" measures introduced in a Newcastle city-fringe suburb, including late-night lockouts, had little effect.

The NSW government's 3am last drinks and 1.30am lockouts for licensed premises in the Sydney city centre and Kings Cross had their first big test at the weekend.

They were modelled on the so-called Newcastle solution, which mandated early closing times for pubs in the Newcastle city centre in 2008 and was linked to a one-third fall in assaults during the next 18 months.

Kypros Kypri, of the University of Newcastle, was behind a study, published on Monday, that found the lower assault rate held steady through to March 2013.

"The Newcastle intervention has prevented between 3000 and 4000 assaults in the six years since it was put in place," Professor Kypri said.

His team studied the effect of licence restrictions implemented in the inner Newcastle suburb of Hamilton, where pubs were not subject to the early closing times but where lockouts were enforced.

3 March 2014

Source: AAP

Two lock-out breaches on first weekend

SYDNEY, March 1 AAP - Two venues breached NSW's new lock-out laws on the first Friday night they took effect.

One of Friday's breaches included patrons going back inside a pub to fetch clothing they left behind earlier in the night.

While police say it is too early to call the tougher trading restrictions a success, NSW police Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said there was less violence and aggression on the streets.

"Less drunks on the street ... far fewer drunken people on the street, less aggro, less violence, better behaviour," he told reporters on Saturday.

"It's far too early to claim success but if what we saw last night is any indication we are heading in the right direction."

An additional 50 police were deployed across Sydney's entertainment precinct on Friday night as licensed premises implemented the 1.30am lock-out and 3am last drinks, which came into effect on Monday.

The precinct includes Kings Cross, the CBD, Cockle Bay and The Rocks.

Mr Murdoch said police also issued 10 temporary ban notices and applied for one long-term ban order from the party precinct.

The long-term ban stemmed from an alleged assault inside a club on Bayswater Road, Kings Cross.

Mr Murdoch said one pub on King Street in the CBD breached the 1.30am lock-out.

"Significantly that breach of the lock-out we say will attract a strike offence," he said.

1 March 2014

Source: AAP

Man arrested in NSW over New York death

LOS ANGELES, Feb 28 AAP - A fugitive accused of beating to death a New York store owner and robbing him of $US32,000 has been captured in Australia after NSW police secretly took samples of his DNA from glasses and cigarettes.

Abakar Gadiyev, 32, was arrested on Thursday after DNA from a mask used in the robbery matched his DNA, the New York Post reported.

Gadiyev and Arsen Bashirov, both citizens of the central Asian nation of Turkmenistan, allegedly robbed Brighton Beach storeowner Vladimir Tolstykh, 34, of a payroll bag containing $US32,000 and then beat him to death on March 14, 2009.

"The defendant robbed and attacked the victim, a store owner, after lying in wait for him in his parking garage," said a Brooklyn District Attorney memo obtained by the newspaper.

"The police conducted a lengthy investigation which led them to Gadiyev who had fled to Australia and Bashirov who had fled to Turkmenistan."

NSW police tailed Gadiyev to gather DNA left behind on items such as glasses and cigarettes so they could send the DNA samples across the Pacific Ocean to the New York Police Department NYPD for analysis.

"The evidence they sent us matched the mask," a police source said.

Gadiyev was applying to become an Australian citizen, police sources said.

US authorities plan to extradite Gadiyev to New York.

28 February 2014

Source: AAP

Four police officers assaulted in Sydney

SYDNEY, Feb 27 AAP - A police officer has been kicked in the face and three others have also been assaulted during a covert operation against train fare evaders in Sydney's southwest.

The Police Transport Command officers were in plain clothes during the operation in Bankstown on Wednesday when they identified themselves and attempted to stop a man for not paying his fare.

Police said the man threw a punch at an officer and two of his friends joined in, with one officer allegedly kicked in the face by one of the men.

The officers gained control of the situation and arrested three men.

Four officers suffered injuries including a bloodied nose, a swollen elbow, sprained ankle, grazes and bruising.

Two men, both aged 19, and another aged 21 have been charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest.

Two of the men were refused bail and will appear at Bankstown Local Court on Thursday.

One of the 19-year-olds was granted bail.

27 February 2014

Source: AAP

Knifed Qld police drew gun on alleged attacker

GOLD COAST, Feb 26 AAP - A man accused of knifing two police officers on the Gold Coast was repeatedly Tasered and only stopped his attack when an officer drew his gun and threatened to shoot, court documents claim.

Police will allege Michael Harley Lappan, 31, injured the officers with a knife during an incident at a Palm Beach petrol station on Tuesday night.

Lappan didn't face Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being arrested on several charges including two counts of unlawful wounding.

Court documents state staff at the service station had rung police after Lappan spent 40 minutes obstructing an automatic door at the business.

Police Tasered Lappan twice after he became aggressive towards them, the documents claim, with Lappan pulling one of the metal Taser barbs from his body before producing a six-centimetre flick-knife.

It's alleged Lappan then stabbed one officer in the thigh before he was Tasered a third time.

Another officer then wrestled with Lappan for the knife, sustaining a cut to his wrist in the struggle.

Lappan allegedly continued to try to bite the officer despite being Tasered a fourth time and sprayed with pepper spray.

Only when an officer drew his gun and told Lappan to stop resisting or be shot did he end his resistance.

Lappan's lawyer Chris Freeman didn't apply for bail and the matter was adjourned until April 15.

The two injured officers have since been released from hospital.

26 February 2014

Source: AAP

Alcohol laws to target only worst crimes

SYDNEY, Feb 25 AAP - One-punch laws proposed for NSW will only target serious assaults and not those "causing scratches or bruises", the O'Farrell government has said.

Premier Barry O'Farrell says the second tranche of his government's tough new laws targeting drug and alcohol fuelled violence will be introduced in the lower house this week.

The new measures don't include minimum sentences for affray and assault occasioning bodily harm, as were mooted by the government in January.

There was concern mandatory sentences for affray and assault occasioning bodily harm would lead to a big rise in the prison population.

Mr O'Farrell explained the proposed laws would only target "serious personal violence".

The measures follow public outrage over the rise of serious drunken assaults in Sydney including the fatal one-punch assaults on 18-year-olds Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie in Kings Cross.

"If the public continues to consider sentences out of step with community expectations, then the judiciary shouldn't be surprised if parliament acts on their behalf," Mr O'Farrell said during question time on Tuesday.

Attorney-general Greg Smith said the government was responding to the types of assault the community was most concerned about.

25 February 2014

Source: AAP

Secret steroid labs 'only on TV': Qld cops

BRISBANE, Feb 25 AAP - Secret steroid labs which popped out of hidden compartments in a Gold Coast home after buttons were pressed are things you'd only see on TV, police say.

Police and customs officers found two elaborate labs in a home at Bonogin, in the Gold Coast Hinterland, on Tuesday.

When they pressed buttons in the kitchen drawers and the bedroom, the labs popped out of secret compartments in the bench and in a wardrobe.

Detective Inspector Brendan Smith says he's never seen anything like it before.

"Only on TV, I've seen a number of labs in my career and the nature in which these hidey-holes were created, it's obviously designed purposefully to hide things from law enforcement," he said.

"It's not like it's an add-on.

"You walk into the kitchen or you walk into the wardrobe and it just looks like a normal house."

Police found a large number of vials believed to contain steroids, chemicals and labels, indicating that it was a secret commercial venture.

They also found a loaded double-barrelled shotgun and $10,000 in cash.

A man, 31, and a woman, 25, have been arrested and police expect them to be charged on Tuesday.

The man allegedly has links to the Mongols bikie gang.

Det Insp Smith said home drug labs put neighbours at risk from fires or explosions, and endangered end users.

"You don't know what goes in it, and to put it into your body is just crazy," he said.

25 February 2014

Source: AAP

Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes' trial begins

SYDNEY, Feb 24 AAP - Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes allegedly handed a child a teddy bear and called her a "good girl" after abusing her during a sleepover at his Sydney home, a court has heard.

The former Australian TV star is on trial in the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney after pleading not guilty to 11 charges relating to sexual and indecent assault.

The court was told that before giving the girl the teddy bear Hughes used her hand to masturbate himself.

On Monday, the first day of the trial, the court heard there were five complainants, including a former child actor, who alleges Hughes exposed himself while on set.

Crown prosecutor Gina O'Rourke said the father of one victim was friends with Hughes and his wife and the families would socialise in the 1970s and 1980s.

On one occasion the victim, was allegedly asleep at Hughes' home when he entered a bedroom and sexually assaulted her.

Ms O'Rourke said Hughes placed his hands under the victim's blankets, rubbed her vagina and licked her cheek.

"You will hear that he left the room and the complainant started crying," Ms O'Rourke told the jury.

One month later, when the victim and her parents were at Hughes' home for a party, Hughes allegedly assaulted the victim again.

Another woman lived in the same neighbourhood as Hughes when she was a girl in the 1980s, the court heard.

When she had a sleepover at Hughes' home he allegedly used her hand to masturbate him as she lay on a mattress on a bedroom floor.

He then allegedly placed her bed covers on her, called her a good girl, handed her a teddy bear and said "go back to sleep", the court heard.

24 February 2014

Source: AAP

NSW police crack down on drink drivers

SYDNEY, Feb 23 AAP - More than 1000 people have been fined for speeding and 124 have been charged for drink driving during an annual three-night police blitz across NSW during which two people died and 118 were injured.

About 250,000 drivers were breath tested between Thursday morning and midnight Saturday on major NSW highways and suburban roads, police said.

During operation drink drive, two people were killed and 118 people, including a three-year-old boy, were injured on the state's roads.

Seven people died during last year's blitz and there were 164 more drink driving charges.

But the 2014 road toll is already higher than at the same period in 2013, prompting police to initiate a four-week crack down on speeding drivers on the back of operation drink drive.

"Officers will use high-visibility tools in static operations, such as radars and roadside breath tests, to catch drivers risking the lives of themselves and others," traffic police assistant commissioner John Hartley said.

23 February 2014

Source: AAP

Shield adults from bullies too: experts

SYDNEY, Feb 23 AAP - A former federal chief justice is among experts urging the Abbott government to introduce national anti-bullying laws that protect all online users.

Leading legal and mental health figures have spoken out following the death of TV star Charlotte Dawson, who suffered depression and had a long, public battle with Twitter tormenters.

The 47-year-old was found dead in her Sydney home on Saturday.

Former Family Court chief justice Alastair Nicholson is leading a charge for national laws to tackle all forms of bullying.

The coalition has already flagged legislative changes aimed at protecting children from abuse online.

Its mooted reforms include the creation of a children's e-safety commissioner, new laws to get bullying material taken down fast from large social media sites, and a new national cyber-bullying offence.

But Mr Nicholson says any new laws should protect the whole community.

"I don't think we can stop at children," he told AAP on Sunday.

"There's a bit of the old concept that, 'Oh yes, we were all bullied at school, and we got over it' ...

"This is a much more serious problem than we've ever accepted."

BeyondBlue chief Kate Carnell told AAP she understood the focus on children but the legislative response needed to cover adults, too.

"You want to aim at kids because they've probably got less resilience, less life skills to be able to manage that sort of thing but bullying can cause significant damage at any time."

Parliamentary secretary for communications Paul Fletcher told AAP Dawson's death was "tragic" but the government considered child victims of cyber-bullying its top priority.

23 February 2014

Source: AAP

NSW man arrested after headbutting officer

SYDNEY, Feb 21 AAP - A man has been charged after allegedly head-butting a police officer at a train station in inner Sydney.

Police said the 41-year-old was seen acting offensively on a platform at Central Railway station on Thursday afternoon, and then became verbally aggressive toward nearby officers.

He allegedly tried to resist arrest and head-butted one of the senior constables as they tried to apprehend him.

The man was refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court on Friday on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, common assault, resist arrest, offensive language and fail to comply with direction.

The injured officer was treated for minor soft tissue injuries.

21 February 2014

Source: AAP

Last drinks and lock outs welcome relief for emergency workers

Emergency service workers say they are hopeful the last weekend before the introduction of the highly anticipated last drinks and lock-outs will be incident free.

The new 1.30am lock-outs and 3am last drinks calls will come into play at midnight on Monday in the Sydney CBD — a move emergency service workers say will help curb alcohol-fuelled violence in the known hotspot.

Last Drinks coalition spokesperson and President of the Police Association of NSW, Scott Weber said that after years of lobbying for the introduction of the measures, which are based on the successful Newcastle model, emergency service workers are looking forward to finally seeing them in action.

“The combination of reduced trading hours, lock-outs and limits on high alcohol-content drinks has proven to be successful in reducing alcohol-fuelled violence in Newcastle. We’re very hopeful that the measures will have a similar impact in Sydney,” Mr Weber said.

“Sydney’s emergency service workers are excited about the new measures coming into effect. We’re all hopeful that this final weekend before their introduction passes by incident free.

21 February 2014

Source: http://www.lastdrinks.com.au/

Luke Batty case a chance for reform: Lay

MELBOURNE, Feb 20 AAP - The death of Luke Batty provides an important opportunity to reform the system that let him down, Victoria's top policeman says.

Chief Commissioner Ken Lay says some hope should should emerge from the killing of 11-year-old Luke at his father's hands.

He has arranged a group of experts to come together on Monday to discuss improving the system, saying society owes it to Luke and his mum Rosie Batty.

"We owe it to Rosie, we owe it to Luke that it does," Mr Lay told Fairfax Radio on Thursday.

"We have got the opportunity now to closely look at the system and say, `how can we make it better?'

"We've got to grasp it."

The experts, including family violence sector workers and government department secretaries, will look at suggestions they can put to government, Mr Lay said.

These include tackling a culture where men still degrade women, and improving communication between police and other agencies.

"Out of this tragedy comes some hope that we have the opportunity of changing a system that I think has probably let Rosie down and let Luke down," he said.

But police cannot simply solve the problem by arresting men.

"We just can't keep arresting people, putting them before the court, then not helping them get through some of their behavioural problems."

20 February 2014

Source: AAP

Bikie and gang members hit with gun ban

SYDNEY, Feb 19 AAP - More than 220 people in NSW have been banned from possessing firearms, the majority of them members of bikie and other criminal gangs.

NSW Police say those issued with Firearm Prohibition Orders include 44 members and associates of the Brothers For Life gang, 42 members of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang and 39 men associated with Assyrian organised crime networks.

Others include 21 members of the Nomads bikie gang, seven members of the Comancheros bikie gang and six members of the Hells Angels.

In total, 223 people have now been issued with Firearm Prohibition Orders, police said on Wednesday.

Of those orders, 59 have been in place for a number of years, while 164 have been issued since November 1 last year, the day the NSW parliament passed the Firearms and Criminal Groups Legislation Amendment Bill 2013.

That law decrees that anyone served with a Firearm Prohibition Order is banned from acquiring, possessing or using a firearm, a firearm part, or ammunition.

The law also provides police with significant powers to stop and search such a person.

NSW Police Field Operations Commander, Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas, said officers were regularly using the powers the orders afforded them.

"As we have said all along, getting illegal guns - and the criminals who use them - out of our communities remains one of the NSW Police Force's major priorities."

19 February 2014

Source: AAP

Iddles new Vic police assoc secretary

MELBOURNE, Feb 18 AAP - Veteran homicide detective Ron Iddles is the new secretary of Victoria's police union.

After 25 years at the homicide squad, Detective Senior Sergeant Iddles will replace Greg Davies as secretary of the Police Association in April.

The five-year appointment was decided on Tuesday, after legal action by a member of the executive over the appointment of a new secretary was discontinued.

Police Association president Phil Pearson said Det Sen Sgt Iddles will serve the union's 13,500-plus members well.

18 February 2014

Source: AAP

Don't blame system for Luke's death: Mum

MELBOURNE, Feb 17 AAP - Luke Batty's killer father wouldn't have gone to jail even if he had been arrested on outstanding warrants before the murder, the boy's mother says.

Greg Anderson was wanted on five warrants when he killed the 11-year-old boy last week after Tyabb cricket training on the Mornington Peninsula.

Police have blamed the force's ageing IT system for failing to alert officers the warrants existed when the 54-year-old was questioned about an assault three weeks before the killing.

But Luke's mother, Rosie Batty, says those offences weren't severe enough to keep her ex-partner in custody.

"The truth of the matter is, Greg's conduct would not have put him in prison," she told Triple M on Monday.

Ms Batty said it wasn't right to blame cracks or glitches in the system for her son's death either but the answer involves seeing men collectively take a stand against domestic violence.

"It starts with men. Don't blame systems," she said.

"It took me years to understand that violence isn't just about hitting somebody. There are many forms of abuse."

Ms Batty tried to surround Luke with positive male role models when her ex-partner became violent.

She said she found support in former AFL star Matt Rendell, who became "Big Matt" in Luke's life.

"He adored Matthew," she said.

Luke's father was shot dead by police after the killing.

Ms Batty said he had been suffering from paranoia for years but there's no record of him having contacted a mental health service.

Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said it's common for the mentally ill to first come into contact with services through police or the courts but it's difficult to force someone into treatment.

17 February 2014

Source: AAP

Faster help for domestic violence victims

SYDNEY, Feb 16 AAP - Victims of domestic violence will not have to retell their stories over and over when seeking help under plans for dedicated case managers and a centralised database, the NSW government says.

Minister for Women Pru Goward on Sunday announced the launch of a new domestic and family violence framework aimed at providing a quicker, more co-ordinated response system for victims.

The government's It Stops Here initiative, funded from a $9.8 million package, will give victims a single contact point in a specialised domestic violence worker who will organise everything a victim needs.

A new state-wide database is also being set up so details of victims and incidents can be shared among police, courts and health and welfare agencies.

The new initiative aims to stop victims having to retell their stories to police, lawyers, doctors and other assisting agencies.

"We know domestic violence victims have been waiting long enough for a truly co-ordinated and victim-centred support system," Ms Goward said.

She said the auditor-general in 2011 criticised the old system under which services were not co-ordinated.

"This meant domestic violence victims had to explain their situation again every time they needed help.

"Being a victim of domestic violence is bad enough; having a system that turned victims off getting help was even worse," Ms Goward said.

Two new central referral points will be established in Orange and Waverley and be up and running by the middle of the year to trial the system, the minister said.

16 February 2014

Source: AAP

Darwin bars bring in drinks limits

By Neda Vanovac

DARWIN, Feb 13 AAP - Bars in Darwin have agreed to limit the number of drinks patrons can buy in a bid to reduce alcohol-related violence in the city.

Under the Australian Hotels Association initiative, member bars have agreed to limit drinks to four per customer during happy hours and after midnight, and to ban shots after 1am.

Shots with an alcohol content of more than 51 per cent will be banned altogether.

"It's important we're seen as part of the solution and not just part of the problem," said Mick Burns, senior vice president of the AHA NT.

For the past year Chief Minister Adam Giles has refused to implement a Newcastle-type solution to alcohol-related violence in the NT, and told an AHA awards dinner last year that the NT's drinking culture was a "core social value".

He denied his government was too close to the liquor industry.

"Darwin is not Newcastle, it is not Kings Cross, it is not Wollongong, " he told reporters on Thursday.

"We don't want to be a government of a nanny state that puts in place rules without working in co-operation with local people."

The new regulations apply only to the Darwin city centre, and there are no plans to roll it out across the rest of the Territory.

Earlier closing times were considered but not implemented, Mr Giles said.

14 February 2014

Source: AAP

Accord signed for Sydney Mardi Gras

SYDNEY, Feb 14 AAP - NSW Police and organisers of Sydney's gay and lesbian Mardi Gras have signed an accord in a bid to ensure a safe parade and party without conflict between officers and participants.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell signed the Mardi Gras Festival Accord on behalf of the government on Friday, laying out a plan for policing the event in close cooperation with organisers.

The event was marred last year by claims of police brutality against Mardi Gras participants, including the arrest of a Sydney teenager that sparked community outrage.

Earlier this month, a magistrate dismissed the police assault and resisting arrest case against teenager Jamie Reed after video showed him being slammed to the ground by an officer during the Mardi Gras last March.

Friday's accord includes a commitment to fair policing of the event and education for officers on working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities.

Under the accord, community organisations will help police in making revellers aware that laws regarding alcohol and illegal drug use will be enforced during the festival and police drug detection will be in place.

Mardi Gras organisers said the accord recognised that the parade was one of NSW's most significant events in terms of economic benefit and improved policing was a key factor in growing the number of overseas attendees.

"The community and visitors should feel confident this announcement signifies a commitment that Mardi Gras, the police and all agencies will work together to ensure that participants and visitors are well looked after, and made to feel safe and protected, and treated fairly and equitably," they said in a statement.

14 February 2014

Source: AAP

Syndicate crippled in NSW drug bust

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - Drugs worth $15 million have been seized and 12 people arrested in a major illegal drug syndicate investigation across southern NSW.

Police allege the syndicate was involved in the production, distribution and sale of commercial quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis.

On Wednesday police arrested three men during an operation in Gundagai and seized nine kilograms of methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of $9 million.

The men, aged 40, 62 and 63 were charged with numerous offences relating to the large commercial supply of prohibited drugs and participation in a criminal group.

All three were refused bail and were to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Thursday.

Police also executed search warrants on Wednesday at numerous properties across NSW, including Sydney and a property at Palmerston in the ACT.

At Bringelly more than 90,000 rounds of ammunition and seven firearms were seized while at Crowther about 2750 cannabis plants were seized with an estimated street value of $5.5 million.

At a property at Yenda police seized two pallets filled with shotgun cartridges and 60kg of gunpowder.

Police said that at Sans Souci in Sydney a hydroponic cannabis set-up was located and a 36-year-old man was charged with exposing a child to illegal indoor cultivation and given conditional bail to appear in court in March.

13 February 2014

Source: AAP

David Levine new ICAC inspector

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - Former Supreme Court judge David Levine has been appointed the new Inspector of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Premier Barry O'Farrell said in a statement on Thursday Mr Levine was the Inspector of the Police Integrity Commission and it made sense for him to have oversight of the ICAC as well.

Mr Levine served as a judge on the Supreme Court of NSW for 13 years during his 20-year tenure on the bench, as well as President of a Defence Force Board of Inquiry and chair of the Serious Offenders Review Council.

He takes over from outgoing ICAC Inspector Harvey Cooper AM.

Mr Levine's appointment expires on January 31, 2017.

13 February 2014

Source: AAP

Plan for NZ cops to wear cameras

Andrea Vance

The day of the robocop is moving closer, with NZ Justice Minister Judith Collins contemplating frontline police wearing body-mounted cameras while on duty.

She recently returned from Britain, where officers are trialling the smartphone-sized devices.

She says the technology is ideal for tackling New Zealand's high domestic violence rates, which is her key focus this year.

12 February 2014

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/national-news/30015346/Plan-for-cops-...

Policewoman hit by car in Sydney

SYDNEY, Feb 12 AAP - A police officer has been hospitalised after being hit by a car in Sydney's southwest.

The senior constable attached to the Cabramatta Local Area Command was investigating an incident on Curtin Street, Cabramatta about 11.35pm on Tuesday when she was hit by the car.

The 61-year-old male driver was breath tested, returning a negative result.

He is assisting police with their inquiries into the incident.

The 41-year-old police officer was taken to Liverpool Hospital suffering minor injuries and is in a stable condition.

12 February 2014

Source: AAP

Shorten hands union evidence to police

CANBERRA, Feb 11 AAP - Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has given police a dossier of corruption allegations relating to a key union.

Mr Shorten was given the information on the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and says he immediately referred it to police.

The news comes a day after Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced a royal commission into alleged union corruption, which specifically mentions the CFMEU.

"The fact that I forwarded it on to police as opposed to a committee shows that the way to handle these very serious issues in the building and construction industry is the police," Mr Shorten told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

He said the Australian Crime Commission had the powers of a royal commission and federal and state police also do a good job.

"There is no tolerance at all for any low-lifes wearing a union badge, claiming to represent the legitimate interests of workers, engaging in bribery or extortion or corruption," Mr Shorten said.

"Just as there is no place for an employer to do this - there is no one above the law."

Labor has called for a special task force led by the Australian Federal Police to handle union corruption allegations.

11 February 2014

Source: AAP

Police fall ill after finding NSW drug lab

SYDNEY, Feb 8 AAP - Four police officers fell ill after finding a drug lab inside a motel room on the NSW mid-north coast.

They went to the Taree motel about 1am (AEDT) on Saturday after receiving calls about a domestic dispute.

After entering the room, the officers allegedly found a clandestine drug laboratory.

They arrested a 28-year-old man who was taken to Manning Rural Hospital after falling ill.

Four police at the scene also became ill and were taken to hospital for treatment.

They've since been released.

Police said the officers were exposed to chemicals while in the motel room.

The 28-year-old has been taken to Taree Police Station.

8 February 2014

Source: AAP

Pair plead not guilty to policeman murder

SYDNEY, Feb 7 AAP - A mother and son accused of murdering Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson during a neighbourhood dispute in Sydney's northwest have pleaded not guilty.

Det Insp Anderson was fatally stabbed as he tried to resolve the dispute at Oakville on December 6, 2012.

The crown has previously alleged Mitchell Barbieri inflicted the fatal wound while Fiona Barbieri was part of a joint criminal enterprise.

Appearing at the Supreme Court on Friday, both entered pleas of not guilty for the murder.

Mitchell Barbieri, 20, also pleaded not guilty to a number of other offences, including using a bow and arrow on the day of Det Insp Anderson's death and to resisting the arrest of himself and his mother.

Meanwhile Fiona Barbieri, 46, also pleaded not guilty to a number of offences, including threatening to use a baseball bat on December 6, 2012.

During their committal hearing last year, a court heard that after officers were called to the home, Fiona Barbieri allegedly yelled expletives from inside the house and told police to get off her property.

Det Insp Anderson spoke with Mitchell Barbieri through a window before he eventually gave the order for officers to kick the back door in.

7 February 2014

Source: AAP

Police union wants lock out zones expanded

POLICE in NSW want to see an expansion to other problem areas of trading restrictions implemented in Sydney to combat alcohol and drug violence.

NSW Police Association vice-president Patrick Gooley said the trading crackdown, including 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks, should also be introduced in Byron Bay and Parramatta.

Police and the liquor accord in the tourist mecca Byron Bay voluntarily implemented a trial of 1.30am lock outs and restrictions on alcohol sales last year.

"We have seen some modest restrictions building in Byron Bay voluntarily but we think they don't go far enough," Mr Gooley told the ABC.

"Being voluntary, they are very difficult to enforce."

Mr Gooley said the government should also consider measures in Paramatta, a regional hub for western Sydney.

Following legislation passed in NSW Parliament this week, the trading restrictions will only apply to the Sydney CBD entertainment precinct, including Kings Cross and The Rocks.

Mr Gooley believes there is a case to have the zones expanded.

"If we can save one life in Byron Bay and one life in Parramatta, it's got to be worth more than a couple of hours of late trading," he said.

1 February 2014

Source: AAP

NSW police dog unit mourns death

SYDNEY, Feb 1 AAP - He has been remembered as a good, keen and driven police dog.

But even Mojo's shining attributes could not shield him from the danger and inherent risks involved with being a canine member of the police force.

Mojo, an almost three-year-old german shepherd, died on Friday night after taking a fall during a search in Sydney.

Mojo suffered significant internal injuries and was rushed to an animal hospital but could not be saved.

Mojo had been searching an Alexandria building site with his handler after police received reports a group of men had gained access to the site.

Dog Unit Superintendent Donna Adney said Mojo, a general purpose police dog, began his active service in November 2012.

"General purpose police dogs are trained primarily to track and or search in order to locate offenders(and) missing persons or property," she said.

"Unfortunately, their job is quite dangerous and involves inherent risks."

Mojo, like all NSW police dogs, lived with his handler.

"The handler and his family are greatly saddened by Police Dog Mojo's premature passing," Supt Adney said.

"To a police dog handler, their dog is their companion, partner, friend, workmate, playmate and a member of the family."

Supt Adney said it was an extremely sad time for the dog unit with a loss that would be felt by all officers.

1 February 2014

Source: AAP

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