Showing posts with label nsw police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nsw police. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 January 2017
Monday, 29 August 2016
Payouts for misconduct and defending cases of brutality
NSW taxpayers spend $3.2 billion on the state’s police force every year, tens of millions of which goes towards payouts for misconduct and defending cases of brutality.
Saturday, 16 July 2016
Dozens of NSW Police Facing Serious Criminal Charges
http://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/dozens-of-nsw-police-facing-serious-criminal-charges/
Dozens of NSW Police Facing Serious Criminal Charges
It has been reported that over 50 NSW police officers are facing a range of serious criminal charges, including sexual assault, child rape, domestic assault and perjury.
The details, obtained under freedom of information laws, suggest that 32 of NSW police officers facing charges have been suspended, while 21 remain on active duty. Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Clive Small was surprised by the number and seriousness of the charges, saying the revelations affect public confidence in the police force.
Lack of Disciplinary Action
Of particular concern is the fact that many police officers continue to serve on the force despite being convicted of criminal offences.
For example, Highway Patrol Officer Stephen Alan Saltmarsh remains on the force despitepleading guilty in Wagga Wagga Local Court to issuing bogus speeding tickets to non-existent overseas drivers in May and June last year.
And Inspector Damian Goodfellow was convicted in 1999 of assaulting an off-duty colleague. In 2002, he was arrested on suspicion of stealing and crashing an unmarked police car while intoxicated. Despite these findings, he was promoted to Acting Kings Cross Crime Manager.
Criminality in the Police Force
The revelations come shortly after a South Australian MP expressed concerns that officers in that state were not being disciplined for breaking the law. A dozen SA police have been caught drink or drug driving in recent years, but none disciplined.
Just two years, another expose found that 1 in 40 serving police officers in NSW have criminal convictions. This amounts to 437 serving police officers, with 591 convictions amongst them. The figure represents a 256% increase upon 2008, when there were 166 offences amongst 133 serving officers.
The problem of crime and corruption in police forces across Australia continues despite the 1995 Wood Royal Commission, which found systemic corruption throughout the force and made a range of recommendations for reform.
Police Response
NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant denies that the NSW Police Force has a culture of misconduct. “The cultural issues of the force are quite simple, that we insist on integrity and very high levels of standards,” he said.
Similarly, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says that although there are a “few bad apples”, there is no general misconduct problem in the NSW force. “No-one should be mistaken about my tolerance for actions that tarnish the good name of the 16,000-plus officers who risk their lives and dedicate themselves to serve the community,” he said.
Dismissing Police Officers
Section 181D of the Police Act 1990 (NSW) gives the Police Commissioner power to dismiss an officer he “does not have confidence” in, after “having regard to the police officer’s competence, integrity, performance or conduct.”
Since 2007, Scipione has dismissed 216 officers under the section. The Commissioner previously expressed the view that most convictions are for minor offences: “In the majority of cases, officers will have been convicted of a low range PCA or similar offence. While I am not happy about that, I don’t believe that warrants the end of a … career,” he said.
However, Scipione was forced to modify that statement after freedom of information documents revealed that officers had indeed remained on the force despite having convictions for serious assaults, domestic violence offences and other serious charges.
While those who are charged with criminal offences should be considered innocent until proven guilty, many are concerned about the impact of such serious allegations on the public’s confidence in a force that is already tarnished by misconduct issues.
The fact that many officers remain in active service despite having criminal convictions is also cause for concern in the eyes of many.
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
NSW Police statistics 24 months ending December 2015 - The Kings Cross Sting Heartbeat
The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) report shows that NSW Police Force is driving down crime and keeping it down.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the crime figures continued to reflect the hard work of all police officers with 16 of the major crime categories either stable or falling.
The latest data shows seven offences trending downward, nine remaining stable and only one showed a significant trend upward: steal from retail store up 6.7 per cent, during the 24 months ending December 2015.
BOCSAR reports that high on the target list in the `Steal from Retail Store' category includes: thefts from liquor stores, food, mobile phones, electrical appliances and expensive perfumes.
Increased pro-active work by local police, such as working with loss prevention officers to identify theft as it occurs, has led to an increase in incidents being reported.
The significant drop in seven of the 17 major categories are:
• Robbery without a weapon (down 19.3 per cent)
• Robbery with a firearm (down 41.8 per cent)
• Robbery with a weapon not a firearm (down 20.7 per cent)
• Break and enter dwelling (down 7.1 per cent)
• Break and enter non-dwelling (7.1 per cent)
• Motor vehicle theft (down 5.5 per cent)
• Steal from motor vehicle (down 6.6 per cent).
• Robbery without a weapon (down 19.3 per cent)
• Robbery with a firearm (down 41.8 per cent)
• Robbery with a weapon not a firearm (down 20.7 per cent)
• Break and enter dwelling (down 7.1 per cent)
• Break and enter non-dwelling (7.1 per cent)
• Motor vehicle theft (down 5.5 per cent)
• Steal from motor vehicle (down 6.6 per cent).
The report also notes that increases in other crime categories, are primarily linked to pro-active policing strategies.
Commissioner Scipione said it was important to recognise how the report linked these increases to concentrated law enforcement.
This is particularly relevant regarding current drug-possession rates, Commissioner Scipione said, which reflected a targeted policing approach and increased detections of drugs in the community.
“NSW Police will continue to work hard to tackle the scourge of illegal drugs and the detrimental impact they are having on our communities,'' he said.
“We see time and time again the irreversible damage drugs have on individuals, their families and the wider community.
“We must therefore stay strong in our resolve to keep the pressure on those who choose to
perpetuate this illegal trade.''
perpetuate this illegal trade.''
Outside the major categories, increases were recorded in secondary crime areas including:
• Possession of amphetamine (up 30.6 per cent)
• Possession of cocaine (up 35.9 per cent)
• Breach bail conditions (up 14 per cent).
• Possession of amphetamine (up 30.6 per cent)
• Possession of cocaine (up 35.9 per cent)
• Breach bail conditions (up 14 per cent).
All of these increases are due to improvements in pro-active policing or detections of crime by police.
Increases in amphetamine possession have been recorded in both regional areas and metropolitan Sydney.
There were significant increases for cocaine possession in the city, south west of Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.
BOCSAR director, Dr Don Weatherburn, notes in the report that: ``the increase in bail breaches coming to court appears to be contributing to the increasing remand population.''
Commissioner Scipione said the men and women of the NSW Police Force continue to work tirelessly to keep the people of NSW safe and secure.
``Today's results are a clear indication of their daily dedication and resilience in performing their duties”.
Friday, 19 February 2016
Police Officer charged child sex offences
A police officer has been charged with child sex offences relating to alleged sexual assaults in 2011.
Following a NSW Police Force investigation, the 25-year-old male constable was arrested on Tuesday 17 February 2016.
He was charged with aggravated indecent assault, act of indecency, two counts of incite act of indecency, aggravated sexual intercourse without consent, and three counts of sexual intercourse with child.
The charges relate to alleged incidents in 2011, before the officer was employed by NSW Police Force.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 7 March 2016.
The officer, who is attached to Central Metropolitan Region, is currently suspended.
Thursday, 28 January 2016
Police confidence or alleged corrupt system to hide them?
When the premises 6/34-36a Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross are searched, then the Police will need to expose fully the corruption?
So, sorry, I will do that...
Police don't investigate their own for a reason.
So, sorry, I will do that...
Police don't investigate their own for a reason.
- Satisfaction of those who had contact with police in the past 12 months (90.3%)
- General satisfaction with police services (77.6%)
- Professionalism (90.1%)
- Honesty (75.2%)
- Treating people fairly and equally (79.7%)
- Feelings of safety at home at night (88.4%)
Acting Commissioner Catherine Burn says the independent report card is a both a reward for hard work but also a challenge to keep improving.
“Policing is a difficult and often confronting job. We always seek to do that job well and improve what we do. The figures show how we have applied ourselves, putting us above the national average in most categories.
“That’s a huge pat on the back for every police officer but it also throws out a challenge. Let’s keep that momentum going.
“Of course we will have our critics, but when you get independently commissioned data reflecting such a positive community view of our work, it lifts the spirits of our officers. They enjoy their work in spite of its often confronting nature.
The Return on Government Services Report also highlights other areas of continuous improvement in recent years.
- Walking alone in your neighbourhood (day and night)
- Feelings of safety on public transport (day and night)
Ms Burn also noted a fall in the number of complaints against police.
“There are many ways in which we can be measured. We embarked on an ambitious customer service program going back eight years now and I believe we are seeing the benefits of that flowing through. Fewer complaints are one of the benefits.
“We are constantly embracing new technology and better training and that’s helping drive down crimes rates. These are also measured independently of police by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. These show our major crime categories falling or stable.
“Trust and confidence in police is very important. Trust breeds the confidence to call police and let us know about crime and criminal activity. Information from the community is absolutely vital for police to be able to solve and prevent crime.
- General satisfaction has risen from 64.2% in 2009/10 to 77.6% in 2014/15.
- Satisfaction of those who have had contact with police in the previous 12 months has risen from 77.5% in 2009/10 to 90.3% in 2014/15.
- Police are honest has risen from 74.9% in 2011/12 to 75.2% in 2014/15
- Professionalism has risen from 79.8% in 2009/10 to 90.1% in 2014/15
- Police treat people fairly and equally has risen from 68.2% in 2009/10 to 79.7% in 2014/15
- Feelings of safety at home at night has risen from 83.7% in 2009/09 to 88.4% in 2014/15.
Saturday, 30 May 2015
Police have refused the Police search warrant for Juanita Nielsen, corruption is around.
I am sure when we gain the Police search warrant for Juanita Nielsen, where the Bones Remain will send shock waves through the community of the corruption within the system. From 2011 to now I have beat the drum for the Police to reveal what these thugs in Kings Cross protected. Yet, as I am told the Police allegedly on the payroll have dismissed the investigation of The Kings Cross Sting Private Investigation.
The Police dismissed, so I went to the Ombudsman,Police Intregity Commission, to Attorney General, to David Levine, to writing notes on Andrew Scipione's gate. Yet what I have seen has enraged the spirits to a level as they tell me, we are in every position now to expose the biggest drug bust in history..
NSW courts have refused less than 2 per cent of police applications for secret recordings, reigniting claims judges are "rubber stamping" privacy intrusion, new data shows.
Only six out of 363 applications for surveillance device warrants were rejected in the first half of 2014. This was an increase from no refusals, out of 878 applications, in the prior 12 months.
"The very low rate of refusals suggests either that applications for surveillance device warrants by NSW police are consistently of an almost perfect standard, or that the process of approval lacks rigour," said shadow NSW attorney-general Paul Lynch.
"In light of evidence recently in the Legislative Council, this is of great concern. There needs to be a proper review of this process."
An upper house inquiry into Ombudsman Bruce Barbour's handling of the police bugging police scandal found at least one application for a listening device warrant didn't fulfill the grounds to justify recording the private conversations of 46 people.
The Inspector of the Police Integrity Commission, David Levine, told the inquiry that as a judge he never refused a warrant, and instead "looked to see if there is someone named in this warrant who is named as 'M.Mouse ' or 'D.Duck' ''.
The inquiry urged the Baird government to review the system for granting warrants, and consider establishing an independent office to test the veracity of surveillance device applications by police.
Queensland has a Public Interest Monitor who can appear in court to test the validity of police applications.
The Ombudsman's latest report on the use of the Surveillance Devices Act found police were systemically failing to destroy recordings that weren't needed for criminal investigations, in breach of the Act. Instead, they were being archived.
The Deputy Commissioner of Specialist Operations, Catherine Burn, replied to the Ombudsman that a training day would be held for the Covert Applications Unit.
But Mr Lynch said: "It's critical that sensitive information and documents are dealt with by police only as the law requires. It's not acceptable to have systemic problems with police retaining documents they shouldn't."
A district court judge threw out evidence secretly recorded by police in 2013, because he said its use in a "run of the mill" case contravened the intent of the 2007 law, which was to combat terrorism.
NSW Attorney-General Gabrielle Upton said the Surveillance Devices Act was under review.
"The Department of Justice continues to consult with stakeholders on whether the Act's policy objectives remain valid and whether the terms of the Act remain appropriate for securing those objectives," she said.
"The review will consider the relevant case law."
Thursday, 14 May 2015
Strike Force Sylvia- results NSW Police Force
Media accompanying the police on drug raids?
Seven arrested, clan lab discovered and more than 17 kg of meth seized as Organised Crime Squad investigation concludes
Friday, 15 May 2015 09:17:36 AM
Organised Crime Squad detectives have seized approximately 17 kilograms of methylamphetamine, arrested seven men and shut down an active clandestine laboratory following an operation in Sydney yesterday (Thursday 14 May 2015).
It was all part of Strike Force Sylvia, a long-running investigation by the Organised Crime Squad in conjunction with the NSW Crime Commission into money laundering offences and the commercial supply of ‘Ice’ (crystal methylamphetamine).
Early yesterday afternoon, officers arrested five men during a covert operation in a carpark at Zetland, seizing two kilograms of ‘Ice’ and four encrypted mobile devices.
The five men – a 31-year-old, a 23-year-old, a 22-year-old and two 21-year-olds – were taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with offences relating to large commercial drug supply and participating in a criminal group. All were bail refused to appear in Central Local Court today (Friday 15 May 2015).
Following the arrests at Zetland, five search warrants were executed at properties in Zetland (two properties), Pyrmont and Ryde (two properties), with an active clandestine drug laboratory located at one of the Ryde properties – a residential unit.
The property is now being processed by specialist officers from the Drug Squad’s Chemical Operation Team who have located approximately 10 kilograms of ‘Ice’ and five kilograms of methylamphetamine oil, in addition to more than 40 kilograms of restricted pre-cursor chemicals and a comprehensive arrangement of scientific equipment.
A 23-year-old man was arrested near the Ryde unit where the clan lab was located, while a 29-year-old man was arrested at the other Ryde property.
Both were charged with offences relating to commercial drug supply and participating in a criminal group, before being refused bail to appear before Hornsby Local Court today.
Yesterday’s search warrants also resulted in police seizing a further 12 encrypted mobile devices, cash, sim-cards and computers.
Strike Force Sylvia was established in early 2014 to investigate money laundering by transnational criminal networks impacting NSW, with a focus on the facilitators who enable organised crime activities to function.
Prior to yesterday’s operation, nine people had been arrested for serious money laundering offences, drug offences and some Commonwealth offences, and strike force officers had seized 1.5kg of ‘Ice’, small amounts of MDMA, ephedrine, ethylone and cannabis, and more than $700,000 cash.
The total results for Strike Force Sylvia include:
- 18.5 kilograms of methylamphetamine seized, with an estimated potential street value of $18.5 million;
- 16 people arrested;
- More than 40 kilograms of pre-cursor chemicals seized;
- More than $700,000 cash seized; and,
- More than 50 encrypted mobile devices seized.
Commander of the Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Scott Cook, said today’s operation brought to an end the investigations undertaken by Strike Force Sylvia.
“I would like to congratulate all of the police involved in SF Sylvia for their hard work and commitment,” Detective Superintendent Cook said.
“Officers from State Crime Command, four different local area commands, and specialist areas came together yesterday to resolve this long running investigation. The operations undertaken were seamless, safe and effective.”
Detective Superintendent Cook added that Strike Force Sylvia had not only been very successful in terms of the results it attained, it had also provided detectives with numerous insights into the complex systems and structures set up by organised criminals to hide and protect their black-market businesses and assets.
“The investigation has been highly successful in dismantling a criminal network that we will allege was involved in the manufacture of ‘Ice’, the trafficking of ‘Ice’, the laundering of money and the facilitation of organised crime,” Detective Superintendent Cook said.
“Following previous investigations by the Organised Crime Squad, which focused on large scale drug and precursor importation, Strike Force Sylvia was established to investigate those behind the scenes involved in organising and facilitating the criminal activity. The focus on money laundering enabled us to pick apart the network and take action against people for their different roles in the network.
“We have learnt a lot about money laundering through this investigation; it has highlighted the crucial role played by facilitators such as accountants, the role of modern communications, and the misuse of company structures.
“We have seen people attempt to carry hundreds of thousands of dollars cash in suitcases out of Australia; we have seen the proceeds of crime dispersed by accountants through company structures; we have seen proceeds of crime sent off shore through trade-based laundering schemes; and we have seen the extensive use of money remitters.
“The investigation has also highlighted how encrypted communications are being used and how the communications accounts are managed by crucial individuals assisting criminal networks.
“We are in a far better position to target money laundering offences now than 12 months ago, and are now better placed to impact and degrade the functioning of organised crime networks.
“The Organised Crime Squad will continue its work together with the NSW Crime Commission to strip the criminally acquired assets from people involved in organised crime activities such as these.”
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to organised crime to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
NSW Policewomen 1938 Criminal Investigation Branch Sydney.
NSW policewomen working in the Criminal Investigation Branch, Sydney, 1938 / photographer unknown. A great example of office attire for women of the day.
Friday, 24 April 2015
Friday, 17 April 2015
Police Officer Arthur Katsogiannis
I have emailed Police Officer Arthur Katsogiannis 83 emails.
- Worked in the area 1985 when Bill Bayeh was terrorising the Madame Butterfly brothel yet he didn't wonder what was inside?
Arthur Katsogiannis - Australian Financial Crime Summit 2015
financialcrimesummit.com.au/arthur-katsogiannis-speakerHe was Designated a 'Detective' in 1985 working at Darlinghurst, Waverley, Bondi, ... Strike Force Kinnara public place shootings involving the Hells Angels and ...
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