Kia Ora,
Since Wednesday the 13th April 2011 the amount of posts I have made through this blog have been limited. The reason behind this was the incident that occurred that night.
It was requested we not blog on this incident & therefore we sought other avenues to resolve the issues arising from the incident. Especially when one person involved wanted to go to the media as some of the issues continued.
As time has gone on though nothing has been resolved & in fact the NZ Police hierachy have chosen to deal with it by not dealing with it. In fact we have seen senior Police officers issue statements in direct contradiction of what we know to be true.
This has resulted in frustration & in my case led to a lack of motivation. So after consultation with a person involved with assisting people stressed following the earthquakes, it was decided the blog was the best way to deal with it.
This is not meant to be a slamming of the police as a whole. Whom in my experience are people aiming to make a difference, putting up with shitty & dangerous situations & a lot of criticism.
In the first week & a bit post the February 22nd Earthquake I assisted on a voluntery basis out in the east of the city. Then I received a call to carryout some subcontract work for security of three buildings within the CBD red zone.
Arrived in the area after obtaining the appropriate pass to find Police dogs searching for cadavers, bricks falling from buildings during aftershocks. We also found that we had to mainly cycle around the outside of the area we were to protect(therefore outside the areas we were allocated by the council on our pass) as an inner cordon defined by fences due to a large building in danger of collapse was in place(within the red zone there were several inner cordons & having since worked alongside the structural engineer for that building in another role I know it was despite looks, very much on verge of collapse at the time).
The area we had to travel became larger as first a street we used for direct access was cordoned off due to danger of further building collapses. Then thanks to our observations a bridge also had to be cordoned off further extending the area we needed to travel to watch over our assigned tasks.
Initially our relations with the Police were great & you could define Police by districts. Christchurch Police just awesome, probably because they had gone through the same things as us. South Island Police were also good & many were initial responders to assist. Northland-the ones we met were hardcase & usually lost. Country cops always practical & good to deal with. Wellington & Hamilton generally good. Counties Manakau were great. For most of New Zealand we probably look on them as having a hard beat but I think from what they see day to day gave them empathy with what was going on.
One area not only provided some of the best Police, especially early on, but also by far the worst & the ones who where all the issues arose from. Auckland.
A few across the board had atitudes on first arrival but the attitude adjusters (Christchurch Shallow quakes) soon sorted those out in early days.
An adhoc task we sort of ended up with was guiding lost police patrols as to way out or back to central. GPS & comms detailing to you don't work when streets are fenced off.
Big issue we noted was lack of communicaton within the police, between police & Civil Defence(it took five days for police to get a message we were given first by a council engineer who got it from a civil defence engineer, so initially they said what we were told to pass on & enforce did not apply to them).
Information was just not getting passed on. Our understanding from what we were told was each rotation was briefed that no one was working inside the CBD at night, this despite a minimum of 40 & up to an estimated 100 people working in there on any given night early on.
Anyway after four weeks we were asked to leave, but were back within days as one of buildings we were protecting was looted. Apparently the looters came up the river.
Just prior to the fourth week(I thought it was the fifth, but everthing was running together & we were doing 84 hours a week so all a bit blurred at times back then) we noticed(as did the rest of the city from criminals through to a Dr I was talking to recently) a hardening of attitude by some police. On our return this was very noticeable by a section of police from Auckland.
Up until then including those from Auckland had just wanted to help. Many didn't want to be in the CBD red zone, but out East helping people.
On the night of the 13/14th April 2011 we were wrongfully arrested for breach of the cordon after working in there for six weeks & having the correct passes. There has been no apology. They didn't even have the courtesy to tell us they were withdrawing the charges.
In the last week & bit we were in there we had to endure the following & until now have kept relatively quiet about it.
Harrassment:
A good Auckland Police officer we assisted early on made reference to fact that in Auckland 50% of those they arrest are in the Security Industry.
Seems some of the Auckland cops brought that attitude here, despite three security companies catching more looters/people breaching the cordon, than police had at that stage. We were actually kicking out more than we ever reported because Police response was either non existant or to slow.
Through the grapevine it is alledged another security person was threatened with arrest for doing their job.
I am aware of two security personnel working at night in process of supplying their details yet again to police when alledgedly they spotted a looter in the middle of the street with a backpack on, whom the police ignored when alerted to them & continued to take the security personnel's details.
Seems you got greater scrutiny if you were working in red zone than actual looters.
Racism:
This was blatant. It continued alledgedly after our arrest during days & was witnessed by aghast members of the Christchurch public.
As someone of Ngai Tahu descent, therefore whiteish in complexion, it is something I take note off.
Years before Christchurch Police were accussed of racism, but what I noticed working alongside them was their actions were based on whether a conviction would proceed. Rich white kids in the main would yell "Dad will get a lawyer & go for a jury trial" which meant the charge would never get to trial. Cops would be told to withdraw it by hierachy. Those from poorer backgrounds whom tended to live by motto "do the crime do the time" therefore figured higher in arrests. That meant they tended to be Maori & Pacific Islanders.
That all changed once Police were told arrest them in a crack down on crime in the CBD. As a police officer commented at the time "We knew these were the real figures(82% rich & white). Christchurch Police also know that you just can't tell by skin colour in the South who is Maori.
The attitude in the CBD red zone though was blatant racism. The way patrols spoke to my darker complexioned offsider compared to me was disgusting.
Though the two officers who charged us were firm but fair, it was hard not to notice the officer taking my details reaction to the question "Are you Maori?" he seemed shocked to my "yes" answer.
Its even worse when the new Police commissioner states there is no racism in the Police.
The Police is like the military or any other organization, so the reflect society. Therefore there will always be racism within their ranks.
It just shouldn't be so blatantly obvious or allowed to cloud their judgement.
Breach of Human Rights:
This happened after our arrest. We were wearing protective equipment.
A Civil Defence Emergency is the closest thing you get to a war situation.
In war after taking Prisoners, you search them, then if still in an area that is considered dangerous you return their protective equipment.
Police patrols had spoke to us of a pillar in the police station having moved a metre. One officer when asked "Don't you guys get a briefing?" "Not sure. We just grab the radios & get out because we don't want to be in that building" or words to that effect.
On that premise our Protective equipment - Helmet, Fluro jacket-so they can find your body easier is reason given you wear them in the red zone, & boots minimum.
Police Looting:
We were first alerted to this by a third party whom had alledgedly witnessed police placing alcohol into the boot of a marked Police car.
On mentioning this to a Police officer later on in the cordon, they stated "yeah, heard its going on, just don't know how they can do it then arrest someone for burglary" or words to that effect.
Other officers have acknowledged the have heard its been going on & in fact encouraged us to complain about the whole thing as it reflects badly on the rest.
At this stage are going to complain, but it is the system investigating the system.
The other possible looting by police occurred the night before we were arrested.
We had been asked to stop cycling around one side of the area we were covering by a couple of police trying to do a good job.
This meant having to walk in between two buildings in an inner cordon to keep eyes on one of the buildings we were there to protect. Initially we had our Fluro Jackets on, but Police patrols rushing past at Warp Factor 9, side lights blazing kept giving us away. So we took to using a dark outer for the person in that position.
Police then stopped using their sidelights when passing that particular position & the night prior to our arrest we could distinctly see a person standing at an intersection highlighted in the headlights of a patrol car.
The patrol car then made a short stop as if talking to that person then carried on. Shortly after, that person was seen with a torch periodically searching a bank which seemed strange for a police OP(observation point) to be doing.
When later that night we had a run in with a police patrol from new rotation it was mentioned.
They reply was "We have no one there, why didn't you call us?" "Because one it appears to be police & two we usually get Auckland who have no idea what we are talking about & even Christchurch have no idea of what is going on in the red zone."
We noticed that on leaving they did not go & investigate.
These issues were not & are not from what I have seen endemic Police wide. Its a hard shitty job with liitle thanks just like security(everyone forgets they are both offshoots of the oldest profession "the Profession of Arms").
Most of them I thank & I am sure most of Christchurch thanks for their suppport & efforts.
Just one small part though has let the rest down & that extends to the hierachy who refuse to acknowledge their mistake in our wrongful arrest or offer an apology.
I am also not happy with my own Iwi(Ngai Tahu) whom we turned too, to assist us in resolving this issue. They seemed interested in helping at first, but suddenly there was no contact & would not return our emails.
Some will be angry for me posting this, but I have had to do what is best for myself. It has been like a noose hanging around your neck dragging you down. It would of been nice to resolve this with the Police without having to go public, but they choose a path that makes that not possible.
Showing posts with label Auckland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auckland. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Ban the Burqa?
Kia Ora,
Extremely busy at present but aim to have regular posts again.
One issue that has come up in the last week is that of the wearing of a Burqa or at least face veils by Muslim women in New Zealand.
Some points raised have been farcical.
It transpires that two bus drivers in Auckland refused to allow Burqa wearing women onto their buses.
In my opinion the bus company involved has been so Politically Correct they have issued the drivers a written warning which isn't really warranted.
At the same time though they have taken the unions suggestion & are going to introduce a security module to driver training prior to the Rugby World Cup.
Really it shows out of touch New Zealand is with the wider world. But some security person here will offer a module. First part of any security module should be drivers being allowed to refuse people getting on a bus where they don't feel safe.
As a secular country & in the interests of security like everyone else who covers their face, those with face veils should have to remove them on boarding a bus, catching a Taxi, entering any commercial premises or dealing with anyone in authority such as police or even security.
That just fits with been in New Zealand.
Whilst in say Kuwait the use of a Burqa is common place & if visiting we must accept it as part of life.
In fact whilst in Kuwait awaiting a flight out one woman in a Burqa made a very deliberate flirting gesture which you couldn't do in normal western dress. So it is not always so bad. Just had to do a quick look for the cameras as being the foreigner in the equation I would of been arrested since it wouldn't of happened if I had not been there or so the reasoning goes.
This security module for bus drivers though is what concerns me. Apart from the points above what are they going to teach?
Just seeing a face doesn't stop them being a suicide bomber. I believe I have mentioned it before in these posts that whilst working in Iraq we were made aware of a website set up for applications to be a suicide bomber over half the applicants were young boys & women.
The only security solution for a suicide bomber is a bullet between the eyes.
In the US city of Newwark, New Jersey they have ordered an armed security guard to be at all restaurants after a drive by shooting. In New Zealand we would organize a group hug.
For real security for the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand needs to come into the real world.
www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Extremely busy at present but aim to have regular posts again.
One issue that has come up in the last week is that of the wearing of a Burqa or at least face veils by Muslim women in New Zealand.
Some points raised have been farcical.
It transpires that two bus drivers in Auckland refused to allow Burqa wearing women onto their buses.
In my opinion the bus company involved has been so Politically Correct they have issued the drivers a written warning which isn't really warranted.
At the same time though they have taken the unions suggestion & are going to introduce a security module to driver training prior to the Rugby World Cup.
Really it shows out of touch New Zealand is with the wider world. But some security person here will offer a module. First part of any security module should be drivers being allowed to refuse people getting on a bus where they don't feel safe.
As a secular country & in the interests of security like everyone else who covers their face, those with face veils should have to remove them on boarding a bus, catching a Taxi, entering any commercial premises or dealing with anyone in authority such as police or even security.
That just fits with been in New Zealand.
Whilst in say Kuwait the use of a Burqa is common place & if visiting we must accept it as part of life.
In fact whilst in Kuwait awaiting a flight out one woman in a Burqa made a very deliberate flirting gesture which you couldn't do in normal western dress. So it is not always so bad. Just had to do a quick look for the cameras as being the foreigner in the equation I would of been arrested since it wouldn't of happened if I had not been there or so the reasoning goes.
This security module for bus drivers though is what concerns me. Apart from the points above what are they going to teach?
Just seeing a face doesn't stop them being a suicide bomber. I believe I have mentioned it before in these posts that whilst working in Iraq we were made aware of a website set up for applications to be a suicide bomber over half the applicants were young boys & women.
The only security solution for a suicide bomber is a bullet between the eyes.
In the US city of Newwark, New Jersey they have ordered an armed security guard to be at all restaurants after a drive by shooting. In New Zealand we would organize a group hug.
For real security for the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand needs to come into the real world.
www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Poor start to New Security licensing Regime!
Kia Ora,
It has been a while firstly due to long hours in security task within the Christchurch CBD red zone, the wrongful arrest of myself & my offsider, then of late work mainly back in the red zone as Safety officer has meant little time to catch up.
At present the issues & subsequent issues surrounding our wrongful arrest are been worked through to hopefully involve police in getting issues sorted.
But in the meantime will aim for at least a post a week to share views on security.
First in the limelight is the new 'Private Security Personnel Act 2010'.
The best use of the bill proposing this act was as toilet paper & that has now been shown to be pretty much just that. It was supposed to look 35 years into the future(based on fact it had taken about 35 years to change since previous one was introduced) but instead in reality goes 40 years backwards.
Not to mention the fact that going on the adverts for renewal or new licences in the newspaper(which you don't have to do under the new act) many never received the letter outlining part of the process(promised second letter to outline finalized process is like Xmas. Its coming.) I
n fact I know this to be true as I had two security company licences & a COA. Previously, typical bureaucratic waste, all three entities have got a letter. This time only one letter was received for the company without a COA attached to its name.
Process of renewing your company licence in particular has been a shambles to put it nicely.
You no longer get transferred to the person(Lucy) who mainly dealt with the issues & knew what was going on, but just get through to a Ministry of Justice Call Centre.
Operators there have no idea what they are talking about & have quoted at me the previous act, the bill, but never the new act as it actually stands.
They have contradicted themselves, given totally incorrect information & told of how the process works(as it is also detailed when carrying it out online) then in mid process the office have tried to change that process.
That was in part because one half of the process required you to do it online & the other part to send in a paper portion. You can't mix the two & expect it to be a good system. NZTA(NZ Transport Authority) use a similar system now to change ownership of a vehicle & that has just been shown to be equally a failure.
Issue has been the process & advice given on the phone after several calls are that those with only one company officer(Director CEO, CFO etc) only had to fill in the online form. Now they are wanting the paper form filled in mid process.
Its a shambles.
Then an issue arose when we were wrongfully arrested. Under the previous act you were required too call the office & say if there had arisen circumstances where your COA(Certificate of Approval) or licence might be suspended. On this occassion we were told that since remanded at large with charges almost certainly to be withdrawn(they were but with no apology or even meeting to clear things up, so the issues that led to arrests are continuing) we didn't have too.
However I decided to call out of courtesy anyway. The Call Centre would not put me through to the new office to which they got the reply "look I want to talk to the organ grinder not the monkey".
I then went back over the new act & can not find the requirement to inform the PSPLA (Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority) of any such situation. It maybe there but I could not find it.
A few days later I was rung by the supervisor of the Call centre as mine was 5th complaint they had had that day to find out what the issues were. Outlined them then raised the last issue.
"Oh but it is a requirement on the website" "I don't care whats on the website. That was requirement under the previous act, but unable to find it in the new one so we don't have to inform the office" or words to that effect.
It has now been raised with the Prime Ministers Office as last quick look showed something in the region of 300 company licences on hold & about as many again only just started to be processed. I would say it is mainly due to same issue. That is just talking to a few in same situation around here alone.
Funny thing they are holding up company licences but giving out COA's to druggies or those who promote drug use amongst security industry. Also to quote one Auckland police officer we meet in the CBD red zone "over half the arrests they make in Auckland at present involve those in the security industry".
So where is the proper scrutiny?
This is what happens when poor consultation is carried out & bureaucrats are allowed to drive a process.
www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
It has been a while firstly due to long hours in security task within the Christchurch CBD red zone, the wrongful arrest of myself & my offsider, then of late work mainly back in the red zone as Safety officer has meant little time to catch up.
At present the issues & subsequent issues surrounding our wrongful arrest are been worked through to hopefully involve police in getting issues sorted.
But in the meantime will aim for at least a post a week to share views on security.
First in the limelight is the new 'Private Security Personnel Act 2010'.
The best use of the bill proposing this act was as toilet paper & that has now been shown to be pretty much just that. It was supposed to look 35 years into the future(based on fact it had taken about 35 years to change since previous one was introduced) but instead in reality goes 40 years backwards.
Not to mention the fact that going on the adverts for renewal or new licences in the newspaper(which you don't have to do under the new act) many never received the letter outlining part of the process(promised second letter to outline finalized process is like Xmas. Its coming.) I
n fact I know this to be true as I had two security company licences & a COA. Previously, typical bureaucratic waste, all three entities have got a letter. This time only one letter was received for the company without a COA attached to its name.
Process of renewing your company licence in particular has been a shambles to put it nicely.
You no longer get transferred to the person(Lucy) who mainly dealt with the issues & knew what was going on, but just get through to a Ministry of Justice Call Centre.
Operators there have no idea what they are talking about & have quoted at me the previous act, the bill, but never the new act as it actually stands.
They have contradicted themselves, given totally incorrect information & told of how the process works(as it is also detailed when carrying it out online) then in mid process the office have tried to change that process.
That was in part because one half of the process required you to do it online & the other part to send in a paper portion. You can't mix the two & expect it to be a good system. NZTA(NZ Transport Authority) use a similar system now to change ownership of a vehicle & that has just been shown to be equally a failure.
Issue has been the process & advice given on the phone after several calls are that those with only one company officer(Director CEO, CFO etc) only had to fill in the online form. Now they are wanting the paper form filled in mid process.
Its a shambles.
Then an issue arose when we were wrongfully arrested. Under the previous act you were required too call the office & say if there had arisen circumstances where your COA(Certificate of Approval) or licence might be suspended. On this occassion we were told that since remanded at large with charges almost certainly to be withdrawn(they were but with no apology or even meeting to clear things up, so the issues that led to arrests are continuing) we didn't have too.
However I decided to call out of courtesy anyway. The Call Centre would not put me through to the new office to which they got the reply "look I want to talk to the organ grinder not the monkey".
I then went back over the new act & can not find the requirement to inform the PSPLA (Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority) of any such situation. It maybe there but I could not find it.
A few days later I was rung by the supervisor of the Call centre as mine was 5th complaint they had had that day to find out what the issues were. Outlined them then raised the last issue.
"Oh but it is a requirement on the website" "I don't care whats on the website. That was requirement under the previous act, but unable to find it in the new one so we don't have to inform the office" or words to that effect.
It has now been raised with the Prime Ministers Office as last quick look showed something in the region of 300 company licences on hold & about as many again only just started to be processed. I would say it is mainly due to same issue. That is just talking to a few in same situation around here alone.
Funny thing they are holding up company licences but giving out COA's to druggies or those who promote drug use amongst security industry. Also to quote one Auckland police officer we meet in the CBD red zone "over half the arrests they make in Auckland at present involve those in the security industry".
So where is the proper scrutiny?
This is what happens when poor consultation is carried out & bureaucrats are allowed to drive a process.
www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Saturday, February 5, 2011
No Leadership! Tell us something we don't know!
Kia Ora,
Well big drive by the Christchurch 'Press' to try to pin down where the earthquake recovery is going. The fact it seems leaderless.
It is this passing the buck, lack of action that is frustrating people & causing anger to rise.
I see also that EQC are going to review the assessments of chattels as private insurance has been giving small payments saying the house is going to be demolished from what they can see yet EQC are saying it can be fixed(from descriptions I have had Mickey Mouse style). Results in huge difference in assessments, more frustration & anger.
Normally you would say it was private insurance trying to pay as little as possible, but having been in some properties where EQC has said they can be fixed I think not. Slapping some concrete out of a bucket with a paint brush to even out the bumps in the floor I have seen done in Asia & might be acceptable in Australia(as it was recommened by an Australian I take it, it is)but it is not here & not when more large earthquakes are overdue.
Even the Mayor of Christchurch has lost his zip & fallen into line with the status quo saying different leaders are needed for different areas. But there is a need for an overall leader. Not a new one but an existing one to step up.
Now the Mayor of Christchurch & two structural engineers said quite early on in interviews that the building code had done its job & saved lives it was not there to save a building.
Straight away to me that implies like any saftey equipment such as body armour, cycle or motorcycle helmets that once used for the purpose for which they were designed they have to be replaced. So this is a rebuild not a recovery.
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Handbook
Instead of like Auckland or Wellington where recently Heritage buildings have been ordered demolished in hours when required Christchurch is still arguing over their merits five months later. Probably why someone asking for suggestions to get CBD going again didn't like my suggestion of bulldozing the whole lot & starting again.
By having so many 'leaders' who are as far as anyone can see showing no leadership nothing is getting done. With expected shocks to continue & even the predicted potential big shake around the 20th March 2011 (not to mention the earlier shake up around the 19th February 2011 based on the moon in Perigee) damage is worsening & showing how poor assessments are that have been done.
When green stickered(All OK) builidings have walls collapse it just tells people good shake from different direction or location can wreck anything or the initial assessments were not good enough.
Earthquake Engineering for Structural Design
All the theory in the world is great but it is the actual effect on the ground that matters.
The Minister for Earthquake Recovery is no better. He might officially live here, though for some reason wasn't here at time of the wee shake & never seems to be here except for visits as far as anyone can tell. People in his electorate are not happy. His efforts have been pitiful.
Now the Mayor of Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquake & led up to the local body elections made a statement "I'm over democracy" or words to that effect. I would of though the current situation was right up his alley to prove his point.
Earthquake Engineering
When immediately after the main quake he had special powers & was able to get things done, but now it is committee after committee or commission & the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission(CERC)has no power it just recommends.
Of course a Camel is a horse designed by a committee or as one businessman I think it was said "a commitee is a place where good ideas go to die" or words to that effect.
We don't need committee's or commissions we need action.
It has got so ridiculous that one business contracted into assist with the recovery went to set up in the location recommended by the council but is now waiting on resource consent from the council to set up. The earthquake recovery act was supposed to deal with issues like that quickly, efficiently as was the minister. Both have failed!
Earthquake Damage: Inspection, Evaluation and Repair
The media are only scratching the surface of what is been passed on by concerned structural engineers as to information that is been hidden from people. It gives the impression that they are been hard on those who represent us but in reality it appears to be "you scratch my back & I will scratch your back".
So say this predicted potential big quake does hit around 20th March 2011 & this time people are killed. What then to these bureaucrats & politicians who do nothing?
I would say the anger & frustration will definitely boil over. About that time to add to the stress people's payments to cover rent(for temporary accomodation) from insurance companies is due to run out. With no word on what these people, who are paying both mortgage & rent, will get to cover this shortfall as yet many are moving back into their condemmed houses. The worsening financial crisis is making things just more difficult.
Advances in Earthquake Engineering for Urban Risk Reduction
I have said it before New Zealand has become a Risk Adverse country.
People would say to me but you are always on about Health & Saftey & Risk Assessment.
There is a difference.
In a very early blog someone criticized me for not naming the system of Risk Assessment I use. Those systems are designed to give people an excuse not to do anything.
Where as the other day I saw an editors comment about how the person whom the movie 127 hours is about is one of those persons who just ignores the risks or words to that effect.
Earthquake-resistant Concrete Structures
Actually that is the New Zealand perception been wrong again.
In business, life, the military & working in places like Iraq. It is not about ignoring the risk, it is about assessing it, mitgating it whilst still carrying on & I suspect without seeing the movie that is what this person has done. New Zealand used to be like that but not anymore. It just seems risky because people lack the knowledge or haven't weighed up the Risks.
Actually as I was typing that it reminded me of Charles Upham VC & Bar when standing on top of a truck to direct fire duirng the battle of Minqar Qaim. It looked dangerous & foolhardy to those around him, but his assessment was all the German shots were going low, so he was safer up high.
That is why people don't like my risk assessments as they see them as it will be used as a reason not to do something.
In fact I am looking at it the other way. Here is the risk, mitigate it so we can have a good event or safe society. But people here do not want to know & even when something does happen, within hours people are acting like it never happened. If you asked many of those people they would tell you it never happens in New Zealand or where they are.
I know it happened the other day within 24 hours of an armed robbery where people allowed others to enter in a manner that could very well be another armed robbery at the same location. A non New Zealand citizen did their nut at the staff for allowing it.
Risk Assessment Methods: Approaches for Assessing Health and Environmental Risks
New Zealand has become like the US Military when I first went to Iraq to work. Hint of issues or a suicide bomber they would lock down the Green Zone for sometimes days which gave the initiative back to the terrorists & insurgents(I well remember one Irishman during such a time saying he was going to pushbike to the Baghdad airport to get his plane out).
Compare that to the British reaction(& the Iraqis did) which was to flood an area after a shooting or bombing with troops on foot asking questions "What did we do wrong? Who was it?" etc. Then play a game of soccer with the kids.
Risks of been shot or blown up hadn't changed but their reaction was to try to get things moving. The British themselves observed in the end they stayed too long & lost that goodwill.
Earthquake Risk Reduction
Seems to me we are retreating inside our fortress, doing a lot of talking but nothing is getting done. New Zealanders tend not to say a lot even when things are wrong as they don't want to stand out. So if a lot of people are now talking it is time to take note & take action. Get things done!
As former Mayor Gary Moore said when questioned in one of the articles "Do I still have a sense of hope? No" & I would say that is a sentiment shared by many in Christchurch at present because there is no action & there is no leadership.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Well big drive by the Christchurch 'Press' to try to pin down where the earthquake recovery is going. The fact it seems leaderless.
It is this passing the buck, lack of action that is frustrating people & causing anger to rise.
I see also that EQC are going to review the assessments of chattels as private insurance has been giving small payments saying the house is going to be demolished from what they can see yet EQC are saying it can be fixed(from descriptions I have had Mickey Mouse style). Results in huge difference in assessments, more frustration & anger.
Normally you would say it was private insurance trying to pay as little as possible, but having been in some properties where EQC has said they can be fixed I think not. Slapping some concrete out of a bucket with a paint brush to even out the bumps in the floor I have seen done in Asia & might be acceptable in Australia(as it was recommened by an Australian I take it, it is)but it is not here & not when more large earthquakes are overdue.
Even the Mayor of Christchurch has lost his zip & fallen into line with the status quo saying different leaders are needed for different areas. But there is a need for an overall leader. Not a new one but an existing one to step up.
Now the Mayor of Christchurch & two structural engineers said quite early on in interviews that the building code had done its job & saved lives it was not there to save a building.
Straight away to me that implies like any saftey equipment such as body armour, cycle or motorcycle helmets that once used for the purpose for which they were designed they have to be replaced. So this is a rebuild not a recovery.
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Handbook
Instead of like Auckland or Wellington where recently Heritage buildings have been ordered demolished in hours when required Christchurch is still arguing over their merits five months later. Probably why someone asking for suggestions to get CBD going again didn't like my suggestion of bulldozing the whole lot & starting again.
By having so many 'leaders' who are as far as anyone can see showing no leadership nothing is getting done. With expected shocks to continue & even the predicted potential big shake around the 20th March 2011 (not to mention the earlier shake up around the 19th February 2011 based on the moon in Perigee) damage is worsening & showing how poor assessments are that have been done.
When green stickered(All OK) builidings have walls collapse it just tells people good shake from different direction or location can wreck anything or the initial assessments were not good enough.
Earthquake Engineering for Structural Design
All the theory in the world is great but it is the actual effect on the ground that matters.
The Minister for Earthquake Recovery is no better. He might officially live here, though for some reason wasn't here at time of the wee shake & never seems to be here except for visits as far as anyone can tell. People in his electorate are not happy. His efforts have been pitiful.
Now the Mayor of Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquake & led up to the local body elections made a statement "I'm over democracy" or words to that effect. I would of though the current situation was right up his alley to prove his point.
Earthquake Engineering
When immediately after the main quake he had special powers & was able to get things done, but now it is committee after committee or commission & the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission(CERC)has no power it just recommends.
Of course a Camel is a horse designed by a committee or as one businessman I think it was said "a commitee is a place where good ideas go to die" or words to that effect.
We don't need committee's or commissions we need action.
It has got so ridiculous that one business contracted into assist with the recovery went to set up in the location recommended by the council but is now waiting on resource consent from the council to set up. The earthquake recovery act was supposed to deal with issues like that quickly, efficiently as was the minister. Both have failed!
Earthquake Damage: Inspection, Evaluation and Repair
The media are only scratching the surface of what is been passed on by concerned structural engineers as to information that is been hidden from people. It gives the impression that they are been hard on those who represent us but in reality it appears to be "you scratch my back & I will scratch your back".
So say this predicted potential big quake does hit around 20th March 2011 & this time people are killed. What then to these bureaucrats & politicians who do nothing?
I would say the anger & frustration will definitely boil over. About that time to add to the stress people's payments to cover rent(for temporary accomodation) from insurance companies is due to run out. With no word on what these people, who are paying both mortgage & rent, will get to cover this shortfall as yet many are moving back into their condemmed houses. The worsening financial crisis is making things just more difficult.
Advances in Earthquake Engineering for Urban Risk Reduction
I have said it before New Zealand has become a Risk Adverse country.
People would say to me but you are always on about Health & Saftey & Risk Assessment.
There is a difference.
In a very early blog someone criticized me for not naming the system of Risk Assessment I use. Those systems are designed to give people an excuse not to do anything.
Where as the other day I saw an editors comment about how the person whom the movie 127 hours is about is one of those persons who just ignores the risks or words to that effect.
Earthquake-resistant Concrete Structures
Actually that is the New Zealand perception been wrong again.
In business, life, the military & working in places like Iraq. It is not about ignoring the risk, it is about assessing it, mitgating it whilst still carrying on & I suspect without seeing the movie that is what this person has done. New Zealand used to be like that but not anymore. It just seems risky because people lack the knowledge or haven't weighed up the Risks.
Actually as I was typing that it reminded me of Charles Upham VC & Bar when standing on top of a truck to direct fire duirng the battle of Minqar Qaim. It looked dangerous & foolhardy to those around him, but his assessment was all the German shots were going low, so he was safer up high.
That is why people don't like my risk assessments as they see them as it will be used as a reason not to do something.
In fact I am looking at it the other way. Here is the risk, mitigate it so we can have a good event or safe society. But people here do not want to know & even when something does happen, within hours people are acting like it never happened. If you asked many of those people they would tell you it never happens in New Zealand or where they are.
I know it happened the other day within 24 hours of an armed robbery where people allowed others to enter in a manner that could very well be another armed robbery at the same location. A non New Zealand citizen did their nut at the staff for allowing it.
Risk Assessment Methods: Approaches for Assessing Health and Environmental Risks
New Zealand has become like the US Military when I first went to Iraq to work. Hint of issues or a suicide bomber they would lock down the Green Zone for sometimes days which gave the initiative back to the terrorists & insurgents(I well remember one Irishman during such a time saying he was going to pushbike to the Baghdad airport to get his plane out).
Compare that to the British reaction(& the Iraqis did) which was to flood an area after a shooting or bombing with troops on foot asking questions "What did we do wrong? Who was it?" etc. Then play a game of soccer with the kids.
Risks of been shot or blown up hadn't changed but their reaction was to try to get things moving. The British themselves observed in the end they stayed too long & lost that goodwill.
Earthquake Risk Reduction
Seems to me we are retreating inside our fortress, doing a lot of talking but nothing is getting done. New Zealanders tend not to say a lot even when things are wrong as they don't want to stand out. So if a lot of people are now talking it is time to take note & take action. Get things done!
As former Mayor Gary Moore said when questioned in one of the articles "Do I still have a sense of hope? No" & I would say that is a sentiment shared by many in Christchurch at present because there is no action & there is no leadership.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Monday, January 24, 2011
Allowing Retailers to fight back?
Kia Ora,
Retailers in particular in Auckland ar present are wanting law changes to be allowed to fight back when confronted by armed robbers.
They seem to think that by been allowed to arm themselves they will not be subject to the law.
In fact it won't change. Now having a weapon nearby can mean you have the intent to use it. That will not change if you are allowed a weapon. By having a weapon the law considers you have the intent to use it.
You are then governed by how & the amount of force to be applied.
The problem you have is in civilian life they talk of reasonable force but what is reasonable to the person in the armed situation might not be reasonable to the Judge sitting in court.
In the Military when using ROE's or rules of engagement we talk of minimum force required. That is the minimum force required to achieve the task.
This has worked well in Northern Ireland, peace keeping & contrary to popular opinion Iraq for both the military & private security.
Though we all technically had immunity from prosecution if you did not follow the rules of engagement then you could be prosecuted in an international court of law. In fact there are a number of US soldiers in particular who have international arrest warrants in their name last I heard(one tank crew in particular). So that if they step outside the US or US military protection they will be arrested for excessive use of force(a warning shot with the main armanent(120mm) of a M1 Abrahams is not minimum force required in the first instance).
Play It Out: How to Fight Fair Rules of Engagement
So any retailer thinking a law change to allow them to carry weapons(not to mention the training that would be required) will make it easier in law to fight back is wrong. They can fight back now & several have but how much force you can use will always be subject to the requirements of the law.
So are there other solutions?
Well yes.
First the government stop dumbing down the police & let them get out & do policing. That is stopping crime through a presence before not been just reactive. Also general arming of the police with much improved training since most criminals are armed now the police need to be.
Secondly requiring the security industry to actually do security. As it currently stands at least 95% of the industry does not do that. Not real security or they do not allow their staff to do it. There also needs to be a look at re arming some of the security industry. First there needs a real clean up of the industry & it has nothing to do with qualifications. Good training & a change in mindset is what is required.
Rules of Engagement: A Life in Conflict
Then there are the steps the retailers can take.
Group of retailers band together to hire private security with the requirement to keep a look out for suspicious behaviour(in other words do actual security).
As they are often told, keep windows clear so people can see in.
Then there is the action I saw offshore which apparently is very effective. I have suggested it to retailers here in Chrsitchurch in the past when there has been a series of armed robberies, but they are more concerned about using the space to sell.
That is set up a large TV that can be seen as soon as you walk in the door(virtually in the door). Now this doesn't have to be a new large plasma or flat screen. With Analogue TV on the way out there are going to be a lot of large screen TV's going cheap. Have a hidden camera & recording equipment, the camera focussed only on the entrance.
The Rules of Engagement: Understanding the Principles That Govern the Spiritual Battles in Our Lives
As people walk in the first thing they see if a large image of themselves. Anecdotal evidence overseas says that people in particular those with criminal intentions back out real quick. They have even apparently had people with full faced balaclava's backout on seeing themselves on the TV screen.
So allowing the retailers to arm themselves to fight back is not the answer. They will still be subject to the law & understand the law as it pertains to their situation.
But improving the general security in our society is!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Retailers in particular in Auckland ar present are wanting law changes to be allowed to fight back when confronted by armed robbers.
They seem to think that by been allowed to arm themselves they will not be subject to the law.
In fact it won't change. Now having a weapon nearby can mean you have the intent to use it. That will not change if you are allowed a weapon. By having a weapon the law considers you have the intent to use it.
You are then governed by how & the amount of force to be applied.
The problem you have is in civilian life they talk of reasonable force but what is reasonable to the person in the armed situation might not be reasonable to the Judge sitting in court.
In the Military when using ROE's or rules of engagement we talk of minimum force required. That is the minimum force required to achieve the task.
This has worked well in Northern Ireland, peace keeping & contrary to popular opinion Iraq for both the military & private security.
Though we all technically had immunity from prosecution if you did not follow the rules of engagement then you could be prosecuted in an international court of law. In fact there are a number of US soldiers in particular who have international arrest warrants in their name last I heard(one tank crew in particular). So that if they step outside the US or US military protection they will be arrested for excessive use of force(a warning shot with the main armanent(120mm) of a M1 Abrahams is not minimum force required in the first instance).
Play It Out: How to Fight Fair Rules of Engagement
So any retailer thinking a law change to allow them to carry weapons(not to mention the training that would be required) will make it easier in law to fight back is wrong. They can fight back now & several have but how much force you can use will always be subject to the requirements of the law.
So are there other solutions?
Well yes.
First the government stop dumbing down the police & let them get out & do policing. That is stopping crime through a presence before not been just reactive. Also general arming of the police with much improved training since most criminals are armed now the police need to be.
Secondly requiring the security industry to actually do security. As it currently stands at least 95% of the industry does not do that. Not real security or they do not allow their staff to do it. There also needs to be a look at re arming some of the security industry. First there needs a real clean up of the industry & it has nothing to do with qualifications. Good training & a change in mindset is what is required.
Rules of Engagement: A Life in Conflict
Then there are the steps the retailers can take.
Group of retailers band together to hire private security with the requirement to keep a look out for suspicious behaviour(in other words do actual security).
As they are often told, keep windows clear so people can see in.
Then there is the action I saw offshore which apparently is very effective. I have suggested it to retailers here in Chrsitchurch in the past when there has been a series of armed robberies, but they are more concerned about using the space to sell.
That is set up a large TV that can be seen as soon as you walk in the door(virtually in the door). Now this doesn't have to be a new large plasma or flat screen. With Analogue TV on the way out there are going to be a lot of large screen TV's going cheap. Have a hidden camera & recording equipment, the camera focussed only on the entrance.
The Rules of Engagement: Understanding the Principles That Govern the Spiritual Battles in Our Lives
As people walk in the first thing they see if a large image of themselves. Anecdotal evidence overseas says that people in particular those with criminal intentions back out real quick. They have even apparently had people with full faced balaclava's backout on seeing themselves on the TV screen.
So allowing the retailers to arm themselves to fight back is not the answer. They will still be subject to the law & understand the law as it pertains to their situation.
But improving the general security in our society is!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Renewed Slavery: The Dumbing down of Society!
Kia Ora,
For those that are not aware New Zealand because of its small population & supposedly good infrastructure is often the place where new ideas or technology are tested. At present we are testing a new education system that dumbs society down.
The education system as it currently stands is set up as a slavery system. It follows from around 1903 when a member of the Rockerfeller family was Minister of education in the US & they needed to find a replacement for the slavery system.
It was decided to follow the Prussian system which Otto Von Bismarck set up to ensure he had good soldiers & workers.
The education system followed around the world only ever catered for 30% of those in the system when you look at the 'Cone of Learning' by making academics the top of the tree. As people failed in the system they were able to be then used as cheap labour.
As the world has progressed people have clamoured for the chance to be part of this but as one property investor Dr Dolf de Roos said when he got to Univeristy he looked around & saw none of the facility were rich. Academic success does not equal success as an investor or business person.
In fact the opposite is generally true for businessman & investors.
But again as the world has progressed there has become this requirement to tick all the little boxes this has actually made society, & New Zealand is the perfect example, that is risk adverse.
New Zealand though has embarked on a new slavery system called NCEA which Dumbs down the already stilted education system. It is not internationally recognized just the same as the NZQA system which it leads into.
Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?
We saw the same sort of system been introduced into Iraq, where initially a military background & experience were preferred then an introduction of a system of required courses which usually had little to do with how the work was carried out on the ground.
I now hear that there has been a movement towards probably a requirement for a univeristy degree for Afghanistan which again forces well experienced people into the low wage slavery system.
Today it is well known that the 'Cone of learning' is right & most people learn by doing or making mistakes, not by classroom or reading.
The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade by the British Parliament (1808), Volume 2
By having internal assessment & unit standards the system can claim it is doing that when it is actually doing nothing of the sort.
We are already seeing this in the NZ security industry with people coming to the industry who can not think for themselves after completing the NZQA courses.
This dumbing down then resulting in people have to try to gain greater qualifications will (& already does) led to greater frustration then often crime. Therefore giving the powers that be more power & condemning those who don't fit to again the slave labour jobs.
Slavery and the Rise of the Atlantic System
We do need academics but they have to realize that they are no better no worse than the person with no education. Real progress is made by those who are prepared to make mistakes(which the academic style education system tells us we shouldn't make).
As someone once said "if the Aboringines created an IQ test then all the professors would fail." Dr Dolf de Roos mentioned earlier has a PHD in engineering & he chose that discipline because unlike most it is about problem solving, not sticking to a set formula.
World Poverty: The Roots of Global Inequality and the Modern World System
Due to experience when I look at our unit standards I see one thing. But the system sees something else which results in the dumbing down of our population.
I know of parents who see it & are not happy. Now a major school, Auckland Grammar, has taken a stand against the NCEA system. If they are going to have to educate their students then they are going to aim for a higher standard.
My opinion is that the system that should be employed is one based on the military system which takes all learning into account. Those that excell at the academic could then be moved more into that line whilst those who are more practical are encouraged in that direction. It was tried unsuccessfully in the Band system used at my school but there was still too much emphasis on classroom work when most just do not learn that way.
Then the whole idea of the system is still to provide low wage slave workers.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
For those that are not aware New Zealand because of its small population & supposedly good infrastructure is often the place where new ideas or technology are tested. At present we are testing a new education system that dumbs society down.
The education system as it currently stands is set up as a slavery system. It follows from around 1903 when a member of the Rockerfeller family was Minister of education in the US & they needed to find a replacement for the slavery system.
It was decided to follow the Prussian system which Otto Von Bismarck set up to ensure he had good soldiers & workers.
The education system followed around the world only ever catered for 30% of those in the system when you look at the 'Cone of Learning' by making academics the top of the tree. As people failed in the system they were able to be then used as cheap labour.
As the world has progressed people have clamoured for the chance to be part of this but as one property investor Dr Dolf de Roos said when he got to Univeristy he looked around & saw none of the facility were rich. Academic success does not equal success as an investor or business person.
In fact the opposite is generally true for businessman & investors.
But again as the world has progressed there has become this requirement to tick all the little boxes this has actually made society, & New Zealand is the perfect example, that is risk adverse.
New Zealand though has embarked on a new slavery system called NCEA which Dumbs down the already stilted education system. It is not internationally recognized just the same as the NZQA system which it leads into.
Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?
We saw the same sort of system been introduced into Iraq, where initially a military background & experience were preferred then an introduction of a system of required courses which usually had little to do with how the work was carried out on the ground.
I now hear that there has been a movement towards probably a requirement for a univeristy degree for Afghanistan which again forces well experienced people into the low wage slavery system.
Today it is well known that the 'Cone of learning' is right & most people learn by doing or making mistakes, not by classroom or reading.
The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave Trade by the British Parliament (1808), Volume 2
By having internal assessment & unit standards the system can claim it is doing that when it is actually doing nothing of the sort.
We are already seeing this in the NZ security industry with people coming to the industry who can not think for themselves after completing the NZQA courses.
This dumbing down then resulting in people have to try to gain greater qualifications will (& already does) led to greater frustration then often crime. Therefore giving the powers that be more power & condemning those who don't fit to again the slave labour jobs.
Slavery and the Rise of the Atlantic System
We do need academics but they have to realize that they are no better no worse than the person with no education. Real progress is made by those who are prepared to make mistakes(which the academic style education system tells us we shouldn't make).
As someone once said "if the Aboringines created an IQ test then all the professors would fail." Dr Dolf de Roos mentioned earlier has a PHD in engineering & he chose that discipline because unlike most it is about problem solving, not sticking to a set formula.
World Poverty: The Roots of Global Inequality and the Modern World System
Due to experience when I look at our unit standards I see one thing. But the system sees something else which results in the dumbing down of our population.
I know of parents who see it & are not happy. Now a major school, Auckland Grammar, has taken a stand against the NCEA system. If they are going to have to educate their students then they are going to aim for a higher standard.
My opinion is that the system that should be employed is one based on the military system which takes all learning into account. Those that excell at the academic could then be moved more into that line whilst those who are more practical are encouraged in that direction. It was tried unsuccessfully in the Band system used at my school but there was still too much emphasis on classroom work when most just do not learn that way.
Then the whole idea of the system is still to provide low wage slave workers.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Gun Control; Is it effective?
Kia Ora,
In yesterday's 'Press' there was an editorial on gun control & the shooting in the US in particular of the Congresswoman.
To me it showed the writer of the editorial had no idea what they are talking about. There was comment about how strange it is that in the US having access to firearms made them feel safer. Well actually when I visited the US I felt safer than I do in Christchurch, yet our police are unarmed as are our security & to gain a firearm legally you have to jump through hoops.
This 'unarmed' state of the New Zealand police & securtiy in particular I know put many Americans off coming here as they viewed that it would be too dangerous a country. I know because they told me so when I visited there a few years ago.
As I have said often I find Christchurch in particular more dangerous than when I worked security in Iraq because as my South African dentist(from Jo'burg) said there is no reason for the crime or violence & it is so random. Also the fact I no longer have a weapon just makes you feel unsafe. You get a lot less arguments when you are armed & a lot less people wanting to take you on.
But is gun control effective?
Well really no! The only people it penalizes are those who stick by the rules. Most firearms used here in New Zealand are illegal or stolen.
As the reporter from the Sunday-Star Times showed in his undercover piece sometime back. It is real easy to buy illegal firearms in New Zealand & the firearms safety of many of those selling is appalling.
The Politics of Gun Control, 4th Edition
The editorial then goes on to say that it is due to the toxic political environment in the US & we do not have an unhealthy gun culture.
I think this shows their lack of understanding on what is going on in the world. The Congresswoman is not the first political person killed or attempted to be killed of late & most of it is to do with the financial crisis as people come under extreme stress. At least one person killed has directly been atributed to the austerity measures they agreed to carryout.
This sort of incident will only increase as the worlds situation worsens. As was pointed out in the previous post it is the climate now where extrmists end up with political power & this is how the likes of the Nazi party got to power in Germany. We haven't seen an equivalent of the 'night of the long knives' yet.
Gun Control on Trial: Inside the Supreme Court Battle Over the Second Amendment
As to a gun culture. New Zealand has a pretty significant gun culture & I grew up seeing firearms a lot. The major difference is population. New Zealand has only just reached 4 million people. The US is about 260 million therefore you are going to have a lot more incidents. Per Capita though I would be very careful saying we don't have a gun culture the same as the US & amount of incidents. On the surface we don't seem to be as carefree with firearms, but again as that reporter exposed it is pretty dodgy. In fact during security tasks you often hear firearms been discharged but what do you do when you have no details to pass to the police? Everyone else just convinces themselves its fireworks.
We have had enough mass murders(Aramoana, Stanley Graham, Bain faimly, to name a few) or potential mass murders(Napier springs to mind).
People in New Zealand also seem to stick to the myth that the NZ Police have always been an unarmed force, only resorting to firearms when the requirement arose.
As the NZ Police yes that is true, but before that they were known as the Armed Constabulary. That change took place in the early 1900's so it has been a while, but there is still a history of been armed.
The NZ Security Industry does even better as it was armed until 1974 in a low key manner for certain tasks. It is even more important now that it should be armed again when you look at it from a risk assessment & health & safety point of view.
The Seven Myths of Gun Control: Reclaiming the Truth About Guns, Crime, and the Second Amendment
But the gun is not the issue. It is just the weapon of choice of that person.
In the last two months high profile attacks on police here in NZ have involved knives or machete's. In South Auckland you would say the weapon of choice has always been a machete.
Then you have the likes of Timothy McVeigh who used what is commonly refered to as ampho to destroy a building. The biggest terrorist attack on US soil prior to 9/11(Pearl Harbour was an act of war even if the Japanese got their timings wrong about when to deliver the message)pissed off with politicians. In fact 9/11 should tell people that an attack by an upset armed individual, though tragic, is only small beer to what could be carried out.
Fact is to stop terrorist attacks people need to be armed. You can't, as seems to be the woollyheaded thinking at times here in New Zealand, say "Stop! Excuse me sir are you a suicide bomber?"
The Gun Control Debate : You Decide (Contemporary Issues)
I would call Gun Control the Claytons(a non alcoholic drink you used to get here in NZ whose advert went "the drink you are having when you are not having a drink" It was awful & consensus was only way to drink it was with Whiskey)solution. The solution you have when you really don't have a solution.
Gun Control does not work as there seems to be an increasing amount of firearms out there found on drug raids, used in armed robberies & in gang confrontations. It just happens to be weapon of choice for some.
Firearms education is what is really needed. As was pointed out so often when in the army "Its not the weapon that kills, but the nut behind it!"
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
In yesterday's 'Press' there was an editorial on gun control & the shooting in the US in particular of the Congresswoman.
To me it showed the writer of the editorial had no idea what they are talking about. There was comment about how strange it is that in the US having access to firearms made them feel safer. Well actually when I visited the US I felt safer than I do in Christchurch, yet our police are unarmed as are our security & to gain a firearm legally you have to jump through hoops.
This 'unarmed' state of the New Zealand police & securtiy in particular I know put many Americans off coming here as they viewed that it would be too dangerous a country. I know because they told me so when I visited there a few years ago.
As I have said often I find Christchurch in particular more dangerous than when I worked security in Iraq because as my South African dentist(from Jo'burg) said there is no reason for the crime or violence & it is so random. Also the fact I no longer have a weapon just makes you feel unsafe. You get a lot less arguments when you are armed & a lot less people wanting to take you on.
But is gun control effective?
Well really no! The only people it penalizes are those who stick by the rules. Most firearms used here in New Zealand are illegal or stolen.
As the reporter from the Sunday-Star Times showed in his undercover piece sometime back. It is real easy to buy illegal firearms in New Zealand & the firearms safety of many of those selling is appalling.
The Politics of Gun Control, 4th Edition
The editorial then goes on to say that it is due to the toxic political environment in the US & we do not have an unhealthy gun culture.
I think this shows their lack of understanding on what is going on in the world. The Congresswoman is not the first political person killed or attempted to be killed of late & most of it is to do with the financial crisis as people come under extreme stress. At least one person killed has directly been atributed to the austerity measures they agreed to carryout.
This sort of incident will only increase as the worlds situation worsens. As was pointed out in the previous post it is the climate now where extrmists end up with political power & this is how the likes of the Nazi party got to power in Germany. We haven't seen an equivalent of the 'night of the long knives' yet.
Gun Control on Trial: Inside the Supreme Court Battle Over the Second Amendment
As to a gun culture. New Zealand has a pretty significant gun culture & I grew up seeing firearms a lot. The major difference is population. New Zealand has only just reached 4 million people. The US is about 260 million therefore you are going to have a lot more incidents. Per Capita though I would be very careful saying we don't have a gun culture the same as the US & amount of incidents. On the surface we don't seem to be as carefree with firearms, but again as that reporter exposed it is pretty dodgy. In fact during security tasks you often hear firearms been discharged but what do you do when you have no details to pass to the police? Everyone else just convinces themselves its fireworks.
We have had enough mass murders(Aramoana, Stanley Graham, Bain faimly, to name a few) or potential mass murders(Napier springs to mind).
People in New Zealand also seem to stick to the myth that the NZ Police have always been an unarmed force, only resorting to firearms when the requirement arose.
As the NZ Police yes that is true, but before that they were known as the Armed Constabulary. That change took place in the early 1900's so it has been a while, but there is still a history of been armed.
The NZ Security Industry does even better as it was armed until 1974 in a low key manner for certain tasks. It is even more important now that it should be armed again when you look at it from a risk assessment & health & safety point of view.
The Seven Myths of Gun Control: Reclaiming the Truth About Guns, Crime, and the Second Amendment
But the gun is not the issue. It is just the weapon of choice of that person.
In the last two months high profile attacks on police here in NZ have involved knives or machete's. In South Auckland you would say the weapon of choice has always been a machete.
Then you have the likes of Timothy McVeigh who used what is commonly refered to as ampho to destroy a building. The biggest terrorist attack on US soil prior to 9/11(Pearl Harbour was an act of war even if the Japanese got their timings wrong about when to deliver the message)pissed off with politicians. In fact 9/11 should tell people that an attack by an upset armed individual, though tragic, is only small beer to what could be carried out.
Fact is to stop terrorist attacks people need to be armed. You can't, as seems to be the woollyheaded thinking at times here in New Zealand, say "Stop! Excuse me sir are you a suicide bomber?"
The Gun Control Debate : You Decide (Contemporary Issues)
I would call Gun Control the Claytons(a non alcoholic drink you used to get here in NZ whose advert went "the drink you are having when you are not having a drink" It was awful & consensus was only way to drink it was with Whiskey)solution. The solution you have when you really don't have a solution.
Gun Control does not work as there seems to be an increasing amount of firearms out there found on drug raids, used in armed robberies & in gang confrontations. It just happens to be weapon of choice for some.
Firearms education is what is really needed. As was pointed out so often when in the army "Its not the weapon that kills, but the nut behind it!"
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Information is all there!
Kia Ora,
A few years back I started collecting newspaper clippings keeping an eye on trouble spots around the world & getting my soldiers to research them.
Since leaving the military I have extended that to crime, disasters & likely threats.
Well in the last few days I have had to start going back through those clippings as information came through that someone I have had an issue with post the earthquake here in Christchurch is not as holier than thou they make out.
In fact as I scratched just a little with a contact I suddenly realized where I knew the face & name from. Their criminal activity was in the paper, although they will claim that is was not criminal & they have made it good.
The amount of information though that has come out especially in the little side news briefs was interesting.
Included were predictions of overdue diasters here in New Zealand. Those disasters were a large earthquake here in the South Island, though it was more focussed on the Alpine faultline. Overdue volcanic eruptions in Auckland, Lake Taupo, Taranaki with a new volcano expected in Wanganui township.
There was also a clipping about Christchurch City council looking at the city's commericial & civic buildings for possible earthquake strengthening although the nearest known fault was over 30km away. We know now since the Canterbury wee shake that actually there was at least one fault previous known in the city. The Addington fault but even that has been a matter of contradiction by the 'experts'.
Silent Warfare: Understanding the World of Intelligence, 3d Edition
Other information included the profile of the Kiwi jihadist whose youtube postings I included in earlier posts.
Some have said that collecting them is a waste of time, but as this recent look back through has shown the information gathered can give a warning to issues further down the track.
For Security like the military the more surprises you can plan for the better prepared you are for the unexpected.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
A few years back I started collecting newspaper clippings keeping an eye on trouble spots around the world & getting my soldiers to research them.
Since leaving the military I have extended that to crime, disasters & likely threats.
Well in the last few days I have had to start going back through those clippings as information came through that someone I have had an issue with post the earthquake here in Christchurch is not as holier than thou they make out.
In fact as I scratched just a little with a contact I suddenly realized where I knew the face & name from. Their criminal activity was in the paper, although they will claim that is was not criminal & they have made it good.
The amount of information though that has come out especially in the little side news briefs was interesting.
Included were predictions of overdue diasters here in New Zealand. Those disasters were a large earthquake here in the South Island, though it was more focussed on the Alpine faultline. Overdue volcanic eruptions in Auckland, Lake Taupo, Taranaki with a new volcano expected in Wanganui township.
There was also a clipping about Christchurch City council looking at the city's commericial & civic buildings for possible earthquake strengthening although the nearest known fault was over 30km away. We know now since the Canterbury wee shake that actually there was at least one fault previous known in the city. The Addington fault but even that has been a matter of contradiction by the 'experts'.
Silent Warfare: Understanding the World of Intelligence, 3d Edition
Other information included the profile of the Kiwi jihadist whose youtube postings I included in earlier posts.
Some have said that collecting them is a waste of time, but as this recent look back through has shown the information gathered can give a warning to issues further down the track.
For Security like the military the more surprises you can plan for the better prepared you are for the unexpected.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Drugs, Domestic Violence, Copper theft & Burglary!
Kia Ora,
Was going to write about rats today but then seen this in an investment news letter I was reading.
It was the answer to a question about what caused most killings. In New Zealand Domestic Violence would rate one then possibly drugs or drunk drivers.
Copper theft was main point of article in letter due to rising price, but there has been a warning by New Zealand police on this exact point recently.
With the conitnued worsening of economic conditions people have been cutting the copper earthwires on power poles. Not only does that put the person cutting the wires life at risk but it also, once completed, causes the ground around for something like 8 metres to become electrified.
Not sure how burglary fits in but as the quote comes from a Sheriff in the US were home owners are more likely to have a firearm that could explain both copper & burglary been in the mix to begin with.
Funny but just yesterday it was also mentioned by New Zealand police in one district for the upswing in crime. They said they were getting more in particular domestic violence & alcohol induced violence as usual this time of year but it was worse due to the prevailing economic conditions.
With the financial situation expected to get worse by a long way over the coming months if not years there will only be a further increase in crime.
True stories of crime from the District attorney's office
Not to mention the pressure that is going to go on with less drugs on the street after a big drugs raid today. With as it was reported over the radio station armed police storming a gang pad in Auckland at the same time drug raids took place in Napier.
I support the police in this task but it will lead to in the short term at least an increase in crime, in particular burglaries & violent crime.
Overnight austerity measures have again been the target of demonstrations & riots in Britain. What is happening now & the way the governments are handling it, in particular the US answer of quantitive easing(another way of saying printing currency) is what led to the French Revolution.
This is why the Chinese are trying to manage theirs disregarding threats & comments from the US. They know from their long history that the greatest threat is from their own people especially in this part of the economic cycle.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Was going to write about rats today but then seen this in an investment news letter I was reading.
It was the answer to a question about what caused most killings. In New Zealand Domestic Violence would rate one then possibly drugs or drunk drivers.
Copper theft was main point of article in letter due to rising price, but there has been a warning by New Zealand police on this exact point recently.
With the conitnued worsening of economic conditions people have been cutting the copper earthwires on power poles. Not only does that put the person cutting the wires life at risk but it also, once completed, causes the ground around for something like 8 metres to become electrified.
Not sure how burglary fits in but as the quote comes from a Sheriff in the US were home owners are more likely to have a firearm that could explain both copper & burglary been in the mix to begin with.
Funny but just yesterday it was also mentioned by New Zealand police in one district for the upswing in crime. They said they were getting more in particular domestic violence & alcohol induced violence as usual this time of year but it was worse due to the prevailing economic conditions.
With the financial situation expected to get worse by a long way over the coming months if not years there will only be a further increase in crime.
True stories of crime from the District attorney's office
Not to mention the pressure that is going to go on with less drugs on the street after a big drugs raid today. With as it was reported over the radio station armed police storming a gang pad in Auckland at the same time drug raids took place in Napier.
I support the police in this task but it will lead to in the short term at least an increase in crime, in particular burglaries & violent crime.
Overnight austerity measures have again been the target of demonstrations & riots in Britain. What is happening now & the way the governments are handling it, in particular the US answer of quantitive easing(another way of saying printing currency) is what led to the French Revolution.
This is why the Chinese are trying to manage theirs disregarding threats & comments from the US. They know from their long history that the greatest threat is from their own people especially in this part of the economic cycle.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Is That list really a Security Threat?
Kia Ora,
The big news world wide is of course the list Wikileaks has released on supposed industries & assets the US wants most to protect.
But what does the list really tell us?
First that in some cases all the eggs are in one basket so need to have a careful eye kept on them.
So there needs to be a decision as to whether the eggs need to be split up or just left as they are with maybe enhanced security & are they really that important?
Modern Insurgencies and Counter-Insurgencies: Guerrillas and their Opponents since 1750 (Warfare and History)
Secondly that maybe the US still hasn't fully come to grips with the fact that though those maybe important targets especially in a conventional war situation the targets might be a lot different in a terrorist campaign.
It is a lesson from Vietnam that seemed to have been overlooked when you touched down in Iraq. Insurgents & terrorists might be more worried about getting good media coverage & into the hearts & minds of the people back home.
Vietnam's turning point is said to be the occupation during the Tet offensive of the US embassy in Saigon & its affect on the American mindset back home.
That is not to say many in the American services were not trying but in a big organization from a country that likes to stick rigidly to procedures to think outside the square gets you in trouble. But in this type of warfare it is those on the ground, soldiers & NCO's that make the difference especially in the important hearts & minds of locals. Not throwing currency at the issue.
The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One
Now the US might of at least learned part of that lesson as it was rumoured during our time in Baghdad that a certain radio message one day inside the Green Zone was due to five insurgents managing to get inside the Chancery of the US embassy.
It is almost likely behind the suppression of generally known information(like a suicide bombing because you generally knew about them alright)to keep the public on the forces side. Today we have the internet so a lot was known to be or seen to be going on was in the public domain, hence a loss of support anyway. Wikileaks has only confirmed what was already believed to be or known to be going on.
Thirdly that terrorists & insrugents do exactly like we do & carry out reconnaissance to see what targets & their weaknesses are available. I wouldn't be surprised if all the places mentioned are not already on lists of terrorist cells.
Now they regularly did this in Iraq & we were picking them up doing their recon's & reporting it to the US military who promptly ignored us since we were private security. Almost everytime a suicide bomb was detonated within a day or on the day of reporting.
Three guys in a car with binoculars or another vehicle with a video camera all trained on one point at different times is usually a good give away.
The U.S. Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual
You only have to look at main target on 9/11 to see how effective an attack can be on the mindset of people.
Look at it from a terrorist point of view. The actual important targets might be too hard to get at so what can they hit on the side that will still have an effect?
Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice (PSI Classics of the Counterinsurgency Era)
Now I go back to the Rugby World Cup here in New Zealand as perfect target.
Slack security & likely to be not much better next year as no one thinks it will ever happen here(the belief there is no threat is the biggest threat).
Three prime targets.
Party Central Auckland but been main venue likely to have highest secruity presence.
Game the US team is to play for some reason on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. What idiot allowed that to happen needs to be sacked. So high priority target right there. Gets world wide coverage.
The Counter-Insurgency Manual
The third has always been my pick until that game was scheduled for the anniversary.
Christchurch Rugby road, bars & any large gathering such as in Cathederal Square.
Why?
We have an American base nearby. Don't hit the base but in the city it is in. There are going to be a lot of tourists in town & a co-ordinated attack on several points at once(as they have done in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bali, London & New Delhi)will be world wide news in less than 10 minutes & will be felt across the world.
Hitting a so called peaceful country(most peaceful in the world apparently) will have a greater effect than trying to take on identified important targets.
Counterinsurgency
To really counter terrorists you have to think like one.
So is the list helpful to terrorists. I don't think so as they will have either identified them for what ever reason or have ones they think are important of their own.
So what is really been hidden or are governments trying to stop?
Probably the release of the information on one of the large American banks which could be the trigger which causes the collapse of the worlds financial system.
Or as Warren Buffett says, as it will take down the derivatives market, the real "Weapons of Mass Destruction"! This will lead to the the break down of society!
It is going to happen anyway based on the history of finance, but will just likely happen quicker depending on what is released.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
The big news world wide is of course the list Wikileaks has released on supposed industries & assets the US wants most to protect.
But what does the list really tell us?
First that in some cases all the eggs are in one basket so need to have a careful eye kept on them.
So there needs to be a decision as to whether the eggs need to be split up or just left as they are with maybe enhanced security & are they really that important?
Modern Insurgencies and Counter-Insurgencies: Guerrillas and their Opponents since 1750 (Warfare and History)
Secondly that maybe the US still hasn't fully come to grips with the fact that though those maybe important targets especially in a conventional war situation the targets might be a lot different in a terrorist campaign.
It is a lesson from Vietnam that seemed to have been overlooked when you touched down in Iraq. Insurgents & terrorists might be more worried about getting good media coverage & into the hearts & minds of the people back home.
Vietnam's turning point is said to be the occupation during the Tet offensive of the US embassy in Saigon & its affect on the American mindset back home.
That is not to say many in the American services were not trying but in a big organization from a country that likes to stick rigidly to procedures to think outside the square gets you in trouble. But in this type of warfare it is those on the ground, soldiers & NCO's that make the difference especially in the important hearts & minds of locals. Not throwing currency at the issue.
The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One
Now the US might of at least learned part of that lesson as it was rumoured during our time in Baghdad that a certain radio message one day inside the Green Zone was due to five insurgents managing to get inside the Chancery of the US embassy.
It is almost likely behind the suppression of generally known information(like a suicide bombing because you generally knew about them alright)to keep the public on the forces side. Today we have the internet so a lot was known to be or seen to be going on was in the public domain, hence a loss of support anyway. Wikileaks has only confirmed what was already believed to be or known to be going on.
Thirdly that terrorists & insrugents do exactly like we do & carry out reconnaissance to see what targets & their weaknesses are available. I wouldn't be surprised if all the places mentioned are not already on lists of terrorist cells.
Now they regularly did this in Iraq & we were picking them up doing their recon's & reporting it to the US military who promptly ignored us since we were private security. Almost everytime a suicide bomb was detonated within a day or on the day of reporting.
Three guys in a car with binoculars or another vehicle with a video camera all trained on one point at different times is usually a good give away.
The U.S. Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual
You only have to look at main target on 9/11 to see how effective an attack can be on the mindset of people.
Look at it from a terrorist point of view. The actual important targets might be too hard to get at so what can they hit on the side that will still have an effect?
Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice (PSI Classics of the Counterinsurgency Era)
Now I go back to the Rugby World Cup here in New Zealand as perfect target.
Slack security & likely to be not much better next year as no one thinks it will ever happen here(the belief there is no threat is the biggest threat).
Three prime targets.
Party Central Auckland but been main venue likely to have highest secruity presence.
Game the US team is to play for some reason on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. What idiot allowed that to happen needs to be sacked. So high priority target right there. Gets world wide coverage.
The Counter-Insurgency Manual
The third has always been my pick until that game was scheduled for the anniversary.
Christchurch Rugby road, bars & any large gathering such as in Cathederal Square.
Why?
We have an American base nearby. Don't hit the base but in the city it is in. There are going to be a lot of tourists in town & a co-ordinated attack on several points at once(as they have done in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bali, London & New Delhi)will be world wide news in less than 10 minutes & will be felt across the world.
Hitting a so called peaceful country(most peaceful in the world apparently) will have a greater effect than trying to take on identified important targets.
Counterinsurgency
To really counter terrorists you have to think like one.
So is the list helpful to terrorists. I don't think so as they will have either identified them for what ever reason or have ones they think are important of their own.
So what is really been hidden or are governments trying to stop?
Probably the release of the information on one of the large American banks which could be the trigger which causes the collapse of the worlds financial system.
Or as Warren Buffett says, as it will take down the derivatives market, the real "Weapons of Mass Destruction"! This will lead to the the break down of society!
It is going to happen anyway based on the history of finance, but will just likely happen quicker depending on what is released.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Is it really all just about the World Cup? Are we ready?
Kia Ora,
All you hear about in New Zealand at present is the world cup. That is the Rugby World cup.
That is all everyone is focussed on but they seem to be missing the big picture & they also have this belief that we are ready.
Focus on the Rugby World Cup might be a good thing in some ways as it takes peoples minds off the worsening financial crisis. But it overlooks the big picture.
As I have mentioned before I believe, a former member of the British Special forces raised a similar issue whilst we were working in Iraq.
Every security professional especially ex military were focussing on Iraq & Afghanistan, but what was everyone going to do afterwards? There would not be a lot of extra jobs created world wide to take on all those working in Iraq alone.
Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family
The situation is no different with the Rugby World Cup. For instance everyone say here in Christchurch will be looking to get some work at the cup. Many with a view that it is the only way most locals are going to get to see the good games as it is already far too expensive for tickets.
But there is not enough work & will be even less with the impending world wide financial meltdown to employ all that extra security required outside the actual cup. Even if the Security industry is one that will benefit from the financial crisis.
Disaster Preparedness: A memoir
Then yet again there is the question as to whether New Zealand is ready to host something like the Rugby World Cup.
On the evidence I would say not. Recent incidents include the complete close down of the Auckland international airport, of the Wellington train services again, bomb alerts that take hours for a bomb squad to show up when properly trained security staff might of been able to resolve the situation.
Then there has been the reaction to firstly the Christchurch earthquake. Whilst the emergency services were good though there were no major issues, some of the other associated groups though were not as good as was claimed when everybody were back slapping themselves after the wee shake.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness
Then there has been the response to the mine incident. It is the process/procedures not the personel who have worked well in a very demanding environment. Though information that has since come to light will most likely vindicate their response, the whole process in how we respond to major incidents now needs to be upgraded.
Hostage Rescue Manual: Tactics of the Counter-Terrorist Professionals-Revised Edition
There are claims in the last few days that we are ready for anything including terrorist attacks at the Rugby World Cup.
But again I go back to Iraq where police officers who also served in the military made the comments that "NZ police without a military background even at least territorial should not work security in Iraq." Though those police that did in the main handled themselves well many found it a big change in mindset to policing in NZ. Although there was the one who allgedly tried to sue the recruiter & company for not telling them how dangerous Iraq was.
Excuse me? But that shows the step up in mindset needed.
It is the mindset that counts. As I have said before on finding I worked in Iraq/was in the army many serving police officers have said they are uncomfortable with firearms. Then it comes to having to pull the trigger.
Not as easy as people think from playing video games, not to mention the training needed for it to become instinctive.
Negotiating with Terrorists: Strategy, Tactics, and Politics
When it comes to terrorism anybody can be involved, not just young men with an attitude. That old person who may of lost their relations, the children who have been set up as a suicide bomber(as happened on several occassions in Afghanistan) or even a cow as happened on one occassion(though that one backfired as the cow with explosives inside turned around & followed the insurgents). Can people really pull the trigger if really needed on someone who looks so innocent?
In NZ I doubt it as they have never encountered it & therefore the mindset is never there.
Could I? Don't know as all my shots were warning shots but probably as you knew that at anytime you could be expected too. After one incident it really brought it home you might just have to do it, no matter how innocent they seemed.
Ready for the Rugby World Cup? I doubt it.
As I have said on numerous occassions our processes have to change as if a suicide bomber hits then you have 30 seconds to decide if it was or not as another one is coming.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
All you hear about in New Zealand at present is the world cup. That is the Rugby World cup.
That is all everyone is focussed on but they seem to be missing the big picture & they also have this belief that we are ready.
Focus on the Rugby World Cup might be a good thing in some ways as it takes peoples minds off the worsening financial crisis. But it overlooks the big picture.
As I have mentioned before I believe, a former member of the British Special forces raised a similar issue whilst we were working in Iraq.
Every security professional especially ex military were focussing on Iraq & Afghanistan, but what was everyone going to do afterwards? There would not be a lot of extra jobs created world wide to take on all those working in Iraq alone.
Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family
The situation is no different with the Rugby World Cup. For instance everyone say here in Christchurch will be looking to get some work at the cup. Many with a view that it is the only way most locals are going to get to see the good games as it is already far too expensive for tickets.
But there is not enough work & will be even less with the impending world wide financial meltdown to employ all that extra security required outside the actual cup. Even if the Security industry is one that will benefit from the financial crisis.
Disaster Preparedness: A memoir
Then yet again there is the question as to whether New Zealand is ready to host something like the Rugby World Cup.
On the evidence I would say not. Recent incidents include the complete close down of the Auckland international airport, of the Wellington train services again, bomb alerts that take hours for a bomb squad to show up when properly trained security staff might of been able to resolve the situation.
Then there has been the reaction to firstly the Christchurch earthquake. Whilst the emergency services were good though there were no major issues, some of the other associated groups though were not as good as was claimed when everybody were back slapping themselves after the wee shake.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness
Then there has been the response to the mine incident. It is the process/procedures not the personel who have worked well in a very demanding environment. Though information that has since come to light will most likely vindicate their response, the whole process in how we respond to major incidents now needs to be upgraded.
Hostage Rescue Manual: Tactics of the Counter-Terrorist Professionals-Revised Edition
There are claims in the last few days that we are ready for anything including terrorist attacks at the Rugby World Cup.
But again I go back to Iraq where police officers who also served in the military made the comments that "NZ police without a military background even at least territorial should not work security in Iraq." Though those police that did in the main handled themselves well many found it a big change in mindset to policing in NZ. Although there was the one who allgedly tried to sue the recruiter & company for not telling them how dangerous Iraq was.
Excuse me? But that shows the step up in mindset needed.
It is the mindset that counts. As I have said before on finding I worked in Iraq/was in the army many serving police officers have said they are uncomfortable with firearms. Then it comes to having to pull the trigger.
Not as easy as people think from playing video games, not to mention the training needed for it to become instinctive.
Negotiating with Terrorists: Strategy, Tactics, and Politics
When it comes to terrorism anybody can be involved, not just young men with an attitude. That old person who may of lost their relations, the children who have been set up as a suicide bomber(as happened on several occassions in Afghanistan) or even a cow as happened on one occassion(though that one backfired as the cow with explosives inside turned around & followed the insurgents). Can people really pull the trigger if really needed on someone who looks so innocent?
In NZ I doubt it as they have never encountered it & therefore the mindset is never there.
Could I? Don't know as all my shots were warning shots but probably as you knew that at anytime you could be expected too. After one incident it really brought it home you might just have to do it, no matter how innocent they seemed.
Ready for the Rugby World Cup? I doubt it.
As I have said on numerous occassions our processes have to change as if a suicide bomber hits then you have 30 seconds to decide if it was or not as another one is coming.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
On a hiding to nothing!
Kia Ora,
Well as if by magic after the previous blog, the teens organizing the illegal gatherings for drinking in Auckland using areas where liquor bans are in place have upped the ante.
On the facebook page where it is been organized from there are comments such as "we will win".
Grow up little kids. You are on a hiding to nothing & your comments there just give the police the ammunition to step up their responses.
Of course they are not helped by a resident of the area saying the police response was wrong. No it wasn't. When you are facing a potential riot situation there is only one response & it can be brutal.
There is no place for the nicety's many would like. The Police will be looking at what happened in Britain recently where they admit they were caught out by the turn the demonstrations organized by students took. This time the police have been forewarned.
Someone could die & the responsibility will lie with the students first & foremost along with some responsibility on the parents. Some parents seem to think that since these kids appear to come from well off families that the police should take a different line.
Afraid not! Experience shows that kids from well off areas are more arrogant & more likely to think they have the right to act in an illegal manner than those from areas usually referred to by the locals as the hood(every city in NZ has them).
Recipes for Disaster: An Anarchist Cookbook
One option open to the police is placing of teams of security guards(not just one guard) at likely locations these parties are to happen.
The guards need to be prepared to be aggressive early on if need be, as you hit this sort of behaviour hard, early & fast before they have time to build. Although a note book works wonders in that regard by taking registration numbers.
But not guards that resort to physical violence except in self defence. It allows the police to better use their resources & by use of notebook by guards can defuse it easier.
Used similar tactics to stop uninvited attendees to a party the week before the infamous Edgeware party here in Christchurch got out of control resulting in two deaths. The tactics worked wonderfully. Most of the time it was the notebook & a quiet word.
The Poor Man's James Bond (#C-065)
The books here are those that the type of people that cause this type of trouble thrive on although they are illegal in New Zealand. The internet has made it easier for people to obtain & these were the nice ones found in the search.
The kids, & that is all they are kids, think they have all the rights but do not realize they can never win this war they are trying to start. They also have the responsibility to stay within the law & think of others in the community.
http://foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Well as if by magic after the previous blog, the teens organizing the illegal gatherings for drinking in Auckland using areas where liquor bans are in place have upped the ante.
On the facebook page where it is been organized from there are comments such as "we will win".
Grow up little kids. You are on a hiding to nothing & your comments there just give the police the ammunition to step up their responses.
Of course they are not helped by a resident of the area saying the police response was wrong. No it wasn't. When you are facing a potential riot situation there is only one response & it can be brutal.
There is no place for the nicety's many would like. The Police will be looking at what happened in Britain recently where they admit they were caught out by the turn the demonstrations organized by students took. This time the police have been forewarned.
Someone could die & the responsibility will lie with the students first & foremost along with some responsibility on the parents. Some parents seem to think that since these kids appear to come from well off families that the police should take a different line.
Afraid not! Experience shows that kids from well off areas are more arrogant & more likely to think they have the right to act in an illegal manner than those from areas usually referred to by the locals as the hood(every city in NZ has them).
Recipes for Disaster: An Anarchist Cookbook
One option open to the police is placing of teams of security guards(not just one guard) at likely locations these parties are to happen.
The guards need to be prepared to be aggressive early on if need be, as you hit this sort of behaviour hard, early & fast before they have time to build. Although a note book works wonders in that regard by taking registration numbers.
But not guards that resort to physical violence except in self defence. It allows the police to better use their resources & by use of notebook by guards can defuse it easier.
Used similar tactics to stop uninvited attendees to a party the week before the infamous Edgeware party here in Christchurch got out of control resulting in two deaths. The tactics worked wonderfully. Most of the time it was the notebook & a quiet word.
The Poor Man's James Bond (#C-065)
The books here are those that the type of people that cause this type of trouble thrive on although they are illegal in New Zealand. The internet has made it easier for people to obtain & these were the nice ones found in the search.
The kids, & that is all they are kids, think they have all the rights but do not realize they can never win this war they are trying to start. They also have the responsibility to stay within the law & think of others in the community.
http://foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Monday, November 15, 2010
Society breaking down!
Kia Ora,
Something that has raised itself more in the last few weeks is the apparent break down in society.
From the out of control illegal gatherings in Auckland, New Zealand to the anarchy in Britain & demostrations/riots in France & a number of other countries.
What is leading to this?
First there is in the west this issue of personal rights, but people also forget they have responsibilities. As the police are finding at these gatherings in Auckland, although the gatherings are illegal as they breach the liquor bans the police are met with the attitude that they have no right to interfere with those at the gatherings fun.
We encounter it all the time in security when moving people on. We are the ones in the wrong or so these people seem to think.
The issues though showing in Europe in the main are the next step. These have mainly come about due to the austerity measures taken by European governments.
Those taking part have seen what they see as their rights to low cost education for example eroded even though countries can no longer afford it. Even less can countries afford the retirement packages promised in the past. This has all caused a descent into anarchy. But as the worlds financial system is expected to collapse in the next few years based on history, things are going to get a lot worse.
Is Belief in God Good, Bad or Irrelevant?: A Professor and a Punk Rocker Discuss Science, Religion, Naturalism & Christianity
In all cases it has been a result of our own mistakes.
First it has been the break down in discipline by this insistance no boundaries are set. We encounter it all the time now in security with "you can't touch me" or the attitude you are in the wrong, even though those in question are breaking the law, as you are interfering with their fun.
Second it is the ignorance of most people in as to how they were manipulated to believe governments would look after them. Slowly that has been eroded by use of excuses to then telling people they need to save for their retirement for example. The upset we see now is nothing when people start to find, as recently allowed to happen in the US, that retirement funds can refuse to pay out. The currency is going to be required to again bail out banks & financial institutions & their investments in the derivative markets.
(ANARCHY EVOLUTION)Anarchy Evolution by Graffin, Greg(Author)Hardcover{Anarchy Evolution: Faith, Science, and Bad Religion in a World Without God}on 01 Oct 2010
This will mean a growth in at least one industry. Security & basic security at that will be seen as more & more a necessity.
As Winston Churchill said "the further back we look, the further forward we can see" or words to that effect.
That is why many predicted what is started to happen now & what will happen. Unfortunately those in charge of the worlds financial systems have only looked back as far as the last big up heaval, not further back in history & yet again they think they can beat what no man has ever been able too. The financial system doing its own cleansing.
So the upset will result in the transfer of wealth & power to those doing the manipulation. The more upset the more power transferred.
Order and Anarchy: Civil Society, Social Disorder and War
In fact it has been said what is about to happen is the greatest transfer of wealth & power ever.
The break down of society is allowing it to happen.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Something that has raised itself more in the last few weeks is the apparent break down in society.
From the out of control illegal gatherings in Auckland, New Zealand to the anarchy in Britain & demostrations/riots in France & a number of other countries.
What is leading to this?
First there is in the west this issue of personal rights, but people also forget they have responsibilities. As the police are finding at these gatherings in Auckland, although the gatherings are illegal as they breach the liquor bans the police are met with the attitude that they have no right to interfere with those at the gatherings fun.
We encounter it all the time in security when moving people on. We are the ones in the wrong or so these people seem to think.
The issues though showing in Europe in the main are the next step. These have mainly come about due to the austerity measures taken by European governments.
Those taking part have seen what they see as their rights to low cost education for example eroded even though countries can no longer afford it. Even less can countries afford the retirement packages promised in the past. This has all caused a descent into anarchy. But as the worlds financial system is expected to collapse in the next few years based on history, things are going to get a lot worse.
Is Belief in God Good, Bad or Irrelevant?: A Professor and a Punk Rocker Discuss Science, Religion, Naturalism & Christianity
In all cases it has been a result of our own mistakes.
First it has been the break down in discipline by this insistance no boundaries are set. We encounter it all the time now in security with "you can't touch me" or the attitude you are in the wrong, even though those in question are breaking the law, as you are interfering with their fun.
Second it is the ignorance of most people in as to how they were manipulated to believe governments would look after them. Slowly that has been eroded by use of excuses to then telling people they need to save for their retirement for example. The upset we see now is nothing when people start to find, as recently allowed to happen in the US, that retirement funds can refuse to pay out. The currency is going to be required to again bail out banks & financial institutions & their investments in the derivative markets.
(ANARCHY EVOLUTION)Anarchy Evolution by Graffin, Greg(Author)Hardcover{Anarchy Evolution: Faith, Science, and Bad Religion in a World Without God}on 01 Oct 2010
This will mean a growth in at least one industry. Security & basic security at that will be seen as more & more a necessity.
As Winston Churchill said "the further back we look, the further forward we can see" or words to that effect.
That is why many predicted what is started to happen now & what will happen. Unfortunately those in charge of the worlds financial systems have only looked back as far as the last big up heaval, not further back in history & yet again they think they can beat what no man has ever been able too. The financial system doing its own cleansing.
So the upset will result in the transfer of wealth & power to those doing the manipulation. The more upset the more power transferred.
Order and Anarchy: Civil Society, Social Disorder and War
In fact it has been said what is about to happen is the greatest transfer of wealth & power ever.
The break down of society is allowing it to happen.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
A poor drinking culture!
Kia Ora,
A major issue that has blown up here again in New Zealand over the last two weeks is our drinking culture.
Rugby League staged a test match at Eden Park, Auckland which resulted in unsavoury scenes both at the ground & outside.
Since then there has been a debate on why it happened. First it was a Rugby League problem then people have said it is an Auckland problem. One editorial even pointed to an example set at an event here in Christchurch. Now there is a push for events to have low alcohol beer.
Seems a lot of hot air by people who don't deal with the situations on the front line.
Alcohol: How to Give It Up and Be Glad You Did
First to blame one sport or its supporters is totally off the mark.
Second using low alcohol beer won't change a thing. At best it will do what low tar cigarettes did. People had more to make up their fix. Or they will drink even more prior.
As some have correctly identified it is our drinking culture here in New Zealand that is the real problem.
Pre loading or getting absolutely pissed by drinking lots & fast just before an event is the most common issue.
Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol
Now the example quoted in one editorial of been how to deal with the issue of out of control drinking was off the mark. Yes at the event not much went wrong, but the potential was huge. As one manger said "we were lucky the weather was not hot". Scattered around the edges of that event outside the fenced area was a huge amount of alcohol bottles of all types where people had pre loaded.
This issue was compounded by confusion over whether the liquor licence extended to the wider area of private property owned by the organizers. This made it harder to enforce the police requirement of no drinking in areas associated with the event. At one stage the police were called but never arrived to deal with it.
How to Change Your Drinking: a Harm Reduction Guide to Alcohol
Then there is the issue of teens drinking who then attack police when they arrive to disperse them. This has been highlighted in the last few weeks in areas where alcohol bans are in place with social media & facebook in particular used to organize illegal gatherings to drink.
As the advert here says, "its not the drinking but how we drink". This culture has come from the days of the 6 o'clock swill where all licensed premises in the country shut at 6 pm. So people used to finish work at about 4.30 pm go down the pub then drink as fast as possible, then buy some flagons & head home. That sort of drinking did not change once closing times were extended to 10.30pm & now with much later closing & all kinds of new alcohol available the culture just hasn't changed. Drink fast & get as pissed as fast as you can.
Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy (Third Edition)
One thing that the military taught you was how to drink over long periods. If you hammered it like you did when younger you wouldn't last & also everything you did was watched. I see it now on ANZAC day where most of us spend all day drinking but never quite get falling down drunk. It becomes part of your make up if you stay any length of time or your disciplinary record starts to dog you.
The Cure for Alcoholism: Drink Your Way Sober Without Willpower, Abstinence or Discomfort
The problem at events is though that in New Zealand the venues are reluctant to pay for the required security let alone extra to impact on the drinking or other crime nearby. On top of that everything is so PC that you might identify a problem approaching(& some of us usually do) but venue policy is to let all in after a cursory search, only to be evicting(if allowed) those identified before they even got to the venue within half an hour.
Moderate Drinking Made Easy Workbook: Drinker Friendly Tips and Exercises to Control Drinking and Reduce Alcohol Craving and Consumption
It creates issues for security & the venue. So what if the patron has already paid for their ticket. Bad luck. If they have over indulged that is their problem. People will get the message real quick if they are loosing the money they paid for tickets.
The drinking prior to venues needs to be hit hard.
There has to be a change in our drinking culture not just for the Rugby World Cup but over all. It will be hard though as recent results on people attitudes to drink driving have shown. Most people believe they will not get caught now after years of the campaign resulting in an effective change in attitude.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
A major issue that has blown up here again in New Zealand over the last two weeks is our drinking culture.
Rugby League staged a test match at Eden Park, Auckland which resulted in unsavoury scenes both at the ground & outside.
Since then there has been a debate on why it happened. First it was a Rugby League problem then people have said it is an Auckland problem. One editorial even pointed to an example set at an event here in Christchurch. Now there is a push for events to have low alcohol beer.
Seems a lot of hot air by people who don't deal with the situations on the front line.
Alcohol: How to Give It Up and Be Glad You Did
First to blame one sport or its supporters is totally off the mark.
Second using low alcohol beer won't change a thing. At best it will do what low tar cigarettes did. People had more to make up their fix. Or they will drink even more prior.
As some have correctly identified it is our drinking culture here in New Zealand that is the real problem.
Pre loading or getting absolutely pissed by drinking lots & fast just before an event is the most common issue.
Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol
Now the example quoted in one editorial of been how to deal with the issue of out of control drinking was off the mark. Yes at the event not much went wrong, but the potential was huge. As one manger said "we were lucky the weather was not hot". Scattered around the edges of that event outside the fenced area was a huge amount of alcohol bottles of all types where people had pre loaded.
This issue was compounded by confusion over whether the liquor licence extended to the wider area of private property owned by the organizers. This made it harder to enforce the police requirement of no drinking in areas associated with the event. At one stage the police were called but never arrived to deal with it.
How to Change Your Drinking: a Harm Reduction Guide to Alcohol
Then there is the issue of teens drinking who then attack police when they arrive to disperse them. This has been highlighted in the last few weeks in areas where alcohol bans are in place with social media & facebook in particular used to organize illegal gatherings to drink.
As the advert here says, "its not the drinking but how we drink". This culture has come from the days of the 6 o'clock swill where all licensed premises in the country shut at 6 pm. So people used to finish work at about 4.30 pm go down the pub then drink as fast as possible, then buy some flagons & head home. That sort of drinking did not change once closing times were extended to 10.30pm & now with much later closing & all kinds of new alcohol available the culture just hasn't changed. Drink fast & get as pissed as fast as you can.
Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy (Third Edition)
One thing that the military taught you was how to drink over long periods. If you hammered it like you did when younger you wouldn't last & also everything you did was watched. I see it now on ANZAC day where most of us spend all day drinking but never quite get falling down drunk. It becomes part of your make up if you stay any length of time or your disciplinary record starts to dog you.
The Cure for Alcoholism: Drink Your Way Sober Without Willpower, Abstinence or Discomfort
The problem at events is though that in New Zealand the venues are reluctant to pay for the required security let alone extra to impact on the drinking or other crime nearby. On top of that everything is so PC that you might identify a problem approaching(& some of us usually do) but venue policy is to let all in after a cursory search, only to be evicting(if allowed) those identified before they even got to the venue within half an hour.
Moderate Drinking Made Easy Workbook: Drinker Friendly Tips and Exercises to Control Drinking and Reduce Alcohol Craving and Consumption
It creates issues for security & the venue. So what if the patron has already paid for their ticket. Bad luck. If they have over indulged that is their problem. People will get the message real quick if they are loosing the money they paid for tickets.
The drinking prior to venues needs to be hit hard.
There has to be a change in our drinking culture not just for the Rugby World Cup but over all. It will be hard though as recent results on people attitudes to drink driving have shown. Most people believe they will not get caught now after years of the campaign resulting in an effective change in attitude.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Lack of Leadership Exposed!
Kia Ora,
Well the blame game has started in India over the state of the Commonwealth Games in the lead up to the Games.
A lot of fingers were pointed at one official, Indian Media have pointed the finger also at the New Zealander who was CEO of games on behalf of Commonwealth Games.
To my way of thinking both of those fingered in particular but right the way down the chain there has been a lack of leadership. As is shown in the programme 'Undercover Boss' those up the top often have no idea or have forgotten what it is like at the bottom.
Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know
They don't always have to do the work but just get out & see those that are & ensure things are done. Though not like one security operations manager who thought he would visit sites & patrols & when having to help do some work or do something that was out of his league, never came back, but harrassed everyone else. He never learnt a thing.
Or as I found in Iraq, different nationalities have different ideas of leadership & what works. All had their good & bad points, but to motivate people some of the leaders have to get in & do some work themselves.
We had a situation where that arose & on the first day the local workers worked very hard & were great. On the second someone from a different nationality thought all they had to do was yell & scream & nothing much got done. The third day same formula as first was tried but the damage had been done.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
Funny thing is all the criticism pointed at India can also be pointed at New Zealand.
The day after the state of the games village was exposed it was revealed similar conditions where found in Auckland eateries.
Within the NZ Security Industry the lack of real leadership is rampant & would be sorely exposed in a real emergency at most big events.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Well the blame game has started in India over the state of the Commonwealth Games in the lead up to the Games.
A lot of fingers were pointed at one official, Indian Media have pointed the finger also at the New Zealander who was CEO of games on behalf of Commonwealth Games.
To my way of thinking both of those fingered in particular but right the way down the chain there has been a lack of leadership. As is shown in the programme 'Undercover Boss' those up the top often have no idea or have forgotten what it is like at the bottom.
Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know
They don't always have to do the work but just get out & see those that are & ensure things are done. Though not like one security operations manager who thought he would visit sites & patrols & when having to help do some work or do something that was out of his league, never came back, but harrassed everyone else. He never learnt a thing.
Or as I found in Iraq, different nationalities have different ideas of leadership & what works. All had their good & bad points, but to motivate people some of the leaders have to get in & do some work themselves.
We had a situation where that arose & on the first day the local workers worked very hard & were great. On the second someone from a different nationality thought all they had to do was yell & scream & nothing much got done. The third day same formula as first was tried but the damage had been done.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
Funny thing is all the criticism pointed at India can also be pointed at New Zealand.
The day after the state of the games village was exposed it was revealed similar conditions where found in Auckland eateries.
Within the NZ Security Industry the lack of real leadership is rampant & would be sorely exposed in a real emergency at most big events.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Bit of a Cheek really! NZ commenting on others Security!
Kia Ora,
Talk about stating the bleeding obvious. Some cables from the NZ High Commission in India have shown that they expect possible terrorist attacks on 'Soft' targets during the Commonwealth games.
Have said that before that India might get hit, but also have said India is a bit like Britain. Just get on with life.
But talking about 'Soft' targets that is New Zealand across the board & it will have an effect as not only New Zealanders view New Zealand as unlikely to have a terrorist attack, but so do many outside the country. The Rugby World Cup 2011 is an even better reason for an attack.
But if you think like a terrorist,then New Zealand is a prime target as it will have an effect way beyond any casualties caused.
'Soft targets that sprinbg to mind right away are the Rugby Road in Christchurch & Party Central in Auckland.
It is the job of High Commissions & Embassies to provide these assessments to their governments but in this case it is a bit cheeky to comment on 'soft' targets in other countries.
New Zealand would rate as the softest, juciest target going. Or as an Australian businessman said "Apathy reigns."
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Talk about stating the bleeding obvious. Some cables from the NZ High Commission in India have shown that they expect possible terrorist attacks on 'Soft' targets during the Commonwealth games.
Have said that before that India might get hit, but also have said India is a bit like Britain. Just get on with life.
But talking about 'Soft' targets that is New Zealand across the board & it will have an effect as not only New Zealanders view New Zealand as unlikely to have a terrorist attack, but so do many outside the country. The Rugby World Cup 2011 is an even better reason for an attack.
But if you think like a terrorist,then New Zealand is a prime target as it will have an effect way beyond any casualties caused.
'Soft targets that sprinbg to mind right away are the Rugby Road in Christchurch & Party Central in Auckland.
It is the job of High Commissions & Embassies to provide these assessments to their governments but in this case it is a bit cheeky to comment on 'soft' targets in other countries.
New Zealand would rate as the softest, juciest target going. Or as an Australian businessman said "Apathy reigns."
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Part 2 Solutions to our Crime Problems!
Kia Ora,
In the last wee while there have been a few discussions of how to curb our crime problem here in New Zealand.
Of course in the last few days that has grown with another attack on Police officers carrying out their duties.
One I have thrown in the pot is making the Auckland Islands a prison.
Of course the PC brigade would never allow it. But then they are out of touch with what works.
Several years ago there were many proposals of what to do with the old Addington Prison here in Christchurch.
The best I heard came from a former inmate. His idea was to leave it as it was then, slop buckets & all. Bring in a couple of old prison officers & a couple of old prisoners like him. Then every youngster caught out after midnight would get a night in there. Every young person committing crime would get a week in there.
They wouldn't touch them, but they would scare the shit out of them.
As he said "It won't stop everyone going bad as some you just can't change, but had someone done that to me I would not of gone to Paparua(prison)." That is someone who knows what is needed.
Another avenue that has to be looked at & not just given lip service is giving people coming out of prison a real chance.
That comes from a comment I received from a burglar I once caught & comments I have heard others have received in similar situations.
"Call the cops bro. At least in there I know where I stand. Came out with the intention of getting my life on track, but no one gives us a chance, especially those that go on about it. Best chances we get are from the cops."
He then went onto say that worst part about going back was having to listen to the do gooders say it was a result of his bad upbringing. "bro I know that but that is up to me to sort it out.
"
One of the issues raised in my last blog was hitting minor crime or suspicous activity, but last night is an example as to why it is not happening & why if it is left to the police they need better resources.
On the way home from a meeting last night I took the bus, as I headed back over a small walk way I found a chair at the bottom & a Sofa on top. Since it was too big for me to move & there was the issue of where to put it I rang police comms.
"Yes but have you seen someone lignt a fire or is that your thoughts?" "Its my Risk assessment."
Obviously the person I was talking too has not been watching the news for the last few years. Any police officer on the beat or security officer at an event can tell you when an old Sofa(couch) is carried somewhere, the only way it is leaving is after it has been burnt or removed by security/police.
So I expect that if left there the Sofa will be burnt & then the walk bridge will burn with it. All because police comms no longer have the knowledge to realize by reacting to these calls stops a crime further down the track.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
In the last wee while there have been a few discussions of how to curb our crime problem here in New Zealand.
Of course in the last few days that has grown with another attack on Police officers carrying out their duties.
One I have thrown in the pot is making the Auckland Islands a prison.
Of course the PC brigade would never allow it. But then they are out of touch with what works.
Several years ago there were many proposals of what to do with the old Addington Prison here in Christchurch.
The best I heard came from a former inmate. His idea was to leave it as it was then, slop buckets & all. Bring in a couple of old prison officers & a couple of old prisoners like him. Then every youngster caught out after midnight would get a night in there. Every young person committing crime would get a week in there.
They wouldn't touch them, but they would scare the shit out of them.
As he said "It won't stop everyone going bad as some you just can't change, but had someone done that to me I would not of gone to Paparua(prison)." That is someone who knows what is needed.
Another avenue that has to be looked at & not just given lip service is giving people coming out of prison a real chance.
That comes from a comment I received from a burglar I once caught & comments I have heard others have received in similar situations.
"Call the cops bro. At least in there I know where I stand. Came out with the intention of getting my life on track, but no one gives us a chance, especially those that go on about it. Best chances we get are from the cops."
He then went onto say that worst part about going back was having to listen to the do gooders say it was a result of his bad upbringing. "bro I know that but that is up to me to sort it out.
"
One of the issues raised in my last blog was hitting minor crime or suspicous activity, but last night is an example as to why it is not happening & why if it is left to the police they need better resources.
On the way home from a meeting last night I took the bus, as I headed back over a small walk way I found a chair at the bottom & a Sofa on top. Since it was too big for me to move & there was the issue of where to put it I rang police comms.
"Yes but have you seen someone lignt a fire or is that your thoughts?" "Its my Risk assessment."
Obviously the person I was talking too has not been watching the news for the last few years. Any police officer on the beat or security officer at an event can tell you when an old Sofa(couch) is carried somewhere, the only way it is leaving is after it has been burnt or removed by security/police.
So I expect that if left there the Sofa will be burnt & then the walk bridge will burn with it. All because police comms no longer have the knowledge to realize by reacting to these calls stops a crime further down the track.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
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