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 NZ police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NZ police. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Police likely to have better access to Firearms but what about Security Guards?
Kia Ora,
For those that are not aware the NZ Police are for all intent purposes unarmed.
It now appears with the huge increase in violent crime & weapons faced the police are going to be given greater access to firearms by having them in a lock box in all front line vehicles.
No mention of the NZ Security Industry but will get to that later.
Really they need to be wearing them so they have access to them at all times. When a situation escalates there is not time to get back to a vehicle to obtain weapons.
Either way there needs to be much greater resources put into training of those who are to use them.
Of course there have been the comments such as on one TV interview that this wil raise the bar so criminals will start using firearms.
News Flash the criminals already outgun the police here even if this policy is implimented. A large amount of crime in New Zealand now involves weapons. So much so that one Christchurch police officer was moved to comment sometime back that virtually everyone they arrest these days carries a knife at least.
We will end up with a situation like in L.A. I believe it was when with police out gunned & S.W.A.T. still on the way, a police officer was forced to use his own credit card at a near by gun shop, so those on the ground could at least match the criminals.
The Gun Owner's Handbook: A Complete Guide to Maintaining and Repairing Your Firearms--in the Field or at Your Workbench
So there is going to be an increase in the police ability to look after themselves.
So what of the NZ Security Industry?
Well the new Private Security Personnel & Private Investigators Act 2010 has been passed recently with little or no information to the industry.
There have been a few improvements from the Bill, but overall it is a step backwards 40 years, not forward. Or as I say better used as toilet paper.
Team Glock Back Pack - Glock TG42001, Firearm Accessories Cases
If it is dangerous enough for the police to now be looking at easier access to firearms & wearing bodyarmour then the NZ Security Industry should be pushing for the same for security guards. Bodyarmour minimum within a certain time period & firearms for a few firearms experienced operators.
But the NZ Security Industry will not say anything as it will cost them & they don't think it is that dangerous. In fact that has been the statement by people in influential positions mean they don't see what is actually happening on the street.
Crucial Elements of Police Firearms Training: Refine Your Firearms Skills, Training and Effectiveness
The industry used to be armed. With right background or experience with both the use & legalities required in the use of firearms there should be few issues.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
For those that are not aware the NZ Police are for all intent purposes unarmed.
It now appears with the huge increase in violent crime & weapons faced the police are going to be given greater access to firearms by having them in a lock box in all front line vehicles.
No mention of the NZ Security Industry but will get to that later.
Really they need to be wearing them so they have access to them at all times. When a situation escalates there is not time to get back to a vehicle to obtain weapons.
Either way there needs to be much greater resources put into training of those who are to use them.
Of course there have been the comments such as on one TV interview that this wil raise the bar so criminals will start using firearms.
News Flash the criminals already outgun the police here even if this policy is implimented. A large amount of crime in New Zealand now involves weapons. So much so that one Christchurch police officer was moved to comment sometime back that virtually everyone they arrest these days carries a knife at least.
We will end up with a situation like in L.A. I believe it was when with police out gunned & S.W.A.T. still on the way, a police officer was forced to use his own credit card at a near by gun shop, so those on the ground could at least match the criminals.
The Gun Owner's Handbook: A Complete Guide to Maintaining and Repairing Your Firearms--in the Field or at Your Workbench
So there is going to be an increase in the police ability to look after themselves.
So what of the NZ Security Industry?
Well the new Private Security Personnel & Private Investigators Act 2010 has been passed recently with little or no information to the industry.
There have been a few improvements from the Bill, but overall it is a step backwards 40 years, not forward. Or as I say better used as toilet paper.
Team Glock Back Pack - Glock TG42001, Firearm Accessories Cases
If it is dangerous enough for the police to now be looking at easier access to firearms & wearing bodyarmour then the NZ Security Industry should be pushing for the same for security guards. Bodyarmour minimum within a certain time period & firearms for a few firearms experienced operators.
But the NZ Security Industry will not say anything as it will cost them & they don't think it is that dangerous. In fact that has been the statement by people in influential positions mean they don't see what is actually happening on the street.
Crucial Elements of Police Firearms Training: Refine Your Firearms Skills, Training and Effectiveness
The industry used to be armed. With right background or experience with both the use & legalities required in the use of firearms there should be few issues.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Monday, October 11, 2010
It really is the small things that count!
Kia Ora,
Last night we had another of those reality police shows here on TV3 called "Road Cops".
In one incident it is the small thing the police officer notices that then leads to revelation of greater crimes.
For all those who moan about the police focus at times on traffic issues it was a great view to how effective it can be in catching up with other crimes.
The Literature of Crime and Detection: An Illustrated History from Antiquity to the Present (Ungar Writers' Recognitions Series)
The small thing the police officer noticed was the vehicle was parked in a handicapped car park. On questioning the driver he was initially given false details to then find on a further check that the driver was wanted on about 6 warrants for arrest including drug use & assault from what was displayed.
When the time for arrest came though the driver reversed into the police vehicle then took off & a chase ensued. On this occassion they got away due to nature of the area but were caught sometime later.
This is also why the police need to be able to conduct chases as it is the small thing that trips people up.
One thing that does rankle is, especially right now, when you ring police comms with suspicious activity or even small crime the reaction is quite different for an ex police officer or 'off duty' police officer to those in the security industry or just the general public.
It is like the police are the only people who see suspicious activity at times. Sounds just like Iraq when many things like suicide bombings did not happen if they were not witnessed by a US service person.
First point is many parts of the military rely on that recognition of the small things that are out of place & if you have been there you just transfer that training to the civilian areana. At times it is just part of the intelligence picture.
Then there are security guards who often build up that skill level through experience to pick up on things that are out of place.
Last but not least is the person knowing their local area & what is out of place.
Guardians: Angels on patrol /Little army big war
Now someone from the police comms has said to me that it is the caller not providing the correct details. That to me is a cop out as well as bureaucracy gone mad & it never used to be needed.
Often you can not put your finger on what is wrong until after the fact. Of course you are not always right, but that is part of life. Experience & keeping up with what is happening in the community mean you are more likely to be right than not.
But it is again those small things that need to be noted. The big things as they say take care of themselves.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Last night we had another of those reality police shows here on TV3 called "Road Cops".
In one incident it is the small thing the police officer notices that then leads to revelation of greater crimes.
For all those who moan about the police focus at times on traffic issues it was a great view to how effective it can be in catching up with other crimes.
The Literature of Crime and Detection: An Illustrated History from Antiquity to the Present (Ungar Writers' Recognitions Series)
The small thing the police officer noticed was the vehicle was parked in a handicapped car park. On questioning the driver he was initially given false details to then find on a further check that the driver was wanted on about 6 warrants for arrest including drug use & assault from what was displayed.
When the time for arrest came though the driver reversed into the police vehicle then took off & a chase ensued. On this occassion they got away due to nature of the area but were caught sometime later.
This is also why the police need to be able to conduct chases as it is the small thing that trips people up.
One thing that does rankle is, especially right now, when you ring police comms with suspicious activity or even small crime the reaction is quite different for an ex police officer or 'off duty' police officer to those in the security industry or just the general public.
It is like the police are the only people who see suspicious activity at times. Sounds just like Iraq when many things like suicide bombings did not happen if they were not witnessed by a US service person.
First point is many parts of the military rely on that recognition of the small things that are out of place & if you have been there you just transfer that training to the civilian areana. At times it is just part of the intelligence picture.
Then there are security guards who often build up that skill level through experience to pick up on things that are out of place.
Last but not least is the person knowing their local area & what is out of place.
Guardians: Angels on patrol /Little army big war
Now someone from the police comms has said to me that it is the caller not providing the correct details. That to me is a cop out as well as bureaucracy gone mad & it never used to be needed.
Often you can not put your finger on what is wrong until after the fact. Of course you are not always right, but that is part of life. Experience & keeping up with what is happening in the community mean you are more likely to be right than not.
But it is again those small things that need to be noted. The big things as they say take care of themselves.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Sunday, October 10, 2010
How can they justify their relations Crimes? I know let us blame the Police!
Kia Ora,
In a recent blog I again spoke of the police chase issue here in New Zealand.
Well what has appeared in the media is an interview with the grandmother of one of those who died running from the police.
She says he wasn't always good but police should not be chasing people in high speed pursuits or words to that effect.
Do people just not get it? Ok whanau(family) will be in grief, but how is it the police fault when this person & his mate chose to run not once but twice.
His grandmother says he was so good with his new baby despite having split with his partner.
Well if he was really good & really wanted to be a role model to that child growing up then why was he hundreds of kilometres from home in a stolen vehicle which on been signaled to pull over twice for already speeding then proceeded to drive dangerously?
Now it is not always a given that if you come from a bad background you will become bad yourself. But from the attitude first of the criminals who died then the grandmother of that criminal I don't hold much hope for the child.
When you see babies or young children they are so full of life & for young kids especially Maori so bright then they follow parents into drugs & crime. Then you see the difference once they are grown, those that where looked after have better choices(though they don't always take them) but odds on those who are raised in a life of crime, drugs or alcohol dependency will have a chip on their shoulder all of the families making.
Crime factors.: An article from: Uniform Crime Reports: Crime in the United States
The police don't make the laws, they just enforce them. Crime is already out of control in New Zealand, though most of it is unreported, if the police don't chase then it will the road to anarchy as there will be no repercussions.
How people can blame the police when they are not the ones breaking the law is beyond me?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
In a recent blog I again spoke of the police chase issue here in New Zealand.
Well what has appeared in the media is an interview with the grandmother of one of those who died running from the police.
She says he wasn't always good but police should not be chasing people in high speed pursuits or words to that effect.
Do people just not get it? Ok whanau(family) will be in grief, but how is it the police fault when this person & his mate chose to run not once but twice.
His grandmother says he was so good with his new baby despite having split with his partner.
Well if he was really good & really wanted to be a role model to that child growing up then why was he hundreds of kilometres from home in a stolen vehicle which on been signaled to pull over twice for already speeding then proceeded to drive dangerously?
Now it is not always a given that if you come from a bad background you will become bad yourself. But from the attitude first of the criminals who died then the grandmother of that criminal I don't hold much hope for the child.
When you see babies or young children they are so full of life & for young kids especially Maori so bright then they follow parents into drugs & crime. Then you see the difference once they are grown, those that where looked after have better choices(though they don't always take them) but odds on those who are raised in a life of crime, drugs or alcohol dependency will have a chip on their shoulder all of the families making.
Crime factors.: An article from: Uniform Crime Reports: Crime in the United States
The police don't make the laws, they just enforce them. Crime is already out of control in New Zealand, though most of it is unreported, if the police don't chase then it will the road to anarchy as there will be no repercussions.
How people can blame the police when they are not the ones breaking the law is beyond me?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Saturday, October 9, 2010
What are the real Crime rates in New Zealand?
Kia Ora,
The NZ police have been recently releasing the crime rates in each district, but do they really show the real crime rates out there?
Frankly no & when pressed the police will admit that. For example the other day the police were talking about cannabis seizures & how the amount they seize is only a small proportion of that grown each year in New Zealand.
But at the end of the article is the most important part where it refers to how drug use is always featuring as a reason for crime.
Two days later though there were some interesting comments.
First was a headline first seen on the internet about the crime rate had fallen in Christchurch city.
When you read it though it is only talking about crime in the central city, not the city as a whole. Even then there is a comment about how the perception of the central city as dangerous is not reality. Perception is reality & most people get a feeling of danger in the central city. Not only that most crime is not reported.
Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior
As if to make that point in the local newspaper where that story was reproduced there were also other articles.
First three photo's of a brawl taking place near the central police station & in the background people of Christchurch doing the normal New Zealand thing & ignoring it as it has nothing to do with them.
This was in daylight. Most of the crime especially involving alcohol happens at night & more often than not is not reported or if it is as one person said when they did the reply they got was "what do you want us to do about it?"
If it is not reported it doesn't make the figures look bad. The police system has become a bureaucracy which must really rankle with those on the street who joined to make a difference. Between the system & the courts NZ Police must feel like they are getting no backing for the shitty job they do.
Hugs, Not Drugs T-Shirt, Funny T-Shirts, Medium
Another article the same day though warns of burlgars targeting empty homes after the earthquake here in Christchurch. Not just the damaged homes either.
Again there is comment though that there has been no rise in this type of crime since the earthquake just a change in focus.
Funny that as that is not word I am getting back from contacts in the NZ Security Industry here in Christchurch.
Also there is the comment from one burglary victim about how criminals seem to know police are busy. Being saying that for a while, in fact ever since the earthquake with the sudden rise again in boy racer activity. That started the night of the big quake & has slowly got back to levels at times seen before the wee shake.
Drugs and Society
Some of the items stolen though were asking to be stolen. Peole have still not learnt you do not leave items sitting unattended in a vehicle.
Some of the things I have seen left in vehicles is amazing & even more so when the vehicle has been insecure.
On security tasks we have had to warn people for leaving computers(desk top), laptops, passports, airline tickets, cheque books, any type of medication, sunglasses, cell phones & the list goes on. Often they also have left something in vehicle with their address so after they take the vehicle or items from the vehicle, their home might get a hurried visit as well.
Edge: Perspectives On Drug Free Culture
Then there was the small clipping with statistics regarding Crimestoppers the British scheme which has come to New Zealand which allows people to report crime anonymously after the fact usually.
Claim is it was a successful year with over 7200 calls. Police by their own count a few years back get 2.4 million calls a year but again it has been estimated up to 95% of crime is not reported. Not sure of the figure but it is known a lot of crime is not reported. You just happen to stumble across a lot as a security guard or police officer. Which then expose other previously unreported crime.
Drugs, Behavior, and Modern Society (6th Edition)
The idea of Crimestoppers is great but like policing these days tends only to be reacative not proactive.
It is getting to the stage to get the police to respond (even a former police officer joked about this the other day as they see it as a problem too) you have to do what someone in Britain did.
For those that are not aware this person rang the police & said "there is someone breaking into my garage/shed" reply was "sorry we have no one available."
They then rang back said "don't worry about it as I have just shot them" within minutes there were police everywhere & the burglar was caught. Police said "Thought you said you had shot him" their reply was "thought you said you had no one spare to respond."
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
The NZ police have been recently releasing the crime rates in each district, but do they really show the real crime rates out there?
Frankly no & when pressed the police will admit that. For example the other day the police were talking about cannabis seizures & how the amount they seize is only a small proportion of that grown each year in New Zealand.
But at the end of the article is the most important part where it refers to how drug use is always featuring as a reason for crime.
Two days later though there were some interesting comments.
First was a headline first seen on the internet about the crime rate had fallen in Christchurch city.
When you read it though it is only talking about crime in the central city, not the city as a whole. Even then there is a comment about how the perception of the central city as dangerous is not reality. Perception is reality & most people get a feeling of danger in the central city. Not only that most crime is not reported.
Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior
As if to make that point in the local newspaper where that story was reproduced there were also other articles.
First three photo's of a brawl taking place near the central police station & in the background people of Christchurch doing the normal New Zealand thing & ignoring it as it has nothing to do with them.
This was in daylight. Most of the crime especially involving alcohol happens at night & more often than not is not reported or if it is as one person said when they did the reply they got was "what do you want us to do about it?"
If it is not reported it doesn't make the figures look bad. The police system has become a bureaucracy which must really rankle with those on the street who joined to make a difference. Between the system & the courts NZ Police must feel like they are getting no backing for the shitty job they do.
Hugs, Not Drugs T-Shirt, Funny T-Shirts, Medium
Another article the same day though warns of burlgars targeting empty homes after the earthquake here in Christchurch. Not just the damaged homes either.
Again there is comment though that there has been no rise in this type of crime since the earthquake just a change in focus.
Funny that as that is not word I am getting back from contacts in the NZ Security Industry here in Christchurch.
Also there is the comment from one burglary victim about how criminals seem to know police are busy. Being saying that for a while, in fact ever since the earthquake with the sudden rise again in boy racer activity. That started the night of the big quake & has slowly got back to levels at times seen before the wee shake.
Drugs and Society
Some of the items stolen though were asking to be stolen. Peole have still not learnt you do not leave items sitting unattended in a vehicle.
Some of the things I have seen left in vehicles is amazing & even more so when the vehicle has been insecure.
On security tasks we have had to warn people for leaving computers(desk top), laptops, passports, airline tickets, cheque books, any type of medication, sunglasses, cell phones & the list goes on. Often they also have left something in vehicle with their address so after they take the vehicle or items from the vehicle, their home might get a hurried visit as well.
Edge: Perspectives On Drug Free Culture
Then there was the small clipping with statistics regarding Crimestoppers the British scheme which has come to New Zealand which allows people to report crime anonymously after the fact usually.
Claim is it was a successful year with over 7200 calls. Police by their own count a few years back get 2.4 million calls a year but again it has been estimated up to 95% of crime is not reported. Not sure of the figure but it is known a lot of crime is not reported. You just happen to stumble across a lot as a security guard or police officer. Which then expose other previously unreported crime.
Drugs, Behavior, and Modern Society (6th Edition)
The idea of Crimestoppers is great but like policing these days tends only to be reacative not proactive.
It is getting to the stage to get the police to respond (even a former police officer joked about this the other day as they see it as a problem too) you have to do what someone in Britain did.
For those that are not aware this person rang the police & said "there is someone breaking into my garage/shed" reply was "sorry we have no one available."
They then rang back said "don't worry about it as I have just shot them" within minutes there were police everywhere & the burglar was caught. Police said "Thought you said you had shot him" their reply was "thought you said you had no one spare to respond."
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Friday, October 8, 2010
It must be like hitting your head against a brick wall!
Kia Ora,
Really it must be like hitting your head against a brick wall for NZ police these days.
Yet again we have people running from police one resulting in the deaths of the two people running & the second incident involved a vehicle running from police colliding with a vehicle of innocent people including a young child.
First thing is most New Zealand drivers think they are good drivers when they actually are not. New Zealand needs to impliment drivers education as they have in the US in our school system.
Second thing is Kiwi's(as we New Zealanders refer to ourselves after one of our native birds as opposed to the Kiwifruit which for some reason is known as a Kiwi in some places)need to stop thinking that no police officer or security guard has the right to stop them.
In fact I have often been told "but that doesn't mean me. That is for those people who break the law(newsflash you are or are about too)" or on many occassions a reference to a racial grouping.
Rules of the Road: A Complete Driver's Ed Course
Now after yet another review there is not much else police can do apart from not chase & that is not an option. Otherwise you are giving the criminals free reign & there is already too much weight given to their side when they have really foregone anything but basic civil rights.
In the chase where the two people were killed, the police are said to have abandoned the chase twice. On both occassions the vehicle had been speeding when sighted & chases began, it then preceded to drive dangerously. It has now been established the vehicle was stolen.
Forensic Investigation of Stolen-Recovered and Other Crime-Related Vehicles
Because it was travelling at speed it was already a danger to the public. That it failed to stop points straight away to other crime likely.
Do I feel sorry for them? No way! Their responsibility!
I do feel sorry for any innocents hurt or killed in these chases, but there is no way police should stop pusuits. As a vehicle is considered a weapon the starting point(with no ability for reduction by the courts) for running from the police needs to be attempted murder. If they cause injury or death then it goes up from there.
Crime Stopper RS-1304DP Remote Vehicle Engine Starter and Keyless Entry System
People say these people speed because police chase them. Sorry doesn't wash. Currently I am live in unit near a road that has become an adhoc main route due to businesses & supposed shortcut(it was but now so many people use it they need lights where it intersects with main road again-they are at the other end).
We have a lot of trouble with boy racers here. In fact they were here the night of the wee shake in Christchurch as they believed the police were too busy to deal with them.
But it is not just boy racers. Constantly we see cars come around the corner see the straight & use it as a drag strip at at least twice the posted speed.
Forensic Investigation of Stolen-Recovered and Other Crime-Related Vehicles
It is also very common for vehicles to come down that straight at speed then have to break sharply(I have seen one head on crash luckily at low speed & know of another loosing control & crashing on the corner).
Also with the ground still settling after the earthquake, vehicles speeding then hitting some undulations in the road are causing this & some other units to rock along with causing further damage(in typical bureaucrat speak authorities have claimed that the majority of damage to buildings was caused in the first shake when in fact in our case & most people I talk too, many buildings came through the first week fine all the damage has happened since).
High Crimes #4 Special Edition
So poor driving is putting people's lives at risk whether the police chase or not. The police are there to stop crime & save lives. Too many claim police are only collecting tax when targeting drivers. Actually it is the poor driving on Kiwi's they are targeting & also the fact that those 'small' crimes more often than not are the ones that catch people wanted for greater crimes.
If you run from the police & someone dies IT IS YOUR FAULT!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Really it must be like hitting your head against a brick wall for NZ police these days.
Yet again we have people running from police one resulting in the deaths of the two people running & the second incident involved a vehicle running from police colliding with a vehicle of innocent people including a young child.
First thing is most New Zealand drivers think they are good drivers when they actually are not. New Zealand needs to impliment drivers education as they have in the US in our school system.
Second thing is Kiwi's(as we New Zealanders refer to ourselves after one of our native birds as opposed to the Kiwifruit which for some reason is known as a Kiwi in some places)need to stop thinking that no police officer or security guard has the right to stop them.
In fact I have often been told "but that doesn't mean me. That is for those people who break the law(newsflash you are or are about too)" or on many occassions a reference to a racial grouping.
Rules of the Road: A Complete Driver's Ed Course
Now after yet another review there is not much else police can do apart from not chase & that is not an option. Otherwise you are giving the criminals free reign & there is already too much weight given to their side when they have really foregone anything but basic civil rights.
In the chase where the two people were killed, the police are said to have abandoned the chase twice. On both occassions the vehicle had been speeding when sighted & chases began, it then preceded to drive dangerously. It has now been established the vehicle was stolen.
Forensic Investigation of Stolen-Recovered and Other Crime-Related Vehicles
Because it was travelling at speed it was already a danger to the public. That it failed to stop points straight away to other crime likely.
Do I feel sorry for them? No way! Their responsibility!
I do feel sorry for any innocents hurt or killed in these chases, but there is no way police should stop pusuits. As a vehicle is considered a weapon the starting point(with no ability for reduction by the courts) for running from the police needs to be attempted murder. If they cause injury or death then it goes up from there.
Crime Stopper RS-1304DP Remote Vehicle Engine Starter and Keyless Entry System
People say these people speed because police chase them. Sorry doesn't wash. Currently I am live in unit near a road that has become an adhoc main route due to businesses & supposed shortcut(it was but now so many people use it they need lights where it intersects with main road again-they are at the other end).
We have a lot of trouble with boy racers here. In fact they were here the night of the wee shake in Christchurch as they believed the police were too busy to deal with them.
But it is not just boy racers. Constantly we see cars come around the corner see the straight & use it as a drag strip at at least twice the posted speed.
Forensic Investigation of Stolen-Recovered and Other Crime-Related Vehicles
It is also very common for vehicles to come down that straight at speed then have to break sharply(I have seen one head on crash luckily at low speed & know of another loosing control & crashing on the corner).
Also with the ground still settling after the earthquake, vehicles speeding then hitting some undulations in the road are causing this & some other units to rock along with causing further damage(in typical bureaucrat speak authorities have claimed that the majority of damage to buildings was caused in the first shake when in fact in our case & most people I talk too, many buildings came through the first week fine all the damage has happened since).
High Crimes #4 Special Edition
So poor driving is putting people's lives at risk whether the police chase or not. The police are there to stop crime & save lives. Too many claim police are only collecting tax when targeting drivers. Actually it is the poor driving on Kiwi's they are targeting & also the fact that those 'small' crimes more often than not are the ones that catch people wanted for greater crimes.
If you run from the police & someone dies IT IS YOUR FAULT!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
From Fairyland to lack of reality!
Kia Ora,
The news can be an interesting watch, listen or read.
One article yesterday spoke of a person here in Christchurch been given a slap on the hand for carrying out a Bomb Hoax. So New Zealand remains in Fairyland in regards to these issues. To get the seriousness of this issue across there needs to be prison sentences issued & quite severe prison sentences.
All going well next year New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup 2011 & with hopefully the NZ police & NZ Security Industry on a higher alert. What we don't need is people calling in bomb hoax's tying up resources when a real threat might be eventuating.
Hostage Rescue Manual: Tactics of the Counter-Terrorist Professionals-Revised Edition
There has been an increase in bomb hoax's in recent times in New Zealand. The message needs to be sent that this is an unacceptable action. It is that serious that I would suggest a starting point of ten years jail. Resources sent to one of these just might save hundreds of lifes if able to be used elsewhere.
In the meantime in India those associated with some of the games are loosing touch with reality.
After all the concerns over security then the state of the venues people are now calling for security to be relaxed so people can attend events.
It shows that these people are out of touch with reality.
The Commonwealth Games in Delhi are India's chance to showcase to the world what it can do. Though I do have concerns with some of the security preparations I see & has been reported to me, I can't see India relaxing this early in the games.
Negotiating with Terrorists: Strategy, Tactics, and Politics
But it also tells me that those making the comments have not thought it through.
First the cost to the venues from what is been said was always going to favour tourists, not the locals. Those locals who could afford to go were seen giving interviews saying they were going away on holiday during the games period(note to NZ same will happen for Rugby World Cup as it will be mainly tourists who will be able to afford the tickets).
Now comment was hardly anyone showed up to watch Hockey(field hockey) matches India's national game. National game? Well I suppose it could be because what most Indians will be watching or listening to the national religion. Cricket! In particular the test series(with the first concluding last night in a very close match) between India & Australia. No problems with crowds at cricket matches.
Hidden Agenda, Vol. 6 - No Place to Hide, The Strategy and Tactics of Terrorism
If the test series had not been on it is odds on India would of been taking note of the current one day series between NZ & Bangladesh.
Someone didn' think about their planning as nothing compares to cricket in the sub continent.
In fact being a cricket player it is one thing I have found as an icebreaker anywhere in the world when talking to someone with a legacy from the sub continent.
Foreign Terrorist Organizations: History Tactics and Connections
So people are calling for a relaxing in the security in place without actually thinking about the other factors or the reality of the situation. This is what any terrorist maybe just waiting for.
You under estimate your enemy(terrorist) at your own peril!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
The news can be an interesting watch, listen or read.
One article yesterday spoke of a person here in Christchurch been given a slap on the hand for carrying out a Bomb Hoax. So New Zealand remains in Fairyland in regards to these issues. To get the seriousness of this issue across there needs to be prison sentences issued & quite severe prison sentences.
All going well next year New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup 2011 & with hopefully the NZ police & NZ Security Industry on a higher alert. What we don't need is people calling in bomb hoax's tying up resources when a real threat might be eventuating.
Hostage Rescue Manual: Tactics of the Counter-Terrorist Professionals-Revised Edition
There has been an increase in bomb hoax's in recent times in New Zealand. The message needs to be sent that this is an unacceptable action. It is that serious that I would suggest a starting point of ten years jail. Resources sent to one of these just might save hundreds of lifes if able to be used elsewhere.
In the meantime in India those associated with some of the games are loosing touch with reality.
After all the concerns over security then the state of the venues people are now calling for security to be relaxed so people can attend events.
It shows that these people are out of touch with reality.
The Commonwealth Games in Delhi are India's chance to showcase to the world what it can do. Though I do have concerns with some of the security preparations I see & has been reported to me, I can't see India relaxing this early in the games.
Negotiating with Terrorists: Strategy, Tactics, and Politics
But it also tells me that those making the comments have not thought it through.
First the cost to the venues from what is been said was always going to favour tourists, not the locals. Those locals who could afford to go were seen giving interviews saying they were going away on holiday during the games period(note to NZ same will happen for Rugby World Cup as it will be mainly tourists who will be able to afford the tickets).
Now comment was hardly anyone showed up to watch Hockey(field hockey) matches India's national game. National game? Well I suppose it could be because what most Indians will be watching or listening to the national religion. Cricket! In particular the test series(with the first concluding last night in a very close match) between India & Australia. No problems with crowds at cricket matches.
Hidden Agenda, Vol. 6 - No Place to Hide, The Strategy and Tactics of Terrorism
If the test series had not been on it is odds on India would of been taking note of the current one day series between NZ & Bangladesh.
Someone didn' think about their planning as nothing compares to cricket in the sub continent.
In fact being a cricket player it is one thing I have found as an icebreaker anywhere in the world when talking to someone with a legacy from the sub continent.
Foreign Terrorist Organizations: History Tactics and Connections
So people are calling for a relaxing in the security in place without actually thinking about the other factors or the reality of the situation. This is what any terrorist maybe just waiting for.
You under estimate your enemy(terrorist) at your own peril!
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Sunday, October 3, 2010
You have to ask is Honesty really the best policy? Corruption is rife!
Kia Ora,
A conversation last week with a former police officer set me thinking. We were talking about the NZ police today & his comments echoed those of current long serving police officers. Techniques might of changed but in reality the basics of how to police never change. But he is always getting told by young officers he doesn't understand policing today.
Ten years ago it was normal for police to encourage you to report suspicious activity & responded to them as not only did it impact on crime, even if the reported activity wasn't as suspicious as first reported it put the police in the area & also had an impact on crime.
Compare that to today where a call to report suspicious activity more often than not you are treated as the criminal with the grilling you get on the phone & then it is unlikely a patrol will show up.
That is not the police on the beats fault as they are under resourced & undermanned, but there is also a focus on getting arrests as opposed to impacting on crime from above when talking to experienced officers.
Not helping their cause though is the corruption that is rife amongst New Zealand bureaucrats which means their favourite method of dealing with issues is do nothing.
My recent experiences with bureaucrats which came to a head in the last week show why they police have to deal with so many upset people.
Not to mention security guards who also due to the low wages in the NZ Security Industry are likely to be having to deal with some of those departments in their own life.
The old bureaucrats trick of focussing on a red herring, to the side of the real issues, is to the fore.
Corruption and Government: Causes, Consequences, and Reform
As someone who has been bluntly honest my whole life (apart from those few drunken episodes for which most of us are not caught) it galls me to see those who have no care for others getting ahead by dishonest endeavours backed by bureaucrats.
Gone is the bureaucrat whose goal in life was to make life simpler for their community & like soldiers, police etc knew what the word service actually meant.
People have said it happens in all countries where bureaucrats hold things up. But as an Australian said who immigrated to NZ to launch a business opportunity he saw, "Mate setting up a company was the easiest anywhere, but after that nothing but apathy."
Having been around the world abit the worst I have seen is here in New Zealand. In the Middle East I actually found their open use of back handers quite liberating as it got things done. You just hired a fixer, budgeted for it & gone on with things.
In NZ to offer money would offend but then the hold ups due to requirement for committees (always remembering a camel is a horse designed by a committee) make the whole thing untenable.
New Zealand likes to think it has the perfect governance model, but it doesn't. That is those in governance give direction to those bureaucrats who are to deliver. Having been in Governance roles where I was also the beneficiary has shown that more often than not those in governance roles are actually in tune with those who are supposed to benefit.
Unfortunately the bureaucrats assigned to deliver are more often than not on a different agenda(the TV programmes 'Yes, Minister' & 'Yes, Prime Minister' spring to mind) altogether. Or to quote Ronald Reagan "the scariest words someone can hear is, We are from the government & we are here to help" or words to that effect.
It is why I find the TV programme 'Under cover Boss' so refreshing as it shows those in governance or top management actually finding out what the issues actually are for their business.
Governance (Key Concepts)
Bureaucracy today is more about how inefficent you can be. That causes frustration which in turn causes people to get upset. More often than not the first person who has to deal with it is the lone security guard.
Compare that to organized crime in particular here in New Zealand the gangs who in their own way tend to look after their people. Those that are better at it have less issues & make the job of the police harder as no one will talk against those who have looked after them when things have been bad.
Leadership is not all about been loud or giving someone the 'bash' to keep them in line. People skills are the first thing bureaucrats need to learn.
Corporate Governance Best Practices: Strategies for Public, Private, and Not-for-Profit Organizations
Oh the comment in the title of this book about best Practice. First thing I know from having been on the shop floor as soon as anyone says it, on the floor everyone knows its not.
If the bureaucrats could get their act together there would be a lot less upset people, the country would be saved millions if not billions of dollars. As I have said to one government agency in this last week, "I could run ... better with my little finger." Not only that have better people skills.
Corruption is rife amongst our bureaucrats & it really makes you think "is it really worth it been honest?" You are already seeing bureaucratic corruption at its finest in the aftermath of the Christchurch Earthquake.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
A conversation last week with a former police officer set me thinking. We were talking about the NZ police today & his comments echoed those of current long serving police officers. Techniques might of changed but in reality the basics of how to police never change. But he is always getting told by young officers he doesn't understand policing today.
Ten years ago it was normal for police to encourage you to report suspicious activity & responded to them as not only did it impact on crime, even if the reported activity wasn't as suspicious as first reported it put the police in the area & also had an impact on crime.
Compare that to today where a call to report suspicious activity more often than not you are treated as the criminal with the grilling you get on the phone & then it is unlikely a patrol will show up.
That is not the police on the beats fault as they are under resourced & undermanned, but there is also a focus on getting arrests as opposed to impacting on crime from above when talking to experienced officers.
Not helping their cause though is the corruption that is rife amongst New Zealand bureaucrats which means their favourite method of dealing with issues is do nothing.
My recent experiences with bureaucrats which came to a head in the last week show why they police have to deal with so many upset people.
Not to mention security guards who also due to the low wages in the NZ Security Industry are likely to be having to deal with some of those departments in their own life.
The old bureaucrats trick of focussing on a red herring, to the side of the real issues, is to the fore.
Corruption and Government: Causes, Consequences, and Reform
As someone who has been bluntly honest my whole life (apart from those few drunken episodes for which most of us are not caught) it galls me to see those who have no care for others getting ahead by dishonest endeavours backed by bureaucrats.
Gone is the bureaucrat whose goal in life was to make life simpler for their community & like soldiers, police etc knew what the word service actually meant.
People have said it happens in all countries where bureaucrats hold things up. But as an Australian said who immigrated to NZ to launch a business opportunity he saw, "Mate setting up a company was the easiest anywhere, but after that nothing but apathy."
Having been around the world abit the worst I have seen is here in New Zealand. In the Middle East I actually found their open use of back handers quite liberating as it got things done. You just hired a fixer, budgeted for it & gone on with things.
In NZ to offer money would offend but then the hold ups due to requirement for committees (always remembering a camel is a horse designed by a committee) make the whole thing untenable.
New Zealand likes to think it has the perfect governance model, but it doesn't. That is those in governance give direction to those bureaucrats who are to deliver. Having been in Governance roles where I was also the beneficiary has shown that more often than not those in governance roles are actually in tune with those who are supposed to benefit.
Unfortunately the bureaucrats assigned to deliver are more often than not on a different agenda(the TV programmes 'Yes, Minister' & 'Yes, Prime Minister' spring to mind) altogether. Or to quote Ronald Reagan "the scariest words someone can hear is, We are from the government & we are here to help" or words to that effect.
It is why I find the TV programme 'Under cover Boss' so refreshing as it shows those in governance or top management actually finding out what the issues actually are for their business.
Governance (Key Concepts)
Bureaucracy today is more about how inefficent you can be. That causes frustration which in turn causes people to get upset. More often than not the first person who has to deal with it is the lone security guard.
Compare that to organized crime in particular here in New Zealand the gangs who in their own way tend to look after their people. Those that are better at it have less issues & make the job of the police harder as no one will talk against those who have looked after them when things have been bad.
Leadership is not all about been loud or giving someone the 'bash' to keep them in line. People skills are the first thing bureaucrats need to learn.
Corporate Governance Best Practices: Strategies for Public, Private, and Not-for-Profit Organizations
Oh the comment in the title of this book about best Practice. First thing I know from having been on the shop floor as soon as anyone says it, on the floor everyone knows its not.
If the bureaucrats could get their act together there would be a lot less upset people, the country would be saved millions if not billions of dollars. As I have said to one government agency in this last week, "I could run ... better with my little finger." Not only that have better people skills.
Corruption is rife amongst our bureaucrats & it really makes you think "is it really worth it been honest?" You are already seeing bureaucratic corruption at its finest in the aftermath of the Christchurch Earthquake.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Why do they call it the good Drug?
Kia Ora,
Ever since I first became aware of Marijuana I have heard it called the good drug or words to that effect & that it needs to be decriminalized.
Having read a book about drugs early on at school I had no wish to partake. What I have learned since has made me glad of that. But still people insist on the myth that Marijuana is good for you. In some medical instances it maybe, but not in general use.
The information gained, first in the NZ military on the effects of drug use followed by the observations of the effects of drugs on people brought into hospital when security there, shows it is just people lying to themselves.
Having known a former (& current) drug addict or two the story was always the same. Marijuana is the most addictive & worst of the drugs & is responsible for a lot of crime to pay for the addiction.
Drugs and Society
So it is appalling to see the police are finding children as young as four years old smoking drugs & drugs also been used to keep babies quiet when they carryout their drug raids.
It has been shown that Marijuana alone harms peoples work ethic & motivation.
What chance to these kids have when starting on drugs so young?
We know there are so many issues connected to the legal drugs like Alcohol. So why do we continue to fool ourselves that Marijuana in particular is safe? It's not. The evidence is clear.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Ever since I first became aware of Marijuana I have heard it called the good drug or words to that effect & that it needs to be decriminalized.
Having read a book about drugs early on at school I had no wish to partake. What I have learned since has made me glad of that. But still people insist on the myth that Marijuana is good for you. In some medical instances it maybe, but not in general use.
The information gained, first in the NZ military on the effects of drug use followed by the observations of the effects of drugs on people brought into hospital when security there, shows it is just people lying to themselves.
Having known a former (& current) drug addict or two the story was always the same. Marijuana is the most addictive & worst of the drugs & is responsible for a lot of crime to pay for the addiction.
Drugs and Society
So it is appalling to see the police are finding children as young as four years old smoking drugs & drugs also been used to keep babies quiet when they carryout their drug raids.
It has been shown that Marijuana alone harms peoples work ethic & motivation.
What chance to these kids have when starting on drugs so young?
We know there are so many issues connected to the legal drugs like Alcohol. So why do we continue to fool ourselves that Marijuana in particular is safe? It's not. The evidence is clear.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Police still Overwhelmed! What can be done?
Kia ora,
First I try to write this blog daily, but with the nature of the work it is not always possible. Last few days have been a little hectic.
Some time back I wrote a blog saying NZ Police are Over Whelmed. Well last night the police in one area came out on TV saying they were been over whelmed with lack of reources & manpower. I know an ex army mate has recently left the police in another area as it just got too much.
Prentice Hall's Test Prep Guide to accompany Proactive Police Management (Prentice Hall Test Prep Series)
So the first thing that needs to be done is more resources & manpower into policing. It is not a political football but a necesity as our society is becoming much more violent & crime is now out of control. It is also been reported less & less.
That can also be seen in the response to looting in Christchurch post the earthquake. Anecdotal evidence is that looting was actually widespread with people not notifying police as they just didn't think they would respond. As the comment from Justin shows security companies decided not to report crime as well as they thought the police were too busy.
What else can be done to help the police get back on top?
Good Private security. That is security companies carrying out security as it is supposed to be, not in the often fraudulant nature it is at present.
Security carried out properly has an impact on crime. Less crime then the police can get right on top & society will feel safer. It is taking that Broken windows policy of New York & using it to take our society back to where people feel safe at night. They definitely don't at present here in Christchurch & that has nothing to do with the earthquake.
Hitting things like last night where it appears a group of people went past here knocking over rubbish bins into the road. It was reported but police did not respond as no one was seen by time it was able to be reported.
Proactive Police Management (8th Edition)
Last of all society has to take some responsibility. They don't have to take the law into their own hands, but report or record details.
It is not on that we leave our police to deal with more & more issues without any real support.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
First I try to write this blog daily, but with the nature of the work it is not always possible. Last few days have been a little hectic.
Some time back I wrote a blog saying NZ Police are Over Whelmed. Well last night the police in one area came out on TV saying they were been over whelmed with lack of reources & manpower. I know an ex army mate has recently left the police in another area as it just got too much.
Prentice Hall's Test Prep Guide to accompany Proactive Police Management (Prentice Hall Test Prep Series)
So the first thing that needs to be done is more resources & manpower into policing. It is not a political football but a necesity as our society is becoming much more violent & crime is now out of control. It is also been reported less & less.
That can also be seen in the response to looting in Christchurch post the earthquake. Anecdotal evidence is that looting was actually widespread with people not notifying police as they just didn't think they would respond. As the comment from Justin shows security companies decided not to report crime as well as they thought the police were too busy.
What else can be done to help the police get back on top?
Good Private security. That is security companies carrying out security as it is supposed to be, not in the often fraudulant nature it is at present.
Security carried out properly has an impact on crime. Less crime then the police can get right on top & society will feel safer. It is taking that Broken windows policy of New York & using it to take our society back to where people feel safe at night. They definitely don't at present here in Christchurch & that has nothing to do with the earthquake.
Hitting things like last night where it appears a group of people went past here knocking over rubbish bins into the road. It was reported but police did not respond as no one was seen by time it was able to be reported.
Proactive Police Management (8th Edition)
Last of all society has to take some responsibility. They don't have to take the law into their own hands, but report or record details.
It is not on that we leave our police to deal with more & more issues without any real support.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Catch 22 that arises when the NZ Security Industry is stretched!
Kia Ora,
Since Christchurch was hit by the earthquake the NZ Security Industry in the city has been stretched. Stretched to the extent that anecdotal evidence from another city says two of the major players have been recruiting there for security guards.
It has led to a Catch 22 situation where companies just have no one spare to fill in if people can't make it & in one case led a company refusing to let a staff member attend a call out as a volunteer fireman.
The sort of people who join the military, police or work in the NZ Security Industry are likely to be the type of person who will either just go & help or be a volunteer.
At the lowest level a security guard is poorly paid but has to deal with some of the most dangerous situations in the community often by themself. Usually before the police become involved. Many stick at it because there is that feeling of service without the real down sides of been a police officer like telling a family someone has died.
Gear Keeper High Security Key Retractor Clamp-On Rotating Belt Clip Police Corrections Emergency Equipment Gear Guard Authorized Dealer GSA certified, RT3-5826 (28" Extension)
Interestingly the union has now jumped in to highlight the situation.
I take it that is the same union that was involved when I worked for a sub contractor. They negotiated a huge agreement which included a wage rise that only covered the union fees, a wage rise for those with NZQA level 3 qualification of which at the time I was one of only three with it & was not entitled to it as worked for the sub contractor. Worst of all they negotiated a protected wage for senior guards but a new lower rate for those joining the company. Everyone seen coming what happened next. All the experienced staff suddenly received less & less hours of work which went to those with no experience at all & generally no security background.Therefore the senior guards had to leave to find other work to live.
Security Wire Mesh Window Guard - Recessed 3' X 4'
In the current situation, & it is likely to go on for a while, there are a few people who need to look at the reality of the situation. This includes bureaucrats who quote their acts but don't look at the intent of the act when it was passed through the New Zealand parliament. Which is what the legal profession do if it goes that far.
The NZ Security Industry overall is of a low standard but at the moment at least in Christchurch it is stretched & doing what it can with the resources available. Some situations are a real catch 22 & the industry is just doing its best to make it all work.
Some staff are so worn out. I am aware of one trying to convince his missus to just get on a plane with him & move to Australia. They have certainly earned enough money of late to do so.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Since Christchurch was hit by the earthquake the NZ Security Industry in the city has been stretched. Stretched to the extent that anecdotal evidence from another city says two of the major players have been recruiting there for security guards.
It has led to a Catch 22 situation where companies just have no one spare to fill in if people can't make it & in one case led a company refusing to let a staff member attend a call out as a volunteer fireman.
The sort of people who join the military, police or work in the NZ Security Industry are likely to be the type of person who will either just go & help or be a volunteer.
At the lowest level a security guard is poorly paid but has to deal with some of the most dangerous situations in the community often by themself. Usually before the police become involved. Many stick at it because there is that feeling of service without the real down sides of been a police officer like telling a family someone has died.
Gear Keeper High Security Key Retractor Clamp-On Rotating Belt Clip Police Corrections Emergency Equipment Gear Guard Authorized Dealer GSA certified, RT3-5826 (28" Extension)
Interestingly the union has now jumped in to highlight the situation.
I take it that is the same union that was involved when I worked for a sub contractor. They negotiated a huge agreement which included a wage rise that only covered the union fees, a wage rise for those with NZQA level 3 qualification of which at the time I was one of only three with it & was not entitled to it as worked for the sub contractor. Worst of all they negotiated a protected wage for senior guards but a new lower rate for those joining the company. Everyone seen coming what happened next. All the experienced staff suddenly received less & less hours of work which went to those with no experience at all & generally no security background.Therefore the senior guards had to leave to find other work to live.
Security Wire Mesh Window Guard - Recessed 3' X 4'
In the current situation, & it is likely to go on for a while, there are a few people who need to look at the reality of the situation. This includes bureaucrats who quote their acts but don't look at the intent of the act when it was passed through the New Zealand parliament. Which is what the legal profession do if it goes that far.
The NZ Security Industry overall is of a low standard but at the moment at least in Christchurch it is stretched & doing what it can with the resources available. Some situations are a real catch 22 & the industry is just doing its best to make it all work.
Some staff are so worn out. I am aware of one trying to convince his missus to just get on a plane with him & move to Australia. They have certainly earned enough money of late to do so.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thursday, September 16, 2010
How many layers does your Personna have?
Kia Ora,
The last two weeks have had me thinking about mindset as I have written.
But it has been more than that.
Several years ago I went to a personal development seminar & a few things came out of it.
First is the latin word Personna means mask. As we grow we build layers around us & call it a personality so we become acceptable to society.
Those with the least layers are children & so they tend to blert out honest brutal truths. The next in line to them with least layers were said to be soldiers & police officers. That sentence hit a cord with me as part of the profession of arms(soldiering) or the oldest profession(the second oldest developed following armies around) with offshoots evolving to be our police & security services, one thing that puts us offside when we leave the military is our at times brutal honesty.
Now part of that building of the layers of that personna today in society is the focus on things that are really not important. There are even books based on the belief that we should not focus on the small stuff.
Where as a New Zealand Vietnam Veteran told me when I was first promoted, focus on the small things that will build self discipline then the big things will take care of themselves.
The Profession of Arms (Il Mestiere delle armi [Non-US Format, PAL region 2])
By having less layers you are more like an animal so more in touch with the natural world.
That might seem bit out there but think of how many police or security go on their hunch or feeling that something or someone is suspect. Happens all the time.
It also gets you in touch with what is dangerous. In a dangerous situation it is not uncommon for you to instinctively know prior or during what is the right action.
Personally I have woken only to a few earthquakes, but they have been the big ones & have woken prior. Experience with earthquakes meant the mind/body is able to assess what is dangerous & what is not.
Animals don't have those false layers we build as people around us & it is known that when looking back animals had been acting in a way that should of sounded a warning. In fact a story out today was of worms coming out of ground & they took it so seriously in China they evacuated a city prior to an earthquake.
U.S. Army FM 1 Profession Of Arms Field Manual on CD-ROM
So how many layers do you have in your personna that stops you picking up those warnings from the energy that surrounds us?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
The last two weeks have had me thinking about mindset as I have written.
But it has been more than that.
Several years ago I went to a personal development seminar & a few things came out of it.
First is the latin word Personna means mask. As we grow we build layers around us & call it a personality so we become acceptable to society.
Those with the least layers are children & so they tend to blert out honest brutal truths. The next in line to them with least layers were said to be soldiers & police officers. That sentence hit a cord with me as part of the profession of arms(soldiering) or the oldest profession(the second oldest developed following armies around) with offshoots evolving to be our police & security services, one thing that puts us offside when we leave the military is our at times brutal honesty.
Now part of that building of the layers of that personna today in society is the focus on things that are really not important. There are even books based on the belief that we should not focus on the small stuff.
Where as a New Zealand Vietnam Veteran told me when I was first promoted, focus on the small things that will build self discipline then the big things will take care of themselves.
The Profession of Arms (Il Mestiere delle armi [Non-US Format, PAL region 2])
By having less layers you are more like an animal so more in touch with the natural world.
That might seem bit out there but think of how many police or security go on their hunch or feeling that something or someone is suspect. Happens all the time.
It also gets you in touch with what is dangerous. In a dangerous situation it is not uncommon for you to instinctively know prior or during what is the right action.
Personally I have woken only to a few earthquakes, but they have been the big ones & have woken prior. Experience with earthquakes meant the mind/body is able to assess what is dangerous & what is not.
Animals don't have those false layers we build as people around us & it is known that when looking back animals had been acting in a way that should of sounded a warning. In fact a story out today was of worms coming out of ground & they took it so seriously in China they evacuated a city prior to an earthquake.
U.S. Army FM 1 Profession Of Arms Field Manual on CD-ROM
So how many layers do you have in your personna that stops you picking up those warnings from the energy that surrounds us?
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Has the West lost the will?
Kia Ora,
With the talk of mindset & how I have seen people react to what has happened here in Christchurch after the earthquake, it has reminded me of a conversation in Iraq.
The person who made the following statement had experience in several armies & a war or two.
They stated "the west will never beat these guys (Al Qaeda terrorists)as they are focussed, have a mission & are not waylaid by the false things in life" or words to that effect.
That is what I have seen over the last nearly two weeks(how time flies when you are having fun) on how by focussing on the false things in life, peole have not handled reality when it confronts them.
Don't get me wrong it has been traumatic for people, in particular those that have lost their houses, businesses or are in the worst affected areas.
But it could of been much much worse. The power of the earthquake could of levelled the city with many deaths. If people are not handling it now then what would of happened had it been worse?
That the city is mainly back on a relatively normal footing is mainly due to good building codes & luck.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Although a suicide bombing does not have the power of an earthquake, its effects are more localized & much more traumatic. Bodies ripped apart, blood & bits of bodies everywhere to mention a few.
That requires a whole different mindset.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Some people will say we just did after the earthquake what the British & Indian peoples did after their terrorist attacks.
No the British & Indian people been used to it, just wouldn't let it defeat them, where as what I saw even on the day of the quake was many in denial treating it like a family outing whilst the police & other services tried to get on top of the situation. Not to mention the good groups of volunteers & workers who have given a huge effort. But the wider good will in the community was a myth which had it been worse would of quickly turned to anarchy.
People ignored police requests to stay put & stay out of the worst affected areas as they were identified.
Inside the Mind of a Suicide Bomber (History Channel)
Had that been suicide bombings we know the usual tactic is one followed by a series of others targeting emergency services or bottle necks.
Many of those with issues here in Christchurch have had nothing more than putting up with a very violent earthquake (yes likely deadly & yes it felt like the buildings were going to collapse) & the aftershocks.
That is nothing to the fear you see when people have to deal with the prospect of dealing with suicide bombers everyday, sewage hardly ever working properly, power still not fully restored 7 years after an invasion yet everyday just getting on with life.
Inside Terrorism
Now the right mindset is what allowed the consultant to see the threats to the Commonwealth games village in India. It is how we see the threats to the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Unless people can understand the mindset of the suicide bomber or terrorists they will never see the threats. These guys are that committed, where as in the West we worry about false things.
What is your mission in life? Maybe if we all focussed on finding our mission in life to make this a better world, those who at present have a mission of death & destruction would change theirs.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
With the talk of mindset & how I have seen people react to what has happened here in Christchurch after the earthquake, it has reminded me of a conversation in Iraq.
The person who made the following statement had experience in several armies & a war or two.
They stated "the west will never beat these guys (Al Qaeda terrorists)as they are focussed, have a mission & are not waylaid by the false things in life" or words to that effect.
That is what I have seen over the last nearly two weeks(how time flies when you are having fun) on how by focussing on the false things in life, peole have not handled reality when it confronts them.
Don't get me wrong it has been traumatic for people, in particular those that have lost their houses, businesses or are in the worst affected areas.
But it could of been much much worse. The power of the earthquake could of levelled the city with many deaths. If people are not handling it now then what would of happened had it been worse?
That the city is mainly back on a relatively normal footing is mainly due to good building codes & luck.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Although a suicide bombing does not have the power of an earthquake, its effects are more localized & much more traumatic. Bodies ripped apart, blood & bits of bodies everywhere to mention a few.
That requires a whole different mindset.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Some people will say we just did after the earthquake what the British & Indian peoples did after their terrorist attacks.
No the British & Indian people been used to it, just wouldn't let it defeat them, where as what I saw even on the day of the quake was many in denial treating it like a family outing whilst the police & other services tried to get on top of the situation. Not to mention the good groups of volunteers & workers who have given a huge effort. But the wider good will in the community was a myth which had it been worse would of quickly turned to anarchy.
People ignored police requests to stay put & stay out of the worst affected areas as they were identified.
Inside the Mind of a Suicide Bomber (History Channel)
Had that been suicide bombings we know the usual tactic is one followed by a series of others targeting emergency services or bottle necks.
Many of those with issues here in Christchurch have had nothing more than putting up with a very violent earthquake (yes likely deadly & yes it felt like the buildings were going to collapse) & the aftershocks.
That is nothing to the fear you see when people have to deal with the prospect of dealing with suicide bombers everyday, sewage hardly ever working properly, power still not fully restored 7 years after an invasion yet everyday just getting on with life.
Inside Terrorism
Now the right mindset is what allowed the consultant to see the threats to the Commonwealth games village in India. It is how we see the threats to the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Unless people can understand the mindset of the suicide bomber or terrorists they will never see the threats. These guys are that committed, where as in the West we worry about false things.
What is your mission in life? Maybe if we all focussed on finding our mission in life to make this a better world, those who at present have a mission of death & destruction would change theirs.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Its that Mindset again!
Kia Ora,
Before the earthquake hit Christchurch & the surrounding areas there was a warning of boat people comming to New Zealand shores at this stage from Sri Lanka. Yet again though the New Zealand mindset is to the fore saying it could never happen!
This was not long after a ship full of illegal immigrants had made it to Canada from Thailand a trip that would be as long if not longer.
It seems that reality has no place in the decisions made by people when they comment on these things or burearcrats plans in many cases.
Illegal: Life and Death in Arizona's Immigration War Zone
So how could that effect the NZ Security Industry?
Well even the earthquake showed that New Zealand & in particular the NZ police, as good as they are, do not have the resources to carryout all their required tasks.
So private security could if properly trained provide good manned surveillance around our coastline. Technology is great but only ever an aid & can be suspect to some of the wild weather we get.
As a matter of fact I put a proposal in to various agencies shortly after beginning work in the security industry for myself to do just that. This was in response to the regular small paper clippings asking for people to watch out around the coastline for those involved in movement of firearms, drugs & wildlife.
The New Case Against Immigration: Both Legal and Illegal
Not long out of the NZ Army at the time, my rather direct military way of presenting the proposal did not go down well.
One police District commander asked what made me think that the police needed any help as they did not.
My reply was the fact it was well known in the army thanks to friends in low places that there had been a joint request from several government agencies including the police for that very help.
It was also was well known that some of our units assisted by way of training to carryout surveillance for agencies. This stopped when the formal request went in as it was a grey area for the military to be involved.
Illegals: The Imminent Threat Posed by Our Unsecured U.S.-Mexico Border
I looked at reviving it as part of a new army training requirement for my section I was responsible for by requesting could we help with surveillance. I was informed to try but it was unlikely to go ahead because of legal concerns.
But by contracting private security with the appropriate training, going on the PSD experience it would actually be cheaper & allow the likes of the police to concentrate on enforcement.
Illegal Immigration (Opposing Viewpoints)
For that to happen though needs a change in mindset across the board to understand that things like boat people are a reality. It also needs a change in mindset on how to use private security & what constitutes the training requirements.
You wouldn't want a doorman or normal security guard on these tasks. Then it is the decision if the police or military style surveillance is the most appropriate.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Before the earthquake hit Christchurch & the surrounding areas there was a warning of boat people comming to New Zealand shores at this stage from Sri Lanka. Yet again though the New Zealand mindset is to the fore saying it could never happen!
This was not long after a ship full of illegal immigrants had made it to Canada from Thailand a trip that would be as long if not longer.
It seems that reality has no place in the decisions made by people when they comment on these things or burearcrats plans in many cases.
Illegal: Life and Death in Arizona's Immigration War Zone
So how could that effect the NZ Security Industry?
Well even the earthquake showed that New Zealand & in particular the NZ police, as good as they are, do not have the resources to carryout all their required tasks.
So private security could if properly trained provide good manned surveillance around our coastline. Technology is great but only ever an aid & can be suspect to some of the wild weather we get.
As a matter of fact I put a proposal in to various agencies shortly after beginning work in the security industry for myself to do just that. This was in response to the regular small paper clippings asking for people to watch out around the coastline for those involved in movement of firearms, drugs & wildlife.
The New Case Against Immigration: Both Legal and Illegal
Not long out of the NZ Army at the time, my rather direct military way of presenting the proposal did not go down well.
One police District commander asked what made me think that the police needed any help as they did not.
My reply was the fact it was well known in the army thanks to friends in low places that there had been a joint request from several government agencies including the police for that very help.
It was also was well known that some of our units assisted by way of training to carryout surveillance for agencies. This stopped when the formal request went in as it was a grey area for the military to be involved.
Illegals: The Imminent Threat Posed by Our Unsecured U.S.-Mexico Border
I looked at reviving it as part of a new army training requirement for my section I was responsible for by requesting could we help with surveillance. I was informed to try but it was unlikely to go ahead because of legal concerns.
But by contracting private security with the appropriate training, going on the PSD experience it would actually be cheaper & allow the likes of the police to concentrate on enforcement.
Illegal Immigration (Opposing Viewpoints)
For that to happen though needs a change in mindset across the board to understand that things like boat people are a reality. It also needs a change in mindset on how to use private security & what constitutes the training requirements.
You wouldn't want a doorman or normal security guard on these tasks. Then it is the decision if the police or military style surveillance is the most appropriate.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Can you trust the Information Governments give?
Kia Ora,
Why this question?
Security concerns have again arisen over the upcoming Commonwealth games in India.
Only saw a part of the coverage on TV last night but what I caught was the president of the New Zealand Olympic committee & chef de mission for our games team commenting. One comment I heard was about a security persons comment about poor security & the reply to the effect five governments were pulling together so don't you think they would know more?
I have had a similar question put to me when talking about possible terrorist attacks here during or prior to the Rugby World Cup 2011. "But the government would know."
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
Well from my experience no they wouldn't.
Governments have a poor track record of knowing the true story as they are 'advised' by bureaucrats who more often than not know even less. The new Security Personnel Bill springs immediately to mind. As does the debacle that has come out in recent days where the NZSIS has again botched a background check on someone appointed to a high position. This time as the defence forces advisor on science, so requiring security clearance to the highest level.
Then there is the question as too whether a government has given all or the correct information so as to mislead. Some would say this is the case with the weapons of mass destruction that led to the invasion of Iraq.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Just today from a security consultant there was information which would worry any security professional on potential threats to the Commonwealth games atheletes residence. They wouldn't be a reason to stop going but they need to be dealt with & quickly.
What they talk about though needs a military or PSD(private security detail) background to understand, not a NZ police background only. This is a whole different ball game.
Inside Terrorism
Problem is until it happens most people will side with the President of the NZ Olympic Committee & chef de mission of the games team.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Why this question?
Security concerns have again arisen over the upcoming Commonwealth games in India.
Only saw a part of the coverage on TV last night but what I caught was the president of the New Zealand Olympic committee & chef de mission for our games team commenting. One comment I heard was about a security persons comment about poor security & the reply to the effect five governments were pulling together so don't you think they would know more?
I have had a similar question put to me when talking about possible terrorist attacks here during or prior to the Rugby World Cup 2011. "But the government would know."
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
Well from my experience no they wouldn't.
Governments have a poor track record of knowing the true story as they are 'advised' by bureaucrats who more often than not know even less. The new Security Personnel Bill springs immediately to mind. As does the debacle that has come out in recent days where the NZSIS has again botched a background check on someone appointed to a high position. This time as the defence forces advisor on science, so requiring security clearance to the highest level.
Then there is the question as too whether a government has given all or the correct information so as to mislead. Some would say this is the case with the weapons of mass destruction that led to the invasion of Iraq.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Just today from a security consultant there was information which would worry any security professional on potential threats to the Commonwealth games atheletes residence. They wouldn't be a reason to stop going but they need to be dealt with & quickly.
What they talk about though needs a military or PSD(private security detail) background to understand, not a NZ police background only. This is a whole different ball game.
Inside Terrorism
Problem is until it happens most people will side with the President of the NZ Olympic Committee & chef de mission of the games team.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Friday, September 10, 2010
What is Aid to the Civil Power?
Kia Ora,
Thought I would expand on this as there seems to be some confusion over military's role in this situation.
I say that because when working the other night it came up re the military should of been on the ground sooner.
Military Aid to the Civil Power
One of the Civil Defence people wsa most concerned that that would mean the miltary arrivng & taking over.
It was pointed out to them that as pointed out when army went on streets with police they were under police command. From a military point of view they are just transferring skills used in other roles such as SAE(Services Assisted Evacuation) & SPE(Services Protected Evacuation) used to evacuate people from foreign shores.
Aid to the Civil Power is just what it says. It is there to Aid the Civil Power. Not take over.
Last night how it can be used was shown with combined Police & Army Patrols around quake hit areas to limit crime on the streets of Christchurch. It could of been used to limit rubber neckers.
Military Aid to the Civil Power (International Military Law & History Series, Vol 1)
It was also pointed out that having some military people there could help with their set up as it was pretty haphazaed. Civil Defence been mainly volunteers who do contribute greatly but there are upsides to having peole alongside who use those processes at times on a daily basis.
At this particular site I knew two of the civil defence people from another role they have in life. One was telling me that when they first showed up it was chaos. Some of the people were trying to use an old system, others the new system & someone else told me the new system didn't work so they had to go back to the old system. It took one person arriving & taking control after hours of non action that got them moving. Yet what I saw it was still not that great. But you did notice the difference when that one person came back on shift.
Some aspects of aid to the civil power in Australia (Occasional monograph / Dept. of Government, Faculty of Military Studies, University of New South Wales)
Right from the start it puts numbers out there. Such as on the street. Justin's comment about hs security company not reporting crime as they thought the police were too busy with other things points to the problem. Just having the manpower on the streets, first impacts on crime by just been there & second allows the authorities to ensure those core services are still deliverable. Otherwise as shown in New Orleans the norms breakdown very quickly.
It was not just Justin's security company thinkng that way though. Those who carried out burglaries obviously thought the same.
So did the boy racers. With the police been on top of this anti social grouping in the last month or two, it has been noticeable in this area which has got off reasonably lightly, boy racers drinking smashing bottles then carrying out their anti social activities as they believe they can not be touched. Had it been upgraded the boy racers would of not enjoyed meeting a Lav.
Same with some deciding they can use it as an excuse to again start playng loud music at outrageous hours & use drugs. Last Saturday night I could understand it or had they been part of those helping out, but six days later when they have done no more than they normally do, it is just an excuse to carryout anti social behaviour.
Not to mention that if you have been part of the help or having issues then using drugs & marijuana in particular is the last thing you should be doing.
MILITARY AID TO THE CIVIL POWER
The other advantage of having the military is if their is a requirement to step up a level they can do it easily.
As Justin points out in his comment the NZ Security Industry is putting in big hours during this earthquake & aftermath with no recognition.
What is less well known is that after Katrina in New Orleans as the US military is not allowed to give security assistance within the US, it was left to the National Guard & Private Security. In regards to the private security many of them came straight from private security work in Iraq or training courses pre deployment to Iraq.
There was even the story of someone completing a course to deploy to Iraq & then their group been told they are not going to Iraq but are required in New Orleans & one person saying. "Great where is that & what happened?".
Having the ability for the military step up stops the haphazard security standards in the NZ Security Industry been exposed.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thought I would expand on this as there seems to be some confusion over military's role in this situation.
I say that because when working the other night it came up re the military should of been on the ground sooner.
Military Aid to the Civil Power
One of the Civil Defence people wsa most concerned that that would mean the miltary arrivng & taking over.
It was pointed out to them that as pointed out when army went on streets with police they were under police command. From a military point of view they are just transferring skills used in other roles such as SAE(Services Assisted Evacuation) & SPE(Services Protected Evacuation) used to evacuate people from foreign shores.
Aid to the Civil Power is just what it says. It is there to Aid the Civil Power. Not take over.
Last night how it can be used was shown with combined Police & Army Patrols around quake hit areas to limit crime on the streets of Christchurch. It could of been used to limit rubber neckers.
Military Aid to the Civil Power (International Military Law & History Series, Vol 1)
It was also pointed out that having some military people there could help with their set up as it was pretty haphazaed. Civil Defence been mainly volunteers who do contribute greatly but there are upsides to having peole alongside who use those processes at times on a daily basis.
At this particular site I knew two of the civil defence people from another role they have in life. One was telling me that when they first showed up it was chaos. Some of the people were trying to use an old system, others the new system & someone else told me the new system didn't work so they had to go back to the old system. It took one person arriving & taking control after hours of non action that got them moving. Yet what I saw it was still not that great. But you did notice the difference when that one person came back on shift.
Some aspects of aid to the civil power in Australia (Occasional monograph / Dept. of Government, Faculty of Military Studies, University of New South Wales)
Right from the start it puts numbers out there. Such as on the street. Justin's comment about hs security company not reporting crime as they thought the police were too busy with other things points to the problem. Just having the manpower on the streets, first impacts on crime by just been there & second allows the authorities to ensure those core services are still deliverable. Otherwise as shown in New Orleans the norms breakdown very quickly.
It was not just Justin's security company thinkng that way though. Those who carried out burglaries obviously thought the same.
So did the boy racers. With the police been on top of this anti social grouping in the last month or two, it has been noticeable in this area which has got off reasonably lightly, boy racers drinking smashing bottles then carrying out their anti social activities as they believe they can not be touched. Had it been upgraded the boy racers would of not enjoyed meeting a Lav.
Same with some deciding they can use it as an excuse to again start playng loud music at outrageous hours & use drugs. Last Saturday night I could understand it or had they been part of those helping out, but six days later when they have done no more than they normally do, it is just an excuse to carryout anti social behaviour.
Not to mention that if you have been part of the help or having issues then using drugs & marijuana in particular is the last thing you should be doing.
MILITARY AID TO THE CIVIL POWER
The other advantage of having the military is if their is a requirement to step up a level they can do it easily.
As Justin points out in his comment the NZ Security Industry is putting in big hours during this earthquake & aftermath with no recognition.
What is less well known is that after Katrina in New Orleans as the US military is not allowed to give security assistance within the US, it was left to the National Guard & Private Security. In regards to the private security many of them came straight from private security work in Iraq or training courses pre deployment to Iraq.
There was even the story of someone completing a course to deploy to Iraq & then their group been told they are not going to Iraq but are required in New Orleans & one person saying. "Great where is that & what happened?".
Having the ability for the military step up stops the haphazard security standards in the NZ Security Industry been exposed.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Potential Crime turned to good!
Kia Ora,
There has been a lot of good come out of the earthquake & one concerns a group & associated event that usually results in criminal activity.
That Event is the infamous Undie 500 & the group that organizes it ENSOC.
A Primmer for Diaster Recovery Planning in an It Environment (Praeger Series in Political Communication)
Instead of going ahead with the event, this year to a undisclosed Canterbury location, ENSOC have decided to use the money set aside for it to provide food & fuel to those helping in the recovery.
Their members have decided to lend their hand to the clean up during their down time from University studies.
The sergeant in charge of the police alcohol enforcement team has just come on the radio as I write this to praise ENSOC & I concur. Considering all the bad publicity due to crime the event has generated, this was a good decision much appreciated by those badly hit.
In the meantime a comment has come in from Justin who is working in the NZ Security industry here in Christchurch & he highlights an issue.
Do you call the police when they have so much else on? I would record then report. Even if the police can not make it, they have a record for follow up.
Another point Justin makes is how little the media has made of the contribution of the private security industry.
Justin is right. There are some very long hours been done by the industry at times in very dangerous areas. Being injured prior to the quake myself it has been frustrating not been able to assist. When I did to give someone some relief as they had not had sleep in over 40 hours I got a bollocking from the bureaucrats. There are times for rules & time to bend them especially as in this case there was little threat to re injure. As all those in private security will be aware there are a lot of very tired people in the industry right now & if someone like me can give them a rest then all the good.
But as usual private security or the security guard on the ground is an invisable person. There when you want them, but ignored the rest of the time.
Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology
In the mean time with all the good going on there are others still committing crime. One that has just been notified is allegedly there are bogus insurance assessors going around using it as a cover to do later burglaries. Now at this stage that is not confirmed but similar activities have happened in the past. There is no reason to think it won't happen here unfortunately.
Just keep your wits about you.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
There has been a lot of good come out of the earthquake & one concerns a group & associated event that usually results in criminal activity.
That Event is the infamous Undie 500 & the group that organizes it ENSOC.
A Primmer for Diaster Recovery Planning in an It Environment (Praeger Series in Political Communication)
Instead of going ahead with the event, this year to a undisclosed Canterbury location, ENSOC have decided to use the money set aside for it to provide food & fuel to those helping in the recovery.
Their members have decided to lend their hand to the clean up during their down time from University studies.
The sergeant in charge of the police alcohol enforcement team has just come on the radio as I write this to praise ENSOC & I concur. Considering all the bad publicity due to crime the event has generated, this was a good decision much appreciated by those badly hit.
In the meantime a comment has come in from Justin who is working in the NZ Security industry here in Christchurch & he highlights an issue.
Do you call the police when they have so much else on? I would record then report. Even if the police can not make it, they have a record for follow up.
Another point Justin makes is how little the media has made of the contribution of the private security industry.
Justin is right. There are some very long hours been done by the industry at times in very dangerous areas. Being injured prior to the quake myself it has been frustrating not been able to assist. When I did to give someone some relief as they had not had sleep in over 40 hours I got a bollocking from the bureaucrats. There are times for rules & time to bend them especially as in this case there was little threat to re injure. As all those in private security will be aware there are a lot of very tired people in the industry right now & if someone like me can give them a rest then all the good.
But as usual private security or the security guard on the ground is an invisable person. There when you want them, but ignored the rest of the time.
Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology
In the mean time with all the good going on there are others still committing crime. One that has just been notified is allegedly there are bogus insurance assessors going around using it as a cover to do later burglaries. Now at this stage that is not confirmed but similar activities have happened in the past. There is no reason to think it won't happen here unfortunately.
Just keep your wits about you.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Unusual ways Issues have presented post Earthquake!
Kia Ora,
Well again due to the high standards of the building codes in New Zealand the Christchurch Earthquake have presented in unusual ways new twists on normal ones.
First there is the issue of what here in New Zealand is known as rubber necking. Not the game but people driving around to see what the damage is as they didn't suffer that badly.
People not in the quake zone might think everything is destroyed here in Christchurch. Actually though it was an experience & a half, even for someone who has been close to a suicide bombing or two, the major damage is in pockets. That in the centre of the city in particular is mainly due to older buildings that haven't yet received earthquake strengthening. Other areas is due to high liquifaction of the soils. Though continuing largish aftershocks (we have just had two as I wrote that) have damaged buildings even in good areas or of more recent construction.
It has meant that many are in denial that there was any major damage or just want to have a look.
This has been aggrevating for those in the worst affected areas who are trying to clean up & see if there is any chance of rebuilding their lives. There is a good possibility that tempers could lead to physical confrontations.
IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies
The next issue comes also from the fact that despite the devastation the building code has done its job & though property has been destroyed no lives have been lost. The similar earthquake in Haiti resulted in over 250,000 dead.
On going aftershocks & even new epicentres triggered by the initial quake have had an effect on the mental well being of many with in the city. Normally people are too concerned about survival in the first week. Here in Christchurch so much good effort has gone in despite the rubber neckers, that quite quickly normal services have been able to be restored to the majority of the city.
In the country areas farmers have just got on with the life of farming ensuring their animals are cared for.
But even those living in undamaged areas have had enough of the constant aftershocks & mentally they can no longer deal with the not knowing if the next one is another big one.
So People are leaving in larger numbers by the day. It is a sign for the scum to start burglaries in particular in the worst affected areas.
A former army comrade posted an idea for a sign that he thought would be good & anecdotal evidence is that people are now using it. "You loot we shoot".
The Disaster Recovery Handbook: A Step-by-Step Plan to Ensure Business Continuity and Protect Vital Operations, Facilities, and Assets
Then we have the idiot brigade in particular the boy racers, whom even on Saturday night thought since all the police were tied up doing such good work that they would wreck havoc in their normal manner.
There are also the scammers who are already taking advantage of tired & stressed people. Some of us due to our training & life experience thrive in these conditions, but most are so stressed that they take what they think is geniune help to only find they have been hit another body blow.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals
To commit crimes at times like these is the lowest of the low. In particular considering how lucky Christchurch really is & that is help at hand.
Most places in the world would not of come out this well off & that has changed the dynamics a little. A 7.1 earthquake & within six days, yes a lot of buildings are going to have to be replaced some jobs lost, but to have no deaths & the majority of services restored is probably the best result you could want.
But by been so lucky it has created its own issues with denial, mentally & in the commision of crime.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
Well again due to the high standards of the building codes in New Zealand the Christchurch Earthquake have presented in unusual ways new twists on normal ones.
First there is the issue of what here in New Zealand is known as rubber necking. Not the game but people driving around to see what the damage is as they didn't suffer that badly.
People not in the quake zone might think everything is destroyed here in Christchurch. Actually though it was an experience & a half, even for someone who has been close to a suicide bombing or two, the major damage is in pockets. That in the centre of the city in particular is mainly due to older buildings that haven't yet received earthquake strengthening. Other areas is due to high liquifaction of the soils. Though continuing largish aftershocks (we have just had two as I wrote that) have damaged buildings even in good areas or of more recent construction.
It has meant that many are in denial that there was any major damage or just want to have a look.
This has been aggrevating for those in the worst affected areas who are trying to clean up & see if there is any chance of rebuilding their lives. There is a good possibility that tempers could lead to physical confrontations.
IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies
The next issue comes also from the fact that despite the devastation the building code has done its job & though property has been destroyed no lives have been lost. The similar earthquake in Haiti resulted in over 250,000 dead.
On going aftershocks & even new epicentres triggered by the initial quake have had an effect on the mental well being of many with in the city. Normally people are too concerned about survival in the first week. Here in Christchurch so much good effort has gone in despite the rubber neckers, that quite quickly normal services have been able to be restored to the majority of the city.
In the country areas farmers have just got on with the life of farming ensuring their animals are cared for.
But even those living in undamaged areas have had enough of the constant aftershocks & mentally they can no longer deal with the not knowing if the next one is another big one.
So People are leaving in larger numbers by the day. It is a sign for the scum to start burglaries in particular in the worst affected areas.
A former army comrade posted an idea for a sign that he thought would be good & anecdotal evidence is that people are now using it. "You loot we shoot".
The Disaster Recovery Handbook: A Step-by-Step Plan to Ensure Business Continuity and Protect Vital Operations, Facilities, and Assets
Then we have the idiot brigade in particular the boy racers, whom even on Saturday night thought since all the police were tied up doing such good work that they would wreck havoc in their normal manner.
There are also the scammers who are already taking advantage of tired & stressed people. Some of us due to our training & life experience thrive in these conditions, but most are so stressed that they take what they think is geniune help to only find they have been hit another body blow.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals
To commit crimes at times like these is the lowest of the low. In particular considering how lucky Christchurch really is & that is help at hand.
Most places in the world would not of come out this well off & that has changed the dynamics a little. A 7.1 earthquake & within six days, yes a lot of buildings are going to have to be replaced some jobs lost, but to have no deaths & the majority of services restored is probably the best result you could want.
But by been so lucky it has created its own issues with denial, mentally & in the commision of crime.
http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz
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