At left, the face of the interrogator, and right the man!
 
 
Geoff Dumayne who was chosen to chair what proved a fascinating address by an ex homicide cop Charlie Bezzina pondered on why him, he had never met the man.  Maybe it was those serial driving fines or that one off occasion as a victim to an armed robbery that swayed the choice.  Whatever, Geoff, rightly extended question time, and was enthralled like all of us as Charlie who has probably seen more than his fair share of life and death than most people after having spent 17 years in the homicide squad during a 38-year career with Victoria Police told of some of his experiences. He had received three commendations as an investigator.
 
He retired in 2009, then wrote his best-selling autobiography “The Job”.  Subsequent development ensured as a media consultant and columnist.  Coupled with continuing activity as a private investigator and general security adviser his experiences and observations of policing and crime prevention are regularly sought.  For instance he has an ambassadorial role as the face of security systems company.  Here Charlie reflected on the old days pre CCTV and how such cameras and devices now serve to inhibit crime but equally (when operable and not just for show!) provide invaluable evidence to apprehending a criminal----the most recent example being the Meagher case.
 
His easy raw style came through as he told of times as an undercover drug squad cop and his involvement in many high profile homicide investigations including the society murders of Margaret and Paul Wales-King, and brutal exploits of random serial killer Paul Denyer.
 
Some insights and observations were especially noteworthy.
 
The need for pains-taking attention to detail, working around the clock and having little or no sleep to gather evidence to make an arrest.
 
Our “Innocent to Proven Guilty” basis of law, and new demands of privacy legislation are heavily biased against the investigating police in establishing evidence that will survive a court hearing involving highly skilled defense advocates.  Society’s (as evidenced in jury and court discounts to penalties and charges) propensity to give a criminal “a chance” and the media’s tendency to publicize the vocal minority view is distracting.  All can be daunting at first for young policemen.
 
Nevertheless the investigative process must be conducted to rigid standards to avoid evidence being ineligible.
 
Modern technology with cameras, listening devices, DNA and other forensic tests help, and will eventually bring about the resolution of many unsolved cases (there are many whereby a strong suspect exists but evidential proof lacking).
 
The contrast between a focus on “peaceful policing” and an “operational approach” and maintaining a balance creates problems.  Governments and senior police who promote policy one way or the other can impact here.  Policies to stop a singular police presence, gun carrying requirements, and crowd dispersion powers can manifest as seemingly contrary outcomes.
 
A wonderful an interesting address and cause for us to reflect on President Chris Hanson’s closing remarks and quote from Winston Churchhill “People Sleep Peacefully in Their Beds at Night Only Because Rough Men Stand Ready to Do Violence on Their Behalf”.