Police Strike

Ihave always felt police both private and public, be made to be held accountable. There are many positions of authority out there where this is not the case. If an enquiry is needed for some particular reason, then an independant source needs to be used. Closed units such as the police, gov ministers and military all too often use their "own" line of enquiry. Why bring this up? Below is a news article that was in today's paper.

MELBOURNE police will stop work today in protest at new drug tests on officers and forced disclosure of their financial affairs.Police say the "draconian proposals" will lead to an erosion of their rights.
Police Association Secretary Senior Sergeant Paul Mullett said planned amendments to the Police Regulation Act includes the drug testing of officers and forcing members to disclose their financial affairs.
He said the association was gearing up for a fight with Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon over the planned changes with today's action the first in a series of meetings across Victoria.

Snr Sgt Mullett said the proposals would impinge on the basic rights of the officers and their families.
"These changes mean police officers will be denied the presumption of innocence, which is a basic right of all citizens and one which underpins our judicial system," he said.
The Police Association is planning meetings in regional Victoria later in the week.
The association believes a draft bill includes plans to randomly test officers for drugs and alcohol and increase powers for the chief commissioner to sack, transfer and discipline police.
Snr Sgt Mullett said other proposals would allow the chief commissioner to demand financial details, including bank accounts, debts and investments from serving officers.
About 100 metropolitan officers will stop work for about an hour this afternoon, but Snr Sgt Mullett said police services would not be affected.
He said he expected the draft bill to go to parliament on August 8.

So folks, what do you think, draconian or not? Bear in mind also, here down under we have had our fair share of police corruption in a number of States.
till next time, Michelle.