Latest news with #PoliceAcademy
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Is this the way to treat a police hero?
While the taste of the online contribution could be questioned, it would not surprise Wayne's 83 Facebook followers. He posts on police matters, his political views and his climate change scepticism. But to local police, none of whom would have been in the job and many who would not have been born when he risked his life for the uniform they now wear (OK, they were in plain clothes, but I'm on a roll) it was a matter needing immediate action. The Victorian police are experts at responding to an emergency, but on the non-urgent they often move with the speed of a sea snail in an algae bloom. But the issue of Sherwell's Facebook post became a priority; a search warrant was issued by a Melbourne magistrate at 6.55pm the following day. (Wayne had already removed the post.) I went to the Victorian Crimes Act (1958) to see if posting on Facebook is a criminal offence. It covers arson, fraud, kidnapping, bigamy and even trading with pirates but nothing about ex-cops posting crime scene photos. The warrant tells us the story. 'SHERWELL is committing the offence of unauthorised access to the use of or disclosure of police information by members or former members of Victoria Police Personnel, Section 228 of the Victoria Police Act. Use Telecommunications devices to harass/cause offence. Section 85ZE (a) of the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914.' First thing on Tuesday the four-person arrest team mustered at the Ararat police station to drive 80 kilometres to deal with the 75-year-old ex-cop. A matter that could have been handled with a gentle chat was now a formal investigation. 'I couldn't believe there were four detectives standing there to deal with such a minor issue,' Sherwell says. 'I have to say their behaviour was exemplary. They were professional and courteous. To be honest, I felt they were a little embarrassed.' They asked about the photos. Sherwell told them he was given a crime scene photo-book by the homicide squad as a keepsake. They seized the book and took his mobile phone. They drove him to the local station, where he was cautioned, formally video interviewed, photographed and fingerprinted. The case of the Country Bandit was one of a series of police shootings examined by then coroner Hal Hallenstein. His findings went a way to changing police culture and developing a safety-first approach to reduce risks to police and suspects. He was critical of the police response in some of the cases he examined, but this is what he said about Sherwell. 'It is notable that throughout the sequence of events Constable Sherwell not only acted with exemplary restraint and self-control but also remained mindful of the safety of those members who, as motorists, drove unwittingly into a theatre of mortal combat. Constable Sherwell has earned both respect and commendation.' On December 9, 1994, Sherwell was presented with the Police Valour Medal at the Police Academy by then chief commissioner Neil Comrie. Three days later he was given a civic reception at St Arnaud – the same town where police now apparently think he is public enemy No.1. After the inquest, I was approached by senior police who wanted the whole story told of the police shootings. I was officially provided with all material handed to the coroner – transcripts, video reconstructions and crime scene photos, including the ones Sherwell put online. They were published in the 1994 book Silent War, and in the ABC documentary Trigger Point, which means Sherwell wasn't disclosing anything. The offence under the Victoria Police Act is designed to stop crooks being tipped off by corrupt cops, not to catch police heroes recalling events that changed their lives. The act refers to the use of police information to, 'Endanger the life, safety of any person, commit or assist in the commission of an indictable offence or, impede or interfere with the administration of justice.' The maximum penalty is six years in the slot. Give me a spell. Before Wayne Sherwell became a person of police interest and an alleged criminal, what did he do to create this fuss? On June 29, 1988, Constable Sherwell drove about 15 kilometres from his home base at St Arnaud to set up a speed radar site. He was one up, a practice now banned because of the danger. At 9.45am he zapped a silver Mazda 626 hatchback travelling towards St Arnaud at 128km/h. He stepped out and flagged it down. The driver said he wasn't carrying his licence, then gave his name as Phillip Gould, a vet from Bendigo. When Sherwell did a police check and there appeared to be no such person, 'Gould' leant into the car, saying he would find identification, emerging with a sawn-off .22 rifle, telling the ambushed cop, 'Put your f---ing hands on the roof'. The man took Sherwell's police revolver from his holster and now had two guns. 'I thought it was now or never, as I felt he was going to kill me,' Sherwell later told police. He spun around and grabbed both the gunman's hands, struggling to keep both barrels from his head. He had the smarts to put the webbing of his hand between the hammer and the pin of his revolver so it couldn't be fired. They wrestled themselves to a standstill and the gunman told him to release his grip. Sherwell told him: 'I can't do that. If I lose my firearm I lose my job. I've got four kids and a wife to support. So I can't afford to give up my gun and lose my job. Give it to me, Mr Gould, before things go too far.' Finally, the constable grabbed both guns. Sherwell stuck the sawn-off rifle in his waistband and pointed his revolver at the man, ordering him to lie flat on the ground. The man refused, and when Sherwell headed towards the police car to radio for help, the man blocked his way. 'I then fired a shot from my police revolver into the air in an attempt to scare him off, and hoped someone may hear it and call the police to give me some assistance. 'He backed off a little and repeated: 'Go on, shoot me.'' When Sherwell made the protected side of the police car to call for back-up, Gould grabbed a sawn-off shotgun from his car and pointed it at the police officer, who fired two shots from his .38 revolver, killing the offender. His identity was quickly found to be Ian William Turner, the 'Country Bandit' who had a hidden armoury at his Shepparton home and was responsible for five regional bank armed robberies. Sherwell was a hero but for years his actions remained under scrutiny during the long-running police shootings inquest. I was there on the day Hallenstein delivered his findings and saw the relief on the country cop's face when he was vindicated. As in the cases of many cops involved in police shootings, it didn't end there. Even though Sherwell did everything he could not to kill the man who wanted to kill him, there were troubled times ahead. There were flashbacks, cold sweats, broken sleep, marriage difficulties and mental fatigue. He paid an enormous price, one that clearly those who want him charged don't understand. Wayne can be stubborn and difficult, but he is no criminal. He deserves respect, not a rap-sheet. Two days after his arrest, one of the detectives returned his mobile phone. 'He took me to the local cafe and bought me a cappuccino. I think he shook my hand four times,' Wayne says. When new Chief Commissioner Mike Bush enters the Victoria Police Centre, if he glances to his left he will see an Honour Board that includes the name Sherwell, R.W., registered number 24318. When he takes the lift to his office on the top floor, he should call for the file into the Sherwell investigation. And throw it in the bin.
The Age
6 days ago
- The Age
Is this the way to treat a police hero?
While the taste of the online contribution could be questioned, it would not surprise Wayne's 83 Facebook followers. He posts on police matters, his political views and his climate change scepticism. But to local police, none of whom would have been in the job and many who would not have been born when he risked his life for the uniform they now wear (OK, they were in plain clothes, but I'm on a roll) it was a matter needing immediate action. The Victorian police are experts at responding to an emergency, but on the non-urgent they often move with the speed of a sea snail in an algae bloom. But the issue of Sherwell's Facebook post became a priority; a search warrant was issued by a Melbourne magistrate at 6.55pm the following day. (Wayne had already removed the post.) I went to the Victorian Crimes Act (1958) to see if posting on Facebook is a criminal offence. It covers arson, fraud, kidnapping, bigamy and even trading with pirates but nothing about ex-cops posting crime scene photos. The warrant tells us the story. 'SHERWELL is committing the offence of unauthorised access to the use of or disclosure of police information by members or former members of Victoria Police Personnel, Section 228 of the Victoria Police Act. Use Telecommunications devices to harass/cause offence. Section 85ZE (a) of the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914.' First thing on Tuesday the four-person arrest team mustered at the Ararat police station to drive 80 kilometres to deal with the 75-year-old ex-cop. A matter that could have been handled with a gentle chat was now a formal investigation. 'I couldn't believe there were four detectives standing there to deal with such a minor issue,' Sherwell says. 'I have to say their behaviour was exemplary. They were professional and courteous. To be honest, I felt they were a little embarrassed.' They asked about the photos. Sherwell told them he was given a crime scene photo-book by the homicide squad as a keepsake. They seized the book and took his mobile phone. They drove him to the local station, where he was cautioned, formally video interviewed, photographed and fingerprinted. The case of the Country Bandit was one of a series of police shootings examined by then coroner Hal Hallenstein. His findings went a way to changing police culture and developing a safety-first approach to reduce risks to police and suspects. He was critical of the police response in some of the cases he examined, but this is what he said about Sherwell. 'It is notable that throughout the sequence of events Constable Sherwell not only acted with exemplary restraint and self-control but also remained mindful of the safety of those members who, as motorists, drove unwittingly into a theatre of mortal combat. Constable Sherwell has earned both respect and commendation.' On December 9, 1994, Sherwell was presented with the Police Valour Medal at the Police Academy by then chief commissioner Neil Comrie. Three days later he was given a civic reception at St Arnaud – the same town where police now apparently think he is public enemy No.1. After the inquest, I was approached by senior police who wanted the whole story told of the police shootings. I was officially provided with all material handed to the coroner – transcripts, video reconstructions and crime scene photos, including the ones Sherwell put online. They were published in the 1994 book Silent War, and in the ABC documentary Trigger Point, which means Sherwell wasn't disclosing anything. The offence under the Victoria Police Act is designed to stop crooks being tipped off by corrupt cops, not to catch police heroes recalling events that changed their lives. The act refers to the use of police information to, 'Endanger the life, safety of any person, commit or assist in the commission of an indictable offence or, impede or interfere with the administration of justice.' The maximum penalty is six years in the slot. Give me a spell. Before Wayne Sherwell became a person of police interest and an alleged criminal, what did he do to create this fuss? On June 29, 1988, Constable Sherwell drove about 15 kilometres from his home base at St Arnaud to set up a speed radar site. He was one up, a practice now banned because of the danger. At 9.45am he zapped a silver Mazda 626 hatchback travelling towards St Arnaud at 128km/h. He stepped out and flagged it down. The driver said he wasn't carrying his licence, then gave his name as Phillip Gould, a vet from Bendigo. When Sherwell did a police check and there appeared to be no such person, 'Gould' leant into the car, saying he would find identification, emerging with a sawn-off .22 rifle, telling the ambushed cop, 'Put your f---ing hands on the roof'. The man took Sherwell's police revolver from his holster and now had two guns. 'I thought it was now or never, as I felt he was going to kill me,' Sherwell later told police. He spun around and grabbed both the gunman's hands, struggling to keep both barrels from his head. He had the smarts to put the webbing of his hand between the hammer and the pin of his revolver so it couldn't be fired. They wrestled themselves to a standstill and the gunman told him to release his grip. Sherwell told him: 'I can't do that. If I lose my firearm I lose my job. I've got four kids and a wife to support. So I can't afford to give up my gun and lose my job. Give it to me, Mr Gould, before things go too far.' Finally, the constable grabbed both guns. Sherwell stuck the sawn-off rifle in his waistband and pointed his revolver at the man, ordering him to lie flat on the ground. The man refused, and when Sherwell headed towards the police car to radio for help, the man blocked his way. 'I then fired a shot from my police revolver into the air in an attempt to scare him off, and hoped someone may hear it and call the police to give me some assistance. 'He backed off a little and repeated: 'Go on, shoot me.'' When Sherwell made the protected side of the police car to call for back-up, Gould grabbed a sawn-off shotgun from his car and pointed it at the police officer, who fired two shots from his .38 revolver, killing the offender. His identity was quickly found to be Ian William Turner, the 'Country Bandit' who had a hidden armoury at his Shepparton home and was responsible for five regional bank armed robberies. Sherwell was a hero but for years his actions remained under scrutiny during the long-running police shootings inquest. I was there on the day Hallenstein delivered his findings and saw the relief on the country cop's face when he was vindicated. As in the cases of many cops involved in police shootings, it didn't end there. Even though Sherwell did everything he could not to kill the man who wanted to kill him, there were troubled times ahead. There were flashbacks, cold sweats, broken sleep, marriage difficulties and mental fatigue. He paid an enormous price, one that clearly those who want him charged don't understand. Wayne can be stubborn and difficult, but he is no criminal. He deserves respect, not a rap-sheet. Two days after his arrest, one of the detectives returned his mobile phone. 'He took me to the local cafe and bought me a cappuccino. I think he shook my hand four times,' Wayne says. When new Chief Commissioner Mike Bush enters the Victoria Police Centre, if he glances to his left he will see an Honour Board that includes the name Sherwell, R.W., registered number 24318. When he takes the lift to his office on the top floor, he should call for the file into the Sherwell investigation. And throw it in the bin.
Chicago Tribune
22-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Hinsdale Citizen Police Academy opens lines of communication with community
The Hinsdale Police Department is accepting applications for its annual fall Citizen Police Academy, which was started in 2001 and has been praised by former participants. The next session begins Sept. 3 and runs through Nov. 12, with weekly Wednesday meetings scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Hinsdale police Officer Karen Kowal said participants must be at least 18 years old and typically range in age from 28 to 70. 'The course is intended for citizens who reside or work in Hinsdale,' she said. 'However, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, if there are remaining open spots after the application deadline.' She said the classroom space allows for up to 15 participants each session. 'Smaller classes also help us foster a more personal feel for participants, while interacting with our officers,' Kowal said. She said the goal of the program is to improve communication with the community, while also gaining citizen input, assistance and support. 'The Citizen Police Academy is a free, educational and informative program, which provides participants a comprehensive view of the challenging, yet crucial, work carried out by the Hinsdale Police Department,' Kowal said. 'This program does not create part-time police officers. It is yet another mechanism for our police department to inform the public about what we do, while also allowing participants to meet many of our police officers on a more personal level.' Kowal said another goal of the Academy is to provide a broad overview of important topics with opportunities for the class to be interactive and hands-on. 'Each class builds knowledge and insight that is helpful for each of the following weekly classes,' she said. Information will cover the department's hiring process, procedures and training, the foundation of what provides police powers, the Field Training Program, the Drone Program, the foundation and risks of traffic stops, DUI investigations, the M.E.R.I.T. ('SWAT') team, crime scene processing, the Hinsdale Police Department investigations division and more Kowal said. 'Participants will go hands-on with crime scene investigations, K-9 demonstrations, and traffic stops, to name a few,' she said. 'Also, participants will get the opportunity to experience what it is like to be on patrol in Hinsdale, as they ride in a police car with one of our officers for a four-hour ride-along.' Kowal said there are generally anywhere from one to three officers presenting during any given class session. 'We aim to allow officers to present on their different areas of interest, while also allowing participants to learn from as many different officers as possible,' she said. 'We also coordinate with several outside agencies to present on other important topics, such as dispatching and K-9 programs.' Hinsdale resident Bryan Clapacs, 57, has lived in the village for 15 years and participated in the Police Academy in 2023. '(I had) curiosity and wanted to show support for law enforcement officers that have been unfairly portrayed in the media,' he said, adding that participating gave him a better understanding of what Hinsdale police deal with on a day-to-day basis. His favorite parts of the Academy were getting to know the officers and the ride along. 'I believe that more people should be required to attend this academy and/ or other community outreach programs,' Clapacs said. 'I believe if they attended, more of the public would be more appreciative of our police, and the officers would understand more of the public concerns.' Another 2023 Academy participant was Daniel Krzywiec, 44, who has lived in Hinsdale for seven years. 'I believe in being an informed and engaged member of the community, and this program gave me the opportunity to see the challenges officers face, the procedures they follow, and how they serve the public,' he said. 'It also helped build mutual respect and communication between citizens and the police, which I think is really important.' Krzywiec said he got more than he expected out of the Academy. 'I thought it would be mostly lectures, but it was very hands-on,' he said. 'We got to see real scenarios, interact with officers, and even experience some of the tools and training they use. I gained a much better understanding of how law enforcement operates and the difficult decisions officers have to make. It also helped me build trust with local police and see them as real people doing a tough job.' Mark Sahlol, 44, has lived in Hinsdale for four years and experienced the Police Academy last year. 'I decided to participate because I wanted to learn more about the police and offer help, after having the proper knowledge, if needed,' he said. 'The experience was better than what I expected. There was a lot of exciting information to learn, and the staff was very friendly and supportive.' Marzena Powala, 45, has lived in Hinsdale since February 2022 and was another participant in last year's Academy. 'I also saw it as a valuable opportunity to meet new people and, most importantly, to broaden my knowledge of law enforcement and public safety,' Powala said. 'it was the best experience ever. 'One experience I will always remember is the evening spent patrolling our town alongside a police officer. I can confidently assure our residents that we are served by some of the most dedicated and passionate law enforcement professionals in the county.' Michael Siffermann, 38, is a four-year resident of Hinsdale and participated in the Academy in 2022. 'Many of my family members are in law enforcement, so I was naturally interested in getting a look into local police operations,' he said. 'But it was also a good chance to connect with other members of the community — fellow classmates and the Hinsdale PD officers. It definitely enhanced my understanding of the type of work Hinsdale PD does and deepened my appreciation and respect for our officers.' Krzywiec said he recommends the Citizens Police Academy to all Hinsdale residents and anyone who wants to understand their community better. 'It breaks down barriers, builds respect, and shows just how much goes on behind the scenes to keep us safe,' he said. 'It's eye-opening and definitely worth the time.' Applications for the Academy are due by Aug. 15 and may be completed online at or by picking up an application in the Police Department lobby, 121 Symonds Drive.
Qatar Tribune
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
MoI participates in Basel Tattoo Military Festival
Tribune News Network Basel, Switzerland The Ministry of Interior, represented by the Police Academy, is participating in the Basel Tattoo Military Music Festival, in Basel, Switzerland, from July 11 to 19, 2025. The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Major-General Dr. Abdullah Yousef Al Mal, legal advisor to the Minister of Interior and general supervisor of the Police Academy, and Colonel Fahad Saeed Al Subaie, deputy president of the Academy and director of the Police College. The Academy's military parade team presented a distinguished display during the festival's opening ceremony, combining high discipline with silent marching movements to the rhythms of military music. This demonstrated the level of training and competence of the Academy's members. Through this participation, the Police Academy seeks to present an honourable image in international forums and emphasise that discipline and proper military conduct are fundamental pillars in the training of security personnel, a point demonstrated and emphasised by the participants during the opening ceremony.
Qatar Tribune
12-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
MoI takes part in Basel Tattoo Military Festival
The Ministry of Interior (MoI), represented by the Police Academy, is participating in the 'Basel Tattoo' military music festival, held in the Swiss city of Basel from 11 to 19 July 2025. Major General Dr Abdullah Yusuf Al-Mal, Legal Advisor to the Minister of Interior and General Supervisor of the Police Academy, and Colonel Fahad Saeed Al-Subaie, Vice President of the Academy and Director of the Police College, attended the opening ceremony. During the opening, the Academy's military display team delivered an outstanding performance that combined high-level discipline with silent drill movements set to military music, reflecting the advanced training and professionalism of the Academy's members. (TNN)page 2
