Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Kirkright of the Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit is retiring after 38 years of service.
THERE have been many highs and only a few lows, the worst being the Russell Street bombing in 1986, the aftermath of the Black Saturday fires and attending a fatal accident in Plenty Road where five young people died – just a waste of life and so avoidable.
The most frustrating aspect of policing today, especially in the criminal investigation field, is the lack of support by the courts and judicial system.
You just shake your head in disbelief at some of the penalties handed down to career criminals. There is no deterrent to committing crimes. You receive a bond or a slap on the wrist for robbing a house or breaking someone’s jaw, but receive a harsher penalty for a minor traffic breach.
I think magistrates and judges need to get back into the real world and support the victims rather than the crooks.
There also appears to be a lack of respect these days by young people, not just towards police but towards teachers, the elderly and, in general, an ‘‘up yours’’ attitude.
I believe parents need to be more accountable for the actions of their children.
The future of policing is bright but I have serious concerns about the current lack of staff and vehicles to enable us to give the public the service they want and deserve.
For the past 22 years I have served as Detective Senior Sergeant in charge of the Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit (formerly Epping CIB).
I have been awarded the National Medal for service, the Victoria Police Service Medal and also other commendations. It has been both rewarding and good fun.
