Acting Inspector Chris Allan gave us a terrific talk about modern Policing, including a couple of precarious situations when he was with a specialist critical response unit.
- Chris' introduction highlighted some of Altona City Rotary's signature projects, and a couple of our past keynote Speakers- Major Brooke Jones and Bernadette Schwerdt. He clearly does his homework thoroughly...
- Chris is another Kiwi, coming to Aust. in 1998. Started in a bank, living at "Backpackers," before joining the Police and training at the Police Academy in Glen Waverley.
- After a posting in Moe, he transferred to Richmond, and later spent 7 years with the Critical Response Unit.
- He gave us a couple of examples of the challenges of facing precarious situations dealing with a mentally ill drug affected person, and a person threatening suicide with a firearm.
- Chris discussed the importance of Mental Health within Vic Pol. While there is still a big stigma around mental health, they are trying to disrupt the stigma by openly acknowledging mental health and talking about it.
- Leadership style is very important. In some critical response situations an authoritarian approach may work, but the priority now is to select leaders who are people focussed, and who can show "confident humility."
- For those available, an Altona Community Conversation Forum will be held at Hobsons Bay Council on Wed 27 March 19 at 6.00pm. Hear from guest speakers Senior Sergeant David Galea, Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Statistics Agency and members from Vic Pol speciality squads. (Register on line via Eventbrite or contact Sergeant Lori Cuthbert on 9392 3111).
Photo: Acting Inspector Chris Allan with ACRC Rotarian & Justice of the Peace (JP) Loretta Cormack.
