But that’s the point, right? Providing a safe and reassuring presence in the community. Sometimes, though, it also means being the brunt of frustrations and the shoulder to lean on when it seems there’s no one else to turn to.
Senior Constables Rob Pienaar and Linda Taurima of Ballajura Police Station head out on an early morning job.
Two brothers have been captured on CCTV taking a trolley load of groceries out a rear door without any attempt to pay. Now, identified through facial recognition, an arrest warrant has been issued for the one brother confirmed who absconded with the cart.
The officers head to a familiar address, where three adult siblings live together following the recent passing of both parents.
Arriving at the address, the officers alight the vehicle and attempt to enter through the front gate. They are greeted by a half a dozen dogs who are keen for a game of Cops and Doggos.
“Gee, the puppies have really grown!” says Sen. Const. Taurima as she gently nudges the playful pups aside to gain entry.
Eventually, someone answers the door. The wrong brother as it happens, so the officers have a chat and leave to head to another address.
On the way back to their vehicle, past the dogs and the front yard obstacles, a voice yells from across the street
“Why aren’t you arresting them! It’s not enough – they don’t clear the streets, they don’t remove the garbage,” says the man, gesturing toward the house.
“This is a job that came though just yesterday. We are here on a specific matter and they will be dealt with to the full extent of our power,” Sen. Const. Pienaar says.
“When they go before the courts, that’s where our power ends, we don’t have any say over what the magistrate does.”
The neighbour’s frustration is rising. “Yes, but you must advise them,” he says.
Sen. Const. Piennar explains that while officers do make submissions to court, ultimately it’s up to the court.
With a cynical laugh, the upset neighbour continues his tirade, gesticulating wildly towards his neighbours.
“This is the problem, do something about it! Be like a rugby player – put your backbone into it. We’ve had more than ten years of this – it’s devastating our lives. It has devastated this area - like a cancer strip through it,” the neighbour says.
The exchange continues, and Sen. Const. Piennar remains calm and respectful.
“I do sympathise with you. I do feel for you,” Sen. Const. Piennar says.
“We’re here and we’re doing what we can. We’re doing it. I’m sorry if it’s not meeting your expectations but we’re doing what we can.
“I understand your anger is not directed at me personally, I understand your frustration and I know you want more to be done and trust me, if we could do more, we would, but we can only do what is within our powers.”
As the day progresses, the officers spend an hour on a welfare call with a woman who wants the police to keep her teenage children away from ‘the bad influence’ of her husband’s family.
Later, back at the station, a local bank employee calls through to report a customer who has a migraine, is in tears, and won’t leave. The officers suggest ringing St John Ambulance.
Maintaining public confidence, keeping the peace and upholding the law. Often it seems it’s as much a matter of PR as it is policing.
