Policing Australia: The Official Podcast of the Australian Police Journal

Police are called to a perplexing scene at a rural property where a man’s body was found lying face down, pinned to the ground by the rear wheel of his utility. There were no tools nearby. Was it a case of death by misadventure, or something more sinister?A scientific officer develops a hypothesis which appears far-fetched at police headquarters. A reconstruction of the scene is undertaken, with amazing results.Recently retired Deputy Editor Barry Fay joins Jason Byrnes to discuss the case, which Barry wrote about in the September 2003 edition of the APJ. This podcast series is provided free of charge to subscribers and others with an interest in true Australian crime and policing. If you like the series, please leave a review on the podcast downloading platform.For more information, access to the APJ, and to take out a subscription, go to www.apjl.com.auHost: Jason Byrnes APMGuest: Barry Fay

8/21/24 • 21:43

Former policeman Ronald Cornish talks about his time as a police peacekeeper with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Sixty years ago, Australia sent its first contingent of police to UNFICYP, to undertake monitoring duties of Greek Cypriot police. Australia’s contribution to UNFICYP eventually lasted 53 years, with the final contingent leaving in 2017.In 1965 Constable Ron Cornish of the Tasmania Police was selected to be a member of the second contingent (at the time called the ‘Australian Police Element’). In this interview he recalls his experiences, the duties of the Australians, the challenges they faced on a daily basis, where they lived and what he and his colleagues did after-hours.The interview was recorded as part of a special project regarding Australian police peacekeeping. A book about Australian police contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations – titled ‘IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE’ – will be released on 16 September 2024. It will be sold through AFP Legacy (www.policelegacyafp.org.au) and the Australian War Memorial (www.awm.gov.au).Cypriot locations discussed: Nicosia, Kakopetria, Polis, Paphos/Ktima, Skouriotissa, Lefka, Astromeritis, Limassol, Morphou, Kokkina, the Troodos Mountains, the Solea Valley and Kato Pyrgos.Host: Jason ByrnesGuest: Ronald Cornish 

7/20/24 • 29:21

Elder abuse is a crime long ignored or downplayed in society. This needs to change, especially as society ages. Abuse can be physical and/or psychological, is often committed by people the victim relies on or trusts, and can hasten a victim's death.Rob Critchlow APM is the author of the article titled 'Dignity and Safety: Responding Effectively to Abuse of Older Persons', which is in the new (June 2024) issue of the APJ. Rob joins host Jason Byrnes, to talk about elder abuse awareness, the forms that abuse can take, and what police should be alert to when dealing with people over the age of 65.Rob recently retired after 34 years as a police officer, and he also offers some insight into a busy and rewarding career, especially detective duties and being a local area commander.The APJ is a subscription magazine which is available in hardcopy or at www.apjl.com.au. Go to the website for more details.Host: Jason Byrnes APMGuest: Rob Critchlow APM

6/21/24 • 30:22

Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan APM talks about his time as the Chief Police Officer (CPO) for the Australian Capital Territory. The experienced police officer has worked at the local and national levels for 40 years - starting as a general duties Constable in the ACT and ending up leading ACT Policing. On the way he held responsibilities for leading the Australian Federal Police's Counter Terrorism, Cyber and Organised Crime Commands, and the organisation's international engagements. Having recently retired from the Chief Police Officer role, Gaughan talks about a range of issues including the unique challenges of policing the national capital, the impact of laws that have decriminalised the possession of most drugs, the impact of COVID-19 on ACT Policing, as well as aspects relating to the high-profile investigation into an alleged rape at Parliament House.  

5/20/24 • 26:19

Author and APJ Deputy Editor, retired Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Fay, discusses his 2016 crime case article titled An Unexpected 'Mayday' in November – the callous murder of three men in NSW. The first two were shot inside a Sydney gun shop in 1977. The third victim was a police sergeant, gunned down in 1980 when he unknowingly asked too many questions of the offender in remote bushland to the west of Newcastle. The offender subsequently shot another police officer in an attempt to avoid capture.This episode includes some of the actual police radio transmissions made in the aftermath of the murder of the sergeant and when the second police officer was shot.This is a redux of Episode 2 - the sound quality of the original episode was affected by a poor telephone line.Host: Jason ByrnesGuest: Barry Fay The story and more details about the APJ itself can be found at www.apjl.com.auMusicTheme: Like We Do It by Grace Mesa, available at Premium BeatEnd: Motivational Digital Piano & Cello by AudioChemicals, available at Audio Jungle

4/4/24 • 31:54

Interested in learning about the challenges of police leadership in the 21st Century?The day before she retired from the role of Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Katarina Carroll APM spared some time to talk to Jason Byrnes about a range of topics. These included the challenges facing police now and into the future, the skills future leaders should possess, how the QPS responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact on the organisation in the wake of the murder of two police officers in December 2022. Ms Carroll also revealed the roles in her career she found challenging, gave an insight into her experience in previously leading Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, and also how she dealt with government, parliament and the opposition.This episode continues the APJ’s efforts to inform and educate police and the community about the challenges of policing at all levels. It is particularly relevant for serving police from any agency, keen to gain an understanding of the priorities, pressures and opportunities that face senior police leadership. Host: Jason Byrnes APMGuest: Katarina Carroll APM

3/17/24 • 30:54

In 2002 three men died in grizzly circumstances in Melbourne, after a series of gang related incidents. One young man was hacked to death by offenders wielding samurai swords. Three of his friends were then chased into the cold Yarra River - two of them drowned.Recently retired Detective Sergeant Brett Smith wrote the article ‘Asian Gangs Blood the Yarra’ in the June 2009 issue of the APJ. In the podcast Brett, and his then Senior Sergeant Jeff Maher, talk about the challenges facing them at the crime scene and during the investigation and subsequent court case.The article can be read at the website: www.apjl.com.au. Host:Jason Byrnes APMGuests: Brett Smith and Jeff Maher

2/19/24 • 52:43

APJ Deputy Editor Barry Fay joins host Jason Byrnes to give an overview of the police investigation into a horrific 1978 crime where a mother and two of her young children were abducted from their home. The mother was raped and all three subsequently murdered. Barry discusses the course of the investigation and explains some of the procedures used to identify and bring the offender to justice. As with many such investigations, chance played a major role a various points throughout the story of this case. Barry's article, 'They Walk Amongst Us', appeared in the June 2008 issue of the APJ. It can be read at www.apjl.com.au.LISTENER WARNING: Some of the discussion in the podcast is about the murder of young children. The comments are germane to the case study, but may be confronting to some.Host: Jason Byrnes APMGuest: Barry Fay 

1/28/24 • 28:55

An arson at a major Australian naval base in December 1976 left the country without its naval surveillance and submarine detection capability for months. It was the most costly and complex fire ever to have occurred in the country, apart from major bushfires and some attacks during World War II.In this episode APJ Editor Simon Bouda narrates the article titled: ‘How Teamwork Unmasked the Albatross Arsonist’, written by then Detective Chief Inspector Harry Delaforce, and published in the APJ in 1991.Host: Jason Byrnes APMNarrator: Simon Bouda AM

12/28/23 • 19:51

A gunman goes on a rampage in the national capital. He tries to murder two people, explodes his car and sets fire to an office building, recklessly endangers the safety of hundreds of people, and shoots at police. Specialist (tactical) police enter the burning building to hunt for the gunman, while firefighters rescue people stuck in a radio station on the building’s first floor. In this gripping episode you will hear from police and a firefighter involved in the operation, and how they were able to protect public safety while under fire.Host/narrator: Jason Byrnes.Guests: Shane Connelly, Kim Francis, John Jeffery, Brian McDonald, Liz McDonald, Greg Mowle, Ian Prior, Darren Rath and Mark Usback. Produced by: Adam Axelby and Jason Byrnes.In-episode music: Luke Axelby.

12/12/23 • 36:32

In this special episode we learn about the planning and logistics involved in hosting National Police Remembrance Day (NPRD) services in the nation’s capital. The main Dusk Service involves police from across the county. This year the Commissioners from Queensland and Western Australia attended, along with the AFP Commissioner and the Governor-General of Australia. NPRD has significant resonance for the policing community in Australia, New Zealand and in the Pacific.The main guest in the episode is AFP Superintendent Dean Elliott, whose Recognition and Customs teams are responsible for hosting the Dusk Service and supporting other services. Also in the episode are this year’s Dusk Service addresses of the Governor-General of Australia and the commissioners from the Australian Federal Police, the Queensland Police Service and the Western Australia Police Force. The episode ends with a dramatic reading of the poem ‘I Am’, written especially to commemorate fallen police. Host: Jason Byrnes APMGuest: AFP Superintendent Dean ElliottSpeakers at the Service: His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd)Commissioner Col Blanch APM, Western Australia Police ForceCommissioner Katarina Carroll APM, Queensland Police ServiceCommissioner Reece P Kershaw APM, Australian Federal PolicePoem: ‘I Am’Written by: Vince Pannell APMSpoken by: Rebecca Kotz and Greg Primmer Music at the beginning of the episode‘The Requiescat’ played by the NSW Police Force Band

10/20/23 • 37:06

It's seldom that counterfeiters end up killing police. Sadly this occurred in 1902 when a 'Coiner' (old Australian slang) murdered two police officers - one in NSW and one in Victoria. In the first case the coiner had an accomplice. Danny Webster and Noel Johnson's article 'The Coiner Killers' is a remembrance piece in the September 2023 edition of the APJ. Danny joins host Jason Byrnes, to talk about the strange and tragic tale.APJ Editor Simon Bouda also appears to talk about the wide range of interesting articles in the latest edition - including the so-called Collar Bomber case of 2011, developments in a new intelligence sharing system administered by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Cold Case Homicide investigations in Western Australia, and an update on the Museum of Australian Policing.National Police Remembrance Day (NPRD) is 29 September - ceremonies will be held on the day around Australia, all are invited to attend.Host: Jason Byrnes APMGuests: Danny Webster and Simon Bouda AM

9/26/23 • 31:39

Ballistics expert, Sergeant Gerard Dutton, talks about his extensive career. Crimes mentioned include his recollections of the Belanglo Forest Backpacker Murders investigation and the investigation into the Port Arthur Massacre. He also talks about the work he did for the United Nations' Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), assisting to build the ballistics analysis capacity for the Palestinian Civil Police. Gerard has been a police officer for over 38 years, serving first in the New South Wales Police and then for Tasmania Police. He has written several interesting articles for the APJ over the years. The articles are available through the subscribers-only section of our website – www.apjl.com.au.Host: Jason Byrnes APMGuest: Sergeant Gerard Dutton, Tasmania Police

8/10/23 • 37:48

In 2012, 11-month-old Zayden Veal-Whitting was murdered while he was asleep in his bedroom cot, in his home in the regional Victorian city of Bendigo. In this episode we hear about how police were able to identify the offender and bring him to justice - a journey of many twists and turns. The investigation was marked by a high degree of professionalism, thoroughness and basics of policing, including knowing the local 'crooks'. The words 'total and utter evil' were used by the judge in sentencing the offender to life imprisonment. Victoria Police Detective Sergeant Tony Harwood, the case officer for the investigation, talks to host Jason Byrnes. D/SGT Harwood's article - Total and Utter Evil is in the June 2023 edition of the APJ. Listeners can subscribe to the APJ at www.apjl.com.au Guest: Detective Sergeant Tony HarwoodHost: Jason Byrnes APM

7/9/23 • 42:56

A burglar literally leaves part of himself behind at a crime scene! APJ Deputy Editor Barry Fay talks about a crime scene investigation he conducted at a Bondi restaurant, where he found the tip of the offender's finger. APJ Editor Simon Bouda then talks to host Jason Byrnes, about the diverse range of interesting articles in the newly released June 2023 edition of the journal.Host: Jason Byrnes APMGuests: Simon Bouda AM and Barry Fay

6/12/23 • 29:24

On 30 September 1971 two NSW police officers were murdered at a house in Toongabbie, Western Sydney. The murderer had earlier shot his brother dead, and sexually assaulted his brother’s de-facto partner. After the shootings the murderer fled the house but was later chased by police. The pursuit ended in a crash between the murderer’s car and a police truck, and then another shooting.In this episode APJ Deputy Editor Barry Fay talks about this tragic story, and his article. about it titled ‘Always Expect the Unexpected’. It was published in the September 2018 issue of the APJ and can be read online at www.apjl.com.au. Host: Jason ByrnesGuest: Barry Fay

5/8/23 • 20:27

Hear from experienced Tasmania Police forensic officer Tania Curtis APM, who was one of the police who responded to the Port Arthur Massacre on Sunday 28 April 1996. Thirty-five people were shot dead by a lone gunman on the day at Tasmania’s best known tourist spot, situated in a rural setting 90 minutes’ drive from Hobart. Then a junior constable who had recently joined the Launceston Scientific Unit, Curtis worked at the site assisting in disaster victim identification (DVI) and evidence collecting duties. In the interview Curtis also talks about how Tasmania Police is today positioned to respond to DVI incidents.Guest: Tania Curtis APMHost: Jason Byrnes

4/8/23 • 32:25

Magistrate Greg Grogin talks to host Jason Byrnes about his article titled Court Craft – the essential skills required for police to be effective in court. Mr Grogin has over 30 years of legal expertise (including as defence barrister) and before that was a police officer – so he’s seen ‘all sides’ of a court room.  The tips and issues raised in the podcast are relevant for police in all jurisdictions.Also appearing in the podcast is APJ Editor Simon Bouda. He discusses the various articles which appear in the March 2023 issue of the APJ, which has been posted to subscribers and can be read at www.apjl.com.au. The APJ is a not-for-profit publication. If you would like to subscribe, either go to our webpage or contact the APJ office on (02) 9285 3399.Host: Jason ByrnesGuests: APJ Editor Simon Bouda AM and Magistrate Greg Grogin

3/14/23 • 35:54

Learn about Australia’s only human body farm. The Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research – AFTER – is dedicated to better understanding the physical, chemical and biological process of human decomposition down under. Part of this process involves conducting training exercises for police and forensic scientists, using donated cadavers in bushland. AFTER’s Director, Associate Professor Jodie Ward (University of Technology), and Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Ritchie Callaghan, talk to podcast host Jason Byrnes about AFTER and the training exercises designed to prepare authorities for conducting disaster victim identification (DVI) operations.The podcast also explains how you can donate your body to AFTER, after you die.Host: Jason ByrnesGuests: Associate Professor Jodie Ward, Director of AFTERSenior Sergeant Ritchie Callaghan, Queensland Police Service

2/10/23 • 28:11

Retired Tasmania Police Detective Inspector David Plumpton joins Jason Byrnes to talk about the murder case that resulted in Tasmania’s last judicially sanctioned hanging. David also talks about his plans regarding the victim’s place of rest. The victim, Evelyn Maughan, is buried in an unmarked grave and David wants to erect a headstone to honour her. First, he needs the permission of a family member.For a few weeks the APJ will also display on its homepage, the 1992 article about the case titled Tasmania’s Last Hanging. The article is written by historian, Reg Watson. Host: Jason ByrnesGuest: David Plumpton

1/21/23 • 27:19

The true story of a woman kidnapped from her suburban home and left tied to a tree in bushland, while the offender lazily issued a $500,000 ransom demand. The story is also about the fortunate series of events which led police to rescue the woman before she succumbed to the elements and injuries. Sent to gaol for his horrendous crime, the offender later came to a violent end whilst robbing a second-hand antiques store.APJ Deputy Editor Barry Fay (accompanied at times by some boisterous birds) talks to podcast host Jason Byrnes about ‘the Devil in Disguise’ – his excellent article about the case.  The full article can be read at www.apjl.com.au.

12/27/22 • 26:52

APJ Deputy Editor Barry Fay discusses one of the more difficult police investigations he was involved in as a fingerprint expert: the so-called Jane Doe Murder Mystery. Detectives and support staff spent months trying to identify the body of a young woman, murdered and left abandoned on a suburban street in late 1991. One of the more gruesome elements was a fingerprint found on newspaper that had been forced into the throat/mouth of the victim. The unique circumstances of the murder meant the prints could not be easily identified. Justice was eventually attained, but only after many twists and turns. Note – explicit content is contained in the podcast, and in the article which is now at www.apjl.com.au

11/13/22 • 24:15

Retired Detective Inspector Dennis Bray talks to Jason Byrnes about his high-profile investigation regarding the disappearance and murders of Kerry Whelan and Dottie Davis. Bray’s article, Crueller than Murder, is the feature article of the September 2022 issue of the Australian Police Journal.Rather than canvassing each step of the investigation, Dennis talks about aspects of the complicated and complex operation – topics discussed include management of the investigation, the work undertaken to find key evidence, the challenges of dealing with the offender (a sociopath) and lessons regarding establishing and maintaining successful relationships between investigators and the families of the victims.Visit www.apjl.com.au to subscribe to the journal, and to access the article Crueller than Murder.Host: Jason ByrnesGuest: Dennis Bray

10/9/22 • 54:41

Veteran crime reporter and new APJ Editor Simon Bouda, joins host Jason Byrnes to talk about his journalistic career, themes in crime reporting and the contents of the latest issue of the APJ (September 2022).Retired US police officer Sean Grogan then joins Jason to talk about body language and its implications for policing. Sean currently teaches body language to police around the world; his conversation with Jason ranges from basic principles about body language to the use of polygraphs/lie detector tests. Sean also mentions how his police canine became injured during a drug search a few years ago.The podcast can be listened to at www.apjl.com.au/podcast/ or through any of the main podcast apps.Host: Jason ByrnesGuests: Simon Bouda AM and Sean Grogan

9/3/22 • 45:47

Money laundering is an insidious crime which harms the Australian way of life. Author and financial crime expert Nathan Lynch talks to podcast host Jason Byrnes about money laundering and some of the excellent work done by Australian law enforcement and criminal intelligence agencies in countering the crime. Examples discussed include failures by banks to monitor financial transactions, public/private partnerships to investigate offences, and Australia’s tardiness in implementing anti-money laundering legislation. Nathan’s book ‘The Lucky Laundry’ has just been published.You can listen to the podcast either by going to www.apjl.com.au/podcast/ or downloading the episode from your podcast host of choice.

8/6/22 • 51:32

Chris Dawson APM was the 29th Commissioner of the Western Australia Police Force. This month he retired from the role and was appointed Governor of the state of Western Australia – the first time a former police officer has occupied the viceregal position.Before he left the force, Commissioner Dawson spoke to Policing Australia to discuss his thoughts on policing. He also talked about his 38-year career in law enforcement, including three years leading what is now called the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), and managing the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Visit the APJ’s website at www.apjl.com.au to read, hear and look at more content. Drop us a line at apj@apjl.com.au to suggest what topics, personalities or stories we can cover in future issues.

7/15/22 • 34:48

Listen to barrister Mark Tedeschi QC as he discusses one of the more notable episodes in his prosecutorial career – the prosecution of notorious murderer Bruce Burrell. As Crown Prosecutor, Tedeschi worked with a legal team and police to secure the conviction of Burrell for two vicious murders, committed for financial gain. The bodies of the victims have never been found.In the podcast you will head Tedeschi talk about a range of issues including lessons for police in preparing thorough briefs of evidence, the strategies used to get the cases to court, changes to legislation that partly arose from the cases, and some of the decisions regarding what evidence was and wasn’t allowed to be presented at trial. Tedeschi’s book – Missing, Presumed Dead – is a fascinating insight to the challenges facing police and prosecutors, and also touches on what was probably a third murder committed by Burrell.Host: Jason ByrnesGuest: Mark Tedeschi QC

6/20/22 • 46:53

Author David Dufty talks about his book – ‘Nabbing Ned Kelly: The extraordinary true story of the men who brought Australia's notorious outlaw to justice'. The book is a refreshingly new look at the work of police in bringing a major criminal to justice in colonial Victoria. It challenges the myths surrounding Kelly and his gang, who were in real life vicious and violent thugs. The book is published by Allen & Unwin and is widely available now.Check out www.apjl.com.au for more information about the Australian Police Journal.Host: Jason ByrnesGuest: David Dufty

4/13/22 • 48:22

The story of a multi-jurisdictional manhunt for a vicious murderer who killed and beheaded his victim. During his time on the run, the offender decided to audition as an extra for a major movie! He was eventually captured at gunpoint in the remove Northern Territory. The author was one of the leading investigators into the matter. APJ Editor Pat Paroz also provides an overview of the diverse range of articles in the latest issue of the APJ – March 2022.Check out the APJ’s webpage – www.apjl.com.au – for more information about the journal.Guests: Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Leggat and APJ Editor Pat Paroz APMHost: Jason Byrnes

3/29/22 • 28:57

Recently retired NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller discusses his thoughts on multiple issues impacting contemporary policing. These include the evolving nature of crime, the impact of COVID-19 on the force, and the relationship between police and the community, elected officials and the media. He also reflects on his experiences as a policeman, especially the period where he led the nation’s largest force. This is the second of our podcasts to go in depth with contemporary police leaders, to gain an idea of what they think and do to make their organisations more effective at protecting the community. Visit the APJ’s website at www.apjl.com.au to read, hear and look at more content. Drop us a line at apj@apjl.com.au to suggest what topics, personalities or stories we can cover in future issues.

2/20/22 • 28:18