I think it is time the public and state governments in Australia realise that highly trained highway patrol police are past their used by date. Their duties should be performed by RTA traffic inspectors.
When young officers join the police force they have a number of career options including general duties, highway patrol, criminal investigation, water police etc etc. Have you ever wondered why a young officer opts to spend the best part of their career chasing tyres. Is it the thrill of driving fast cars? Is it that they can play cat and mouse with unsuspecting motorists? Is it that they choose to conscientiously act as pro-active government revenue raisers? Or is it that they are basically not too keen on responding to serious incidents where they might have to use their intelligence and become involved in the nasty side of police work.
One thing I do know is that they make a lot more money than other police because of their user pay duties relating to RTA duties and private escorts.
So my point is that the use of these highly trained people is an utter waste. I have long believed that most duties of traffic cops could and should be done by RTA wardens. Yes, they would also require training, but nothing like the qualifications needed to become a police officer. After all, rangers, maritime police and many other government inspectors carry out their very testing and responsible duties under authority of legislature passed in acts of parliament.
The introduction of traffic wardens employed by the RTA would serve a number of purposes, none the least of which would be the improvement of the police image to the motoring public. How many times have you heard the cops being bagged because of over-zealous highway patrol police. The sometimes anti-motorist attitude by some of these police results in an ever worsening public image. I have also heard of jurors acquitting offenders because of their dislike of police or in retribution for what they considered to be an unfair traffic ticket.
RTA inspectors already have significant powers. The extension of their powers to include all enforcement of the traffic and related acts seems to be a no brainer. Speed cameras are now operated by private companies, not a government authority; so why can’t the RTA carry out the roles and responsibilities relating to all traffic.
State police would always retain their powers and be there if backup is required, but no longer should traffic duties be their primary role.
Ian Gordon
Clothiers Creek
