Pomona Police Sergeant Dan McNamara and Cooroy Police Sergeant Mal Scott gave Year 9 and 12 students some real life insights into policing last week to assist students with their term papers on the public’s perception of police.
Year 12 student Carolyn Medloby said the students learned there was more to police work than that seen on reality television and were excited to be able to hold a real set of police handcuffs and baton.
Sergeant Dan McNamara told the group police were “regular guys with families and hobbies” and policing was a thankless but important job.
“We often save people from accidents or bring people home and sometimes we never hear from them again, but it has its rewards every day,” he said.
Sgt McNamara said the most common crimes police dealt with in the Sunshine Coast area involved domestic violence, traffic offences and thefts.
“We are here to help you. We are here to save your ass, not shoot it,” he said.
Sgt Scott said before he joined the police force he thought police were like robots.
“I was gobsmacked to see a cop holding hands with his wife.” he said. “I thought police officers weren’t allowed to be married. It is important to me that people know that police are just normal people.”
Sgt Scott said being run over by a ute driven by a man suspected of breaking into a Cooroy business in January 2017 was one of the worst experiences from his 35 years as a police officer.
Carolyn said the presentations were most enjoyable.
“I found asking the police officers questions and found listening to their extensive knowledge and experience very helpful for my upcoming assessment,” she said.
