To varying degrees, all Australians are either victims of terrorism or have been adversely impacted by terrorist acts. This includes police, emergency workers and counter terrorism professionals.

Victims of Terrorism Australia (VOTA) has been formed to assist victims cope with trauma and to come out the other side. Two retired police who had distinguished careers in counter-terrorist operations, Caroline O’Hare and David Gawel, join podcast host Jason Byrnes in this episode. They talk about the impact of terrorism in Australia, signs all police should be aware of, and VOTA’s objectives. It is well worth your time.

Caroline and Dave’s article, Victims of Terrorism Australia (VOTA), is in the December 2024 edition of the APJ and can be read at www.apjl.com.au

Podcast host: Jason Byrnes APM

Guests: Caroline O’Hare APM and Dr David Gawel APM

Imagine having to police a war-torn nation with no laws, limited or damaged infrastructure and a deeply traumatised community. That’s what Australian police were faced with in late 1999 when they deployed to East Timor as part of a massive United Nations peacekeeping operation.

Michael Ward was one of hundreds of police who volunteered to help the people of East Timor after they had voted for independence from Indonesia, and after the new nation was almost destroyed by pro-Indonesian militias.

In this fascinating episode, Mike talks about training and preparing to deploy, the extremely tough living conditions for peacekeepers and the challenging duties he undertook. He also gives an insight to the at times absurd bureaucracy that can exist in major peacekeeping operations.

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of Australian police peacekeeping operations with the United Nations. The APJ has published several articles and podcasts about different aspects of police peacekeeping. They can be read or listened to at www.apjl.com.au.

The book ‘In the Service of Peace: Australian police involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations 1964 – 2024’ can be purchased either through AFP Legacy at https://policelegacyafp.org.au/shop/ or at the Australian War Memorial Bookshop at https://shop.awm.gov.au.

If you have a suggestion about the topics for future episode of Policing Australia, let us know at apj@apjl.com.au.

Host: Jason Byrnes APM
Guest: Michael Ward

In the latest podcast from the APJ, hear from two detectives involved in a missing person case which soon became a homicide investigation, and an investigation into criminal drug dealing.

Allecha Boyd was reported missing to police in mid-2017. Inquiries suggested the involvement of a local drug dealer and his associates.

Detective Sergeants Brent Fletcher and Tim Briggs talk about how police were able to build briefs of evidence sufficient to obtain convictions for murder and associated offences, despite being unable to locate Allecha’s body.

Police continued to investigate avenues of inquiry after the court cases concluded, to locate Allecha’s remains. Their persistence eventually succeeded, which enabled Allecha’s family to attain a sense of closure.

The article titled Cold Blooded Murder is in the June 2023 edition of the APJ, which can be read at www.apjl.com.au

Host: Jason Byrnes APM
Guests: Detective Sergeants Brent Fletcher and Tim Briggs