Relations in ‘the job’: Uncle to Natalie JEWITT, NSWPF # 8581241 ( Exec. Officer, Liverpool )
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 129
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 14997
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 1 November 1971 ( aged 21 years, 0 months, 27 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 13 December 1971 ( aged 21 years, 2 months, 8 days )
Constable – appointed 13 December 1972
Constable 1st Class – appointed 13 December 1976
Detective – appointed ? May 1980 ( YES ) ( Course 1/1980 )
Senior Constable – appointed 13 December 1980
Final Rank: = Detective Senior Constable
Stations: Liverpool ( 22 Division )( 13 December 1971 – April 1972 )( ProCst – Cst ),
Maroubra ( 15 Division )( GDs )( April 1972 – March 1974 ),
Campbelltown Detectives ( 35 Division )( GDs )( March 1974 – June 1974 ),
Ingleburn ( 35 Division )( GDs )( Cst – Cst 1/c )( June 1974 – May 1977 ),
21 Division ( C.I.B. )( C.I. Duties )( May 1977 – March 1978 ),
Campbelltown ( 35 Division )( Detective )( March 1978 – May 1981 )( Cst 1/c – SenCon ),
C.I.B. ( C.I. Duties )( May 1981 – June 1982 ),
Regional Crime Squad – Consorting Squad ( C.I.B. )( May 1981 – March 1984 ),
Liverpool Detectives ( 22 Division )( March 1984 – 1987 ) – Resignation
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 1 November 1971 to ? January 1987 = 15 years, 2 months
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 1 November 1971to? January 1987 = 15 years, 2 months Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 36 years, 2 months, ? days
Time in Retirement from Police: 37 years, 2 months, ? days
Awards: National Medal – granted 29 March 1991 ( Det SenCon )
Commendations: for excellent policemanship and devotion to duty at Ingleburn on the 10.10.1975, when in
company with Constable 1/c. Kenneth. J. Rooke ( # 14386 ), he arrested Edward George Mitchell
just after the offender fired shots at his defacto wife and her daughter and then at the
two police officers. Both Constables called on the offender to surrender and with
revolvers drawn took him into custody after his gun jammed.
Signed Mervyn. T. Wood
Commissioner of Police.
Born: Thursday 5 October 1950
Died on: Friday 29 March 2024
Age: 73 years, 5 months, 24 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Tuesday 9 April 2024 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Culburra Beach Community Hall, Fred Evans Lane, Culburra Beach, NSW
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: Culburra Bowling Club, cnr Prince Edward Ave & West Cres, Culburra Beach, NSW
Wake date: Tuesday 9 April 2024
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( March 2024 )
JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Back RowB. E. Preo # 11714; B. J. Molloy # 15384; J. M. Bacon # 15529; M. C. Randall # 13549; I. M. Ford # 14122; T. J. Cheers # 16089; W. C. Greenwood # 12832; E. Hreszczuk # 16353; J. L. May # 14598; C. C. McKenzie # 15179.
Third Row P. Thomas # 14028; S. Allcorn # 16526; M. B. Brady # 15336 ; B. M. Batton # 15215; B. L. Campbell # 16091 or # 12725 ; J. G. Scott # ?????; M. C. Edgtton # 16553; N. K. Colefax # 13903; K. Tight # 13193; D. B. Thomas # 15939; J. A. Hall # 15902 or # 11626; S. McAnulty # 16179; G. K. Cone # 15021.
Second Row J. R. Tate #15950; C. J. Morley # 16551; P. M. Carmody # 16462; D. A. Green # 14261; G. J. Middleton # 12570; B. W. G. Bellis # 15780; S. C. Naylor # 16963; G. C. Farthing # 13333; R. J. Guyatt # 14266; R. E. McBride # 15290; Maurice John Doughan # 13469; M. J. Bryant # 14410.
Front Row W. Holovinsky # 15884; W. T. Mathes # 15706; D. P. Dillon # 15568 (Director); P. J. Meehan #
Source: Joe Stanioch
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Saturday 11 October 1975, page 10
COURT REPORTS
Man charged over shooting incident
SYDNEY, Friday. – A 54-year-old boiler-maker appeared in Campbelltown Court today charged with shooting at four people, including two policemen, with the intention of murdering them.
Mr Edward George Mitchell, of Ingleburn, appeared before Mr Stackpool, SM, charged with:
Shooting at Constable J. Scott ( # 14997 ), Constable K. Rooke ( # 14386 ),Mrs Nola West and Miss Diane West with the intention of murdering them.
Maliciously shooting at Mrs West with the intention of causing her grievous bodily harm.
Maliciously shooting at the two policemen to prevent his arrest.
The prosecutor, Sergeant B. Gilday, said police would allege that the seven offences took place last night at Ingleburn, Mr Mitchell was remanded in custody to next Friday.
* Story behind any Nickname: Scotty – play on surname.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: ? October 1933 to ? March 1944 = 10 years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From ? October 1933 to? March 1944 = 10 years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Photo taken around 1987 when Erle was 76 years old.
Born: Thursday 9 February 1911
Died on: Sunday 11 March 1990
Age: 79 years, 1 month, 2 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Dural Uniting Church Cemetery, Derriwong Rd, Dural, NSW
Grave Location: Section: Row: A Plot: 1A
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial plaque inscription: Erle Wilmott Roughley 1911 – 1990 Happily married to Charlotte for 53 years He was our Dad (and father-in-law) Janette (Bryan), Malcolm (Judy), Susan, Merelyn (Gunther) And he was our Fardy Melissa, Clifton, Wayne, John, Rodney, Nathan, Ian, Drew and Lauren A Christian man prepared for Eternity
Headstone inscription: Charlotte May Roughley 1 – 5 – 1918 to 16 – 6 – 1999 Erle Wilmott Roughley 9 – 2 – 1911 to 11 – 3 – 1990 Much loved mother and father Marney and Fardey Thank God at every remembrance of you
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( March 2024 )
ERLE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Liverpool Police Officer – Probationary Constable Erle (Earl) Wilmott Roughley a former Orchardist entered the Police Depot at Redfern and commenced his Initial Training.
In 10/1933 he was attested a Probationary Constable.
In 3/1934 he was transferred from the Depot to No. 1 Division on General Duties, where in 10/1934
he was promoted to the rank of Constable.
In 8/1935 he was transferred to No. 16 Division (Hornsby) on General Duties.
In 1/1936 he was transferred to Liverpool, working General Duties at the Warwick Farm Police Call-Box.
Later (date not specified) he was transferred to the Fairfield Police Call-Box on General Duties. During 1/1943 he was promoted to the rank of Constable 1/c.
He was then exited from the Police Force in 3/1944, after serving the NSW Community for a period of 10 years.
Source: Liverpool Police Time Line ( 1788 – 2022 ) by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
This amazing photograph was taken on the 29 November 1937. It depicts the Warwick Farm Railway Station vehicle level crossing, with the overhead road bridge (Hume Highway) under construction.
In the photo a local Liverpool Ambulance is seen crossing the railway line.
On the left side of the railway track you can see “ The Warwick Farm Police Call Box and a Police Officer “ standing outside, wearing his white helmet and watching the traffic.
The Police Officer was not identified.
Three Police Officers known to be stationed at the call box were Constable Nixon, Probationary Constable John. A. Gallaher and Probationary Constable Erle (Earl) W. Roughley.
They had the use of a Police Motorcycle with sidecar.
Warwick Farm Police Call Box – 29 November 1937
Source: Liverpool Police Time Line ( 1788 – 2022 ) by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Saturday 22 August 1953, page 26
WASHING MACHINE. Rex, Automatic, boil, spin dry, in perfect order; original price. £136; for quick sale. £75. Inspection without obligation, ERLE ROUGHLEY. Orange Grove, Main Road, Dural.
Constable Ted Roughley has been transferred from Fairfield to Liverpool ( as motor cyclist ); and Constable Tom Moffitt, of Kogarah, has taken his place. Constable Roughley will be missed in Fairfield.
The name ‘Ted‘ was used in numerous articles of this Constable in the Trove search.
Biz (Fairfield, NSW : 1928 – 1972),
Thursday 16 May 1940, page 8
SHOP BURGLED.
A very retentive mind enabled Constable E. Roughley to make a quick arrest in connection with a shop window robbery in Ware Street, Fairfield, last Sunday night.
Constable Roughley warned several youths off the street at 10 p.m. and noticed one lad take a long black comb from his pocket to do his hair.
Later on passing Mr. W. E. Simpson’s store in Ware Street, he found a window broken and picked up a comb nearby.
At 11p.m., on patrolling the district, he questioned a youth sleeping under a verandah.
The lad went to comb his hair but found his comb missing. The constable produced the comb and arrested the youth, who will appear at Liverpool Police Court to answer the charges.
Several cycle accessories were stolen from the window.
Evidence that he considered his mother had committed adultery in 1929, was given by a son to-day in the Divorce Court.
He was Constable Earl Roughley, 29, stationed at Fairfield. He said he would not say that his mother had treated him well.
William Lindley Marcroft, 58, petitioned for a divorce from Mary Stalker Marcroft, on the ground of her alleged desertion.
Mrs. Marcroft denied wilful desertion, and, in a cross-petition, alleged that, between February 1, 1931, and May 24, 1938, Marcroft committed adultery with Mrs. Essie Roughley. This was denied by Marcroft and Mrs. Roughley.
The parties were married in 1903.
“Holding Hands”
Constable Roughley, said in evidence that he had been subpoenaed to attend court.
Marcroft visited their home at Dural, from 1924, he said. Some times his mother and Marcroft went out in a car together.
Marcroft frequently changed his clothes at the home, and often used their bathroom. If he stayed the night, he used to sleep on a couch in the dining room.
Witness’s mother slept in the front bedroom.
One morning, Roughley said, he saw Marcroft sitting at the side of a bed occupied by his mother. They were talking and holding hands.
Once, his mother asked the children to call Marcroft “father.” Witness left the home in Dural in 1929.
Dr. Louat (for Marcroft): I suggest that your bad relations with your mother arose over a dispute about land left in your father’s will? — No.
Do you consider that up to 1929 your mother committed adultery?— Yes. You do? — On their actions, yes.
Recalled to the box. Marcroft denied all of the allegations against him by Roughley.
The hearing was adjourned until Monday. Dr. Frank Louat (J. H. Yeldham), for Marcroft; Mr. E. Little (Meagher, Sproule and Co.), for Mrs. Marcroft.
Flourishing what appeared to be a revolver, a man held up a 16-years-old girl in Smithfield road, Fairfield, last night.
Police were told that when the girl said, “Look out – here comes my father,” the man decamped.
Directed by Detective-Sergeant McCarthy (Parramatta), police from Liverpool and Cabramatta, and two wireless patrols, combed the thick scrub in the vicinity, but were unable to find the man.
The girl was returning home from her work in the city.
She had walked about half a mile from the railway, and, when near a dark portion of the road, was confronted by a man.
He presented something resembling a revolver, police state, and ordered her to leave the footpath. This she did.
She then said, “Look out – here comes my father.” At this the man quickly disappeared into the scrub.
Running to her home a few hundred yards away, the girl told her father of the incident, which he immediately reported to Constable Roughley at the Fairfield call-box.
The man was described as being young, and having dark hair.
” You’re a good liar – and a rather bad one also,” Magistrate C. Pickup told Frederick Anderson (45) at the Liverpool Police Court on Friday.
Charged, with having on January 23 stolen a loaf of bread, a plum pudding, 1lb. of sausages and 1lb of chops from Liverpool State Hospital, Anderson claimed that the victuals had been given him in a bag by a stranger.
He was fined £3.
Constable Roughley (Liverpool) said that on Thursday morning, after a conversation with Charles Bathie, an attendant at the hospital, he made a search of the grounds around the hospital and after making an examination of the adjoining property, went to a swamp near the Warwick Farm level crossing. ” As I got out on to the Liverpool road, I saw the defendant, walking along the road, and stopped him,” said the constable. ”
He was carrying with him a sugar-bag, and in answer to my questions, he told me that the bag contained food which he had bought. ”
Roughley said that he took defendant back to the Liverpool State Hospital, where Bathie identified him as having stolen some food. He added that, although not sober, defendant, who smelt very strongly of liquor, was not drunk.
Charles George Bathie gave evidence of having ordered defendant off the hospital premises. Defendant said, ” I’ll go when I get my bag. It’s up along the wall. ” Bathie said that after examining the bag he told defendant that its contents were the property of the institution, but defendant refused to hand it over, saying that it belonged to him. Witness next saw him with Constable Roughley.
Bathie identified the articles of food found in defendant’s possession as the property of the hospital. Their value was approximately 3/-.
Anderson said he lived in Bathurst Street, Sydney, and that he came to Liverpool to draw his war pension. He collected it, met a few friends and had a few drinks. About ten o’clock he saw a man in a sulky driving along Macquarie street – the main street. The stranger said, “Are you on the track, digger?” and he replied, “Yes.” The other man said, “Well, here’s something that might be handy to you,” handed him a sugar bag and drove on. ”I didn’t have a look at what it was,” said Anderson. “I took it for granted it was food.”
The magistrate: How were you dressed? – Like I am now. And where were you walking? – On the footpath. You had nothing in your hand? – Nothing. ” I owed a few small debts at the hospital,” said Anderson, “and I walked over there. I left my bag while I went to look for those from whom I had borrowed money when I was an inmate.”
The magistrate said that he could see no reason why defendant should have been mistaken for a swagman. “I have no doubt whatever about this,” he said in convicting.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Our Deepest Condolences to his wife, Toni, family and friends.
NSW Police Force: Const Steve Meredith ( # 16294 ) left and Const Chris Kennedy( # 16748 ) on escort of a convict Peter Segrave from the Argyle Arts Centre to celebrate the resumption on the 30th July if Mounted Patrols in the Sydney’s Rocks Area after a break of 70 years . Photo taken in August 1981.
NSW Police Academy, Redfern, NSW
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
The Governor-General, Sir Zelman Cowen, announced yesterday that the Queen had approved 16 bravery awards for Australians.
Mr Nelson is the only recipient of the Star of Courage.
Four people have won the Bravery Medal and 11 will receive the Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Winners of the Bravery Medal are Sergeant Third-Class Brian Carson, NSW Police, Chief Inspector Stanley Dawson, South Australian Police, Able Seaman Anthony McLeod, HMAS Albatross, Nowra, and Mr Daryl Streets, Penguin, Tasmania.
Sergeant Carson attended an accident at Faulconbridge, NSW, in November last year in which a car had come to rest on a railway line.
Ambulance officers had placed an injured person on a stretcher on an adjoining line. As a train approached Sergeant Carson rushed in front of it and lifted the injured person from the stretcher to safety.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
picture of Class111 26th June, 1967. All the cyclists have the first of the white helmets. They didn’t last long either’, once they realised that the broken necks were coming from the bad design, where the back of the helmet sat at the perfect point to break your neck, if your head was snapped backwards. Second white helmets issued hurriedly, ‘say no more’..!
Class 111 – those transferred to Penrith – 1967
Some of Class 111 who commenced training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 15 May 1967 and were Sworn In on Monday 26 June 1967. Rear row, 4th from left is Probationary Constable Barry John PEARCE # 12631
* Story behind any Nickname: A play on his surname.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Passed away peacefully on Saturday, 23rd December 2023.
Beloved wife of the late Ron.
Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Terri and Tony, Brett and Toula.
Cherished Nan of Kiah, Jesse and Natalia, Erin and Tommy, Tyron and Brie and
great Nan of Jordan, Remie, and Valentina.
Aud will be sadly missed by her loving family and many dear friends.
Aged 84 Years
Forever in our Hearts
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Aud’s funeral service to be held at H. Parsons Funeral Home, 10 Woolworths Avenue Warilla on Tuesday, 9th January 2024 at 12noon.
Audrey FOSTER & Ron FOSTER – Friday 6 September 1985 – Warilla Police Social at Berrima Wool Shed, Berrima, NSW
THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2016 LAKE ILLAWARRA RETIRED POLICE DAY. 45 people turned out to Lake Illawarra ( Oak Flats ) Police Station at 10am today for the Retired Police Day. 15 National Police Service Medals were awarded to various Police who live in and / or worked in the Lake Illawarra Area Command. These awards were presented by the current LA Commander, Zoran Dzevlan. Sgt Scott ABBOTT & Audrey FOSTER – Widow of Ron.
* Story behind any Nickname: Play on Christian name
You were a bloody good woman Audrey and it is sad to see you gone. May you now forever Rest In Peace together with Ron.
Cal
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Deepest Condolences to his wife, Georgie, and family.
BERNASCONI
Geoffrey Paul (Schooners)
BERNASCONI Geoffrey Paul (Schooners) 14.5.1956 – 20.12.2023
Passed away peacefully on 20th December 2023, late of Hervey Bay and formerly of Wagga Wagga, Coolamon and Batemans Bay. Much loved husband, dad, poppy-pa and brother. Respected retired member of NSW Police Service.
I have just heard of the passing of a former colleague from Class 158 Geoff Bernasconi. He was a wonderfully generous and giving man and a real entertainer. Your shift is complete Geoff – but your legacy, and the considerable memories you created will live on with many, especially during the times at Wagga Wagga. Special thoughts to Geoff’s family and the friends he leaves behind. Rest easy my friend.
* * *
Geoff featured in the book: ‘Forensic Investigator – true stories from the life of a country crime scene cop’, written by Esther McKay.
Class 158A – Redfern Police Academy – April 1978
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970
Georgina CLEMENTS & Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970 at their wedding. 10 June 2020
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Tuesday 28 February 1995, page 4
Boys face murder charges
WAGGA WAGGA: Blood had soaked 5cm into the ground around the head of a man found dead by a council worker in Wagga Wagga, the city’s Children’s Court was told yesterday.
Four Wagga boys, aged 11, 12, 15 and 16, have been charged with the murder of Peter William Baker, 55, whose body was found in Victory Memorial Gardens at 8am on November 6 last year.
They were charged also with robbery in company after it was alleged that money had been taken from the dead man.
On the first day of committal proceedings yesterday, Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi said Baker would not have staggered to the spot where his body was found.
He would have fallen to the ground after being struck on the back of the head and stayed there.
A significant feature was that blood had been found only on and under Baker’s head, there had been no blood on the back of his clothes and only minute traces surrounding him.
Peter James Kelly identified three of the four youths as those he had given a lift at about 11.30pm on November 5.
SYDNEY: A pilot spoke to his wife about his plane experiencing electrical difficulties only minutes before the plane plunged into a paddock near Wagga in south-eastern NSW, killing all four people on board.
Police said the 64-year-old Narrandera pilot told his wife in a mobile-phone conversation that he had lost the artificial horizon on the twin-engine Cessna 310’s navigation system.
He said he was flying in low cloud cover during a descent from 9000 feet on his approach to Wagga.
According to the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation, the pilot, from an air taxi service in Narrandera, then made his last known radio contact with Wagga airport at 7.43pm on Friday.
He failed to contact the airport six minutes later as scheduled.
A bureau spokesman said his last contact was routine and made no mention of difficulties.
Police identified the pilot as Don Knight, 64, of Knight Air Taxi, Narrandera. The Wagga men were Dallas Gooden, 42, Bruce Campbell, 54, and David Larwood, 33. They had been on a trip to Longreach in far-north Queensland buying stock.
Wreckage was strewn over more than a kilometre in the open paddock where the plane crashed.
Police said a woman from a property near the crash site, about 15km north-east of Coolamon, reported seeing a large flash in thesky and heard the plane crash about 8.10pm on Friday.
But the officer-in-charge at the crash site, Inspector Chris Morley, said it was too soon to talk about the plane exploding in mid-air.
He said the flash in the sky may have been the plane crash reflected on low cloud.
“It’s a big mess, I have never seen anything like it,” Inspector Morley said.
“It’s just devastating.”
The wreckage was found on the Thalia property by the property owner at midday yesterday after the alarm was raised.
This morning, NSW police video unit and photogrammetry officers recorded the crash site.
Two BASI investigators were travelling from Sydney to pick over the wreckage for clues about how the crash happened.
Inspector Morley said the men’s bodies would be collected and eventually taken to the city morgue in Glebe, Sydney, for disaster victim identification procedures, to be carried out by Riverina forensic services head Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi.
Detective Sergeant Bernasconi was in charge of similar investigations after the Monarch air crash that killed seven people as it approached Young in central NSW on June 11, 1993.
NSW Fire Brigade, bushfire brigade and State Emergency Services workers were involved in the search on Friday night.
Forensic investigator Geoff Bernasconi had always been passionate about his job as a policeman in rural New South Wales, and went the extra mile, both for victims of crime and for their families. But one night in 1984, he was called to investigate the scene of a horrific car accident in which an entire family had been wiped out – and which it was impossible for him to forget.
Geoff‘s day-to-day working life became a catalogue of tragedies, some of which involved people close to him, and he found himself spiralling downwards in the grip of post-traumatic stress disorder.
When Esther McKay heard that Geoff had been awarded maximum compensation for his suffering, she knew immediately this was a story that needed to be told.
This is a harrowing account of what it is like to work on the frontlines of crime and tragedy as a forensic investigator. It is also the inspiring story of one who has been exposed to sights and experiences many of us can hardly even imagine, yet has emerged from the darkness to begin his journey to recovery.
Relationship issues from the autobiographies Allan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:136)describes his relationship with his wife Deborah as beingstrong and supportive, although he says “I kept my mental state from her.” Her support, Allanbelieves was central to his later recovery.
John Horner(Horner, 2011)experienced a marriagebreakdown in mid–career, as did Esther McKay.
She described her subsequent partner as“extremely sensitive and comforting” in terms of her battle with the trauma that was then achallenging part of her everyday experience.
Belinda Neil had a similar experience, as didGeoff Bernasconi(McKay, 2010:74)
where he describes his marriage as “weakening underthe strain”.
After being absent from home forfourdaysinvolved with the forensicinvestigation of a plane crash scene, (during which time he made no contact with his pregnantwife) on arriving back to his home town he went straight to the hotel, got drunk and called his wife, suggesting she join him for dinner. The relationship did not survive.
Sleep Problems and Exhaustion: The autobiographies. Alan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:140) describeshis confronting dreams and his inability to sleep.
As his Post traumatic stresssymptomsincreased he commenced having nightmaresin whichhe had stabbed to death his wife and daughter.These were the source of profound anxietyand fear for him, prompting thoughts of suicide to protect his loved ones from the possibilitythat his dreams might become reality.
EstherMcKay(McKay, 2005:265/227)gives a similaraccount of nightmares describinga particularly disturbing one where she was ‘lying naked onthe morgue table’.
Belinda Neil(Neil, 2014:2)describes “the long working hours with no time to recover from one traumatic incident to the next.”And continues,“I was falling apart,exhausted and forgetful”.
Geoff Bernasconi,(McKay, 2010:58/59)is “mentally and physically exhausted” and “fatigue was ever–present, especially on long road trips when Geoff would struggle to stay alert.”
These wereofficers nearing the limit of their resilience, unsupported by their organisation, isolated and nearing the end of their police careers.
Thesis Final PDF.pdf Trigger Warning re this link; This document looks into Police, the culture, Stress and Suicide / Suicidal thought by Police.
DAILY TELEGRAPH P15 THURSDAY 23 DECEMBER 2004 FORMER POLICEMAN GEOFF BERNASCONI FROM WAGGA WAGGA WHO SUED THE POLICE DEPT.
My dog Mac reading the book
Forensic officer awarded $750,000
While a judge in Sydney was telling the court that a former policeman should receive the maximum compensation – $750,000 – the man in question was visiting the grave of a victim of a crime he had investigated.
“I have been to a few cemeteries,” said Geoffrey Bernasconi, 48, speaking from his home in Wagga Wagga. “It’s just a solace, a place for me to think and reflect.
“I think about those that are left behind, and I feel for the person … I found it quite peaceful there today. I reflect could I have done more, and I reassure myself, no, I have done everything I can.”
On Wednesday in the District Court, Judge Raymond McLoughlin awarded the former forensic services police officer $785,000 (including interest) for his suffering, and lost career due to work-related post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
During his 23-year career, in which more than half the cases involved homicides and dead bodies, Mr Bernasconi was only debriefed three times. Those occasions were “poorly organised and often occurred after the event”, the court heard.
A medical report said he had been “repeatedly exposed to some of the most tragic circumstances that may be witnessed in civilised societies”.
Based in Wagga Wagga since 1987, he investigated crime and accident scenes, retrieved body parts from cars, trains and light plane crashes. There were teenage suicides, infant drownings and homicides. Sometimes he was required to remove decomposed bodies because the government contractor “couldn’t stomach it”.
One of Mr Bernasconi‘s strengths was his empathy with the families of victims, who relied heavily on him. But this was also a stress.
The court also heard that for 15 months in the late 1980s he was the only crime scene investigator for the whole region, and was on call around the clock.
Judge McLoughlin criticised the service for failing to properly manage his 70-80 hour week, and failure to order appropriate leave and job rotation.
In 1999, he broke down while giving evidence at a coronial inquiry into a plane crash. The coroner recorded: “I have dealt with this man for 15 years and I have never seen him like this.”
Soon after, his police supervisor took his gun and handcuffs away. He was medically discharged in 2000-2001. He spent months in psychiatric care in hospital.
Judge McLoughlin said there were managerial and psychological interventions which should have been taken by the service. He found Mr Bernasconi was now unfit to work in the labour market.
THE NSW Police Force has wasted millions of dollars fighting “no-brainer” claims by stressed officers, prompting the State Government to order an external review of the force’s legal services unit.
The Herald is aware of at least six cases in which former police officers offered to settle for less than $150,000 but ended up with $750,000 payouts after going to court. Seventy claims are before the courts.
The Police Minister, Carl Scully, said he had “concerns about the performance of the unit, particularly in relation to its management of settlements and litigation”. He mentioned matters “not being handed expeditiously or fairly” and a “reluctance to settle that then causes payouts being larger than what they otherwise may have been”. Payouts include:
■ Child protection officer Rodney Keen: offered to settle for $148,000 plus legal fees of $30,000. Awarded $750,000 plus costs.
■ Forensic services officer Geoff Bernasconi: offer of $150,000 to avoid stress of court before $750,000 judgement.
■ Armed hold-up squad officers Edward Shepherd, Mark Wilson and Craig McDonald: offer of $790,000 for all three. Awarded $2.04 million plus costs.
■ Undercover officer Bob Ridley: offer of $100,000 before $750,000 judgement.
Mr Scully said a solicitor who has worked in the public and private sectors, Helen Vickers, would deliver her report in a few weeks.
He conceded that if the claims were proven, “then obviously I would have to consider ways of improving or potentially changing the way legal services is conducted”.
One police insider said the unit had an “army mentality”. “They want to fight everything and settle nothing and then rage against the courts when things go wrong. It’s scandalous the amount of taxpayer money they are wasting.”
Mr Scully said the current system, under which up to six people must be consulted before making an offer, could be a case of “too many cooks spoiling the broth”. The minister must approve all settlements over $100,000. “No doubt we could potentially streamline that and make it more efficient and effective.”
Mr Ridley‘s solicitor, Philip Sim, settled a case involving another undercover officer – dubbed Miss X – on the fourth day of a District Court hearing last week. “They slow the process down, so they can wear people out,” he said.
He said one attempt at mediation collapsed when police lawyers could not get instructions.
Tom Edmunds, a solicitor and former policeman who represented the hold-up squad officers, was blunt: “$1.4 million – that’s how much the Crown contributed to our legal costs.”
Kim Smith, who acted for Mr Keen and Mr Bernasconi, said the legal costs of running a matter against NSW Police were “so much greater” than her other personal injury matters.
The Crown, which will pay a large amount of Mr Keen‘s estimated $350,000 legal costs, has foreshadowed an appeal.
Ms Smith said the Crown Solicitor’s Office had pointed out many times that NSW Police was exempt from the model litigants’ policy. This demands government departments avoid litigation wherever possible, but only the Attorney-General’s department is bound by the policy.
The secretary of the NSW Police Association, Peter Remfrey, said the way NSW police managed stress had improved but the legal unit’s handling of claims was “dysfunctional”. The association’s research director, Greg Chilvers, said 70 former police – many undercover officers – had negligence claims before the courts.
A precedent was set in a 2000 Court of Appeal judgement which awarded a former child abuse officer, Beth Seedsman, $750,000 for NSW Police’s failure to provide a safe system of work or protection from mental injury. “Given what we know about the law, in these cases it should either be a no-brainer or one to be fought on a matter of principle,” Mr Chilvers said. “It seems on a matter of principle they fight them all.”
* Story behind any Nickname: The man liked a drink.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Updated 6 July 2024 with Relationship confirmation.
Updated 17 March 2026 with grave location & photo.
James Thomas McCONVILLE
02/04/2024
James Thomas McCONVILLE
AKA Jim McCONVILLE
* Nickname: Mac
Late of Narrandera, NSW
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern / Police Training College – Penrith / Belmore Barracks Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # Q 6708
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Commenced Training at ? Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed 10 April 1894 ( aged 22 – 23 )
Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), Friday 14 August 1942, page 1
OBITUARY
Mr. James Thomas McConville
The death occurred at the Narandera ( sic ) District Hospital on Tuesday last of Mr. James Thomas McConville, of Narandera, at the age of 70 years.
Mr McConville, who was a native of Gunning, joined the New South Wales railway service at an early age.
In the extensive retrenchments following the bank crash in 1893 Mr. McConville was one of those whose service were dispensed with.
He then joined the police force, and was stationed at various centres.
During his term in the force he displayed remarkable ability and tact, and was popular with all sections of the communities in which he resided.
While stationed at Stuart Town he resigned from the police force, and his departure from the district was marked by a popular farewell in which Mr McConville was made the recipient of a gold watch and chain, the chain being made from gold mined at Stuart Town.
He acquired the license of the Broadway Hotel, Junee, and remained there for a number of years. Later he took over the licence of an hotel at Boorowa, and resided in that town for several years.
Some years ago he came to Narandera, where he had since resided. He made many friends here, by whom he was held in high esteem. In his early days he was a noted amateur boxer, and gave promise of making a name for himself in this sphere. Other interests, however, claimed his attention, and he relinquished his activity in this direction. He was a keen follower of all types of sport, and derived a good deal of enjoyment from cricket, football, and other classes of sport.
Deceased is survived by two sons and four daughters. The sons are James ( RA.A.F., Sydney) and Charles (school teacher, Quirindi); while the daughters are Tot (Mrs. O. Belling, Sydney). Misses Bridget, Edna, and Norah (all of Sydney).
He is also survived by one brother, Mr. J. W. McConville of Narandera.
The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, when the remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the Narandera cemetery.
The bearers were Messrs. Charles and James McConville (sons), Thorpe McConville (nephew), and — Belling (grandson). The last mentioned has only recently returned from Port Moresby.
Messrs. Watkins Bros, had charge of the funeral arrangements.
Word has been received at Gunning of the death of one of its old and respected old-time citizens in the person of Mr. Jim McConville, which occurred at a private hospital at Narrandera on August 11.
The late Mr. McConville was a native of Gunning and received his early education at the Public School.
He was in the Police Force for some time. He was stationed at Peak Hill and later became a hotel proprietor.
At the Gunning Show he was a conspicuous visitor, making new friends and renewing old-time friendships.
He was the third son of the late Mrs. Rodrom and step-brother of Messrs. Joe and George Rodram, late of Gunning, and first cousin to Mrs. James Lyell, of Gunning.
His old-time friends will regret to learn of Mr. McConville’s death, as he was a man of sterling qualities and held in high esteem.
He is survived by five daughters, Tor (Mrs. Belling), Bid, Leila (Mrs. Fraser), Norah and Edna, and two sons, Charles and Jim.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Relations in ‘the job’: Phillip John CHILD, NSWPF # 5330 ( Passed in 2013 )
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # ? 057 or 058
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # P/W 0028 ( Police Woman )
Had the same Registered numbering system that applied to males been used instead of PW’s, Colleen would have sat between Peter SPRATT, NSWPF # 8922 & Ray WHITE, NSWPF # 8923 in the Seniority list.
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Special Constable- appointed 20 January 1958 ( aged 23 years, 5 months, 9 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 June 1976 ( Seniority date was 1 March 1974 )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 17 May 1981
Final Rank: = Sergeant 2nd Class
Stations: ?, Plain Cloths – Police Womens Office ( is mentioned in the C.I.B. Centenary 1879 – 1979 book ), ?, Parramatta ( 18 Division )( 1980s ), ?
Time employed with NSW Police: From: Monday 20 January 1958 to Thursday 30 March 1989 = 31 years, 2 months, 10 days
Service: From Monday 20 January 1958to Thursday 30 March 1989 = 31 years, 2 months, 10 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 54 years, 7 months, 19 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 34 years, 6 months, 18 days
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Updated August 2 2023 – 1:34pm, first published 1:30pm
With Mr Face (L) with Matt Bingley, former Premier Bob Carr and Andrew Johns at Energy Australia Stadium in June 2002. Picture by Darren Pateman.
Former long-standing Hunter Labor MP and state government minister Richard Face has died, aged 80.
Mr Face, whose full name was Jack Richard Face, died on Tuesday night after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Mr Face advocating for improved parking at Charlestown in 2010.
The former police officer held the seat of Charlestown for 30 years, a period that is believed to be a record for any state or federal MP in the region.
He held the Gaming and Racing Portfolio in the Carr government between 1995 and his retirement in 2003.
Mr Face was also appointed to the role of Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development, a portfolio that was later renamed Minister for the Hunter.
He was instrumental in the Hunter’s transformation over three decades.
This included the establishment of Glenrock State Recreational Reserve, playing a key role in the management of the Newcastle’s transition away from steel making and the establishment of the Hunter Beyond 2000 Committees.
He was also a vocal advocate for the construction of the West Charlestown bypass, the redevelopment of McDonald Jones Stadium and the establishment of the Windale Police Citizens Youth Club.
He was affectionately known as the ‘the father of the NSW Parliament’ when he retired in 2003.
“I have been given the honour to represent the people of Charlestown for 30 years tomorrow, having first been elected on the 18th November 1972,” Mr Face, who had four children and eight grandchildren, said on the eve of his retirement.
“During this time I have faced 10 elections and each time have been returned as the State Member for Charlestown and it has been a privilege to help and assist the citizens of this electorate.
“As for my record of achievement in my electorate it’s for others and history to say whether it has been one of success or not. However, of the things I have done or achieved in the electorate in the 30 years, it is declaration of the Glenrock State Recreation Area which has brought me the most satisfaction.”
Mr Face with his family.
Mr Face’s son Warwick said his father’s career was one of many highs and acknowledged challenges. This included being found guilty of misleading a preliminary hearing of ICAC in 2003.
“Our family is steadfastly proud that the ledger is very much in favour of the people of the great state of NSW, particularly the Hunter Region, and the electorate of Charlestown,” he said.
“Thank you Richard, Dad, Poppy, we all love you, time to Rest In Peace.”
Details of Mr Face’s funeral will be published in coming days.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
