FAKE POLICE USED DURING BUSH VISIT DOWN UNDER

[AussieMark]

Fake police used during Bush visit

POLICE public servants became civvies in uniform to support sensitive security operations, including drivers, during the visit to Canberra by George W. Bush last week.

As RAAF F/A-18 Hornets and heavily-armed helicopters buzzed overhead, the desk jockeys worked in the nation's biggest security blitz, armed with nothing more lethal than pens and water bottles.

In a major embarrassment for authorities, it has been revealed that almost one in nine of the "police" assigned to protect the world's most powerful man actually was a civilian, often dressed in a police vest and overalls.

They were deployed at potential target locations including The Lodge, US Embassy and Parliament House.

The ACT's acting deputy chief police officer, Commander Mandy Newton, yesterday admitted there were 46 unsworn members of the Australian Federal Police on duty during the 21-hour visit.

They included public servants who normally spend their days behind a desk.

The AFP's professional standards unit is investigating an allegation that one was at the wheel of a police vehicle with flashing lights in a secure area.

Cdr Newton denied the car was part of Mr Bush's 41-vehicle motorcade.

The president of the Australian Federal Police Association, Jon Hunt-Sharman, said police management had been irresponsible to dress civilians in uniforms.

"The bottom line is if a member of the public saw someone in a police uniform, then they expect the person to actually be a sworn police officer and [who] has those competencies and are able to act appropriately if an incident happens," he said.

Cdr Newton rejected claims that unsworn members had been drafted in to bolster the 531 sworn officers on duty during the visit.

She said none of the bureaucrats was involved in active security operations, including preventing protesters from breaching The Lodge and the US Embassy, nor did they have contact with the public.

She said it was normal practice for unsworn members and volunteers to support police officers during major operations, such as state visits.

During the Bush visit, unsworn members cooked meals, staffed water stations, drove buses and fulfilled other behind-the-scenes functions.

Cdr Newton said some unsworn members wore police overalls and reflective vests with AFP insignia for identification purposes.

[stormchazer]

Fine with me...the old saying that there is safety in numbers. Perception, sometimes is reality.