When Stephen Limebeer left NSW Police he knew he still had a lot to offer.
He had spent nine years on the job learning the fundamentals of policing and fine tuning his skills on the job.
But he felt all those skills were wasted when he left.
He is calling on the State Government and NSW Police to consider an independent feasibility study into the establishment of a NSW Police reserve scheme.
The Caringbah resident said similar schemes were already running successfully in parts of the US, UK and South Africa but it would be different in New South Wales.
He said the scheme would attract former NSW Police officers back to the force on a reserve basis to provide additional support in under strength local area commands, natural disasters, searches, execution of warrants, protection of critical infrastructure and major events.
They would be paid, and wear the same uniform as full-time officers. They could take monthly or fortnightly shifts and be paid on a user pays basis with wages paid for by private business and the community.
‘’The skill base is wasted at the moment,’’ he said.
‘’You have men and women that have been there for 20 years who leave and don’t know where to go. It would be remiss not to even look at the option, it can only be a benefit.
‘’The skill base is wasted at the moment and with the current environment it’s time.’’
He said former officers have the relevant training and education while also bringing skills learnt outside the force including management and corporate knowledge.
‘’Through talks with my former colleagues I know a lot would love to come back,’’ he said.
‘’It shows young officers as well that there is a future when I leave the force. You can come back.’’
It’s something he knows well after he left NSW Police.
He joined the service in 1993 and was first stationed at Campbelltown as a general duties constable.
He worked his way up to Senior Constable and was stationed at commands across Sydney, completed a stint at Bourke and assisted on various task forces.
During that time he was called to countless deaths, car accidents and even riots.
It was after he was attacked with a machete while working alone at Picton Police Station that he decided to leave the force to further his career.
‘’There were no options when you resigned, that was that,’’ he said.
‘’If the scheme had been in place then I would have jumped on it.’’
After leaving the force he worked at Sydney Airport focusing on organised criminal activity and community policing initiatives before moving over to the airlines.
His good deeds have continued and he has since been recognised twice for saving the lives of two people.
Earlier this year he received a certificate of commendation in the The Royal Life Saving NSW Awards after rescuing a woman who had fell on the road at Caringbah.
He has met with Opposition Police Minister Guy Zangari who said the scheme may assist in the backfilling of numbers at under strengthened local area commands.
In the most recent figures from April Sutherland local area command was understrength by eight officers.
At Miranda it was by two and in St George it was by 11.
Mr Limebeer said it only makes sense to at least consider a paid retained officer scheme.
‘’This is the future of our kids and the safety of our state,’’ he said.
‘’In the past it has all been too hard but I think it has so much merit, it can’t be dismissed.’’
Questions to the Minister for Police Troy Grant were referred to NSW Police.
NSW Police did not respond to requests for comment.
