Katrina Spackman: on life as a PSO

If you were to commit a crime, Dr Deb Bennett could have you and all your motivations, behaviours and movements figured out without ever having met you. Deb is a forensic psychologist and clinical psychologist with a decorated history as a sworn police detective for more than 40 years, and an FBI trained Criminal Profiler - having worked with some of the country's most depraved criminals. She provides psychological therapy for PTSD, depression, debilitating anxieties and phobias. This is her fascinating story.

*Content Warning* discussions of death of police members. "You never forget the day your loved one graduates from the Academy." These are the words Carmel Arthur OAM spoke on National Police Remembrance Day in 2022; a solemn ritual of remembrance for police members, their families, colleagues and friends. Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller, Carmel's late husband, were ambushed and fatally shot during a 1998 stake-out at a potential robbery target in suburban Moorabbin. What came after this was a period of transformation and rebuilding for Carmel that can only be attributed to the very resilience of the human spirit; the ability to live again after loss. Prior to joining the Post Sentence Authority, in 2018 Carmel had a distinguished career holding key roles in both the public and private sectors. She is vastly experienced in the criminal justice system, knowledge she has gained over the past 20 years working with the courts, Corrections Victoria and Victoria Police. In 2015 Carmel was awarded “The most outstanding female administrator/practitioner” at the Australasian Council for Women and Policing Excellence Awards, and in In 2021, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of her service to the law. As a victim of crime, Carmel brings personal and insightful perspectives to the operation of the criminal justice system through her lived experience. She has worked extensively with many victims of crime to advocate for more inclusive and engaging treatment of victims and their families. She is a firm believer in the giving of unwavering support to those whose suffering was acquired on the job - that "no one can be left behind", and that in our remembrance, "our memory of the person, the life, the professional and the legacy they leave behind – will never die."

This week Shannon and Bec are back for another mental health deep-dive, talking all things moral injury; what it is, who might be affected by it, and how we might overcome it. This week's Plodcast is especially important to our veteran listeners because, as Bec and Shannon discover, moral injury often plagues those who choose to work in emergency service. It was first described in military personnel who returned from deployment, having been involved in events that transgressed their deeply held moral beliefs or values. The impact of these experiences on individuals’ psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing was seen as being broader than the symptoms of PTSD or depression; something newer, more nuanced, and something worth talking about.

Content Warning - this episode contains graphic content that may be alarming to some listeners and includes discussions on death, sexual assault and child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Narelle Fraser was a member of Victoria Police for 27 years, 15 of those as a Detective ‘doing time’ at the Rape and Homicide Squads and Missing Persons Unit, but dedicating much of her career to investigating child abuse and sex offences. She worked on high profile investigations including Anna & Gracie Sharpe (by ‘Mornington Monster’ John Sharpe), Margaret & Paul Wales-King (the Society Murders), Maria Korp (the body in the boot case), the 2002 Bali Bombing, horrific infanticide investigations, Geoff Clarke (the then ATSIC Commissioner), The Ascot Vale Rapist and many more. She has stared death and trauma in the face throughout her career. However, Narelle’s career was cut short when she succumbed to PTSD, retiring in 2012 and reinventing herself as a public speaker and occasional guest on the Australian True Crime Podcast. Narelle now hosts her own podcast, Narelle Fraser Interviews, where she examines the human side of the impact of crime in a compelling and emotive series of podcasts.

We're kicking off Season 2 this International Women's Day with a brand-new host and a stellar all-female lineup. Hosting this Season's Plodcast is Stuart Bateson. Stuart spent close to 34 years in Victoria Police, joining in 1987 and performed a variety of general duty policing roles before he was promoted to detective in 1992. Over the next 22 years Stuart worked in several investigative areas including organised crime, counter terrorism, and homicide.  Later in his career he was promoted through various leadership roles to the rank of Commander.  In 2017 Stuart was awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service to law enforcement. He retired in 2021 and is now enjoying life after policing. Joining Stuart today is Vicki Key (OAM), an esteemed police veteran and former nurse with years of experience as a senior Sergeant across Broadmeadows, Fawkner, Brunswick, Avondale Heights and Moonee Ponds. Vicki then went on to create the Retired Peer Support Officer Program, which would then lead to the creation of PVV itself. Without Vicki, we wouldn't be here!

This week Carla welcomes back clinical counsellor Shannon Hood and PVV's Rebecca Lynch to chat all things post-traumatic growth and continue an important conversation on the mental health of first responders. Shannon specialises in critical incident response and trauma - mainly with Aussie blokes dealing with issues including relationships, parenting, vocation, and addictions. We couldn't think of a better way to close off Season 1 of The Plodcast, and would like to thank you for all your support and praise so far. We have exciting plans for Season 2 and can't wait to share them with you.

This week, Carla sits down to chat with Peter Signorotto (though, most would know him as Siggy), a world-travelled police veteran and VPSO with a wanderlust and a heart of gold. 

*Content Warning* - this episode contains a discussion on suicide. Listener discretion is advised.  This week Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police Neil Paterson sits down with Carla to reflect on his life in policing, the importance of mental health support for police officers and veterans, and where we might be headed in our pursuit for better wellbeing. 

'Spackles', the fun-loving PSO described as 'able to make conversation with a pot plant', chats to Carla about all things PSO life and being a woman in policing. Interested in working as a PSO?: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3U1JsQEjQCgyBHEgVYAKwz?si=d131078bcb434395 

This week Carla takes a break from hosting, passing the podcasting baton over to PVV's Rebecca Lynch for an interview with registered counsellor Shannon Hood, breaking down the intricacies of trauma and cumulative trauma. Shannon is clinical counsellor specialising in critical incident response and trauma - mainly with Aussie blokes dealing with issues including relationships, parenting, vocation, and addictions. If there's any Plodcast you should tune into, it's this one.