Amanda Meade's entry in The Diary (Losing plot on crime yarns, 22 June 2009, page 36) reminded me of a time many years ago when I pulled up a speeding driver who informed me I should be out catching murderers and rapists. I proceeded to write him a ticket in order to stop him speeding in future and to potentially save a life.

I proceeded to write him a ticket in order to stop him speeding in future and to potentially save a life.

It is pleasing to see that the Victoria Police Media Unit is able to continue life as normal throughout a week dominated by such a massive story as the murder of Des Moran. I have congratulated the media officer who informed the public of our Appeal for Owner of Happy Snaps via a very relevant headline and I encouraged him to continue his good work assisting in the return of stolen property. I'm sure the owner of the camera will be pleased to get it back.

To put your mind at ease, within three hours of Des Moran's murder the Victoria Police Media Unit made available the head of the Homicide Squad Inspector Steve Clark. We again provided a media opportunity with him early the next morning.

Later that day, after making three arrests within 24 hours, Assistant Commissioner Dannye Moloney took time out of his busy day to inform the public via a press conference at St Kilda Road that we were having considerable success in the investigation. These conferences were well attended by police reporters, including yours I assume.

My Media Unit does a fantastic job of informing the public through the press of the police happenings from day-to-day. We also provide the most relevant Victoria Police people to speak to your people at the relevant times.

As for those hard-working blokes in the Homicide Squad and out on the roads investigating burglaries and driving down the road toll, we'll just let them get on with the job of catching murderers, thieves and those endangering their own and other lives on the roads.

Richard Read | Inspector - Police Media Unit | Victoria Police

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