Then and Now: Traffic Operations
The original photo, dated 1975, shows Senior Constable John Hillier standing next to his Ford Falcon XB, with the National Library in the background.
The current photo shows a Traffic Operations officer standing next to his orange Holden Commodore SS VF series 1, V8 6.0 litre, 6 speed manual.
The original photo, dated 1966, shows Constable Brian Cowling sitting within the Volkswagen, demonstrating the ability to take statements on a small fold out table. Laid out in front of the vehicle was the equipment used, including a 20-ton hydraulic jack, jemmy bars, hacksaw, electrical fire extinguishers, chains, ropes, shovels, axes, bolt cutter, spanners and a camera.
The current photo shows the same set-up for taking statements inside the Volkswagen on a small fold out table. The Collision Investigation Reconstruction Team now has new robotic survey equipment, lasers and digital cameras to assist their collision investigation. Accompanying all the new technology is the trusted paint, rulers and tape measures that have always been vital to collision investigation.
The original photo, dated 1966, shows Constables Cowling and King standing next to a Volkswagen, which was modified so that interviews could be conducted out of the weather and in reasonable comfort. Their acquisition saved time and inconvenience to people who previously had to go to headquarters to make statements.
The current photo shows that Volkswagen is still the choice of the current Collision Investigation Reconstruction Team. Providing ample space to take statements from witnesses and provide external lighting to view the scene.
The original photo, dated 1968, shows a Constable riding a Triumph Bonneville 650cc motorcycle outside the War Memorial. He is wearing the white coloured crash helmet, which were issued to ACT Policing motorcyclists in 1962.
The current photo shows Traffic Operations officer riding a Yamaha FJR1300 motorcycle, which has a 5-speed manual gearbox. The officer is wearing the trade-mark jodhpurs that provide the greatest flexibility when riding motorcycles.
The original photo, dated 1962, shows a portion of the ACT Traffic Division lined up on Vernon Circle, City Hill. The vehicles are Humber Super Snipes, which was produced between 1938 to 1967 by British-based Humber Limited. The Super Snipe was a 4.0 litre 6 cylinder engine, with a top speed of 127km/h, which was fast for its day.
The current photo shows members from Traffic Operations standing next to Holden Commodore SS VF series 1, V8 6.0 litre, 6 speed manual sedans with a SS VF series 2, 6.2 litre, 6 speed manual Ute, parked far left.
The original photo, dated in the 1980s, shows a Ford Falcon XE with police markings parked outside Old Parliament House. This vehicle was produced by Ford Australia and was introduced in March 1982.
The current photo shows a Holden Commodore SS VF series 1, V8 6.0 litre, 6 speed manual sedan, with police markings. ACT Policing purchased the vehicle with bright orange colouring to make a high visibility statement and make the public aware ACT Policing Traffic Operations were out and about to deter traffic infractions.
The original photo, dated 1961-1965, shows an ACT Policing officer directing traffic at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit, before traffic lights had been installed. Canberra CBD, can be seen in the background.
The current photo shows an ACT Traffic Operations officer standing on London Circuit with the Canberra Museum and Gallery in the background.
The original photo, dated 1965, shows Constable John Franklin standing alongside his Mini Copper S.
The current photo shows a Traffic Operations officer standing alongside a Holden Commodore SS VF series 1, V8 6.0 litre, 6 speed manual sedan.