I like the interesting observation that the police are actually supporting a miscarriage of justice with the bikie law example.
I can understand the police position considering they are trying to do the impossible – stop the black market in illicit drugs. But senior police chiefs need to take a step back and look outside the square. Perhaps the laws themselves or the legal system itself has created the problem they are now trying to fix.

I think that by publically supporting unjust laws such as mandatory sentencing, privacy violations, tougher drug laws or collectivist bikie laws, ultimately police are actually harming themselves and their own profession. Because the more unjust the law becomes the less people will realise how essential and beneficial it is to enforce certain laws (eg/ property rights) and the more disrespectful and distrustful they will be of the legal system.

The result is your links end up pointing to “http://blog.libertarian.org.au/2009/08/26/guest-post-stomping-a-frog/ultimatescienceteam.com” and “http://blog.libertarian.org.au/2009/08/26/guest-post-stomping-a-frog/www.twitter.com/dannolan” which obviously doesn’t work.

The only thing the police fear is being held accountable personally. That option was mostly removed by the NSW government a few years ago. They can now behave like the uniformed thugs many of them are, with impunity. When the Police Commissioner publicly defends such thuggery, as he did after APEC, the old saying about fish rotting from the head takes on new meaning.

I have known police who disagree with these creeping powers. They tend to be the more thoughtful and intelligent ones who realise they won’t always be police and would prefer not to be on the receiving end. Some will also think again if you ask whether they’d like their family to be treated in that manner.

But far too many are moralising blockheads who, as the post says, believe they are literally the thin blue line between civilisation and anarchy. Because they have a lot of contact with a criminal or violent people, they tend to believe everyone is really like that.

Given the circumstances that led to their broad powers, as the post describes, there is probably only one response likely to reverse the trend. That is, to demonstrate the adverse impact the powers are having.

That means complaining, publicly and in writing, every time the police abuse their powers. Take a photograph or record their misdeeds whenever possible. Embarrass and expose them in the media at every opportunity. Never back away from lodging a complaint, to ICAC, the Ombudsman, PIC and politicians. Use the law against them whenever possible. Never give them a statement and never ever plead guilty to anything.

Eventually, the same politicians who thought there were votes in giving the police these powers might think there are votes in taking them away.