No respect

By Kelly Yates
A 42-year-old Cranbourne East man allegedly spat in the face of a police officer, during a regular patrol in Cranbourne last weekend.
Leading Senior Constable Gordon Clark from the Casey Traffic Management Unit (TMU) was patrolling the streets when he pulled over a car for a traffic offence in Sladen Street on Saturday night.
According to police, Sen Con Clark was issuing the female driver with an infringement notice, when a man in the car got out and started abusing police.
The man then spat at Sen Con Clark.
Police said a struggle began between the officer and the man, with capsicum spray being used.
The man was arrested and taken to the Cranbourne police station, where he was interviewed in relation to assaulting a police officer.
He was later released pending summons.
Senior Sergeant Gerry Hengel from the Narre Warren police station dubbed last weekend’s spitting incident as “disgusting”.
Sen Sgt Hengel said some people in today’s society did not respect people in authority or responsibility.
“These people need to look at themselves and treat others as they would like to be treated,” he said.
Sen Sgt Hengel said people were often verbally abusive and aggressive with police.
“In the 34 years I have been in the police force, I have noticed it has become more prevalent within the last five to 10 years,” he said.
“Alcohol makes people’s language atrocious at times. They need to remember there are offences for indecent and abusive language. And they can get charged.”
Three men, two from Hampton Park and one from Dandenong, were charged after a police officer was assaulted in Dandenong last month.
Police charged a 20-year-old man with drunkenness, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest following a brawl at the Berwick Inn back in July.
Sen Sgt Hengel said police were treated and checked for diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS after certain incidents.
“It’s a pretty traumatic time for police members when they are subjected to this and are waiting for the results,” he said.