There are widespread misconceptions about police according to a retired police officer who visited a Nowra church on Wednesday.
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Former NSW Police Chief Inspector Gary Raymond has rescued people from vehicles at more than 1000 car crashes, and prevented 200 people from killing themselves in suicide crisis negotiations
“A lot of people think police just book you for traffic offences,” he said.
“We rescue you, we search and find missing people, we recover your body if you sadly lose your life, we comfort people in the worst of circumstances, we solve crimes and get some very evil people off the streets.”
He was in Nowra at the Salvation Army Church to present a talk to community members on his eventful career.
He lasted 33 years in the police force, and believes that the key to longevity in the police force is openly talking about tough experiences.
In his suicide negotiations, 12 people jumped in his presence.
“It stays with you,” he said.
“But you feel settled because you know you did your very best to stop it.”
Mr Raymond has published three books about his career, and runs workshops on dealing with emotional trauma, suicide prevention, and on how to survive if you’re taken hostage.