It is high time that I knocked up a bit of a spiel on what I have actually been up to in the past 3 weeks. To cut a really really long story short I have been dropping into random county, city police, state and sheriff crime scene offices for some crime scene duties. I realise that it is hard to believe that there are so many agencies but let me break it down for you:
1 - there are 100 separate counties in North Carolina 2 - each county usually has about 3 - 5 different law enforcement agencies 3 - the simple maths is that there are around 500 different agencies in the state - that's 500 different uniforms, cars, policies and procedures
I have had the sheer pleasure to hang out with certain people and agencies.
Most recently I have been able to hang with my good mates at the CCBI - City County Bureau of Investigation. They are a team of great crime scene folk from Raleigh who cover all crimes within their county. They are a busy bunch of hard working crime sceners, and I have hung out with my mate Shayne. She was kind enough to pick me up at about 5.30am each day we worked (12 hour shifts) and we got to go to heaps of great jobs - including deaths, house breaks, car crime and more.
A little insight into the sheer volume of crime that they attend to can be appreciated by the following. These are the crime stats for 7 days in Raleigh:
The SBI is the agency that is called upon when the job might be a little beyond the capabilites of the attending smaller crime scene units. SBI stands for State Bureau of Investigation. Unfortunately there were no major hiccups for the fine people of North Carolina when I was with the SBI but we ran through some great programs and I was lucky enough to be invited along to their Blood Splatter course for a day. We ran through some great mock crime scenes - including a police shooting and shared some great ideas and methods.
My vocational advocate SBI Special Agent Whyatt PETTINGAL has been a cool guy and taken me around a whole heaps of different locations, and given me the opportunity to meet and speak with many people in high places. I was particularly impressed with the Apex Police Chief's choice of patrol cars for his troops. I knew no-one would believe me if I told them, so I have photographic proof of the fleet the Apex police cruise around in!!
Wow, a pretty intense four days was had in Raleigh. A jam-packed itinerary with three club presentations and two full vocational days. Oh yeah, and a few "socials" as our program stated. They were actually cocktail parties, visits to pubs, yet another Carolina Hurricanes ice-hockey game and the like.
Jane, an ex-GSE team member (to Argentina) took us under her wing and showed us the highlights of Raleigh. We met Miss Jane when we gatecrashed the Progress Energy corporate box (we love 'em). They are now officially sponsors and have been recognised as such in our presentation!
At the Flying Saucer, which despite having over 150 beers on offer, only stocked one Aussie beer - FOSTER'S. No Coopers to be seen, so we went with some exotics.
Post-presentation at the combined meeting of West Raleigh, Crabtree and North Raleigh. Note the corsages that we were presented with were in our country's flag colours, (which happen to be the same as USA's!).
The highly SOUGHT-AFTER professional auctioneer, Scott Endersby, auctioning tickets to the Hurricanes game with President George chuckling at his accent in the background, at the beautiful venue at the Capital City of Raleigh club presentation.
The highly SOUGHT-AFTER professional auctioneer, Scott Endersby, revving up the crowd (hang on, that could have been his sassy assistant, Margaret) during the auction of Australian Aboriginal art.
We raised over $700 for Polio Plus and aim to top this at the District Conference as we have yet more Aboriginal art that the GSE team had commissioned by local Aboriginal artist Christine Tschuna and purchased for this purpose.
President Tom, who, following his loss to Serge (District Governor Elect) in the auction for the Aboriginal art, donated money to the Rotary Foundation's Polio Plus, on the proviso that we answered his question correctly; "In which city was Mel Gibson born?" He thought us Aussies would try to claim him but there's no flies on us - we knew it was 'Pigs something' in New York. Well we did after he whispered it to me!
The ever youthful and beautiful Eric and Mary (Corey's hosts but Eric and I are alumni of Melbourne University so I adopted him!).
Looking at a watershed project with the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, following the signing of the Wake County Conservation Memorandum of Agreement; a monumentous occasion between county, state and federal government agencies and community.
Margaret's and my wonderful hosts, Nan (exceptional shopping partner) and Rob Robinson. Until this day, I did not know that ironing fairies existed. My clothes were as shocked as I was.
Off to yet another presentation - to the Lillington club. If they're like all the other clubs, they will be a good audience and laugh in all the right places!!
This Saturday the men (and Margaret) decided it was time to catch some American footy - it was different to say the least! We went along to a practice match between the NC State Wolfpack team. It was only one team, divided into two opposing sides running some plays... no big deal hey? That's what I thought.. I even thought we'd get a kick of the footy with the other 10 people that would have been out there to watch -WRONG!! There were 21,000 people in the crowd, a full set of cheerleaders, a full set of acrobatic cheerleaders, seven ref's on the field, about 24 people on each bench, a brass band in the crowd and television broadcast!! That threw my kick with the guys out the window.
After about two hours of a stop start version of bad rugby we had had enough and decided to head across to the state fair grounds to the flea market. I bought a nice item for Terry - genuine I'm sure, the Russian speaking American assured me. Later that day the Aussies knocked up a crackerjack meal for our North Carolinian hosts. We feasted on roasted lamb with red wine jus and mint sauce, accompanied by roasted spuds (potato), carrots, peas, beans and sweet potato. Dessert was a pav (of course) showered with strawberries, grapes, kiwi fruit and orange.... yummo.
The night was capped off with a haka performed by Margaret and me (disgracing Kiwis world- wide). A great night was had by all and then we tucked off to bed ready to be sent off to our new hosts on Sunday arvo. Special thanks to Ken (for getting up at 5am to take me to the CCBI) and Fay for making Scott and I feel very welcome in their lovely home.
A taste of American politics was on the cards, and a trip to the White House was out of the question, so the next best thing was a trip to the local Republican Party fundraiser, where we were privileged to meet NC's Republican Senator Richard Burr. The local Republican Party is strong in Johnston County, and they're proud to have Republican Senator Burr representing them.
The Republican Party fundraiser we attended had a "Life is a Beach" theme, and was held to celebrate 2009 Reagan Day to commemorate the late Republican President. As well as dinner and a silent auction raising funds for the Johnston County Republicans, there were remarks by local Republican figures (including Republican Sheriff Steve Bizzell and Republican County Commissioner Cookie Pope who led us in prayer).
Following the formal event there was a beach band "The Seaside Band" which played some fantastic shag music. In all it was a great Republican event, and an interesting foray into American politics.
Before we leave 7710 I hope we are afforded similar exposure to the Democrats so we can be sure of a balanced view...
Well, where do I start? There's been many and I won't go too in depth but here's a brief overview of the who and what so far ...
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Water Science Center
Federal agency whose role is to conduct the science behind water as a resource. Discussed stream gauging technologoy, water quality in NC rivers, lakes and groundwater amongst many other things!
Unlike Mallee and Lower-Murray Darling areas, the groundwater here is fresh and therefore an additional resource. Auditing, monitoring and licensing of this resource is difficult however, as is educating the masses on the connectivity of groundwater and surface water.
North Carolina Water Resource Research Institute (WRRI)
Situated in the NC State University, which tends to be common for some agencies due to the huge part university plays in US life, this is one of 54 state WRRIs delivering benefits of knowledge sharing in research and information on water-related issues.
Findings from this research help local, state and federal agencies make decisions in managing water resources. The person I met with is also an economist so we had some great discussion on market-based instruments such as salinity impact zoning in the Mallee, as well as water trade markets in Australia and the US.
Harnett County Government - Public Utilities
I met with a true character here. With vision and passion, he leads this regional water provider well. Everyone else I meet in the industry knows him. He said to me, "You can live your whole damned life without love; but only three days without water".
My session with him was fun, challenging, interesting and I learnt a lot about the differences between the population pressures of places such as North Carolina compared to the space where I live. Regional water providers in areas such as this need to ensure sufficient interconnections between providers' infrastructure for supply during times of low flows or contamination.
Triangle J Council of Governments
For those in Australia, "Triangle J" is the term given to the area in NC comprising 13 counties and driven by the three major universities being Duke University, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina.
This organisation has a coordinating role within the triangle and we discussed regional water resource issues and wider basin issues.
Water resource issues in the US can be complex due to demands from many users but also because rivers don't recognise those things we call state borders (of which there's many and they are very close together). A coordinated federal approach is attempted through the US Army Corps of Engineers who maintain minimum flows but more may be beneficial, with respect to water policy, etc.
Whilst the east coast of the US (where I am) appears "water sufficient" at present, demands in the future require action now. It is good to be able to discuss issues with water industry peers, each of us benefitting from the others' experience.
Neuse RIVERKEEPER Foundation
I learnt something here. RIVERKEEPER exists in Australia to a small degree, but not in my region. This organisation is essentially a public advocacy and education body. Whilst some similarities exist with our Water Watch and River Watch programs, this type of organisation was new to me.
City of Raleigh
Essentially a local council, I met with a girl who was kind of Australian as she was born in NC, had studied and lived in Australia and recently moved back to NC. Her accent was a real mish-mash.
She was working in a newly created position, 'Water Conservation Officer'. It has only been one month, but already she is making in-roads into water use efficiency and conservation measures. This is a good step.
Nicolas Institute for Environmental Policy - Duke University
Essentially policy advisors/writers for public and private sectors, the guys here are looking towards big ticket water policy issues. I met with the Director of State Policy and discussed Australian policies and provided information regarding water allocation and environmental water allocation, as well as learning about the evaluation process of policy risks and rewards. Common themes and issues were evident.
JJG Engineering
At first I wondered what value I would get from meeting with a private firm. I needn't have worried; these guys work for clients such as various government agencies and thus need to have an understanding on the broad policy framework. I got a lot from my discussions with JJG rep's, and really enjoyed my time with them. They had a handle on water and NRM issues at a national, state and local level.
I am looking forward to my next vocational days, where I will meet with various departments of the Department of Natural Resources, amongst other organisations.
In Wake Forest I had the great opportunity to spend four fantastic nights with the Murray family - Tommy, Beth, Tommy Jnr and Nolan. It was a lot of fun to be around boys again, and it was all coming back to me.
The first day we were treated to a walking tour of downtown Wake Forest. The facades and the 16 original post offices were the highlights. Tommy - our tour guide agent - whisked us away for some shopping in a local market, which was previously used as a cotton factory.
From there we all went our separate ways to hang out with our host families. The following day we headed off on a shopping trip to a mall in Raleigh. Those smart men (me only) made purchases in Victoria Secret and Macy's.
Sunday, some people (me again) had the opportunity to go to church.. although the church I attended was at the YMCA. It was fun and I even sang a few hymns.
Another day, and another shopping expedition. This time it was at a sports clothing outlet. Many many great purchases were made - and it was topped off by a great tour by the owner of the company (take note Pacific brand).
We met Andy Griffith and took some time to see the sights of the Wolfpac campus... good job Tommy!!
As soon as great times were plentiful it was time to move onto our next hosts.
I had a ball with the local 'hoods' and it was evident that the game of cops and robbers has evolved since I was 10 years old.
I will take this opportunity to thank the Murray family for an awesome four days - topped off with me being taken to the boys' school for 'show and tell'.
Today was the next of our official vocational days, and I had a fascinating one.
First stop was SAS, an international software company which has amazing philosophies on staff and customer satisfaction, and also a brilliant private art collection and team that manages it, which is what I came to see. Sadly photos are not encouraged, so I've got no evidence, but let me tell you the pieces I saw were amazing, and the workshop and team that pulls everything together is truly world class. The saddest part, for an outsider, it's reserved exclusively for staff and clients of SAS (chances are none of you will ever see it!). Thank you to Roxanne for the tour, and while I didn't get to meet him I send regards to Mr Goodnight, CEO of SAS, for what he has created and the fantastic philosophies that go with it.
After SAS and a lovely lunch at MacGregor Downs Country Club, my vocational guide Larry and I went to Chapel Hill, where Amanda Hughes guided us thought the Ackland Museum of Art at the University of North Carolina (home of the Tar Heels, recent winners of the 2009 college basketball championships). While it's a different style of museum from the South Australian Museum, it was great to chat freely with Amanda about their temporary and travelling exhibitions and the terrors of funding, loans and all that goes along with our jobs.
This evening we presented to the Garner, Clayton and Garner Midday Rotary Clubs in an unusual location... the restaurant attached to Rush Hour Karting in Garner. Following our presentation, the team was offered the chance to take to the track...
Pre-race publicity shots... Kelly asked for a pose with attitude, Scott clearly thought she asked for a pose with Agadoo...
On the grid: Pearson has pole in 15, Gilchrist in 14, Fyfe and Endersby well back in the pack
All I can say is I'm glad I made the podium. After Corey's pitiful 4th position we're wondering if he learnt anything in SAPOL's driver training sessions! And we're wondering how much Kelly had to pay the timekeeper to rig the times. (Margaret was our Rush Hour Karting pit girl and eye-candy, unable to compete due to her recovering arm injury)
Evidently our reputation preceded us, because the invitation came to go to Napper Tandy's bar after the karting for a nightcap and to hear local bluegrass act The Grass Cats play. It was great music (and a pretty nice Guinness).
Corey and Kel take to the dance floor for the song The Grass Cats dedicated to us... Cotton Eye Joe. Sadly we've discovered another band that doesn't know any Aussie tunes!
This is me and my mate Shayne
