Summary Writing Task Right Direction

question_id: 865

Right Direction

Directing traffic is not just a set of random arm movements, but rather a crucial service to ensure drivers are safe when traffic lights go out or if there is an emergency. Police in Victoria have directed traffic at intersections across the state for more than a century and it remains a core aspect of police work.

Recruits are required to attend and pass a traffic direction course as part of their training to become sworn members, as they can be called on to perform the role at any moment during a shift.

Course instructor Melbourne East Police Station’s Leading Senior Constable Arthur Makridis said traffic direction is often required at large-scale events including demonstrations in Melbourne’s CBD, sports matches and in bushfire areas. It is also required when traffic lights are faulty.

“We run a course on a fortnightly basis and it covers some theory about different types of scenarios, hand and whistle techniques and understanding road signs,” Leading Senior Constable Makridis said. “We throw our members into the deep end by placing them at the busiest intersections in Melbourne. A big part of it is being confident and communicating effectively with each other.”

He said members also need to have a thick skin when performing the traffic direction duties. “Drivers can get frustrated when stuck in traffic and you will get the odd staring at or some nasty words at you as they drive past,” he said. “It’s about the bigger picture and making sure all drivers can safely travel to their destination.”

Leading Senior Constable Makridis said there have been changes to traffic direction duties since he graduated from the Victoria Police Academy in 1989. “When I graduated we wore white sleeve slips, which were attached to our tunic sleeves by way of a sewn button,” he said. “We also wore white gloves to assist with visibility. The white gloves have now been replaced with high-visibility vests.

“Members from the then City Patrol group, now known as Melbourne East, would direct traffic Monday to Friday for the morning and afternoon peak periods, along the main Swanston Street Intersections, together with Flinders and Elizabeth streets and Flinders and Russell Streets.”

He said most members enjoy performing traffic direction. “For new recruits, completing the course helps build their confidence and effectively puts their toe in the water, as far as operational policing is concerned,” he said. “For experienced members, it is a chance to get back to traditional police work.”