It’s a fair cop
VICTORIA'S top cops rubbed shoulders with rabbis and other communal dignitaries at a reception last week highlighting the close working relationship between the community and the state police.
VICTORIA’S top cops rubbed shoulders with rabbis and other communal dignitaries at a reception last week highlighting the close working relationship between the community and the state police.
Among the boys in blue at St Kilda Town Hall were Commander Ashley Dickinson and Chief Commissioner Simon Overland, while enforcers of Jewish law included Rabbis Yaakov Glasman, Meir Shlomo Kluwgant and James Kennard.
Addressing the gathering, Jewish constable Anthony Tannenbaum spoke of the rigorous application process for joining the force. “I remember the sergeant doing my interview asked me why there weren’t more Jewish police applicants. I replied with as honest an answer as I could ‚Ķ Jewish mothers.”
Recalling his graduation ceremony in 2008, he added: “I know my family felt tremendous pride.¬† They could now tell everyone they had a son who practised criminal law.”
Thursday night’s event, hosted by the police and supported by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, was also attended by representatives of other faith groups as well as¬† the Mayor of Glen Eira and the Deputy Mayor of Port Phillip.
PHOTO: Constable Anthony Tannenbaum. Photo: Peter Haskin