Volunteers dish out their own justice

By Kelly Yates
DANDENONG Police have welcomed the introduction of full-time justice of the peace volunteers.
Last year the Dandenong station processed more than 50,000 documents, which created a need for full-time justices of the peace.
Alan Harper, 72, one of seven volunteers at the station, said the increase in documents was the reason for the change.
“We look at documents such as statutory declarations, divorce papers, and land transfers, but we can’t sign births, marriages and death certificates,” he said.
“There is a justice of the peace at the station every day of the week now so the police have more time to do their job.”
He said all justices of the peace volunteers had to buy their stationery, including their badges and rubber stamps.
“Our badges cost about $70 and we have to buy them with our own money.
“We’d like to see the government contribute a little.”
Mr Harper has been a justice of the peace for more than seven years, and in 2000 he was the only one at Dandenong.
He received a citizen’s commendation from former assistant police commissioner Noel Ashby in 2005.
“I enjoy meeting all people, the crazy and the normal,” Mr Harper said.
Justices of the peace have to complete several courses and are reaccredited periodically.
Senior Sergeant Ian Gillespie of Dandenong Police said justices of the peace provided an excellent service to the community.
“It frees up police time,” Sen Sgt Gillespie said.