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October 12, 2005Thus far, I’ve enjoyed working with the Tasmanian Police Department. But every once in awhile I’m reminded that their primary function is Law Enforcement. I was returning to the building after a walk, and found the entrance blocked by an irate gentleman having a bit of a verbal stoush with two other people. There was no way I could pass into the building without going past him. So I took my chances and squeezed past him and got through the doorway. It was actually quite dangerous - the guy could’ve had a weapon on him, and I wouldn’t have had a clue.
So why did I do it? Why didn’t I wait until the irate gentleman had gone? Coming from a Private Company, I always assume that the employer’s philosophy is “Efficiency and Productivity come first, and Workplace safety isn’t very important”. My attitude is that if I can’t get into the building, I can’t do my job, therefore I might be fired by my employer. It isn’t a particularly healthy attitude, but after 6 years in the Private Sector it’s a hard mindset to shake off. I don’t think the Police Department shares this philosophy - the kind of workplace safety issues they have to deal with on a daily basis are a lot more deadly than what a normal IT company has to face.
