Cops and scribe share slammer
SHOPPERS at Hinkler Central had to look twice on Saturday when they noticed the city's top police officer on the wrong side of the prison bars.
But fear not - Superintendent Rowan Bond and several other well-known locals weren't locked up for running foul of the law, they were there for the PCYC's Time 4 Kids fundraiser.
PCYC branch manager Sergeant Robert Smith said the six participating "prisoners" were locked up in a makeshift jail for about 45 minutes each until they could raise $500 bail.
"We've raised just over $4500," he said.
Sgt Smith said the community was very generous with passers-by chipping in cash and having a good laugh at the expense of the prisoners.
"We couldn't lock up (Jack Dempsey) the police minister, but he did turn out and help bail out his super," Sgt Smith said.
"It was really good.
"One of the shops even came out and gave the prisoners water."
Supt Bond said he had plenty of fun in the lock-up.
"It was a really good day," he said.
"There was a lot of support."
Sgt Smith said the money raised would go towards events to help disadvantaged youth.
"This was a state initiative for the PCYC," he said.
"This was the first time we've ever had it and it was a great turnout."
NewsMail journalist Emily Prain pulled on her prison stripes and was the highest fundraiser, totalling $1100 for the cause.
"I went in with $900 and was hoping that passing shoppers would chip in to make it $1000, so I'm ecstatic it's over that," Miss Prain said.
"It's going to a good cause and the people knew that when they were making donations."
Miss Prain said the community had been very supportive.
"One lady even gave $50," she said.
"It was really lovely to see people chipping in a dollar here and there."
