NSW Police get McFavouritism
Image: Should police get free Macca's? Cartoon: Paul Dorin
I have a confession to make. I went to McDonald’s last Tuesday night. I bought a Coca-Cola.
I know… this, from someone who writes for the Alternative Media Group of Australia.
All I can say is that after work I found myself on the neon-lit fast food strip of George St south, felt tired and thirsty, and needed – yes, needed – something to pep me up for the train ride home.
While waiting in the long queue to be served, two cops came in to order some food. Except they didn’t join the queue.
Instead, they took their cue from Chief Wiggam on The Simpsons, ignored the long line and strode straight to the counter.
At least they were honest when a girl braved the question: “Why do they get to push in front of everyone?”
“Because we’re cops and you’re not,” said one of the boys in blue.
The coppers didn’t appear to pay anything for their meals (unless a bright “cheerio” while walking away counts as payment) and departed, stuffing their faces with food – if that’s what you can call the stuff McDonald’s sells.
Is it just me? Is there something wrong with this picture?
McDonald’s seems to think not.
“Our company and franchised restaurants will provide uniformed police officers and SES a discount on food and beverages … in appreciation for the work these individuals do,” said a McDonald’s Australia spokesperson, when contacted about this incident.
Doing her best impression of an automaton, she continued: “Our experience with all of the great service men and women who come in to our restaurants and who may receive a discount is overwhelmingly positive and we appreciate the great work they do.”
A spokesperson for NSW Police Minister Michael Gallacher said: “I’m not aware of an official policy relating to this but you’ll probably find it’s a way for McDonald’s to get police into the store to enhance their security.”
When asked how outlets that don’t bribe police with free food could get such service, the spokesperson referred all further queries to the NSW Police Media Unit.
The media unit, in turn, replied: “Should someone observe a NSW Police Force employee, sworn or unsworn, engaging in alleged improper conduct they are encouraged to make a complaint.
“This can be done in writing or online.”
Or we could do what Queensland did in 2011 and outlaw freebies for police. Because when Queensland has stricter laws on policing accountability and transparency than NSW, there’s something McSeriously wrong.
