Sydney Water Cops: Beyond the Waves

For the first time, a television crew has been granted unprecedented access to the New South Wales Police Marine Area Command for the new series, 'Sydney Harbour Cops.' This unit patrols Sydney Harbour, its inland waters, and the entire NSW coastline up to 200 nautical miles offshore. Their work is varied, encompassing pursuits of drug traffickers, searches for submerged weapons, assisting swimmers near sharks, and even aiding in the release of rehabilitated sea turtles.

Senior Constable Brendan Nix, with 23 years in the diving unit, noted the initial unfamiliarity with being filmed but found comfort as production progressed. He emphasized that police dramas cannot fully capture the years of tenacity involved in investigations, unlike reality. The series features Nix coordinating a dangerous search for a World War II grenade in Lismore. He stresses the critical importance of carefully handling such recovered items to ensure safety.

Senior Constable Matt Calbert, a former surf lifesaver, also expressed reservations about reality television but saw value in showcasing the unit's work. He hopes the series will educate the public on their daily activities and safety practices. Producer Naomi Elkin-Jones highlighted the tight control by the NSW Police media unit, with a supervisor on every shoot and mandatory final cut approval, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness.

Elkin-Jones found the experience eye-opening, aiming to make the water police more visible to the public. She was particularly struck by the officers' composure during harrowing incidents, such as a person dangling from the Harbour Bridge for over an hour. Despite the challenging year for the MAC, the officers managed these high-pressure situations with significant grace while cameras were rolling.