Don't get caught accidentally driving on the Right side of the road by a Johnny Hopper (a Cop).

In Australia we drive on the Left side of the road not the Right (a feat that takes some getting use to). Australian Police you will find are very well mannered, impeccably dressed, modest, courteous and generally unassuming. They are restrained, never abusive, and will generally refer to you as "SIR" or "DRIVER" if you are driving a car. If provoked however they can become excessively and unsmilingly polite. It is always best to avoid being asked to "accompany them to the Station" which is a euphemistic way of saying "your under arrest".

The best etiquette to avoid being asked to "accompany" them is to always be polite. The safest rule is not to talk to a John Hop until he talks to you first. When a cop asks a question answer him or her politely and briefly and never ever question. Always refer to him or her as "OFFICER" (Never use any of the expressions found below).

Uniform Police "Ducks & Geese" are also colloquially known as the "Boys in Blue", "the Blues" or "Wollopers". Cops in plain clothes are called "Demons" or "Dicks" (after Dick Tracy). The latter are recognized as large, generally unsmiling men who walk slow and wear brimmed hats too small for their heads. Another kind of cop is the "Brown or Grey Bomber","Grey Ghost" (NSW) or "Grey Meanie" (VIC) who enforce Parking Laws. In unmetered areas with restricted time parking you will often see them putting chalk marks on tires and leaving little envelopes with tickets under windsheild wipers. If its your car "You've been pinched" (fined).

Always remember "Cops" are just doing their job. So give them respect and you will be treated the same.

Your Mates
Bob And Bazza