Plas, from what I've seen over the last 25 years, the days of assuming the cops in the Outback know these things has long since passed. There are certainly still a good number around who do know what they are doing but there are so many of that more practical era who have just left the job or are now behind desks. Many are just sick of the 'shit' and many just move on far more frequently than they did. Remote posts are now often seen as a quick way to get up the ladder by the younger generation and the various Police Managers have to offer remote posts with a promotion just to get anyone to go there.
In fact, it is probably fair to say that that whole era of people who knew how to tie a truckies hitch or other now 'old school' skills, is fast disappearing across the board.
A bit generalistic, but I reckon a lot of the older school cops would agree with me. @
10G - Sorry to hijack the post topic...