Split Second

Split Second provides a rare, confronting and honest account of front line policing behind the ‘thin blue line’. For nearly 16 years, Jeff Garland served as a proud member of the NSW Police Force, risking his life to uphold the law and protect the community. His career, moulded on the streets of inner city Redfern and the infamous ‘Block’, was flooded with a multitude of violent and life-threatening incidents, arresting drug dealers, robbers and murderers, and wrestling armed, drug-affected and suicidal offenders. Despite being spat on, kicked, punched, bitten, bullied and almost stabbed, shot, run-down, drowned, Jeff’s greatest challenge and legacy was his battle, and subsequent recovery from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). An insatiable love and appetite for the job and the ‘police family’ led him on a truly inspirational journey through the depths of depression, suicidal thoughts and medical discharge to being on the road to recovery. Split Second – documented over 13 years – reveals Jeff’s real-life experiences and provides an invaluable insight into police-life and PTSD, offering a unique perspective on how to cope, encouraging support and education for Police and their loved ones and promoting change within the policing culture. His vulnerability, courage and resilience regaled within his words will move and inspire anyone who dares to turn the page.