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A BENDIGO policeman involved in National Police Remembrance Day celebrations says the challenges facing the police force today are far greater than when he began his career 42 years ago.
Sergeant Mark Holloway said he had noticed changes in the way people responded to law enforcement in the last four decades.
"The words respect and consequences mean nothing," he said.
"There's more disregard for the law."
Sergeant Holloway said it seemed some people felt they had the right to challenge police even when it was clear they had done something wrong.
"People no longer respect the authorities for doing their job," he said.
Sergeant Holloway remembers arresting a man for possessing one leaf of marijuana in 1974.
He said that was nothing compared to widespread abuse of stronger drugs now.
"What was extreme in 1974 is mediocre today," he said.
"People use to be embarrassed about being found drunk."
Sergeant Holloway was a flag bearer during the procession at a service and said the event was a good opportunity for the public to see police in a different context.
"I think it's important that not only we respect our colleagues but that we show to our public that we care," Sergeant Holloway said.
He said it was refreshing to see members of the public encourage him and other police members as they marched towards Pall Mall to honour fallen police.
"That sense of community that's awesome," Sergeant Holloway said.
He joined the police force in 1970s at age 17, attracted to it because it offered "a sense of adventure".
