Police from Far South Coast Local Area Command (LAC) will next week host information sessions about ways police and Aboriginal people can work together to create stronger, safer communities.
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The sessions are being conducted as part of NSW Police’s Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2012-17), which is a blueprint for how LACs engage and interact with Indigenous communities.
This policy aims to build strong relationships between police and Indigenous people, and deliver meaningful outcomes for their local communities.
It has four key priority areas: ensure community safety; improve communication and understanding between police and Aboriginal people; reduced involvement and improved safety of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system; and reduction and diversion from harm.
“Over the next few months, we are hosting information sessions at more than 40 commands across NSW to enhance community knowledge about the Aboriginal Strategic Direction,” NSW Police Force’s corporate spokesperson on Aboriginal Issues, Acting Deputy Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, said.
“It’s not the first time we have reached out to Aboriginal communities about the policy – we held a similar round of community engagement activities in 2012 and 2013,” Acting Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.
“However, we are taking this opportunity to revisit Aboriginal communities across the state to reinforce the powerful ways in which police and Aboriginal people can work together to build stronger, safer communities.
“As the Aboriginal Strategic Direction is up for review next year, we will also be seeking input on how we can forge even more productive partnerships between police and Aboriginal people in the future,” he said.
Representatives from NSW Police’s Aboriginal Coordination Team will run the information sessions, which in Far South Coast LAC are taking place at the following locations and times:
Tuesday, May 10
10am: Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council, 3/34D Orient St, Batemans Bay
1pm: Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council, 32 Sydney St, Mogo
Wednesday, May 11
10am: Cobowra Local Aboriginal Land Council, 193 Vulcan St, Moruya
1pm: Katungul Aboriginal Medical Services, 26 Princes Hwy, Narooma
Thursday, May 12
10am: Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council, 16 Canty St, Narooma
1pm: Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council, Umbarra Rd, Wallaga Lake
Friday, May 13
10am: Commemorative Civic Centre, Zingel Place, Bega
1pm: Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council, Jigamy Farm, Eden
- For more information about NSW Police Force’s Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2012-2017), click here
