Building stronger partnerships is the key to addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in custody, and improving public safety, NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said.
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Commissioner Fuller visited Dubbo on Friday to launch the NSW Police Force’s Aboriginal Strategic Direction 2018-2023.
It’s not the first – NSW Police has had a strategic direction since 1992 – but Commissioner Fuller said the level of stakeholder input set this one apart.
“That’s the key,” he said.
“A big part of this document is about how do we maintain the highest levels of public safety, but at the same time try and deal with the over-representation of Aboriginal people [in custody]? We will do that through strong partnerships, through strong training and strong recruitment.”
The policy document outlines the establishment of Police Aboriginal Consultative Committees in 34 Police Area Commands and Police Districts to address issues associated with crime, crime prevention and community safety.
It includes four key priorities: ensure community safety; enhance communication and understanding between police; collaborate with other agencies to reduce Aboriginal over-representation in the criminal justice system, and; improve the safety and wellbeing of young Aboriginal people.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Evan Quarmby said the document was an evolution of the previous aboriginal strategic direction.
“That is about acknowledging the outcomes of prior performance, it’s about strengthening our present capabilities and it’s about building culturally-significant partnerships to ensure an engaged, respectful and productive future,” he said.
Local elder Margaret Walker said a fear of institutions was a major barrier between Aboriginal people and police.
“It goes right back to the Stolen Generations,” Aunty Walker said.
”They need to work together more … get in and do things together, and work on programs that are going to help our young people.”
Commissioner Fuller echoed her sentiments.
“How do we divert kids from a life of crime … the key one for me is police continuing to understand the Aboriginal culture,” he said.
“The oldest culture in the world and we still have so much to learn, so … I will be out there really driving the importance of police having really wonderful relationships with Aboriginal communities, positive relationships where we’re driving change together.”