A Dubbo cop's longstanding commitment to driving down youth crime, understanding why it really happens and helping young people succeed in life has been acknowledged at police awards event.
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For going above and beyond his core duties, Senior Constable Ian Burns received a certificate of merit.
"I've always had an interest in the youth and trying to look at better outcomes for them," Senior Constable Burns said.
Recently, Senior Constable Burns helped create a new initiative to help stop youth behaving in ways that could lead to them becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system.
"The boss came to me and introduced the idea of doing things differently with youth so we sat down, had a chat and came up with some different ideas," Senior Constable Burns said.
Those open minds and their desire to make lasting positive change led to the development of Project Walwaay. The initiative, which includes partnerships with the PCYC and Aboriginal community groups, aims to provide regular, structured social and emotional support to about 20 vulnerable young people.
"It is difficult, there's no question," Senior Constable Burns admitted.
"We recognise there may be some short term wind, but obviously it's a long game and it's gonna take months and possibly years to get the best result for these kids," he said.
"Quite a number of the kids we are working with do come from dysfunctional backgrounds. Their behaviour is probably a product of their environment and what they have to do to survive sometimes.
"If we can just show them a better life or a better way of being I think the majority of them are gonna respond positively to it."
Senior Constable Burns believes early signs show Project Walwaay is having a positive impact and attracting support, including from Golden West Holden who donated a car.
"We are getting great support from the community and the word is starting to grow," he said.
