Two full time Youth Policing Officers will be based in Newman to help positively engage with youth and tackle juvenile offending.
The announcement was made yesterday during a visit to the Pilbara town by Police Minister Michelle Roberts and Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel.
The current Youth Policing Officer role which commenced in May is currently not a permanent position.
The WA Police Force has confirmed that position will immediately be made permanent, and a second Youth Policing Officer position will be provided as an additional officer to join Newman Police.
The decision follows the McGowan Government's announcement of the recruitment of 150 additional police officers.
Youth Policing Officers aim to divert at-risk young people away from offending behaviours by encouraging and supporting their personal development and education, and engaging them with structured and meaningful activities.
During the visit, the Minister and Member for Pilbara were briefed about the positive impact local police initiatives and strategies are already having in the mining town.
The Remote School Attendance Program, which involves police officers working with other agencies to help get children to school, has seen an increase in school attendance.
Police have also implemented strategies with local Martu Elders to reduce alcohol related harm in the community of Newman and Central Western Desert.
As stated by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
"I'm delighted these additional officers can be placed in Newman to further support the great work already being undertaken in the town.
"We know for many at-risk young people, boredom and disengagement can lead to criminal offending.
"That's why the creation of these new positions is so important.
"It allows police an opportunity to build relationships and engage those young people with activities and opportunities to develop their life skills and put them on a path to purposeful lives."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I want to thank Minister Roberts for taking the time to visit Newman with me.
"There have been some significant challenges with juvenile crime in Newman and this announcement will hopefully lead to further reductions in youth offending.
"As a community we all need to work together to tackle juvenile offending by engaging our young people with activities and opportunities."
