NSW Police Force has won two awards – gold and silver – in the police-led category of the 2016 Australian Crime Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA). The ACVPAs recognise good practice in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crime in Australia. The Clean Slate Without Prejudice and Never Going Back projects today received a gold award. "Our programs are really making an impact in reducing crime in the Redfern area," said New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) Superintendent Luke Freudenstein. Clean Slate Without Prejudice uses ‘routine and discipline’ through boxing and fitness classes as a way of keeping at risk or vulnerable youth out of trouble. "We partner with the Tribal Warrior Association who provide mentors, with police, to run the fitness classes," said Superintendent Freudenstein. "The classes start at 6am and run three days a week. Anyone can attend and we often have up to 100 participants. "Through our Never Going Back program, we work with Aboriginal inmates who are nearing the end of their sentence. We pick them up from Long Bay Correctional Centre and they attend our boxing classes with the Clean Slate Without Prejudice attendees. "We also provide the inmates with employment training and organise housing to ensure they have a strong support network upon their release. "We are extremely proud of our programs and winning the ACVPA is a win for the whole Redfern community, as they contribute significantly. We are implementing effective crime prevention strategies and reducing crime rates. Meanwhile, ‘Revitalising Hamilton South’ today received a silver award. Revitalising Hamilton South is a collaborative project which aims to better coordinate and integrate service delivery to one of the largest housing estates in New South Wales. Local Area Commander Newcastle City Police, Superintendent John Gralton, said the project evolved after initially being a police-led operation but soon after was transformed into in a whole-of-government action plan that brought together services from across government. "There are a large number of vulnerable residents, including those with complex support needs that live in Hamilton South," said Superintendent Gralton. "When facing issues of anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism, police can’t simply arrest their way out of the problem—it’s important we work with other services to provide a holistic response to vulnerable communities. Working together, we aimed at restoring some harmony for the people of Hamilton South."
NSW Police Force wins two Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards
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