New training and the establishment of consultative committees across the state are part of the revised strategy for the NSW Police Force to foster strong and cohesive partnerships with Aboriginal communities and key agencies, NSW Police say.
Launching the Aboriginal Strategic Direction 2018-2023 at Dubbo this afternoon (Friday 20 April 2018), NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM, said engagement with Aboriginal communities has evolved significantly since the policy statement was implemented in 1992.
"I am encouraged by the efforts of officers across the state who have enabled us to develop and grow our relationships with the Aboriginal community and enhance our policing response in this space," Commissioner Fuller said.
"We have achieved significant progress through a level of trust and co-operation with Aboriginal people and will continue working to reduce crime and violence, build safer communities, and focus on the early diversion of Aboriginal young people away from the criminal justice system and towards support services.
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.
Commissioner Fuller said the policy guidelines are flexible and allow for the continuation of a positive relationship into the future.
"We are working together with an improved level of community safety and removal of barriers," Commissioner Fuller said.
"Through recent re-engineering changes, the creation of the Capability, Performance and Youth Command will also prioritise solutions and programs to positively engage with young Aboriginal people and focus more heavily on crime prevention."
