Web resource:	http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/3383/AboriginalCommunitiesSpecialReport.pdf
Type:	Booklet
Title:	Working with local Aboriginal communities : audit of the implementation of the NSW Police Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2003 - 2006) : a special report to Parliament under s 31 of the Ombudsman Act 1974
Authors:	NSW Ombudsman
Keywords:	Policing;Indigenous issues
Year:	2005
Publisher:	NSW Ombudsman
Notes:	General overview: The Aboriginal Strategic Direction (2003 – 2006) (the Direction) sets out the NSW Police strategy to improve its relationship with Aboriginal communities and to reduce crime within those communities. This report examines the extent to which NSW Police have fulfilled the six objectives identified in the strategy. It concludes that there has been significant progress in the 14 commands audited but no command was strong across all objectives. Discussion: In 2003 and 2004, the NSW Ombudsman’s office conducted audits in 14 rural local area commands. It reviewed existing projects and met with local service providers, members of the Aboriginal community and police officers. It gave each command a report card and recommendations, and monitored each command’s compliance with recommendations and implementation of the Direction strategy. The audit found strong working relationships between Aboriginal communities and police in some commands. It concluded that commanders need to be willing to engage with elders and leaders, while frontline police need to meet community members informally. New recruits with racist attitudes can destroy trust. New recruits should be given a proper induction and carefully mentored and supervised. Some commands have developed their own cultural awareness courses, with local input. Some Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers (ACLOs) are working very effectively in their communities but others are underutilised. ACLOs should be involved more in staff training, crime prevention, community safety strategies and operational duties. Vacancies should be promptly filled and more female ACLOs employed. Aboriginal people continue to be over-represented in the criminal justice system. Police cannot solve this problem on their own and they are working in close partnership with service providers to address crime. Crime has been successfully addressed where the community, the police and other agencies come together. However, Aboriginal people continue to be reluctant to report information to police. There are many positive interactions between police and Aboriginal youth but young people continue to report that they are stopped, questioned and searched because they are Aboriginal. Diversionary options under the Young Offenders Act are underutilised. Some innovative programs involving Policy and Community Youth Clubs were observed but often depend on the enthusiasm of particular officers. Similarly, some initiatives directed at domestic violence are working well. Successful strategies are those that are community specific, are developed in consultation with the community and are likely to involve both the ACLO and the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer. Conclusions: There is a new willingness among many Aboriginal communities and leaders to work with police, and the Police Commissioner has shown a commitment to ensuring that Aboriginal issues are addressed. The audit increased awareness of police obligations under the Aboriginal Strategic Direction, and some recommendations have been implemented already. Individual leadership by commanders, better information sharing about successful initiatives and better coordination within each command are necessary for further progress.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/18107
ISBN:	9780731313228
Physical description:	28 p. ; 30 cm.
Appears in Collections:	General Resources

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