Police — Youth street strategy
1035. Hon ALISON XAMON to the minister representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to the Commissioner of Police’s intention to sweep the streets of delinquent children, as reported on page 1 of The West Australian on Monday, 17 October.
(1) Where in the metropolitan area is it anticipated that this strategy will be focused?
(2) Which agencies, groups or individuals have been consulted in the development of this strategy?
(3) What is the police commissioner’s rationale for the strategy?
(4) Will the minister please table any evidence supporting the intended outcomes of the strategy?
The PRESIDENT: The Minister for Police.
Hon PETER COLLIER: Really?
The PRESIDENT: Well, nearly! Minister representing the Minister for Police, sorry!
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Thanks Mr President, and I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) The strategy will have a metropolitan-wide focus.
(2) Since the announcement of the strategy, police have consulted with the Department for Child Protection and the Department of Corrective Services, and a range of non-government agencies, including Mission Australia, Crisis Care via the Department for Child Protection, the Nyoongar Patrol, the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia and the Clontarf Foundation.
(3) The taking of children deemed to be at risk to a safe place will adopt the same intended outcomes as the “On Track” program currently in operation in Northbridge, as part of a wider summer crime reduction strategy being implemented by the agency.
(4) Police records show a seasonal increase in criminal activity during the summer months; hence the implementation of the summer crime reduction strategy. This aspect of the strategy is innovative and will be assessed during the course of its operation.