First online forum with CPO Gaughan a positive engagement
ACT Policing is pleased with the engagement from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in its first ever live online community forum last night (Wednesday, 4 November 2020).
Held on ACT Policing’s Facebook page, Canberrans were able to post their questions and have them answered by Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan. The forum was in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Board to the CPO.
A number of thoughtful questions were raised on topics such as how to reduce incarceration rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, strategies to reduce recidivism, diversion programs for first-time offenders, management of children between 10 to 14 years of age in strife with the law, and mental health training and responses.
CPO Gaughan reaffirmed ACT Policing’s commitment of partnering with ACT Government to help deliver its target of reducing the recidivism rate by 25% by 2025.
“ACT Policing is one part of the response to reducing incarceration rates and reducing recidivism, and we must partner with ACT Government and the broader community to deliver the programs and support needed for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” CPO Gaughan said.
“With the ACT Government considering lowering the age of criminal responsibility, it was also valuable to talk about options for young offenders. As we participate in consultation ACT Policing wants to make sure programs and referral options are established to divert young offenders to appropriate support.”
CPO Gaughan said Canberrans also had an important role to play in helping police keep first time offenders out of the justice system highlighting the importance of community leadership in reaching young people before they get into trouble.
CPO Gaughan said the livestream platform was a first for ACT Policing and a great way to reach as many people in the community as possible during COVID-19.
“I was very happy with the engagement, and found it encouraging to see so many thoughtful and important questions coming through,” CPO Gaughan said.
“I would like to thank the Advisory Board for their guidance and advice about how ACT Policing can best support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our community. I look forward to continuing this new mode of two-way-communication.”
CPO Gaughan has indicated ACT Policing will be looking to hold more online forums with the broader community in the future.
If you didn’t manage to tune in last night you can still watch the full broadcast on the ACT Policing Facebook page.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au