More police engagement with Canberra community

Canberrans can expect to see more police out in the community as the first new team of ACT Policing members focussed on crime disruption, prevention and problem solving start this month.

Currently in training, the new members are first of three Proactive Intervention and Disruption Teams as part of ACT Policing’s new Police Services Model.

It will enable police to provide improved services to the Canberra community into the future as our city continues to grow.

Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan said where ACT Policing has previously focused on reacting to crime as it occurs, the new service model addresses known crime risks before they cause wide-spread harm to the community.

Detective Superintendent Jason Kennedy will lead the new Community Safety capability.

“When the team starts, they will be focussed on addressing issues that cause repeat calls for service across the local community,” Detective Superintendent Kennedy said.

“A significant focus for the new Proactive Intervention and Disruption Team will be to work with organisations in the community sector to ensure vulnerable Canberrans most at risk are engaged with appropriate services available to them.”

The team will utilise other capabilities and technological improvements also funded through the new Police Services Model, including real-time intelligence tools, body-worn cameras and mobile devices.

“We will be focused on identifying at risk people and places, and use problem solving to intervene early and identify solutions in cooperation with our partner agencies,” Detective Superintendent Kennedy said.

“The team will be following up with individuals with the goal to divert them from the criminal justice system before they fall into a life of crime.”

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au