Talking Together- Relations between Police and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Victoria: A Review of the Victoria Police Aboriginal Strategic Plan 2003-2008

Description

In 2003 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians were reported to be in close proximity, either as victims, relations to victims or witnesses, to acts of violence. The majority of these acts required a police call out. How police perform their duties during these call outs is of particular importance, particularly as police interactions can have lasting impact on future relationships, more specifically with young people, children and elders. Given this nexus, the Victorian Police developed strategic plans for policing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, based on the Aboriginal Police Statement 2003-2008, which established a framework for dialogue between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and partnership approaches to police interactions. This report reviews the success of this partnership in improving justice outcomes. Key recommendations from the review include the establishment of more efficient data collection on the part of the Victorian Police, an update of the strategic plan developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the broad dissemination of successful program outcomes. Further, the report recommends cultural training for all police, increasing the number of full time Police Aboriginal Liaison Officers and the establishment of Regional Police and Aboriginal Liaison Groups.

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