Bridging the Gap - Practical Application and Obstacles to Change and Co-operation, New South Wales (From Justice Programs for Aboriginal and Other Indigenous Communities, P 47-52, 1985, Kathleen M Hazelhurst, ed. - See NCJ-100652)

• NCJ Number: 100655
• Author(s): B Galvin
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

The New South Wales Police, in consultation with Aboriginal representatives, have established an Aborigine Liaison Unit, which fosters communication between police and Aboriginals and promotes education designed to improve police-Aboriginal relations.

Abstract

In March 1985, the Aborigine Liaison Unit became a section within the New South Wales Police Community Relations Bureau. Specific duties of the unit are to assist police in performing duties affecting Aboriginals, establish police contact with Aboriginal organizations and representatives, assist in providing police services to Aboriginal communities, and facilitate communication between police and Aboriginals in specific cases and incidents. Unit personnel also teach police academy courses pertaining to police-Aboriginal relationships and instruct Aboriginals in the law and police procedures. The unit is based in Sydney, with teams regularly sent to visit Aboriginal communities throughout the State. Generally, the unit has produced positive changes in officer attitudes toward Aboriginals and increased the tendency of Aboriginals to cooperate with police in addressing community problems.