Current Developments in Aboriginal-Police Relations in Western Australia (From Justice Programs for Aboriginal and Other Indigenous Communities, P 53-63, 1985, Kathleen M Hazelhurst, ed. - See NCJ-100652)

• NCJ Number: 100656
• Author(s): L Roberts
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Western Australia's Special Cabinet Committee on Aboriginal/Police Relations (SCC) has guided significant improvement in police-Aboriginal relations with the backing of the police, Aboriginal groups, and the government.

Abstract

When it was first formed in 1976, the SCC lacked power to effect change in police-Aboriginal relations, and its lack of Aboriginal representation prevented it from being a forum where Aboriginals could express their views. Over the years, however, the SCC has persuaded police to improve their training in Aboriginal relations and has instituted equal Aboriginal representation in the committee. Some fruits of SCC efforts to improve police-Aboriginal relations include police acceptance of an Aboriginal body at Strelley Station established by the community to enforce Aboriginal law while cooperating with the police to enforce State law. Another significant effort is the establishment of regional committees to monitor Aboriginal-police relations and resolve conflicts between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals. An action research project in the Pilbara region also has promise. An Aboriginal research officer will work with a police consultant to collect data that will help identify major factors affecting police-Aboriginal relations and assist in the formulation of recommendations for improved relations. Overall, the SCC focuses on improving police-Aboriginal relations at the local level. 7-item bibliography.