Policing in Some Aboriginal Communities - A Commentary on Experiences in Central Australia and in the Kimberleys in 1978 With Particular Reference to Juveniles (From Aborigines and Criminal Justice, P 88-106, 1984, Bruce Swanton, ed. - See NCJ-95993)

• NCJ Number: 95997
• Author(s): D Gunter
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Aborigines in Central Australia and the Kimberlys voice their opinions about policing policy, particularly regarding personnel, as well as about juvenile crime and juvenile delinquency prevention.

Abstract

The respondents were almost unanimous in preferring that local policing be done by members of the community under the authority of the community council. Respondents particularly wanted police to address acts of violence, drunkenness, and theft. Most respondents emphasized the need for police training. need for police training. Aboriginal 'police aides,' instituted by the Western Australian police, are criticized as being so allied with the police that they are not responsive to community needs and opinions. Juvenile delinquency was cited as a major problem. Violence and general law breaking by Aboriginal youth is of concern to the Aboriginal and white communities affected. The Aboriginal communities were concerned about the loss of cultural values among their youth. They have adopted several approaches to reduce delinquency and increase the cultural content of public education. These approaches use traditional ceremonies for education and punishment. The respondents desire the support of the common law system to inject traditional cultural values into contemporary criminal justice actions. For other conference papers, see NCJ 95994-96 and 95998-99.