Restoring Order: Crime Prevention, Policing and Local Justice in Queensland's Indigenous Communities

• NCJ Number: 229127
• Author(s): Zoe Ellerman
• Date Published: November 2009
• Length: 468 pages
• Corporate Author: Queensland Crime and Misconduct Cmssn
• Sale Source: Queensland Crime and Misconduct Cmssn
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This report argues that the task of reducing crime and violence in Queensland's Indigenous communities is central to improving relationships between police and the communities, reducing Indigenous overrepresentation in police custody, and optimizing the use of resources allocated to the criminal justice system.

Abstract

The relationship between police and Queensland's Indigenous communities remains delicately balanced despite changes in police practices for the better, especially in terms of care for Indigenous people. Policing Indigenous communities must continue to improve if crime and violence problems in these communities are to be addressed and Indigenous overrepresentation in the criminal justice system reduced. This report was prepared to assist in the development of evidence-based policy. Divided into five parts, part 1 of the report provides the background picture for examination of three terms of reference: 1) possible changes to existing police policy and procedure that would result in improved relations between the Queensland police and Queensland's Indigenous communities, 2) current practices relating to detention in police custody in remote communities, 3) the optimal use of existing and future State resources available to deliver criminal justice services in the Indigenous communities. Part 2 responds to the first term of reference and deals with improving relationship between the police and people in Queensland's Indigenous communities. Part 3 responds to the second term of reference dealing with issues relating to the detention of people in police custody in Queensland's Indigenous communities. Part 4 responds to the third term of reference considering the question of what should be done to ensure the optimal use of existing and future resources in delivering criminal justice services to Queensland's Indigenous communities. The report concludes with the identification of six principles believed to be fundamental to any effort to reduce crime and violence in these communities. Each is associated with a recommendation, and a number of actions that have been suggested throughout the report. Appendixes 1-6 and references