NCJ Number
109186
Journal
Australian Police Journal Volume: 40 Issue: 2 Dated: (1986) Pages: 54-57 61,62
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This review of Australian innovations in community policing focuses on the police community liaison officer network developed in New South Wales and Queensland and Neighborhood Watch programs introduced by the police throughout the country.
Abstract
The community liaison officer's task is to establish, develop, and maintain contacts with local communities through service clubs, ethnic or minority groups, schools, colleges, youth clubs, and parents' and citizens' organizations. Officers are responsible to the district superintendent, but work closely with local police. Another responsibility is promoting good relations with the media. The article covers special training provided to liaison officers and describes a similar program in New Zealand. After reviewing the history of neighborhood watch in several Australian jurisdictions, the author explains the four central components of Australia's programs: Operation Identification, crime reporting, home security, and personal safety. Keys to the success of Neighborhood Watch schemes are detailed, such as briefing the police in a new watch area, establishing good liaison with the media, and involving community groups in project implementation. Suggestions on selecting areas for a neighborhood watch program and sites for the initial meeting conclude the article. 33 footnotes.