The article in the August edition, ‘Are
some Redfern Police officers failing Aboriginal citizens?’
caused great concern to Redfern Police and was somewhat disheartening as we are
trying very hard not to fail the Aboriginal community. Over the past few years
we have worked tirelessly in the community, which includes the Aboriginal
community, to address crime and anti-social behaviour. We have had a lot of
success and we are currently experiencing low crime rates. I also have a very
robust Aboriginal Consultative Committee in place which meets regularly. This
year we are focusing on two issues: Family violence and breaking down the
barriers. I believe we have been achieving some success in these areas and
moving forward, albeit in small steps.
Subsequently, I strongly disagree that Redfern officers are
failing to serve and protect the Aboriginal community within our Command. On
the contrary, we are doing a great deal of work to ensure that we strengthen
communication and understanding; improve community safety by reducing crime,
violence and fear; improve cultural awareness; reduce the contact Aboriginal
people have with the criminal justice system; divert Aboriginal youth from
crime and anti-social behaviour; and, reduce the incidence of family violence,
including sexual abuse.
I also disagree with comments suggesting that we haven’t been trained adequately. There is an enormous
amount of training provided to police, both at a corporate and a local level
which focuses on Aboriginal cultural awareness, vulnerable communities and
discrimination issues. Much of this training is provided by members of our
local Aboriginal community. Not only do I disagree with the comment, but I also
object on a personal level and I would like to assure the community that I am
working with both police and the Aboriginal community to achieve positive
improvements. I believe I am adequately trained to do this. I have been in
policing for 22 years and at all times I have been operational and worked in
many vulnerable communities and difficult environments. I was a Detective for
16 years and worked in areas such as Major crime and corruption, organised
crime and homicide. I have a First class Honours degree in Psychology and other
university qualifications. I am a University Medallist and I have lived in this
area ‘for over 25 years. I don’t have all the answers but I feel that I am
suitably equipped to achieve positive change contrary to the suggestion in the
article.
The matter involving Mr Beaumont has been reported to me and
it is being investigated.
Mr Beaumont has been kept informed of the progress and I
have spoken to him personally about it. There is a state-wide complaint management
process in place which is endorsed by the NSW Police Executive, the Police Integrity
Commission and the Ombudsman. This process is being followed in this matter.
Notwithstanding the outcome, I will not tolerate racism,
discrimination or harassment under any circumstances. I have an expectation
that all officers in my Command act professionally, lawfully and ethically at
all times. My officers know this and if any of them act otherwise the matter
will be taken very seriously and they will be dealt with severely. I understand
that we have some way to go but I believe we are on the right path. I welcome
any feedback and advice from any member of the community who genuinely ‘wants to work with us to continue to reduce crime
and build strong, positive, sustainable relationships.
[South Sydney Herald September 2006]