Addressing Social Challenges in Halls Creek: Strategies and Impact

Anti- Social Behaviour Symposium Halls Creek Presented by Senior Sergeant Tim NORRISH

Bankwest Survey 2008 • Named the worst town to live in within Australia.

Halls Creek - Demographics • Shire population – 5000 • Town population – 1500 • Aboriginal Population – 80 % • 2006 Census

Police Staff • 19 Frontline Officers • 1 Detective • 1 Child protection and family violence officer • 1 Police staff member

Government Partners • Gordon Inquiry – Child abuse issues • Operation “Barnham”- Sexual assault and child abuse offences • Hope Inquiry – Suicides within Fitzroy Valley • Government response such as increased housing etc

Prominent Partners • Department of Child Protection • Department of Housing and Works • Halls Creek Hospital • Halls Creek Shire Council • Centrelink • Halls Creek Schools

Main Social Issues • Domestic Violence • Anti Social Behaviour • Alcohol Abuse • Unemployment • Housing • Health • Education

Our 3 Strategies • 1) Target the sale and consumption of alcohol • 2) Target domestic and non-domestic violence • 3) Target anti-social behaviour and street drinking

Implementation • 1) Shared vision • 2) Supervisors leading • 3) Community membership • 4) Police are community leaders

“White Rocks" Policy

Halls Creek Lock-up

Street Drinking and Anti-social Behaviour

Key InformationReported Offences • Year to date figures • Non domestic assaults – • 2007/8 – 92 • 2008-9 – 41 • Reduction of 55%

Domestic Assaults – • 2007/8 – 161 • 2008/9 – 93 • Reduction of 42%

Burglary Offences • 2007/8 – 79 • 2008/9 – 31 • Reduction of 61%

Vehicle Theft • 2007/8 – 28 • 2008/9 – 8 • Reduction of 71%

Charge Numbers • Calender Year • 2006 – 1228 • 2007 – 2473 • 2008 - 2604

Anti Social Behaviour (Adult Charges) • 2006 – 147 • 2007 – 555 • 2008 – 701

Summary – Halls Creek

Addressing Social Challenges in Halls Creek: Strategies and Impact