By Shelby Brooks
Pakenham Police say they’ve seen huge success following the introduction of a new policing method aimed at re-engaging the community.
Neighbourhood Policing is about getting back to true grass roots policework, providing an even balance between reactive and proactive policing – thereby helping to identify emerging issues before they become a problem.
Pakenham Police Senior Sergeant Brendan Michael said a localised tasking team made up of one sergeant and four members had been focusing its duties around engaging the community since mid-August.
The unit provides reassurance to the community and are tasked to local crime, crime problems and perceptions of crimes issues within the community.
They also work in partnership with the council and other community groups where there are reported or perceived crime problems, he said.
“So it’s about re-engaging with the community and understanding what they see as an issue we can deal with locally,” Snr Sgt Michael said.
“Unfortunately, police often get involved at the end and we become a treatment source rather than working out how to stop it and having to arrest people and charge people.”
As part of the framework, the community can expect to see a consistent, prevention-focused approach to addressing community safety issues.
This includes increased patrol in areas of concern, a bolstered presence on local roads and greater engagement with local stakeholders.
Where possible, police will also look to work collaboratively with local councils, community groups and government agencies when issues are more complex and require a multilateral approach.
Snr Sgt Michael said he thought the method had so far been excellent and had been successful by way of arrests and positive feedback.
“We have a couple of local engagement groups, one of which is the Pakenham CBD and Railway Precinct committee which was commenced due to concerns from community of youth activity and crime issues,” Snr Sgt Michael said.
“Recently in a meeting there was strong sentiment that there was noticeable change in the frequency the tasking team were visiting the marketplace and that some of the problems they were experiencing prior to the arrival of the tasking team are no longer there.”
Events like Coffee with a Cop are a way for people to engage with police and officers will start to appear more frequently at community events throughout the shire.
“We encourage those communication pathways to continue and encourage people who want to be a part of the local group,” Snr Sgt Michael said.
“Please use your voice if there are concerns in the area.”
