The hope is the initiative can not only reduce crime but also direct young offenders toward a range of counselling and intervention programs.
John Tye knows all too well the varying attitudes towards police in Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
At age 39, he spends his time as a father of three, but there was a time when substance abuse and petty crime led him to Victoria's justice system -- and an unhealthy opinion of police.
"I had a lot of hate for them, because I didn't feel they were there for just the justice or to uphold the law."
But John Tye says regular catch-ups with respected elder Keith Randall helped him refocus and gain a deeper appreciation for his Aboriginal culture and heritage.
"With him being there, it's been like a second father, an older man who's been able to listen to me, and I felt wanted."
Keith Randall says his role as a Victoria Police liaison officer is like a stepping stone between two worlds.
He says cultural awareness breaks down barriers and improves the outcomes at what he calls the "pointy end"* of policing.
"They'll come in on their own accord, walk through the front door, go to the front counter and say, 'My name's Joe Blow. I'm here, I heard that there might be a warrant out for my arrest. I'd like to have that executed, please.' (That's) instead of an embarrassing moment that might be out in the shopping centre or when they're driving along."
Four new officers will now walk the beat in Indigenous communities in regional and metropolitan Victoria.
Victoria's police minister, Lisa Neville, says the appointments will go a long way towards building trust and respect between police and Aboriginal communities.
And she says the officers can provide intervention programs where appropriate.
"They really tell a positive story about how they strengthen the relationship. And, also, they're used to divert particularly young people into other services and supports, get them out of the criminal-justice system, as well as a lot of preventative work."
Keith Randall says his own experience suggests the expanded community-policing program will transform attitudes and behaviour.
"At first, it was resentment we got from the community. Then they saw what type of role that I did play, what I did do, and how I helped them out, and it has changed. I get applauded now for wearing the uniform, and I stand proud to be part of Victoria Police."
The liaison officers will work in the regional centres of Geelong, Echuca and and in Knox in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
Share
