Aboriginal Strategic Plan

Foreword

The Department of Police and Public Safety is committed to improving and extending its partnership activities within the community in order to enhance service delivery to Tasmanians, particularly in the areas of personal and community safety. In line with the spirit of Tasmania Together, we will provide leadership through developing working partnerships aimed at achieving the Tasmania Together goal of: ‘To have a community where people feel safe and are safe in all aspects of their life’.

If this goal is to be achieved, it is imperative for partnerships to be based on greater cross-cultural understanding and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be involved in decision-making and problem solving. The Tasmania Police Aboriginal Strategic Plan, provides a blueprint for this to occur. Incidentally, the term “Aboriginal”, as used in the plan, includes those Torres Strait Islander people living in Tasmania.

This plan is a revised version of the plan ﬁrst unveiled in 1998. It is the result of consultation with, not only the Aboriginal community, but with police members and other key stakeholders. It is neatly aligned with our corporate and annual business plans and is based on the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability. The Tasmanian community would expect nothing less.

I am conﬁdent the strategies contained in the plan will reduce the number of Aboriginal people entering the criminal justice system, either as victims or as offenders. Early intervention strategies outlined in the plan will enable us to help young Aboriginal people and their families who are ‘at risk’ of entering the criminal justice system.

All Tasmania Police members are exposed to cross-cultural training and understanding and our service delivery to Aboriginal people is enhanced because of this. Tasmania Police also continually strives to be representative of the community it serves and the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal people as valued members will continue to be encouraged.

In these ways, and by working together, we will continue to strive to prevent crime and reduce the number of victims within Tasmania.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our community can be assured that Tasmania Police, and, in fact, the Department of Police and Public Safety as well as the Government as a whole, are committed to building mutual respect and trust through a collaborative approach to addressing issues of concern.

Vision:

“To be widely recognised as a premier policing service.”

Mission:

“To ensure that Tasmania is the safest State in the nation.”

By focusing on our vision and mission, we will strive to achieve the following outcomes:

A safe, secure and well-ordered community

A reduced incidence of crime in the community
Safer road usage
A Tasmania Police Service that is accessible and responsible to the community.

Personal Values

Personal values are fundamental to the way in which all members perform their duties to achieve our Vision and Mission. They must be underpinned by:

honesty and integrity
a commitment to uphold the law
a commitment to the preservation of rights and freedoms of all individuals
the delivery of services equitably to all members of the communit
the responsible exercise of authority
the active promotion and practice of ethical behaviour

Business Principles

Supporting the personal values are business principles which guide the delivery of efﬁcient and effective service to the community through:

enhanced standards of service delivery and professionalism
an intelligence-led, problem-solving approach
ensuring victims of crime and those experiencing personal emergencies are treated with compassion
cooperation with communities through the development and implementation of local partnerships in solving local problems
promotion of access and equity
proper utilisation of resources

Strategic Plan Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles underpin the Strategic Plan:

racist and discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated within Tasmania Police
personnel will act consistently in a humane, ethical and accountable way, recognising that their use of discretion is central to improving the relationship Aboriginal people have with Tasmania Police and the criminal justice system
members, working according to their personal values, will provide a service which is appropriate to the needs of Aboriginal people, and consistent with those offered to the wider community
Aboriginal people have the right to live in an environment free of the threat of violence, crime and fear
Aboriginal people will be consulted and involved in all issues affecting the development of community safety
Tasmania Police members recognise and accept their obligations and duty of care to all people in custody

Tasmania Police State Aboriginal Liaison Coordinator

The Commissioner of Police has appointed a State Aboriginal Liaison Coordinator and four District Aboriginal Liaison Ofﬁcers with Assistants, who have responsibility for liaison and advisory matters between Tasmania Police and the Aboriginal Community.

The functions of the State Aboriginal Liaison Coordinator are to:

assist other members with duties affecting Aboriginal people
liaise with other organisations associated with, and representative of, Aboriginal people
assist in the provision of policing services to the Aboriginal community
provide liaison between Tasmania Police investigators and the Aboriginal community
assist in minor misunderstandings of a local nature between Tasmania Police members and Aboriginal people and to conciliate where possible
contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to reduce the number of Aboriginal people entering the criminal justice system either as victims or offenders
provide to Aboriginal groups information on Tasmania Police practices and procedures
coordinate the roles and functions of the District Aboriginal Liaison Ofﬁcers
coordinate and conduct lectures in various forums
represent Tasmania Police at seminars, conferences and inter-departmental meetings on issues concerning Aboriginal people
maintain a resource centre/information base for use by Tasmania Police members
provide an advisory service for Tasmania Police Senior Executive Ofﬁcers
keep abreast of current and emerging issues through ongoing research and, where possible, identify solutions through effective partnerships
build networks with the Ofﬁce of Aboriginal Affairs and other specialist Aboriginal units in the Public Sector, Aboriginal community, organisations, groups and with individuals

Tasmania Police District Aboriginal Liaison Officers & Assistant District Aboriginal Liaison Officers

The functions of the District and Assistant Aboriginal Liaison Ofﬁcers are to:

coordinate and develop Tasmania Police/ Aboriginal Liaison committees
work with local Aboriginal communities to solve local issues, such as family violence
provide advice on Tasmania Police/ Aboriginal issues within the District
assist, as required, with the development and delivery of training programs for both Tasmania Police members and the Aboriginal community
participate in pro-active programs
contribute to policy development
liaise directly with the Tasmania Police Aboriginal Liaison Coordinator

These Ofﬁcers should also liaise and work closely with (but not limited to):

the Aboriginal community, organisations, groups and individuals
any organisation representative of Aboriginal people
local government
government and non-government organisations representing indigenous persons

Position Accountabilities/Duties:

Develop and maintain a knowledge of Aboriginal issues in the District via communication with operational members and Aboriginal organisations/ agencies.
Provide a liaison function to organisations associated with, and/or representing Aborigines.
Provide advice to Aboriginal organisations, particularly in relation to various aspects of Tasmania Police practices and procedures.
Assist and advise operational Tasmania Police members in their dealings with members of the Aboriginal community and provide liaison between them during investigations.
Ensure members are apprised of operation procedural changes pertaining to Aboriginals and the community.
Assist in the development and delivery of training programs for both Tasmania Police members and the Aboriginal Community, in respect to relevant issues.
Provide advice to District Police Commanders on local Aboriginal issues.
Maintain a database on Tasmania Police/Aboriginal interaction.
Provide avenues for program and information dissemination to Aboriginal people.
Co-ordinate the development of Tasmania Police District/Aboriginal Liaison committees.
Assist in developing District strategies dealing with issues affecting Aboriginal people.

Key objectives of the Tasmania Police Aboriginal Strategic Plan are to:

create a positive partnership between Tasmania Police and the Aboriginal community and improve cultural awareness within Tasmania Police
assist in identifying the ways in which Tasmania Police can support the Aboriginal community in enhancing recognition of the rights of Australian indigenous people
improve safety and security for Aboriginal people
ensure that Tasmania Police is representative of the community served
reduce the level of crime committed by and against Aboriginal people within the community
reduce the incidence of family violence upon Aboriginal people
ensure that the Tasmania Police Aboriginal Liaison Coordinator and Tasmania Police Aboriginal Liaison Ofﬁcers adopt a leadership role in establishing and setting the agenda for Tasmania Police in all issues impacting upon Aboriginal people.

This strategy is focused on achieving practical results through the following key result areas:

safety in custody
communication and liaison
training and education
recruitment
improving safety and crime prevention

Key Result Area 1

Improving safety in custody

Objective:

To reduce the number of Aboriginal people who are detained in custody and provide a safe environment for those for whom a viable alternative is not readily available.

Strategies:

Alternatives to Charging
Promote the preferred practice of not incarcerating people in cells through the maximum use of cautions, summonses, ‘places of safety’ and youth justice/drug diversionary processes.
Alternatives to Incarceration
To grant bail where appropriate or convey an offender to court rather than detain in custody.
Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service Advice
Ensure that when a person is taken into custody and identiﬁed as an Aborigine or Torres Strait Islander, the Aboriginal Legal Service is notiﬁed via the on-call Field Ofﬁcer in accordance with Tasmania Police requirements.
Education in ‘Care and Welfare’ of Prisoners
Educate Tasmania Police members of their obligations to people in custody and, in particular, their duty of care to those Aboriginal people who are considered to be at greatest risk.
Arrest Monitoring System
Establish an effective and efﬁcient data collection system to enable monitoring of the implementation of alternatives to arrests.
Complaints Monitoring System
Establish an effective and efﬁcient data collection plan to measure the number of complaints made by, or on behalf of, Aboriginal people concerning Tasmania Police and the outcomes of those complaints.
Assessment of Monitoring Systems
Regularly assess monitoring systems and implement any corrective systems and services at the earliest opportunity.

Performance Indicators:

Increase in the use of alternative process methods to arrest
Decrease in number of people detained in custody
Number of training courses/seminars conducted
Decrease in complaints against members concerning behaviour towards Aboriginal people

Key Result Area 1

Improving communication and liaison:

Objective:

Improve the level of communication and liaison between Tasmania Police members and the Aboriginal community through pro-active consultation and dialogue and work together to identify critical issues and develop a mutual understanding.

Strategies:

Tasmania Police District Aboriginal Liaison Ofﬁcers
Maintain a minimum of four District Aboriginal Liaison ofﬁcers. Appoint additional Liaison Ofﬁcers in areas where there are a signiﬁcant number of Aboriginal people residing.
Tasmania Police/Aboriginal Community Meetings
Establish a framework for regular meetings between Tasmania Police and local Aboriginal organisations, groups and individuals. Consult with a broad range of Aboriginal representatives.
Ofﬁce of Aboriginal Affairs
The Tasmania Police Aboriginal Liaison Coordinator will meet regularly with the Manager of the Ofﬁ ce of Aboriginal Affairs and other relevant Aboriginal representatives to discuss or identify issues of concern.
Youth Programs and Activities
Invite and encourage Aboriginal youth to become involved in clearly deﬁ ned and positive partnerships with local Tasmania Police members. Activities to include excursions to police centre/areas, and sporting and cultural activities involving local Tasmania Police members.
Links with the Media
Utilise Media and Marketing Services to develop a network of media personnel to promote positive interaction between Tasmania Police members and the Aboriginal community.
Respect for Aboriginal Traditions
Promote respect for Aboriginal traditions and customs by appropriate acknowledgment of important events and celebrations.
Whole-of-Government Reference Group
Actively participate in the Whole-of-Government Reference Group, established to improve service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Performance Indicators:

Number of times Tasmania Police members and Aboriginal community members have voluntarily participated in Tasmania Police/Aboriginal liaison functions
Number and regularity of meetings conducted
Issues identiﬁed and solutions developed which enhance communication with communities
Number of issues addressed to the satisfaction of all parties
Assessment of monitoring systems
Number of positive articles reported in the media
Number of programs/activities attended by Aboriginal youth
Number of visits to websites
Number of traditional welcomes at Tasmania Police events
Number of Tasmania Police members participating in NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week activities

Key Result Area 3

Improving training and education:

Objective:

To enhance positive relationships between members of Tasmania Police and the Aboriginal people and community through the provision of training, education and research on Aboriginal issues and marketing of the Aboriginal Strategic Plan.

Strategies:

Academy Training Courses
Aboriginal Cultural Awareness components to be continued in appropriate Tasmania Police training programs.
Aboriginal Personnel
Maintain a resource list of Aboriginal Departmental members. Where appropriate, utilise those persons in delivery of training programs developed for members and the Aboriginal community.
Cultural Awareness Course
Provide for ongoing cultural awareness training for Tasmania Police members, including those in remote areas such as Flinders Island.
Research on Tasmania Police and Aboriginal Issues
Maximise the research of Aboriginal and Tasmania Police issues through the Tasmania Police Aboriginal Liaison Coordinator, the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies and external associated areas.
Strategic Plan
Ensure that members of Tasmania Police, Aboriginal community and general community have an awareness and understanding of the Tasmania Police Aboriginal Strategic Plan.

Performance Indicators:

Competencies related to Aboriginal Cultural Awareness validated through work practices
Number of Tasmania Police members who have undertaken Aboriginal cultural awareness training
Number of training programs involving Aboriginal personnel in presentations
Number of Tasmania Police and Aboriginal issues researched
Reduction in complaints against Tasmania Police members for cultural insensitivity
Number of Plans distributed and awareness sessions about the Plan conducted.

Key Result Area 4

Improving Recruitment

Objective:

To increase the number of Aboriginal people who become members of Tasmania Police.

Strategies:

Recruitment
Maintain recruitment strategies designed to target Aboriginal people desiring to become members of Tasmania Police .
Career Information Sessions
Extend opportunities to Aboriginal people interested in Tasmania Police to attend work experience or other relevant sessions.
Preparatory Courses
Encourage Aboriginal applicants to participate in preparatory courses.
Identify Racist Tendencies Amongst Potential Recruits
Develop and implement speciﬁc tests to screen new applicants for racist attitudes prior to selection.
Career Development
Encourage and assist Aboriginal members to progress to management and/or specialist areas.
Tertiary Study
Encourage and assist Aboriginal employees to pursue tertiary studies.

Performance Indicators:

Number of Aboriginals that apply to join Tasmania Police
Number of Aboriginals that are employed as Tasmania Police members as a percentage of total Tasmania Police personnel
Number of work experience people or sessions held to encourage Aboriginal people to work within Tasmania Police
Number of Aboriginal people who participate in Tasmania Police pre-entry courses
Number of Aboriginal recruits who participate in a Recruit Mentor Program
Number of Aboriginal people who progress to managerial/specialist/technical levels
Number of Aboriginal members undertaking tertiary study.

Key Result Area 5

Improving safety and crime prevention:

Objective:

To reduce the level of crime committed by and against Aboriginal people.

Strategies:

Provide Education and Awareness of Crime
Continue delivery of training programs and presentations on crime issues impacting, or likely to impact on, the Aboriginal community.
Assessment and Resolution of Local Crime Trends
Identify local crime trends and implement appropriate initiatives to reduce crimes and offences.
Reducing family violence
Tasmania Police will provide leadership and be a key stakeholder in formation of partnerships to develop and implement strategies to reduce family violence.
Use a Multi-Agency Approach to Develop Strategies for Crime Prevention
Develop partnerships with support agencies such as:

Ofﬁce of Aboriginal Affairs
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
Local Aboriginal Groups
District Community Policing Services
Local Government
Government Departments
Crime Prevention and Community Safety Council

with a view to:

preventing physical, sexual and psychological violence against Aboriginal people
developing local solutions to problems

Information Availability
Develop a web-based information site with links to crime prevention, victim support and self-harm prevention information.
Early Intervention
Identify and implement early intervention strategies aimed at assisting young Aboriginal people considered to be ‘at risk’ and their families.

Performance Indicators:

Number of training presentations or programs made to the Aboriginal community
Increase in conﬁdence and perception of police by Aboriginal community
Decrease in number of Aboriginal persons within the Criminal Justice System
Decrease in crimes against the person
Number of partnerships which police are involved in to improve safety for Aboriginal people
Decrease in the incidence of family violence upon Aboriginal people
Decrease in property crime

There are no road closures or community alerts.

Downloads

Aboriginal Strategic Plan
1.06 MB

Tasmania Police