MEDIA RELEASE: TUESDAY 12 MARCH
The Police Association of NSW has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of reforms and initiatives to support community safety, with a focus on young offenders in regional areas.
On behalf of the membership, the Police Association of NSW has been advocating for a targeted response to address the increase of youth crime rates in regional areas.
PANSW President Kevin Morton said that legislative reform, coupled with additional support initiatives focused on early intervention and prevention, was a strong response from the Labor Government.
“We thank the NSW Government for listening to our members and welcome this all-agency response to reducing regional youth crime rates.”
“Police officers are excellent at identifying and capturing offenders, carrying a heavy workload and doing more with less.”
“These additional tools in tightening bail conditions and harsher penalties for sharing criminal acts on social media will provide our police with another tool to reduce the rate of repeat offenders and help support our cops in keeping their communities safe.”
“These diversionary initiatives, including those already run by the NSWPF such as PCYC facilities and youth education programs, will provide additional infrastructure and support services to help young people become better engaged in the community.”
“This encompassing response from all agencies will hopefully lighten the load on our police officers, who are expected to be the 24/7 problem solvers in the city and the bush."