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Increased policing of young people all about votes not solutions
Friday 12 January 2007
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said the Iemma government's three-month plan to increase police surveillance of young people is a crude election pitch that will not assist young people or make our communities safer.
With this policing plan the Premier has signalled that this will be another law and order election
"The Greens are committed to making communities safer but putting more police on the streets in areas where young people congregate will not achieve this," said Ms Rhiannon.
"This plan is clearly political. Premier Morris Iemma cannot pretend this is just an operational matter.
"In agreeing to a three month policing plan the Premier has signalled that this will be another law and order election.
"The Premier is trying to stay in front of the opposition in the tough on crime battle between the major parties.
"This plan could well backfire. Once again young people will be depicted as a 'criminal group' and that society is under threat from a 'youth crime wave'.
"Police Commissioner Ken Moroney's announcement that the special patrols will include mounted police, dog squads, highway patrol, licensing police and transit police is a serious misjudgement on how to handle young people.
"The Greens are concerned that this plan could result in over surveillance of marginalised young people.
"Dealing with alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour is a challenge.
"The starting point has to be working with young people. More youth workers and more late night transport options would help to reduce unacceptable behaviour," Ms Rhiannon said.
For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
