By Belinda Nolan
Brimbank Police are taking a contingent of young people from Pacific Islander backgrounds on a tour of the Victoria Police Academy this month in a bid to steer them away from a life of crime and into a career on the right side of the law.
Around 40 youths will take part in the initiative, which is being organised by Keilor Downs Police and members of the Samoan community.
Reverend Samani Sila, who presides over the Samoan congregation at Brimbank’s Anglican Church said many Pacific Islander youths he worked with were distrustful of the police because of bad experiences in their homeland.
Mr Sila said the problem was compounded by a lack of police with a similar cultural background.
“The fact is that a lot of these kids are disengaging from their community and their families,” Mr Sila said.
“What we’re trying to do is get them interested and engaged with the police and perhaps some of them will even consider a career as a police officer.”
Moses Lado, a community liaison officer at Keilor Downs Police Station, said the initiative was designed to help the youths build better relationships with the police and each other.
“It’s about community engagement and who knows, maybe one or two of them will be inspired to become a police officer one day.”
The youths will be treated to a tour of the academy, along with a free bus ride and barbecue lunch.
The event is scheduled to take place later this month.
