A COMMITTEE that encourages members of the community and police officers to work in partnership aims to enhance the relationship by raising awareness of both parties’ concerns.
The Hobsons Bay Police Community Consultative Committee (PCCC) recently held its first meeting of the year with the newly-appointed Inspector Richard Paterson.
Insp Paterson said the group that had been in operation for more than 20 years, and had created some important initiatives and programs to benefit the Hobsons Bay community and local police.
“Although new to the area, I see these volunteer groups as a crucial way to enhance local community engagement and build social cohesion,” Insp Paterson said.
Insp Paterson invited ideas from the Hobsons Bay community to identify problems and local issues and even suggest initiatives to improve safety in the area.
“This forum allows access to police, council, traders, social agencies and volunteer groups to help achieve and promote such strategies.”
Senior Constable Sharon Radau said the group was able to work effectively and take on board the ideas, knowledge and expertise of the area, harness these resources and work together to get results.
The police have held a number of successful operations as a result of the PCCC, including Operation Safe Plates in conjunction with the SES.
“We use one-way screws which have a special head which means they can only be removed using a special tool or ripping it off a car – so it deters opportunistic theft of number plates,” Sen Const Radau said.
Another successful initiative was “Look, lock and leave” that encourages people to not leave valuables locked in cars.
“The fact that it’s still running and people still interested in participation is a good testament to the worthiness of the group,” Sen Const Radau said.
