Canberrans will be even safer as a new ACT Policing team focussed on crime prevention, problem solving, and crime disruption hits the streets this month. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said it was the first of three new proactive teams funded by the ACT Government as part of ACT Policing’s new Police Services Model.
“There will be more police officers engaging with the community to pre-emptively identify and prevent crime,” Minister Gentleman commented “The new model is focussed on crime prevention, with the aim of freeing up our police officers to deliver a more connected, dynamic and community-focussed service. The first team of ten will be on the ground for the proof-of-concept pilot in September 2020 with additional teams coming over the next two years.”

Minister Gentleman went on to explain that in addition to the new teams, the Police Services Model includes additional tools and tech for members, including mobile devices, TASERS and body-worn cameras as well as additional resourcing to provide real-time intelligence out on the road.
“We are delivering on our $33.9 million commitment to the new policing model, which will see more than 60 staff join ACT Policing. It will help our police serve the Canberra community even better into the future as our city continues to grow.” Minister Gentleman explained.
Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan said where ACT Policing had previously focused on reacting to crime as it occurs, the new service model addresses known crime risks before they cause wide-spread harm to the community. Detective Superintendent Jason Kennedy is leading the new Community Safety capability.
“The new proactive team will be focussed on addressing issues that cause repeat calls for service across the local community,” Detective Superintendent Kennedy commented “A significant focus for the team will be to work with organisations in the community sector to ensure vulnerable Canberrans most at risk are engaged with appropriate services available to them. Tackling the root causes of a problem can not only solve it for good which is more resource effective; but more importantly it improves life outcomes for the community members concerned and diverts people away from crime.”