Police in Alice Springs have apprehended almost 1400 people for protective custody this month through their Social Order Patrols.
The patrols operate during peak problem times for anti-social behaviour and include bicycle patrols, mounted police, river patrols and members attached to the Police Beat.

Commander Anne-Marie Murphy said the Social Order Patrols have been operating regularly since the beginning of the month.

"Their whole focus is to patrol identified hot spot areas such as the Todd Mall, Todd River, Gap Road and other areas of the CBD," Commander Murphy said.

"The patrols use information from our Intelligence Unit to identify where the trouble spots are and when the peak times for anti-social behaviour occur.

"Members of the Social Order Patrols are rostered on at identified times, so you will mostly see them out and about late at night and in the early hours of the morning when most of the alcohol-fuelled problems occurs. The results so far certainly support the need for the patrols and how effective the rostering has been."

Since the beginning of March, Social Order Patrol Police have taken 1391 drunks into protective custody . Of these, 679 were taken to the sobering up shelter, 502 were taken to the Watch House and 210 were taken home. Police also tipped out 1410 litres of alcohol, arrested 13 people, summonsed four and issued 19 summary infringement notices and nine loitering notices as well as summonsed four people for various offences.

"These results are in addition to those attained by the General Duties Patrols. Of concern is the extraordinary number of drunks taken into protective custody," Commander Murphy said.

"This is a sad reflection on the level of alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour in this town. Police will continue to patrol the street using the Social Order Patrols, Youth Patrols and Special Operation members. "

Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
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0419 803 603