The interagency operation that ran over the weekend in Alice Springs was a success, the operation was proactive and was aimed to prevent offending and youth becoming victims of crime.

The multi agency response operated from 8.00pm to 3.00am on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 October 2010. Staff from NT Police, NT Families and Children Street Outreach Service, Family Support Centre, Department of Justice including Liquor Licensing Inspectors, Tangentyere Night and Youth Patrols, Congress Youth Team, Alice Springs Town Council Rangers and JASP Security was involved over the two night operation.

In all a total of 28 staff across agencies were involved each night of the operation focusing on high profile foot and vehicle patrols to engage with youth to identify any issues, provide an immediate response to any child protection or other identified issues.

The mobile police station was used as the base of operations at Anzac Oval car park on the first night and at the car park of the Memorial Club adjacent to the RFDS Lawns on the second night.

As a result of the youth engagement operation 197 youths were spoken to, and a number of them were assisted with support and supervision to ensure their safety over the weekend.

Youth Services Coordinator Superintendent Michael White said Police had received positive feedback from all involved.

"This cross agency operation saw young people who were at times uncooperative successfully engaged through the joint approach. This highlights how agencies working together can solve problems successfully.

This has been the aim of the Alice Springs Youth Action Plan to have government and non government youth providers work collaboratively to take on youth issues in the town."

Media Contact

Rickie Scoot

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