COMMUNITY SAFETY IN BOROONDARA
Inspector Sandy McIver has been in the Victorian Police for 35 years. In 2003, she returned to frontline policing in the City of Boroondara. There are two police stations in Boroondara - one in Camberwell and one in Kew. She has extensive prior experience - as both a Youth Resource Officer and a School Resource Officer. She pointed out one very basic observation, that being eighteen does not mean that you act and behave like an adult. She also observed that you have to look where the crime is and make the necessary calculations as to what you should do.
There are various factors which are included in any analysis of the rate of crime in Boroondara. There are many different ways to break into cars, from the most basic ( breaking windows in cars) to the use of the latest technology. Even theft from shops and retail outlets change due to the latest challenges - for instance, the contemporary theft of petrol corresponds to the current crisis in the shortage of fuel.
Sandy cautioned us in responding to scare campaigns based on social media, She asked us to refer to Boroondara Eyewatch on Facebook, to be alert to the types of details being highlighted . Apparently, journalists never ask Victoria Police to corroborate the story details, a fatal flaw in the actual truth. She also cautioned us about posting CCTV images, with the associated comments, which could possibly jeopardise the judicial consequences of criminal action in the court system.
Another operation, Halo 20, is one in which Victoria Police are highly visible throughout Victoria., thus making our environment safer for us all.
The questions which members pursued covered a broad range of issues. Youth crime has resulted in a mixed bag of outcomes, the main thrust being the dominance of early intervention in preventing young people from pursuing a career in crime. Sandy acknowledged car theft, but de-emphasised the role of organized crime, preferring to describe the lack of thought and judgement which prompted this particular criminal act. Furthermore, the return to tougher bail laws may cause more problems than it solves. Young people in prison are subject to a negative education and a confirmation of a continuation of a career in crime. On a personal note, John Braine described a positive experience when his car was stolen, found and a response from the police in Camberwell.
Inspector Sandy McIver gave us a transparent and communicative description of community policing in general. She wants to hear from us in Boroondara, and demonstrated an authentic willingness to listen to what we has to say. We all appreciated this very much.
