Letter to the Premier.
October 6, 2009. The Premier. Anna Bligh. Queensland State Parliament. Brisbane. Queensland. Dear Premier, I am again writing to you in reference to the problems in Cairns, Far North Queensland. I am disappointed for having to contact you again but the replies that I received from the 3 Ministers do not recognise the situation that we are facing up here nor do I believe that they were taken seriously. The 3 Ministers letters are attached for your perusal. Once again I must say that the police are doing a great job considering the staff available to cover all shifts, sick leave and annual leave. The crime here in Cairns is causing great concern for local residents and more so must be a bigger concern for the tourists because is has been stated on radio and also in the Cairns Post that tourists have gone back to their country and told people of the situation in Cairns. To give an example a couple came out from England not so long ago and were assaulted in the CBD and because of this they returned 2 days later. The biggest problem with that assault was that there were 30 other family members coming out to Cairns for a special occasion and when told of the situation cancelled the trip to Cairns. The people who miss out on these valuable customers are the local business houses but more importantly the visitors miss out on a great holiday and again not very good for Cairns reputation. Premier, you are a mother so how would you feel if your children came to Cairns for a holiday and were assaulted for not handing over a cigarette or money or they were just bashed because someone had nothing better to do. These matters I believe (along with residents) can be overcome if we were to sit down and discuss the issues and try and come up with a solution. I also want to point out that the 3 local members namely, Desley Boyle who has stated openly that Cairns is safe but when someone is bashed or robbed, unfortunately this member does not stand up and say anything that may help to put the issues at ease. It has been noted that when a Minister comes to Cairns and the media carries out interviews Desley Boyle is always standing behind the Minister and nodding her head in agreement with what is being said. Jason OfBrien, well you just donft hear or see him. Curtis Pitt, much the same as Jason OfBrien. Steve Wettenhall is approachable and I believe that Steve and I have a good relationship on these matters and we discuss the matters in Cairns necessary. Premier Bligh we would like the following:
Local Members to be seen.
Local Members to be heard.
Local Members listen to the concerns of the locals and tourists.
Local Members to be more active with the problems in and around Cairns.
I believe that it is in the Governments best interests to listen and work out solutions with this type of problem that exists not only in Cairns but throughout Queensland and with the Government and residents working we can achieve a better solution the problem.
With an election coming up I would think that the time has come to listen to the locals because it could be too late after an election, what I am saying is that it doesnft matter what Government party is in power if they donft listen to residents/voters any Government could fall.
I would ask you at this time Premier to come to Cairns and talk to the residents and listen to their concerns and then make up your own mind but I feel that what you hear will be cause for concern.
I would like to have a meeting in Cairns before the end of October or early November, I also realise that you are very busy Premier but I believe that this is for everyonefs benefit.
I ask you Premier to serious consider this invitation as vigilante discussions have surfaced in the Cairns Post and on Talkback radio and this I will completely distance myself from.
If you can give me a date I will go ahead and organise a meeting.
Should you wish to discuss this matter further ( I would prefer to discuss it with you personally rather than go betweens).
My telephone number is 0438111722 and I would also asked you to check out the website and see for yourself the problems that exist.
The website is : www.residentsagainstcrimes.com Thank you for taking time to read this letter. Barry Neall. Founder. Residents Against Crimes.
Letter to Cameron Dick Queenslands Attorney General
This is a copy of the letter I forwarded to Queenslands Attorney General requesting a meeting in regards to crime and the judicial system in Cairns and also throughout Queensland.
Residents Against Crime Websites: www.residentsagainstcrime.com
Email replies: www.rac2007@bigpond.com
July 20, 2009.
Attorney General.
Cameron Dick.
Level 18, State Law Building.
41 George Street.
BRISBANE. QLD. 4000.
Dear Sir,
I am the founder of Residents Against Crime www.residentsagainstcrimes.com located in Cairns Far North Queensland. I founded Residents Against Crime in 2007 due to the number of crimes that were being committed in and around Cairns and was becoming a real problem for residents who were becoming too afraid of leaving their homes. Our local representatives namely Desley Boyle, Warren Pitt (now Curtis Pitt) and Jason O’Brien never once put up their hands to admit that there was a problem and as most residents said that they were in denial. The member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall often keeps in contact with me and I thank him for that. Mr Dick our problem still exists with the Judicial System where the sentences handed down do not fit the crime and has become a laughing matter around Cairns and the Government really needs to sit down and seriously take a look at it and say “where can we achieve better results”. It is often said that the offenders after appearing in court follow the police out the door with only a slap on the wrist and then go out and commit further crimes and it becomes what is known as the revolving door syndrome. In 2007 I called a meeting with concerned residents and the attendance exceeded my expectations with in excess of 300 people in attendance with guests including the police and local councillors. Invitations were also sent to the four sitting members but were unable to attend nor did any representative from their offices. Following this meeting I started contacting the then Police Minister with the concerns outlined by the residents in attendance asking for more police as the numbers were not sufficient for a city of this size. I then called another meeting in 2008 and following that meeting I wrote again to the Police Minister asking for a meeting as we considered the matter as urgent as not only locals were being assaulted but some of the tourists were becoming victims of the assaults and robberies. The Police Minister did after many phone calls called a meeting prior to the Parliamentary sitting in Cairns and during the 2 hour meeting many items were discussed including the following: more police sentencing a training facility at Lakeland Downs. (not boot camp) police numbers at rbt and are they necessary I felt the meeting was beneficial as most items were discussed and it was at this meeting I invited the Minister to come to Cairns and talk to the residents and this did occur in September of 2008. The Police Minister also stated in the media that the meeting was very beneficial. I would at this time ask you for a meeting in Brisbane as soon as possible to discuss the judicial system and sentencing as we believe the sentencing does not fit the crime and hopefully if this meeting goes ahead we may get a satisfactory outcome that will see the residents happy and support the Government for listening to our problems. I am prepared even though I am a pensioner to fly myself down to Brisbane to discuss these matters with you. Should you wish to discuss the matter with me please call me on 0740558321. Also on my website you will find that I am promoting the police as well as advertising Cairns as a great place to spend your vocation. Thanking you. Barry Neall. Founder of Residents Against Crimes
Request to Police Minister
In July, 2009 I wrote a letter to the Premier Anna Bligh re crimes in Cairns which was then forwarded to the Police Ministers office and the reply is attached below.
Training Facilities can be succesful...
"Life is a two-way street" . . . after years on the streets as a hoodlum and drug addict, Dean came to the camp and learnt a new, positive way to live.
Hard work, a bush environment and some old-fashioned discipline are saving wayward teenage lives, writes Lindsay Murdoch.
IT'S officially called a facility for troubled youths, among them Australia's worst teenage offenders.
But there are no high walls or armed guards here, just a vast threatening tropical wilderness infested with snakes and crocodiles.
"They usually arrive kicking and screaming," says Allan Brahminy, whose youth camps in the Northern Territory are prompting a rethink about the way juvenile offenders are handled. "By the time it comes to leave, they are usually crying because they want to stay," he says.
Dean, 19, says he would have been dead before turning 21 if he had not been given the chance to build his future in the Territory away from a life of drugs, paint-sniffing, alcohol and crime in Melbourne. Some of his case workers, police and judges had given up hope he could be rehabilitated.
"I was out of control from the age of 10 when they started putting me in the foster homes," Dean says. "Stealing cars, breaking and entering, sniffing drugs, alcohol … I'd go on benders for days.
"I'd break into a house, cook myself a meal and leave the dishes … I didn't care about anybody including myself."
Dean twice almost died from sniffing paint.
But in the months before Dean's 17th birthday, when he faced jail if he violated parole, Mr Brahminy convinced Victorian authorities to give him one last chance, even though he was seen as high risk.
"Until then nobody had been prepared to give me the benefit of the doubt," Dean says.
"I got here. There was nothing … no fences, just a room to sleep. I got to work digging fencepost holes and feeding animals.
"I snapped out of it. I came good. I realised that to get something from people, you have to give a bit … that life is a two-way street."
Now Dean, who prefers the nickname Bones, earns good money mustering cattle on Territory tations and has not taken drugs or offended for two years.
"I enjoy a rum or two around the campfire at the end of a hard day's work," he says.
"But that's it … I've got idiot mates down south who are hung up on drugs. I'm not going back to that."
Dean sometimes returns to Brahminy Youth camps, which have been established at undisclosed
locations, to speak to the troubled teenagers.
"I often look at them boasting about crimes they've committed and think that I was far worse than them 12 months ago," he says.
Mr Brahminy's camps, where staff are not afraid of old-fashioned discipline, have been sent 98 teenagers in 26 months, 65 of them from Victoria but others from NSW, South Australia and, recently, the Northern Territory.
The Ministers Response.
Minister Judy Spence which took place on Thursday July 31, 2008.
Present at the meeting was the:
Police Minister Judy Spence
Simon Tutt: The Chief of Staff.
Steve Gollschewski Detective in charge of the State Intelligent Group and State Crime Operations Command.
I would like to thank the Minister for giving me this time to put forward the concerns of the residents of Cairns.
I will list things that we spoke about and my general comments.
The Minister and Detective Gollschewski indicated they believed cairns like all areas had some problems however they considered it was a safe place but police and the Government were continually working to improve public safety.
It is important to remember that these problems cannot be fixed overnight but the Minister and the Detective Gollschewski on behalf of the QPS are very keen on seeing results.
(1). Statistics on crime:
I put to the Minister that the crime statistics are flawed in as much they really don't reflect the crime committed as a lot of the offenders are under age and therefore these are not recorded as statistics.
folks, that is changing with young offenders being listed as a statistic and with Naturaly crimes that are not reported will not become a statistic so I urge all victims to report crimes that affect them.
Comments and information for consideration:
The Queensland Police Service has advised it records all reported crime including of juveniles.
It was also explained that the QPS utilises the QPRIME system to capture and report all its operational activities and that any child being caught for a crime and cautioned would be captured as a reported offence that had been cleared.
The Minster has stated publicly the current crime statistics are the best indication of crime in an area.
The Minister also indicated the public should be reporting crimes by phone predominantly.
As a group we also discussed neighbourhood Watch and the success of a crime bulletin.
As well as Government efforts in responding to indigenous and homelessness issues and overrepresentation in the courts.
We also discussed Citizens on patrol concept.
(2). Police numbers:
As we all know and as I put it to the Minster there is police shortage and therefore response times are being affected.
I asked the Minister why do we need so many police at RBT roadside test sites as they could be utilised elsewhere.
The response came from both the Minister and Detective Gollschewski that with these RBT roadside blitzs serve a number of purposes and they are:
(a). Alcohol testing.
(b). People with outstanding warrants are detected.
(c) . People are apprehended carrying a variety of drugs and contraband.
(d). Criminals on the run
With the explanation given I can understand why there are so many police at RBT roadside testing sites.
So when we see a number of police at these sites it's not just alcohol but a number of other factors.
I also made comment to the Minister the number of State Police now working at the Cairns Airport and to me a lot of wasted talent is not being utilised in the right way.
There are senior and experienced police working out there and having worked there myself I can say that there talents are not being utilised in a manner that they should be.
The reason that they are there was because the previous Prime Minister relied on a report from the Chief of Security in Britain who allegedly stated that state police should be present or on duty at major airports - WHY I ASK.
I made comment to the Minister that the Federal Police should be given back all the powers that they had prior to the placing of State Police at major airports.
There are approx 8 Police stationed at the Cairns Airport.
The Minister has informed me that the current situation is that the Queensland Police Service (on behalf of Government) are participating, along with all effected jurisdictions, in a review of the Airport Unified Policing Model through a working party reporting to the Council of Australian Governments.
(3). Police Communications Centres:
I mentioned to the Minister where a number of incidents were made to the centre and not responded to within a reasonable time.
Detective Gollschewski provided advise police in the region are actively pursuing improvements with communication centres. Police are committed to always improving service delivery and response times for the public.
A standing committee is being implemented to ensure the progression of improved communication strategies.
(4). 000 calls:
I advised the Minister of 2 calls that had been in the local paper and discussed on John McKenzies talk-back program of 2 known 000 calls that were not taken seriously.
The 2 are:
Fire crackers exploding in letter boxes.
The smashing of car windows in Grafton St.
I know that there are other cases but I felt that these 2 examples were sufficient to highlight the problem.
I explained to the Minister that crackers placed in letter boxes can cause serious injury and maybe kill to which the Minister agreed.
The Minister noted the 2 problems and said it would be looked into.
(5). Judicial and Sentencing:
The group discussed the issue of courts inadequately dealing with offenders and increased prison numbers.
I indicated that if this was the case then the government should build more jails.
The Minister responded by giving an account of all the new prisons and additional development to existing prisons. These expansions will allow for future pressure which is put on the Criminal Justice System.
Some planned expansion to Queensland Prisons include:
(a). Lotus Glenn outside of Mareeba was being extended and she explained to me by drawing a diagram of the new extensions and would continue the extensions as required.
(b). the female prison at Townsville was being revamped also.
(c). The Sir David Longlands prison now called the Brisbane Correctional Centre in Brisbane had been re- opened to accommodate more prisoners.
The government is aware of the issue and are working hard to overcome the problem.
The Minister also gave me a copy of the total inmates in Lotus Glenn from 1999 to 2008.
(6). Parental Care:
This item was discussed at some length and as I explained to the Minister that trying to revert back to parental discipline maybe a task harder than looking at other avenues.
I also explained that many parents are confused as to the discipline that maybe applied.
The Minister stated that smacking a child may not achieve the desired results.
I then suggested discipline may be a better approach such as taking away privileges etc.
The Minister went on to say that the Government is putting millions of dollars into the child safety so that children who are deprived or who have parents that do not care that these children can be housed or placed in an environment where they can be cared for.
On listening to further discussion by the minister I do believe that the Government is trying the best they can to achieve the most acceptable outcome.
Will it work? I really don't know.
(7). Good News:
During our discussion I asked the Minister if it would be possible to come to Cairns and be a guest at meeting when she is next in Cairns.
I asked the Minister if it was possible to attend a meeting by the end of August or the first week in September.
The Minister did not hesitate in agreeing to attend and to meet and discuss the problems with the residents of Cairns.
Finally, I thank the Minister for meeting with me as her schedule is really hectic and I found her to be a very compassionate person and a very good listener.
Also thanks to the residents of Cairns who have supported me throughout this campaign.
A special thank you to John McKenzie who has helped from the first call I made to his talk-back program about the crime and the website that I setup.
Letter to Judy Spence - Minister of Police
This is the letter I took to the meeting on July 1, 2008 with the then Police Minister Judy Spence.
Residents Against Crimes.
Website: www.residentsagainstcrimes.com
Email: rac2007@bigpond.com
The Minister of Police.
Hon. Judy Spence.
Queensland Parliament.
Brisbane.
This folder contains information in relation to the crime in and around Cairns, Far North Queensland.
The residents are concerned for their safety and the safety of their families and rightly so as you will see as you peruse the information contained in this folder.
As the founder of Residents Against Crime and representing the community as a whole I would ask that you seriously consider some of the suggestions in this package.
I hope that by sitting down and discussing the problems with you that some sort of resolution can be agreed upon.
It is hoped that I may be able to take back to the community following this meeting some assurance/s of the government of the day.
The Premier Anna Bligh when on Easy Listening 846 with John McKenzie realised how angry the residents were in relation to the crime as the majority of calls spelt this out to her.
Barry Neall
Residents Against Crimes.
Introduction.
Over the past 12 months Cairns has seen an increase of crime which range from:
Bashings
Assaults
Sexual Assaults
Robberies
Robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon
In some cases the culprits have been apprehended and charged but others who are too young to be charged and receive a so called talking to and then walk free only to go out and do the same thing again.
This type of punishment serves no purpose and doesn’t resolve the real problems and should be dealt with in another direction.
As we peruse the information contained in this folder it will become evident that “there is a problem in Cairns” irrespective of what has been said by some local politicians.
Also please keep in mind that we are talking about a city of 130,000 people not a city of half a million plus I have put all relevant information in section form which I hope will make it easier for each matter to be discussed on its merits.
Contents:
Section 1: Outline of what is happening and suggestions to overcome the problem/s.
Section 2: Parental Care
Section 3: News Reports
Section 4: Negative Comments
Section 5: Professional Comments and statistics and Community Comments
Section 6: Suggestions to involve the community and assist police such as COPS: Citizens On Patrol
Section: 7: Conclusion
Section 1:
What kind of issues are we concerned with?
Residents in many neighbourhoods share some of the same concerns and fears.
These may include issues of:
Safety such as: drug dealing and drug use, vandalism, such as: cars, houses, amenities, building sites. Throwing stones/rocks at vehicles. Robberies, such as: armed robbery and home invasion. Violent crime such as: stabbings, rape or sexual attack etc. Assaults and children’s safety. The Residents Want A Safer Cairns? This is what we need: – More law enforcement on the streets We all know that the police force is understaffed and I hope with this meeting today we will be able to come to some compromise to increase the Police numbers so that we can feel safe within our city. We need extra police patrols both day and night. The Police undoubtedly are doing the best they can under the present circumstances but more officers are required. One way of alleviating the problem is to place non uniformed personnel on front counters and have one senior officer as a supervisor. I did discuss this with the Premier when she was last in Cairns on Radio and said that she would look at the suggestion that I put to her. Not long after her return to Brisbane I received a phone call from her office advising me that the suggestion that I put forward was going to be put in place ASAP. This would allow the extra police officers to carry out road patrols. – Quicker identification of habitual criminals This area creates a lot of discussion no matter where you go with the same question being asked: Should offenders names be made public in all cases or should there be exemption where children are under the age of 12 years. A lot of offenders these days are between 10 and 16 years, but we know through recent cases some children are even younger. Everyone should be given one chance but should you re-offend you then raise the chance of being publicly identified. I also ask “have the social workers spoken to these young children to find out where the problem lies in regards to their crime spree“. If they have what action have they taken to overcome this problem. The governments, both Federal and State should rethink the issue of handing back parental powers so that some control can be retained in reference to discipline. On the other hand have we allowed this to go too far down the track and maybe that trying to get family discipline back into the home will be a bigger issue than what it is worth. -- Faster prosecution of violent crimes This is a problem area in virtually every state but the government really needs to look seriously at ways of expediting cases through the court system so that the victim/s do not have to be dragged through that long period and then having to re-live the night of terror. Also the sentencing laws must be seriously looked at and both the government and the judiciary must take a closer look at the sentences handed down. If you do the crime you do the time. – Fewer plea bargains To many plea bargains are made between solicitors and prosecutors thus lowering the charge that the offender/s were originally charge with. This I believe does not give the victim/s peace of mind and allows the offenders to serve less than they would have originally been given. Offenders aged between 12 and 16 years should be given one chance and should they re-offend they should be charged with the serious offences that they have committed such as: Assaults on any person/s Home invasions. Any sexual attack. These young offenders really need assistance and my suggestion is that they need to be placed in an environment where they can be schooled and trained in various available employment availabilities such as: Motor mechanic Carpentry Electrical technician My proposal is that the government consider purchasing land at Lakeland Downs and build dormitories (not a lock up situation) and workshop. The reason I suggest Lakeland Downs is that it is away from the lime light and also away from their mates some of whom are a bad influence on these kids. This could run along the line of what Geoff Guest set up sometime ago. Another consideration we could look at is that a panel of legal professionals or jury make a decision or recommendation as to the sentence that should be applied. -- Better bond setting This again seems to be the simple way out rather than give the appropriate sentence and how many times have we seen offenders back in the court system charged with another offence and usually given another bond. There should be a limit to the number of times an offender can be given a bond instead of a custodian sentence. Repeat offenders should not be afforded the opportunity to receive bond after bond. – A safer environment for Cairns The citizens of this city or any other city for that matter are entitled to live in peace and know that their families are safe. What Can Citizens Do? • Act Now! • It is time for the “silent majority to be heard” • This is our City and we want it to be safe for all citizens • Get to know your neighbours. RAC works better when neighbourhoods are united. One way to start is to knock on neighbours’ doors and introduce yourself. Talk to your community police officer. Report any suspicious activities. Pass along any information that could help the police prevent or solve a crime. Talk about your concerns, but don’t forget to show your support. Don’t wait for someone else to take the lead. Everyone in the community shares the responsibility for keeping our neighbourhoods safe. Citizens to be the second eyes for police. A successful Community initiative requires that a clear vision be created and communicated widely. Committed and broad-based community leaders must lead the efforts. Community-based initiatives should do more than yield short term results. They should also provide a focus for future policies and actions, to create an expanded civic capacity as citizens learn how to deal with change more effectively. Local resources can be co-ordinated, leveraged by external resources and maximized to achieve Cairns desired future. Please remember: TO BE A GREAT CITY YOU FIRST MUST BE A SAFE CITY. Section 2: Parental Care Parental care seems to be a word from long ago however parents are still responsible for their children until they reach a certain age and much confusion exists on that. Parents are confused on the disciplining of their child/children. (1). What constitutes discipline? (2). What amount of discipline is allowable under the law?. (3). Can parents use reasonable force such as smacking the child’s bottom when the situation arises. The answer to that should be yes, it didn’t affect us when we were kids and good smack on the bottom did work wonders. The need to look at parental care and determining the appropriate punishment should be left to the parents discretion without the fear of reprisal from the law. Also parents who leave young or underage children without supervision should be held accountable. Section 4: Negative Comments. The following two items were from an email to a resident who lives in Atherton but also has family living in Cairns which the writer visits regularly. The emails have been included with her permission. May I say at this time that negative attitudes of this kind do not do any justice to the present government. These politicians were elected by the residents to represent them and the residents feel that this is not being done. The residents would hope that the Premier would speak to these politicians and make them realise that they have an obligation to their constituents. I would go as far to say that the two concerned politicians should apologise to the residents of this great city by saying that they did make a mistake on making the denial statements and show the residents that they are genuine in the position that they hold. The emails are listed below: (1). From: Cairns Electorate Office To: Bev Prescott Sent: Friday, April 04, 2008 10:01 AM Subject: RE: CRIME IN CAIRNS and district Dear Bev Thank you for your email. Through the Police Minister I will get you some figures on assaults and street crime. I note that you live in Atherton. From what I heard of the Mackenzie show, it is no wonder you got the impression that the streets of Cairns are not safe and that crime is rampant. This is in fact not so. Yes there are offences and yes the police need to respond hard and fast. But media have a responsibility too not to get people disproportionately and unduly alarmed. I'll send the info through when I get it. Regards, Desley Desley Boyle MP Member for Cairns Ph 4051-2868 / Fax 4051-6760 (2). From: Mulgrave Electorate Office To: bevpre@gmail.com Sent: Friday, April 04, 2008 11:32 AM Subject: CRIME IN CAIRNS and district Dear Bev I understand my colleague, the Honourable Desley Boyle has responded to your email and I fully endorse her actions. Thank you for putting your concerns in writing to me. Yours faithfully Warren Pitt MP Member for Mulgrave Ph: 4056 3175 Fax: 4056 3340 Section 3: News Reports. Too many to include. Section 4: Professional Comments and Statistics and Community Comments The statistics were made available by two dentists who have unfortunately been in the situation of having to repair facial injuries that were caused by bashings/assaults in and around Cairns. Section 6: Suggestions to involve the community and assist police such as COPS: Citizen Observer Patrol. Cops is an American innovation which involves the residents working with police. COPS stands for Citizens Observer Patrol in which a group of selected residents such as retired police officers, legal or business persons or selected local residents from Cairns. These people who volunteer are scrutinised by police checks and only people with a clean slate can be accepted to be Citizens Observer Patrol. The selected persons work a shift between 0700 to 2130hrs and patrol around the suburbs in an unmarked vehicle. On coming across an incident they would immediately call police by radio (radio supplied by police) and then back away from the incident and observe till police arrive. The Citizens Observer Patrol DO NOT intervene in any incidents what so ever as their whole aim is to be the eyes for police only. This would relieve the strain on local police and allow them to carry out other important duties until called. This scheme has been a success in the US, New Zealand (as shown on TV) and I believe it was going to be or is being tried in Darwin N.T. I realise that litigation maybe a problem but surely the government can overcome that problem. So that you can peruse the information on the website re COPS I have listed the website as: http://www.pac2durham.org/ http://www.nacop.org/ CITIZEN OBSERVER PATROL A COMMUNITY POLICING PROGRAM SPONSORED BY THE DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT WHAT IS Citizen Observer Patrol? (C.O.P.) Administered by the Durham Police Department, the Citizens Observer Patrol is a new crime-reduction program begun in the Fall of 2003. It is part of a citywide effort to get Durham residents more involved in the neighbourhood watch and crime prevention programs. Citizen Patrol volunteers conduct regularly scheduled patrols within their communities to watch out for suspicious activities and crimes in progress, aid stranded motorists and generally provide an increased level of comfort for those who see the extra patrol on the streets. Initially staffed with residents from District 2, the plan is for each of the four Durham police districts to have their own C.O.P. teams. A specially marked patrol vehicle has been dedicated to this program and the uniformed volunteer C.O.P. ‘s work in pairs to patrol the streets in three-hour shifts, from 7am to 9pm each day, reporting suspicious or hazardous situations to the police. Volunteers are trained to observe and report only; to be "eyes and ears" for the Durham Police Department. They have no law enforcement authority or power. Activities include visiting local businesses, neighbourhood patrols, making house checks for residents who are away and checking in with the elderly and infirm. BE ACTIVE IN CRIME PREVENTION The goal of the Citizen Observer Patrol is to promote the prevention of crime in a proactive way; becoming an integral part of the police departments effort to suppress crime in the city of Durham. You can help reduce crime and improve the quality of life in your own neighbourhood. By taking an active part in a new kind of police beat, you will provide an invaluable service to the community you call home. HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED? C.O.P. volunteers must meet the application, background, and training requirements for this position. Anyone interested in becoming part of the C.O.P. program can fill out an application. A background check consisting of a driver and criminal history check will be done and a mini physical and drug test are administered. Applications can be downloaded in Word format. [Volunteer for C.O.P.]. Also of interest is the National Association of Citizens On Patrol website:http://www.nacop.org./ I would hope that the government may give this program serious consideration as I believe that a trial period would be justified under the circumstances and could be another first for Queensland. Section 7: Conclusion. Cairns is a very vibrant city and more importantly a tourist destination which delivers a large number of tourist and money. Should the government continue to allow the crime to prevail and NOT place any priority on law and order then Cairns along with other Queensland destinations could suffer the consequences of lost tourism and finance. Tourist do surf the internet and checkout destinations like Cairns and in doing so read the local paper which is freely available for all to peruse. The government can do some positive things such as: (1). Making law and order a priority in Queensland. (2). Draft legislation upgrading the sentences that are more appropriate and in line with the crime committed. (3). Consider a trial period of curfews across the state or why no make Cairns the “trial centre” and if successful then place a blanket curfew across the state. (4). Consider the rule of 2 strikes and your out system. Should an offender receive a bond for an offence and then re-commits again they (he/she) should receive some detention time. Detention time means exactly that - NO TV, NO COMPUTERS and should perform some type of work while in detention. As I stated earlier I don’t believe jail is the answer as these kids will probably come out better criminals than what they were prior to the jailing. There was a scheme if I remember correctly where young offenders were placed in a facility and were lectured by hardened criminals who gave the young offenders a real outlook of what they could expect in jails if they continued with re-offending. The Government and the Public of Queensland need to work hand in hand to overcome this problem but the initial stage needs to be commenced by the Government. We must not allow the so called “do gooders” run the system as we now see, it just doesn’t work with the young ones knowing that they can get away with most things. The Government needs to be strong, the law needs to be tough and the offenders must realise that this state will not tolerate any further unnecessary crime. Lets be tough but lets be fair. Finally, I would like to thank you for allowing me this time to discuss this very important issue because if we don’t act now crime could reach an irreversible point. Should you wish to contact me please feel free to do so on: 0438111722. Thanking you. Barry Neall. Founder of Residents Against Crimes.
HAVE YOUR SAY IN REGARDS
TO LAW CHANGES
Here's your opportunity to have a say in regards to new crime laws.
The items on the New Law page were 2 of the many items that I spoke to the ex Police Minister Judy Spence when I met with her in July of 2008.
The item on the submission page was also discussed with her and also I spoke about it when interviewed by the Cairns Post, local television and on John McKenzie talk-back program on 846.
I ask you all to have a say in these important issues and hopefully we will see some decline in crimes and that victims of crime will be compensated in a true manner for the ordeal that they have been put through.
Submission invited on draft laws to assist victims of crime
Attorney-General Cameron Dick is calling for public comment on a draft bill outlining the complete overhaul of Queensland’s victims compensation system.
The Victims of Crime Assistance Bill 2009 outlines the functions of the new Victims Financial Assistance Scheme, which is expected to be introduced in Queensland this December.
Mr Dick said the new scheme is designed to help victims of crime to recover and get their lives back on track.
“This new scheme represents the Bligh Government’s commitment to ensuring victims of crime have access to the support and assistance they need,” Mr Dick said.
“There is no doubt, being a victim of crime is one of the most horrific experiences a person can go through, and it can impact on every aspect of a person’s life.
“This government is determined to do everything we can to help reduce these effects, and enable victims get back on their feet.
“The new Victims Financial Assistance Scheme will ensure victims of crime have access to faster, more effective financial assistance and coordinated support services than ever before.”
Mr Dick said the new Victims Financial Assistance Scheme and Services will replace the current scheme under the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995.
“This new scheme will make support available to a broader range of victims and make it easier for them to get on with their lives by cutting applicant costs and waiting times,” he said.
“The scheme is moving away from a focus on a lump sum compensation figure. It will instead focus on identifying the actual financial assistance required for support or treatment, such as medical treatment or counselling, to help victims and their families recover as quickly a possible.”
Under the proposed new arrangements:
• financial assistance for related victims, such as the dependents of those killed as a result of criminal violence, will increase from a maximum of $39,000 to $100,000 per family;
• there will be a new category of financial assistance for secondary victims, such as the parents of children who have suffered sexual abuse, with a maximum payment of $50,000;
• interim emergency funding of up to $6,000 will be available, to cover urgent expenses such as funeral bills or relocation costs when the home is a crime scene; and
• the existing maximum of $75,000 for primary victims, who have personally experienced acts of violence, will continue.
“While the global economic crisis is placing immense pressure on all budgets, this Government will not compromise on essential services for the most vulnerable members of our community.
“These reforms will ensure financial assistance is directed towards helping victims to get back on their feet, and maximising their chances of recovery through early intervention and tailored assistance.
“A new Victim Assistance Unit will link all the services for victims of crime in a one-stop shop.
“The unit will employ staff to directly assist victims and their families, through financial assistance assessment, service coordination, and court support.
“A team of assessors will ensure claims are finalised in a timely manner, as well as making the process easier and less daunting than current arrangements.
“Another team will coordinate the government and non-government services available to victims across the state, particularly in regional and remote areas, as well as promoting awareness of the needs of victims.
“The new unit will also provide practical support for victims of crime through the court process.”
Mr Dick said the reforms will remove the requirement for victims of crime to front court again just to apply for assistance, thereby reducing the contact victims might have to have with their attacker, and making the process more responsive to victims’ needs.
“They will also enable victims to seek reasonable medical and legal costs incurred in making their application,” he said.
“This scheme will cut red tape and streamline services, so victims can access the support and assistance they need, as soon as possible.”
Members of the public and stakeholder representatives are invited to submit feedback on draft legislation by June 12.
The draft bill can be downloaded from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General website: www.justice.qld.gov.au
Crime in Cairns Janury-December 2010
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Please Read the Media Releases
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Cairns Crime July-December 2009
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Are you frustrated with Airlines, Councils, Police anything that may interrupt your lifestyle then heres your opportunity to have your say and get it off your chest.
Read up on items from the USA as we end copping the flack from them.
Jetblue has introduced a Passengers Bill of Rights go here to read it:
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BE WARNED YOU ARE BEING WATCHED
If are intending to assult or rob someone be warned there are eyes watching you in the CBD.
Cameras are located all around the CBD and are manned 24/7 so if you assult or rob anyone you maybe filmed and you will end up in court and perhaps jail.
The most sensible approach is to behave, cut down on the drink and walk away if someone wants to start a fight.
Police bashings
Have you been sexually assulted - here is the help contact line that you need
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This number should not be used for non threatening situations.
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Residents Against Crimes Founder - 2007
I am dedicated to help prevent crimes in Cairns and the surrounding area. This city has unfortunately gone from bad to worse in regards to crime and we the residents of this great city need to band together and put pressure on our local representatives and let them know that we will not tolerate this behaviour. I will continue to pave the way for better living in peace and enable families and kids to enjoy the life the we enjoyed years ago without the fear of being assulted. This is not about me its about the community working together to make this a better place to live.
REMEMBER: TO BE A GREAT CITY, IT FIRST MUST BE A SAFE CITY.
