The ACT Ombudsman has released a report on his investigation into ACT Policing’s framework for engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, finding examples of both poor and excellent community engagement in its presentation.
In his report, ACT Policing’s administrative framework for engagement with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the Ombudsman, Michael Manthorpe said he looked at whether the programs, policies, procedures and training ACT Policing had in place to manage its engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were appropriate and well administered.
“My Office undertook this investigation informed by complaints from members of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and against a backdrop of ongoing over-representation of community members in the justice system,” Mr Manthorpe said.
“Since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Report was published in 1991, it has been widely acknowledged that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are over-represented in the criminal justice system,” he said.
“Through complaints from individuals, as well as broader interactions my Office has had with both the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and ACT Policing, we have heard examples of poor practice as well as examples of excellent and respectful community engagement.”
Mr Manthorpe made nine recommendations aimed at improving ACT Policing’s administrative and governance processes.
He said his recommendations covered four themes for good administration, including a strong governance framework; policies and procedures that articulate expectations; transparency and accountability; as well as the ability to measure and evaluate success.
“[The Report] explicitly calls for meaningful consultation with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in relation to the design, delivery and evaluation of community policing and engagement activities, as part of the implementation of the recommendations,” the Ombudsman said.
“I am pleased that ACT Policing and the Australian Federal Police have agreed to take action, in close consultation with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, in relation to each of the recommendations.”
Mr Manthorpe’s Report is presented in two volumes with Volume One presenting his high-level findings and recommendations, and Volume Two examining ACT Policing’s community policing and engagement activities in greater detail.
The 35-page Volume One of the Ombudsman’s Report can be accessed at this PS News link and 17-page Volume Two at this link.
