NT Police may end the policy of basing police officers outside bottle shops, according to Senator Nigel Scullion.
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Senator Scullion today called on the Government to urgently reverse an apparent decision to scrap the highly successful policy of basing police officers outside Territory bottle shops, the point of sale intervention policy.
Senator Scullion said POSI – formerly known as the Temporary Beat Locations policy – that based police officers outside liquor outlets had a proven track record of reducing violent crime in regional centres of the Territory.
“As part of a broader range of policing initiatives, basing police outside bottle shops in the major regional centres of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine has been highly successful at reducing takeaway alcohol sales and associated alcohol-related crime and injuries,” Senator Scullion said.
“I am highly concerned about reported comments from the Police Commissioner, Reece Kershaw, that the policy has been scrapped.”
Chief Minister Michael Gunner this afternoon said the only policy change was that the power had been handed back to police.
“The police will be staying at the bottle shops,” Mr Gunner said.
“I can guarantee that TBLs will not be scrapped.
“I can guarantee that we will re-introduce the BDR – the tool police themselves have said is the most powerful way to combat crime.
“Once the BDR is introduced the placement and timing of TBLs will be a matter for the police – the people who are best placed to make this decision.
“The BDR will ensure police resources can be employed most effectively to fight crime and make our community safer,” Mr Gunner said.
The Government is introducing its Banned Drinkers Register, which prevents problem drinkers buying alcohol, in September.
Control of the legislated POSI is being handed back to police as an operational issue.
“Chief Minister Gunner acknowledged in a letter to me in March this year that the Point of Sale Intervention policy was introduced to complement and support the operation of the Banned Drinkers Register,” Senator Scullion said.
“If the Gunner Government is intent on reinstating the Banned Drinkers Register, there is no reason why it can’t do this while retaining the successful Point of Sale Intervention policy.
“If it’s a matter of resourcing, the Gunner Government needs to provide police with the resources to continue the initiative.
“Decisions about NT policing should be made in the best interests of the taxpayers who fund the services. Given crime levels in Alice Springs have risen under the Gunner Government’s watch, it is surprising Minister Fyles is cutting resources rather than boosting them.
“Just like the Gunner Government’s backflip on cutting the opening hours of the Alice Springs police station, I would welcome a reverse on this policy change.”
The Katherine Times has asked NT Police to comment.