Staff at Western Australia’s City of Gosnells are set to become monitors of community safety under a new scheme initiated by a frustrated ‘crime stopper’ on Council staff.
As part of Gosnells’ Safe City Initiative, staff are being trained to recognise and report crime. Following workshops, conducted by the Police Department, staff are provided with forms to fill in regarding suspicious circumstances they may observe. This allows the police to assess the information and follow up if necessary.
Mayor Pat Morris said the idea came from a staff member frustrated at observing things ‘that did not seem right’ and being unable to do anything about it.
“The aim is to assist staff who work outside, and are often on the road, to become the eyes and ears of the Police and report any suspicious persons, vehicles or graffiti that they see,” said Community Development Coordinator, Garry Bryant.
Accordingly, the first members of staff to participate in the workshops were Council Rangers, and staff from Parks and Gardens, Engineering, Building Maintenance and Waste Collection. Future workshops will involve Library staff, Community and Recreation workers, Health, Building and Planning Officers and Managers.
“By staging the workshops to educate staff in crime detection, all employees will be empowered to assist in making the City of Gosnells a safe and great place to be,” Mayor Morris said.
For further information contact Garry Bryant, telephone (08) 9391 3246.
