Caroline Springs police are hoping to bolster their public perception among migrant communities.
Sergeant Michael Haschka said a ‘community leaders network’ workshop was being held this week to bring various cultural groups together, particularly those from Sudan, Sierra Leone, India, Burma, the Pacific Islands and Samoa.
“It’s for the police to get an under- standing of a particular community’s needs so that there’s no misunder- standing,” Sergeant Haschka said.
“It gives them the opportunity to have contact with us so we can promote a better relationship.”
Sergeant Haschka said a big issue facing the Caroline Springs force was a lack of understanding about the police’s role.
“People who have migrated here or fled their own country carry over perceptions that we’re some sort of militia, so they’re scared of police,” he said.
“They don’t have the trust they should have in Australia, and we want to change that. ”
Sergeant Haschka said another issue was a lack of knowledge about crime prevention.
“It’s safer here than so many other countries, but it’s no crime-free nirvana,” he said. “A lot of people think that because it is safer they needn’t give thought to locking their doors or personal safety.”
Sergeant Haschka said he would also like to see more cross-cultural under- standing.
The workshop is at the Visy Cares Hub, 80b Harvester Road, Sunshine, from 10am this Thursday.
For more details, call 9361 4780.
