ACT Policing Multicultural Liaison
ACT Policing has a Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) whose role is to help connect police with Canberra's very diverse community.
The MLO – Constable Kate Mokrij – represents ACT policing at a variety of events and venues and spends a major portion of her time engaging with and forming relationships with Canberra's multicultural community.
Relationship-building
ACT Policing recognises that in some countries, police are greatly feared and this means that some people, particularly those who arrive in Canberra under humanitarian or refugee programs, have a fear and mistrust of police. Part of the MLO's role is to meet with people, either in groups or individually, to try to help them overcome their fear so they feel comfortable calling for help if they need it.
Part of this relationship-building process involves running a number of programs aimed at connecting police with the community. One such program is the "Women's pilates program" which provides an opportunity for women to meet new people and work out in a women's only environment. Classes are free of charge and are held every Wednesday at the Ginninderra Police and Citizen's Youth Club.
Another ACT Policing program aimed at assisting the multicultural community is the Career Development Program, run with the Canberra Institute of Technology and the ACT Government.
ACT Policing prides itself on its positive relationship with the Canberra community and the multicultural liaison function is an important way of breaking down any barriers that exist between police and the public.
ACT Policing and the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) signed a 'Statement of Principle (PDF, 58kB)' on Wednesday 20 August 2008. The statement formalises the relationship between the agencies and is designed to enhance communication and cooperation between police and Canberra's multicultural community. Under the principles, ACT Policing's Multicultural Liaison Officer will establish a committee with the CMCF board to regularly meet and discuss any issues within the community. It is hoped taking this step will allow police to better meet the needs of our diverse community.
The MLO can give presentations to groups (whether small or large) about the role of police in Canberra. Providing this information can help people better understand what we can do to help you, and how you can contact us if you need our help.
If you would like to request the MLO to present at your community gathering, or you would like to receive emails about ACT Policing events relevent to Canberra's culturally and linguistically diverse community please email ACT Multicultural Liaison.
Cultural training
The MLO is also responsible for providing cultural awareness training to police recruits and operational police officers. This training focuses on providing police with insight into the experiences many people have had with police overseas.
When arranging training for police, the Multicultural Liaison Officer invites community members of refugee background to attend and talk about their personal experiences. This is a valuable process as it allows police to gain first-hand knowledge of the sorts of experiences which have shaped people's view of police.
ACT Regional Watch house
Recognising that people experience a range of reactions when dealing with police (and in particular, if they are taken into custody), ACT Policing has developed a guide which outlines what to expect if taken to the Regional Watch House. This information was developed to help shed light on the process after a person is arrested and is hoped to help alleviate feelings of fear.
Some key points are:
- Men and women are separated in the Watch House
- You will be provided with meals at standard meal times. Vegetarian options are available.
- You will be provided with bedding.
- You will be treated with humanity and respect for human dignity.
- You will not be subjected to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment
- You may contact a qualified religious representative.