Proactive measures to reduce youth crime received a boost on Monday when Joe Cassar – NSW Police Assistant Commissioner for capability, performance and youth command – visited Wagga PCYC as part of a southern region tour.
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The visit was to develop Assistant Commissioner’s Cassar understanding of local issues to then target those issues using PCYC programs.
He said it was a chance “to make sure we’re all on the right page when it comes to programs to address the issues in communities”.
“In this local area, some [emerging youth crimes] relate to antisocial activities and some relate to the unfortunate environment of substance abuse.
“Wagga’s no different to any other community.
“It’s good to see the local police being across it – they’re working with the community and other agencies to look at a whole-government approach to tackling the emerging issues in the area,” he said.
It’s good to see the local police being across it [youth crime] – they’re working with the community and other agencies to look at a whole-government approach to tackling the emerging issues in the area,
- Joe Cassar, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner for capability, performance and youth command
Asked if any specific programs would be announce soon for Wagga, Assistant Commissioner Cassar said that the PCYC NSW would be looking at consolidating the 120 programs currently running to then target issues “case by case”.
“We’re not going to take our foot off the accelerator in tackling those issues.
“I think that’s the best way to tackle issues individually rather than come up with new programs.
“The key issue is linking these young people with stable lifestyles – I think we’ve got to close the loop more than what we’ve done,” he said.
PCYC regional manager Brett Summerville welcomed the Assistant Commissioner’s visit, saying it was a great opportunity for both parties to gain insights.
“It’s about what we also have to offer to the community.
“Some very good initiatives are coming in the next 3-4 weeks, but today is more about him getting to know the club and meet the people to understand local issues,” Mr Summerville said.
Assistant Commissioner Cassar also welcomed the new PCYC being built in Wagga.
“Wagga is a thriving and ever-growing country town. It’s very important that we’ve got these facilities that can cater for the young kids.
“You’ve got very loyal PCYC members here – for them to go to a new building, the numbers will continue to grow,” he said.
The southern region tour began Monday and will conclude Wednesday. It includes visits to Cowra, Young, Wagga, Albury, Griffith, Goulburn and Mittagong.
