Northern Territory Police Commissioner reveals an additional 60 police called into Alice Springs
The Northern Territory Police Commissioner says the objective is to keep children out of the criminal justice system as 60 officers head to Alice Springs.
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There will be 60 additional police officers sent to Alice Springs on Thursday, with the “objective” to keep youth out of the criminal justice system, according to the NT Police Commissioner.
On Thursday, the NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Police Commissioner Michael Murphy, fronted a strong media presence in response to more than hundred people rioting on the streets on Tuesday afternoon.
Ms Lawler declared a state emergency following the incident, and implemented a strict curfew for youths under the age of 18, which restricted them from entering the CBD between 6am and 6pm.
NT Police Commissioner, Michael Murphy said the curfew was in place and additional resources would descend on the town on Thursday, but their presence was not to “lock” children up.
“It’s incredibly important that this isn’t just a police issue, it’s not just an enforcement issue (and) the fact that the curfew exists, doesn’t mean that we are gonna start locking up kids,” he said.
“The objective is to keep kids out of the criminal justice system relating to the curfew.
“If they do commit violent crimes, they’ll be arrested and taken to a court where they can answer to a judge and go through the justice system.”
Chief Minister Eva Lawer said the curfew was only a short-term solution that had to be implemented after the violence that erupted on Tuesday afternoon.
Ms Lawler said she would be meeting with a range of stakeholders during her visit including Indigenous community organisations to work out a better solution.
“I’m in Alice Springs today to catch up with stakeholders, but to (also) meet with the people of Alice Springs and have conversations with the people of Alice Springs,” she said.
“The (curfew) decision yesterday was made quickly (and) it was based on sound legal advice, but it gives me the opportunity today to meet with a range of people.
“From my reports and my discussions with the commissioner for police, it was a quiet night for people in Alice Springs, and that’s what Alice Springs people want to see.”
According to Mr Murphy, the number of arrests were down as a result of the curfew being implemented.
“Last night was a pretty good night for Alice Springs. We only arrested around 14 people across a range of offending for domestic violence,” he said.
“It’s very important to try and address these issues attached to domestic violence which are wide-ranging as well.
“You will see an additional 60 police arrive in Alice Springs today.
“Throughout the day you will see the PALI’s, the police auxiliary liquor inspectors return to Alice Springs (and) they will be on the bottle shops looking at controls around the sale of alcohol.”
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Originally published as Northern Territory Police Commissioner reveals an additional 60 police called into Alice Springs
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