Police allowed to enter Alice Springs’ Youth Hub despite social media rumours

SPECULATION on social media that suggests police are forbidden from entering the 24-hour youth hub is incorrect

Kids have access to video game racing peripherals at the youth hub. Image: Daniel Wood

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CONTRARY to an online rumour, police are allowed to enter the 24/7 youth hub in Alice Springs.

Territory Families Community Youth Programs director Soana Vaihu encourages police to visit the centre, in fact.

“Despite what’s being said out there … they do actually come here. They even play table tennis with the kids,” Ms Vaihu said.

“We have a patrollers’ meeting every night (at the hub) with Territory Families, the police youth team, Tangentyere, and public housing safety officers.”

Youth Outreach and Engagement Team (YORET) manager Danny Measures said that police Aboriginal Liaison Officers also regularly attend the hub.

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Acting Superintendent Alex Brennan confirmed police’s involvement with the centre.

“There is no agreement in place prohibiting police from entering the Youth Hub facility,” Superintendent Brennan said.

“Throughout the school holidays police have attended the Youth Hub in the enforcement and community engagement capacity.

“NT Police can enter a premises under the Police Administration Act.

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“In the instance police enter a property, members are to assess the seriousness of the offence allegedly committed, the potential risk to the wider community, and the welfare of others inside the premises.”