Cops form ‘law and justice’ group after confrontation with angry mob in Borroloola

Police are seeking nominations for community leaders in a Top End town to join a new ‘law and justice group’ after a drink-driver assaulted officers while an angry mob hurled threats and abuse at them last month.

Police are seeking nominations for community leaders in Borroloola to join a new ‘law and justice group’ after a drink-driver assaulted officers while an angry mob hurled threats and abuse at them last month.

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POLICE are seeking nominations for community leaders in Borroloola to join a new “law and justice group” after a drink-driver assaulted officers while an angry mob hurled threats and abuse at them last month.

Shaun Evans, 41, pleaded guilty in the Darwin Local Court to assaulting police and drink-driving following the fracas on March 20 and was jailed for just over four months.

Shortly after the incident, Senior Sergeant Tanya Woodcock said police would meet with locals to discuss the issues that led to the disturbance and “improve understanding”.

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Last week, Sr Sgt Woodcock said she had since had “numerous meetings” with locals and there was now “an appetite for a positive change through mutual support” in the community.

Sr Sgt Woodcock said in addition to the law and justice group, police had reached an agreement with the Roper Gulf Regional Council night patrol to do joint patrols and “create a communication network”.

She said a draft “mutual respect agreement” had also been circulated for consultation and police were actively recruiting to fill a vacant Aboriginal liaison officer position in the town.

Sr Sgt Woodcock said police had also invited local stakeholders and cultural groups to participate in the induction process for new police officers.

“These are ongoing action items that I’ll be progressing with the sergeant to ensure we keep up momentum,” she said.

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The incident involving Evans was only brought under control with the help of local traditional owner Joyce Dirdi and Sr Sgt Woodcock thanked her for her “leadership in calming this incident”.

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