The success of Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs) across Melbourne and Geelong has bumped up the statewide launch date by a month.
The program connects priority people of interest (POIs) with support services in employment, education, healthcare, and drug/alcohol rehabilitation.
Currently the Western Region Division 1 team consists of six police officers, and they currently actively monitor 22 of the region’s worst offenders.
Sergeant Lauren O’Connor said some of the most successful cases had seen offenders re-enrolling in school, and actively seeking support.
“Just one person might be able to change the course of where they’re going,” Sgt O’Connor said.
There is a focus on preventing reoffence in children in particular, helping them work towards a brighter future, with around 60% of the POI cohort under the age of 18.
“The positive influence that we have on these POIs that we’re actually managing then has the flow on effect to siblings and parents and school friends,” said Sgt O’Connor.
Other CRTs will launch across the state from Sunday December 1, allowing teams to share intelligence as offenders move between regions.
