The Wire

John Ajaka, parliamentary secretary to Barry O’ Farrell, has criticized the special police teams such as the Middle Eastern Crime Squad. He believes such targeted practices develop disparaging stereotypes and vilify the group in question. As such Mr. Ajaka has proposed to change these police practices if his party wins the next election. The standpoint is surprising from a Liberal party MP in the context of their support for counter terrorism measures aimed at Middle Eastern groups. However Mr. Ajaka claims a number of his colleagues support his position. Conversely Peter Anderson from the Centre for Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism says such police squads are necessary for an open engagement with community groups.