Increased Policing in Redfern
The New South Wales government has said that the inner-Sydney suburb of Redfern will get more police experienced in dealing with riots and drug related crime, to prevent a recurrence of the incident earlier this year sparked by the death of a boy on his bike. The proposals also include more cultural awareness training for officers and the creation of two youth liaison officer positions. The results of the inquest won’t be disclosed until August. The Police Association say the changes are long overdue and will provide much needed protection to their members. Residents however, feel that increasing police numbers will antagonize the locals. Shane Phillips is a community member of the Block in Redfern. Paulina Vidal spoke to him about whether the NSW government is right in saying that more police will increase safety.