Counter-terrorism policing project launched

30 November 2004

Monash University and the Victorian Police have launched a collaborative project that will change the face of counter-terrorism policing.

The three-year project titled 'Counter-terrorism policing and culturally diverse communities' will contribute to the development of new methods of counter-terrorism policing in Victoria.

Four leading academics from Monash University's School of Political and Social Inquiry are working with the Victorian Police and a 30-strong advisory committee made up various community organisations including the Australian Multicultural Foundation on the project.

Dr Sharon Pickering, Dr David Wright-Neville, Dr Jude McCulloch and Dr Pete Lentini say it aims to strengthen community relationships with the police and consolidate and integrate community policing principles when responding to and investigating terrorist threats.

Four research teams including representatives from police, community, media and legislative/policy have been formed to evaluate existing assumptions and understandings of terrorism and counter-terrorism in both the community and the Victorian Police force.

Dr Pickering said the project was about "ensuring a strong community policing focus in the police response to terrorist threats".

"It will provide a strong research-based focus for the police to provide effective response to terrorism while at the same time maintaining strong relationships with the entire Victorian community," she said.

"The project will involve extensive community consultation in both metropolitan and regional areas."

Dr Pickering said the project would provide a model for counter-terrorism policing which represents the future of community policing in Victoria.

For further information contact Ms Ingrid Sanders in Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201.