Night patrol services

As part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER), night patrol services are being extended to all 73 NTER communities.

These types of services have been funded in various Northern Territory Indigenous communities and town camps over many years. They have been effective in improving community safety, protecting children and reducing individuals’ contact with the criminal justice system.

The NTER, announced by the former Australian Government in June 2007, is providing more comprehensive coverage of these services.

Night patrols assist people at risk of either causing or becoming the victims of harm. They generally focus on patrolling local ‘hot spots’.

The activities undertaken by a night patrol service may include:

• relocating a person to a ‘safe’ environment (e.g. relative’s home, recognised safe house, women’s refuge, hospital or other medical facility)
• diffusing violent situations
• diverting intoxicated people away from contact with the criminal justice system, or
• providing advice, information or referral (e.g. to a counselling service).

The additional services are being provided through an agreement with the newly established (from 1 July 2008) shire councils, which will manage all night patrols within their areas. Existing night patrols will transfer to shire control once current funding agreements end.

The shires are recruiting night patrol regional managers to oversee the night patrol teams. Each night patrol team is expected to comprise four positions: a night patrol team leader and three night patrollers. The Australian Government is providing funding for a vehicle, training, equipment and uniforms for each team.

For further information, go to the Attorney-General's Department website.