Arabic version: هوبارت تطلق تجربة لضباط اتصال السلامة في منطقة الأعمال المركزية

According to ABC News, the City of Hobart has launched a three-year trial of three Safe City Liaison Team officers to patrol the CBD during business hours. The officers are intended to provide a visible, approachable presence, reduce antisocial behaviour and improve communication with businesses.

The team members, who have backgrounds including policing and the justice system, cannot make arrests. Safety officer Raewyn Pike said their role was not enforcement, but assisting, monitoring when needed and working collaboratively with Tasmania Police and other agencies. They will report crimes or incidents and help vulnerable people find community support services.

The launch follows recent arrests involving young people. Six youths aged 12 to 13 were arrested on Saturday after allegedly assaulting members of the public in the CBD. On Wednesday, three teenagers aged 14 to 15 were charged with common assault after an incident at the Claremont shopping precinct in which a man received head injuries.

Hobart Chamber of Commerce general manager Robert Mallett said businesses faced regular disruptions from organised groups of young people and hoped the officers would bring calmness and organisation. Barber Sidney Davies welcomed council action but questioned whether the officers would deter offenders, citing vandalism and incidents affecting nearby businesses.

Safer City Alliance chair Louise Bloomfield said the officers would act as a first point of contact and as the city’s “eyes and ears”. Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Dave Summers said the team would complement police patrols, while adding that youth crime was not necessarily worsening and may be receiving more attention through social media.