First Response Patrol

The Northern Territory Government has a zero-tolerance to anti-social behaviour. A comprehensive new package of initiatives has been developed to continue to tackle this problem in Darwin and Palmerston. These include:

• First Response Patrol
• Darwin Area Night Patrol
• Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV)
• Increased Short-Term Accommodation
• Increased funding for the Return to Home Program

First Response Patrol

The First Response Patrol is a new daytime patrol which will help tackle anti-social behaviour. The patrol will work with the NT Police and other organisations to patrol anti-social behaviour hotspots. The new Patrol has been trained to intervene early to prevent anti-social behaviour before it becomes a problem.

What does the First Response Patrol do?

The First Response Patrol will gather intelligence for police to support operations, provide first-level problem resolution, and refer people to services such as Return to Country, Sobering Up Shelter, rehabilitation programs and short-term accommodation.

Who operates the First Response Patrol?

Eight community engagement officers have been employed by NT Police to operate the patrol.

When will the First Response Patrol operate?

The First Response Patrol will work seven-days-a-week, from early in the morning until early afternoon, when the Night Patrol begins.

What is the role of the First Response Patrol?

The First Response Patrol will:

• patrol anti-social behaviour hotspots on a regular basis to gather intelligence and build relationships
• intervene early on the ground to cut down the causes of anti-social behaviour.
• provide first-level problem resolution where possible and refer to others as appropriate
• take the lead in ensuring cohesive service delivery and coordinate associated networks
• attend and be hands-on at cultural events where appropriate
• when appropriate, respond to reported incidents of anti-social behaviour received via the anti-social behaviour reporting line
• assist Larrakia Nation to implement and reinforce the Larrakia Cultural protocols for visitors

An important role of the First Response Patrols will be to ensure that people and problems are appropriately referred to other agencies, including:

• NT Police - City Safe and Social Order Units (Aboriginal Community Police Officers)
• Darwin and Palmerston City Councils
• Parks and Wildlife Service
• Larrakia Nation – Larrakia Intervention and Transport Service, Darwin Area Night Patrol, Personal Support Program and Information and Referrals Office
• Mission Australia – Sobering up shelter, Medical Transport Service, Grass Roots Solutions and Youth Beat
• Rehabilitation services including FORWAARD and CAAPS
• Danila Dilba Medical Service
• Territory Housing,
• St Vincent de Paul
• Salvation Army
• Queen of Peace Women’s Refuge (Missionaries of Charity)
• Darwin Aboriginal & Islander Women’s Shelter
• Local Indigenous Community leaders

How does the First Response Patrol work with the Night Patrol?

The new Patrol will work cooperatively with the Darwin Area Night Patrol operated by Larrakia Nation. It will operate outside the times of the Night Patrol to ensure a comprehensive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.

What phone numbers should I call?

The First Response Patrol can be contacted directly to report possible anti social behaviour on their reporting line 1800 272 111

131 444 To seek police response to any matter requiring police action.