Nightsafe policy to target gangs
11:18 AEDT Sat Feb 5 2005
Gangs and organised crime activity in Perth's nightspots will be targeted
through nightclub bans for criminals, metal detectors and tougher laws, West
Australian Premier Geoff Gallop said.
Announcing a raft of initiatives aimed at ensuring
public safety in the city's entertainment zones, Dr Gallop said the
government's new Nightsafe Policy would enable police to clamp down on
violence and criminal activity.
A gang-related shooting and stabbing in the
Northbridge restaurant and nightclub district 12 days ago resulted in five
men being charged.
Dr Gallop said he had "drawn a clear line in the sand"
showing criminal behaviour would not be tolerated.
The Nightsafe plan includes issuing police with
portable metal detectors and beefing up prison terms for people found
carrying firearms, knives and other weapons at night spots.
Police will also have the power to immediately ban
those charged with serious offences or those found with weapons and drugs
from clubs and licensed premises.
Dr Gallop said the 30-day bans would be reviewed and authorised by a senior
officer within 24 hours of it being issued. Police could apply to extend the
ban and the individual could apply for it to be lifted, he said.
Other initiatives within the package include:
regulation of the use of metal detectors by nightclubs, toughening of
licensing requirements in the crowd control industry and in ownership of
licensed premises, and harsher penalties for supply, manufacture and
possession of drugs.
Nightclubs will be required to install security
surveillance systems, an Entertainment Precinct Unit will be established and
the Aboriginal community patrols in Northbridge will be extended, costing $2
million over four years.
"Perth is a great city to live in and we want to make
sure when somebody goes out on any night, they are safe," Dr Gallop said.
"That's absolutely fundamental to the developing
hospitality, entertainment and tourism industries in Western Australia."
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