8th March 2006

1. MEETING OPENED BY SUPT CAREY

Meeting Opened 10.05am. Welcomed everyone. Briefly discussed issues occurred over summer and how has affected the LAC.

The meeting handed over to intelligence unit for crime review in City Central LAC.

2. INTELLIGENCE PRESENTATION BY SGT REICHSTADTER & PAUL WATSON.

Most police work conducted in Sydney CBD. This is where the majority of the crime is occurring.

Assaults have increased slightly, possibly due to seasonal variation. 50% + are alcohol related. Occurring between 9pm - 3am, offenders & victims are males 18 - 30 years of age.

Break & Enter incidents remained stable, mainly businesses with laptops targeted.

Malicious Damage targeted on commercial areas and mainly alcohol related.

Robberies 90% occurring at night, Fri-Sat 10pm - 3am. Concentrated in CBD/Darling Harbour Area.

Stealing's have remained stable, mainly 12pm - 9pm.

Steal from motor vehicle - 50 % from street, 50 % from car parks.

Demographic of offenders: -
Data is based upon offenders caught and where legal action has occurred. 24% incidents equal lock up rate.

Robberies, those that are committed 70% offenders are aged 20 or younger.

Females make up 1/3 offenders for stealings.

Majority of offenders do not live in this command. Only 3% offenders compared with state average of 68%.

Ethnicity of offenders -mainly Caucasian -Asian <10%, Middle Eastern <9%, Pacific Islanders 5-10%, Aboriginals 5%.

3. GENERAL OVERVIEW

Supt Carey discussed that there has been some recent structural changes at the region level this includes Region Commander and Deputy Commissioner. It is an important time for NSW Police as we are 12 months from a state election.

The command has only 1 vacant senior position and has currently the lowest number of probationary constables in 2 - 3 years.

Broadway Police Station is unsuitable as a workplace due to the condition of the building. In replacement, Eddy Ave is operational 24 hours. The traffic section has been relocated to Pyrmont Police Station, the traffic section have a high visible police vehicle which will be parked at Pyrmont. They will be able to assist with general enquiries however, will be mainly a traffic office.

Overview of recent events. Cronulla riot 11/12 intoxicated male Caucasians targeting Middle Eastern males. Operation Seta was established with 800 + staff on 13/12. City Central supplied 12 - 20 senior staff at any one time, with Mr Carey one of the MIRT Commanders for Operation Seta. Seta has been wound down to Operation Beach Safe 150+ with HVP at Cronulla & Bondi.

Whilst these operations have been going on, normal operational policing has been continuing. They include special activities including NYE, Australia Day and Operational Cranbourne. All essential services were dealt with as well as Operation Seta.

Mr Carey stated how happy and impressed he was with the command whilst Operation Seta was operating.

Mr Carey discussed future visits by the Queen, Dr Condelezza Rice, St Pats Day and Industrial Relations issues.

Mr Carey states CBD is healthy and vibrant, we have a high transient population vs. residential. Increasing amounts of both residential and entertainment premises.

Green hats - HVP - program on hold, looking at continuing in future.

4. ISSUES FROM THE STAKEHOLDERS

Gerald Ganglbauer - Ultimo Precinct Committee

Received complaint from Ultimo resident re safety in Ultimo.

How the bike unit is used?

S/C Neilson to follow up.

6 staff plus cover other operations.

Dave Mackay - Star City Casino

Happy with operational policing for NYE.

Over 700 000 patrons per month. Though a decline in numbers is expected in next couple of months.

February refused entry 1500 persons. Have had a few issues within the retail outlets, encourage more HVP in retail arcades.

On 27/4 SCC will be having a Tabletop Disaster Plan exercise.

Stan Berriman- SHFA

NYE figures down possibly due o Cronulla & heat.

Australia Day down 11% looking at strategies to improve including infrastructure, monitoring precinct, improve crowds around IMAX.

In prev years Western Distributor has been a problem, nil problems 06.

Looking at Apex 2007 impact on Darling Harbour, re traffic & venue, establish own APEC group.

Supt Carey advised contact Supt Lennon.

Stephen Falkiner - Jacksons Landing

Lend Lease widening Bowman St, Pyrmont.

Anticipating increasing 24 hours per day 2 hr parking facilities.

Following up any outstanding safety audit issues from 2003.

Billy Cotsis - City of Sydney Council

Gave information about Harmony Day & Alcohol Free Zones submissions.