WA police move into social media

by Kate Francis 10 April, 2011

West Australian police have introduced social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter in hope to connect with the community.

Social media will be a way of “reaching out” to the youth and its users, according to Media Liaison Officer, Sergeant Gerard Cassidy.

The W.A. police currently have a Twitter account, a website and are in the process of creating an effective Facebook page.

“We are constantly trying to keep on top of the new developments…technology is getting ahead of us, faster than we can come up with laws and rules,” Mr Cassidy said.

The W.A. police force need for social media sites is “strictly outgoing” and the sites are being used as a source of information for the community rather than keeping tabs on its users.

Other states are following the United Kingdom, which already uses the media sites to post images of fugitives on the run and as a means for issuing warnings to the community.

"W.A. has a resourcing issue when it comes to social media networking.”

There is only a team of three in charge of advancing the social media networks in Western Australia.

Queensland and Tasmania already have Facebook and Twitter sites running with 24-hour teams managing them. 

“I am not speaking on behalf of the Australian government but free speech… is never going away,” Mr Cassidy said.

“Australians would never put up with it.”  

Police make it clear that emergencies must go through either 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Social networks cannot be used to put across vital information.

15 arrests at Future Music festival

By Scarlett Reynolds, 8 April 2011

Drugs and alcohol played their part during the 2011 Future Music Festival at the Arena Joondalup, which featured well-known local performers including Kesha, Pendulum and Dizzie Rascal.

“Police held a position post outside the venue, and issued over 100 ‘move on’ notices,” said Arena facility co-ordinator Sean Raines.

“There were a few arrests, mainly for alcohol abuse and domestic issues,” he said.

Police arrested 15 people for drug offences.

The external security was organised by Mellen Events with over 300 security guards for the 41,000 who attended the festival.

“Due to the number of patrons attending, a state meeting was held with police forces to let them know the extent of the situation,” said Mr Raines.

“I felt safe attending, if there was any trouble you could just walk away,” said local music goer Sarah Dyer.

“People were checked by police as they entered, but I didn’t see anyone being arrested inside the arena,” said Miss Dyer.

Patrons were issued with a wristband to let security forces know who was attending.

“If anyone was acting or looked suspicious and had no wristband they were escorted out of the venue,” said Mr Raines.

“From what I could see there were people on drugs but they didn’t cause much trouble,” said Miss Dyer.

“I think people go for drugs and music, but I would go again just for the music”.

During the event one of the main problems appeared to be the issue of underage people trying to make their way into the venue.

“It was mainly underage people that were trying to get in by climbing over the gates,” said Mr Raines.

“However there were security guards placed around the fencing to prevent people from coming in”.

“Hopefully we will be able to hold this event again next year,” said Mr Raines.

 Joondalup Arena will be hosting a similar event ‘Supafest’ in April.

Speeding behind Claremont collision

by Daisy Bridgwood, 5 April 2011

A delivery truck driver crashed into a local elderly woman’s car in Swanbourne yesterday afternoon.

The crash occurred on the busy shopping strip in Claremont Crescent at around 5pm after the delivery truck driver allegedly failed to see Ms. Carrington reversing.

“I had driven too far forward in my parking space and when I turned to reverse, that’s when the truck hit me,” said Ms. Carrington.

“I wasn’t even sure what had happened until I tried to open my driver’s seat door, only to find that it was jammed shut by the delivery truck,” he said.

Local shop owner, Katie Jagger, saw the crash take place and told police the truck driver was allegedly speeding around the corner, and cut into Ms. Carrington’s parking space.

 “I have made many complaints to the company he works for but they say there’s nothing they can do besides give him a warning,” she said.

“All the shop owners on the street are sick of it because there are a lot of elderly people who shop on this street and it’s not safe.”

The delivery truck driver allegedly refused to give details to Ms. Carrington after the crash, saying that his “boss will take care of it”.

People on the street who witnessed the crash say that the delivery truck driver was very angry towards Ms. Carrington immediately after the incident.

“After I gave the driver my insurance information we called the police who said that it was unnecessary for them to come to the scene as no one was hurt and we weren’t blocking traffic.

“The delivery man then just hopped back in his truck and started trying to drive off without exchanging information,” said Ms. Carrington.

 “I’m just glad Ms. Carrington wasn’t hurt and I hope I never have to see that delivery man every again,” said Mrs. Jagger.

Ambitious beat cops find romance

Written By Scott Ward

A police vehicle begins roaming the busy streets of Fremantle in April 2007.

The sun is shining and the first job has been handed out.

Perched up in the passenger seat, is the newly appointed police officer, Adrian Kay.

His life long dream of being in the police force has finally become a reality.

Crims beware: More cameras are watching you

By Elisia Seeber

In a quiet city car park a tall man with shaggy brown hair gets out of his car.

He is talking on the phone as he pulls a clear bag out of his front jeans pocket.

He tips out a bunch of ecstasy pills onto the bonnet of his car.

He looks around, checking to see if anyone is watching and continues to go about his business.