We have had a lot of success recently with statewide programs like “dob in a drug dealer”, which has netted us a lot of information about who is doing what in our area, and has resulted in some significant arrests. 

But it is very easy to become focused on significant issues such as drugs, and even easier to lose sight of other significant problems if we fall into the trap of putting all of our eggs in one basket.

Now, let me say that our focus on drugs and drug-related crime will be unwavering and as targeted as ever. Drug crime leads to associated crime, and this hits and hurts the decent people within our community.

You have probably noticed by now that I have an old-fashioned outlook on crime and criminals. 

If someone breaks the law by hurting someone, stealing someone’s property, or selling drugs to our kids, then they can expect no quarter from the professional and hard working police in the Albury LAC. 

Our new initiative, however, is to get in early with a program of engagement, education and enforcement – the 3Es. 

We will ramp up engagement with the community and key stakeholders about local issues and community priorities. As an example, it is important to discuss and act on things like liquor licensing and the responsibilities of licensees when serving alcohol and controlling their patrons and venue. 

We will also ramp up our engagement with youth groups, schools, council, ATSI organisations and others with a stake in a safer community.

Almost hand in hand with that is education. This command will continue to expand its education programs for people about social issues which impact their welfare and well-being. 

We will continue to talk about safety and also provide education about support services for families in need. We will talk about domestic violence and where victims can get help, convey messages about keeping your property safe, educate vulnerable groups within the community and drive education priorities for road users.

And finally, the last ‘E’ is enforcement. This goes back to my opening paragraphs in writing this article. 

The motto of the NSW police force is Culpam Poena Premit Comes, which is written on the police crest and on every uniform. My Latin is not the best, but nearly 30 years ago when I was at the academy we had to translate it in an exam question. It means punishment swiftly follows crime.

Often swiftly is not quickly enough, but you can rest assured that this final `E’ will always remain a key focus for the Albury LAC.

So there you have it, a back to basics but effective way forward for tackling issues within the command - engagement, education and enforcement. I think this simple initiative is something that we can hang our hat on into the future, as a means of dealing with issues in a changing environment.

Hopefully you will hear conversations about the 3Es often and see this vision at work around the command. 

My dear old dad always used to tell me, “if we do what we have always done, we will get what we have always got.”  

So here is something a little new, with a definite focus on how we conduct our business within the Albury LAC immediately, and into the future.