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HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
Knife crime not just a police problem: expert
RMIT University criminal justice expert Associate Professor Julian Bondy says only
a broad, whole-of-government, multi-agency approach will combat the problem of
knife crime in Victoria.
“Knife crime is not just an issue for police to deal with,” Associate Professor Bondy
said.
“In Victoria, we have increased police search powers and imposed higher penalties
for knife carriage but these measures tend to focus on the end of the process,
where people are already carrying weapons.
“It is vital to look at the bigger picture to understand the reasons why young people
carry knives, so we can respond effectively to this growing problem.
“Research in Australia and the UK into knife carriage and crime has demonstrated
the need to target knife-carriers and violent offenders separately.
“Britain has successfully tackled this issue with a well-funded multi-agency strategy
that involved not just police, but also ambulance services, GPs, schools and local
councils.
“The strategy has worked, with knife-related hospital admissions in previously high
crime areas dropping by 40 per cent.
“This is the kind of partnership model we need for Victoria, where police work
closely with schools, local and national governments, the health sector and
community organisations to tackle the roots of the problem.
“We must invest more in prevention initiatives such as neighbourhood renewal and
community cohesion programs, family intervention projects and youth services.
“What we have to date is an unbalanced approach focused almost exclusively on
policing and powers instead of prevention.
“If we’re serious about reducing knife crime, we need to go where the evidence
leads us and invest in the kinds of strategies that have proven to be effective.”
Associate Professor Bondy has researched knives and violence in the community
and the reasons why young people in Victoria carry bladed weapons.
He is the co-author of “Living on Edge” (2006), which examined the perceptions,
motivations and experiences of young Victorians regarding the acquisition, carriage
and criminal use of weapons.
For interviews: RMIT University’s Associate Professor Julian Bondy, (03) 9925
2293 or 0411 260 866.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Communications, Gosia
Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735.
22 February, 2010
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