25/9/95
Police Minister Bob Wiese has called for greater community support for the Western Australian Police Service in its efforts towards change and reform.
Speaking at the launch of Police Week 1995, Mr Wiese said Police Week was a perfect opportunity for the community to show its support for the changes taking place within the service.
He said internal reform was being conducted through the Delta Program - the single biggest operational and organisational review of any police service in Australia - which would provide a new style and standard for the agency.
"The review is a measure of the dynamic change within the police culture and management and will provide the foundation for the WA police service to take its place among the best in the world," Mr Wiese said.
"However, while there is a commitment from both within the police service and from the Government for change, there is also a role for the public to play in supporting these very important changes.
"Community participation in Police Week is essential to ensure that the service is on the right path and does have wider support needed to make these changes succeed."
Mr Wiese said Police Week was also an opportunity for the public to acknowledge the dedicated and valuable work that police officers do for the benefit of the community.
"There are nearly 4,500 police officers who dedicate their lives to assisting others and Police Week gives the public the opportunity to see the human face of the service, rather than the symbolic uniform," he said.
"I encourage people to take the opportunity to meet police officers and take the time to find out more about the diverse roles of the service and the many different ways it can assist everyone.
"Simultaneously, people will come to understand that being a police officer is not only an occupation, but a way of life."
Mr Wiese said during the coming week there would be numerous opportunities for people living throughout WA to involve themselves in Police Week and he encouraged everyone to participate in the many activities which have been planned.
Media contact: Mark Thompson 222 9595 or 322 2311
