By Lauren Henry

The community will have the opportunity to raise key issues and ask questions related to crime at a Horsham police forum on  Wednesday next week.

The Horsham Police Service Area Neighbourhood Policing Forum is part of a series of forums rolled out by Victoria Police across the state.

The Horsham forum will explore a range of topics including current crime trends and prevention; young people; family violence; road policing; and drugs and drug-related crime. Horsham local area commander Inspector Caroline Johnson invited all areas of the community, including representatives from services and organisations, to attend the forum, and talk with police about what was important in the community. 

Insp Johnson said these forums were an opportunity to strengthen local partnerships by sharing information to inform decision-making. 

A panel of senior police will lead discussions on community safety concerns. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Ellis will discuss crime and drugs; Acting Sergeant Owen Lyons – youth; Snr Sgt Brendan Broadbent – road policing; and Senior Constable Sam Foster – family violence.

Wimmera Superintendent Sharon McCrory will also be in attendance.

“It’s not just about us, as police officers, getting up and talking – the point of it is to have our community talk to us,” Superintendent McCrory said.

“We have those five subjects to start us off, but someone could attend and want to ask about something different. We want them to speak to us and have their concerns and feelings heard.”

Insp Johnson said Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton was clear in his expectations of police to engage with their local communities.

“We aim to identify shared areas for action afterwards,” she said.

“I’m also hoping that it opens up some relationships, so I get to know some people in the community and find out what we can we do to make Horsham safer.”

The forum will be from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday, April 17, at Harvest Church, 17 Florence Street, Horsham.

Refreshments will also be offered – people can include dietary requirements when they register.

To register, people can visit www.eventbrite.com/e/horsham-neighbourhood-policing-forum-tickets-863410934347 or for questions, email HORSHAM-UNI-OIC@police.vic.gov.au.

New police inspector Caroline Johnson to strengthen relationships

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