Youth attacked in 'war on crime'

Youth attacked in 'war on crime'

By Michael Arnold

PERTH — In April guards were removed from WA metropolitan trains. Unions and community groups pointed out that this was bound to lead to reduced passenger safety.

In early November a young woman was sexually assaulted while travelling on the Midland line. Rather than considering returning guards to trains, Westrail, the WA Police Force, Perth City Council and the commercial media have campaigned against young people's right to mobility and free assembly.

First came approval of 10 more 24-hour surveillance cameras in the inner city area. Thirty-five installed in July 1991 have been used to locate "truants" in young people's meeting places.

Perth CIB said that the cameras are not enough. Detective Sergeant Greg Sells called for a 10 p.m. curfew on everyone under 16 in the Perth City area.

On November 9 the Guardian Angels, flown to Perth by Channel 9, began active duty despite opposition from Transperth and the police force. Without thorough training in race relations, in relating to young people and in conflict resolution, and without real accountability, the Guardian Angels will not increase safety.

The police have also stepped up their patrols, and are set to give a full review of rail security. Returning guards to trains is not a part of the brief.

From GLW issue 80