I'd like to extend a very warm welcome to Corey Allen, to our Canberra Restorative Community network friends and colleagues. I had the great pleasure to meet Corey at the Wolston Correctional Centre in Brisbane on Friday 21st Sept when we were both invited by Queensland Corrections to learn more about their successful violence prevention strategy which is being introduced across Queensland (more on that strategy to follow). But first, introducing you all to Corey....
Corey Allen is Inspector, Operational Training Services at the Police Academy Queensland Police Services. Corey was Officer in Charge City Division since 2008. Under Corey's leadership, there were remarkable reductions in crime and improvements in personal safety. Assaults went down by 34%, robbery reduced by 41%, unlawful entry was down 59%, stealing from motor vehicles down 65% and graffiti reduced by 42%.
When Corey left this job in January 2016, apart from being able to report the impressive numbers above, he wrote in his farewell message, "More importantly there have been greater changes in the way we do business. Police in the City now work more closely and more effectively with a diverse range of partners. Our efforts together engaging and supporting vulnerable persons, young people and people at risk are world class. Acknowledgements have come in the form of four National Crime and Violence Prevention Awards, one National Drug and Alcohol Award for excellence in law enforcement, one State Child Safety Award and numerous internal awards for policing excellence.
Far greater reward has come from the culture and attitude that underpins policing in the City itself. Brisbane City police work operationally with support services showing a level of emotional maturity that exemplifies the growth of our values. Uniform police in the City have shown me that the right personal approach to the problems of a big city can make all the difference, especially when it is done with the support of the community. We help more people with less conflict, in ways that make meaningful difference to their lives.
I would like to take credit for leading the team to make these achievements but in all honestly I have been guided and lead by the officers themselves, by the community who trusted us and by the many people who have worked together to make Brisbane City much safer than it ever has been." (see https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/brisbanecentral/2016/01/08/farewell-officer-charge/ )
For a truly wonderfully inspiring 50 minutes, listen to Corey in conversation with Richard Fidler, Radio National. This is a tremendous example of restorative policing.
http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/conversations-corey-allen/8253804
Corey Allen: making a difference with more personal urban ...
Restoratively yours,
Mary Ivec
Convenor, Canberra Restorative Community Network