South Australian Police Head to Alice Springs for Additional Curfew Support
Police reported that calm had been restored to Alice Springs, with only three young people removed from the CBD on the evening of April 4, a significant decrease from the 25 removed on March 31.
If children are found out at night in Alice Springs, they could now be dealt with by South Australian police following a request for interstate reinforcements by the Northern Territory government to help manage an ongoing youth curfew.
Assistant Police Commissioner Martin Dole informed the press that additional police had been brought in to gradually relieve some of the NT police in Alice Springs. He noted that several individuals from South Australia’s APY lands were unable to leave Alice Springs due to recent wet weather conditions.
Dole mentioned that South Australian police had offered their support to bolster resources, allowing NT officers to return to Darwin while maintaining a strong police presence in Alice Springs. The South Australian officers will work alongside NT Police during this time.
The enforcement of a two-week youth curfew on March 27 was prompted by an emergency declaration from the NT government in response to escalating violence in the region.
Tensions in Alice Springs were further heightened following the tragic death of an 18-year-old in a fatal car accident earlier in March.
As of April 4, Mr. Dole stated that peace had returned to Alice Springs, with only three young people removed from the CBD, down from 25 on March 31.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler wrote to Meta on April 4, accusing the tech company of contributing to youth crime across the territory. She requested a meeting with Meta Australia’s managing director to discuss proposed legislation targeting illegal online activity.
The youth curfew is set to conclude on April 10, although Lawler did not confirm whether it would be extended. She mentioned the initial implementation of the curfew was intended to provide immediate relief to the town amid recent challenges.
Lawler had suggested on April 1 that the curfew might be extended to cover the entire school holiday period. Further updates on the situation are pending.
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