Boys In Blue Walk The Beat

Local News, By Christian Taylor, 19th November, 2007

The police were out in force on the strip over the weekend with Random Breath Testing and spot checks of cars happening in both directions on Flinders Street early Sunday morning. Officers also spent the weekend policing hot spots like Taylor Square and the length of Oxford Street.

The operation definitely had a massive impact on the vibe of the strip. The agro that’s normally there on a Saturday night was absent. And on Friday night, T2 at Taylor Square was closed, and for the first time in months the square was quiet and pleasant – there were even drag queens sitting on the grass.

Clover Moore has been pushing for a Street Safety Task Force, similar to that operating in Victoria which has 50 officers dedicated to patrolling inner-city entertainment zones, enforcing licensing conditions, and responding to crime and anti-social behaviour.

While this hasn’t happened yet, the increase in visible police on the strip is certainly making visitors to the area feel a lot safer. It will be interesting to see whether the police presence will be able to bring about a long term cultural shift in the area.

ACON’s Drop In Safe Space store opens this weekend on 23 November at 60 Oxford St, opposite the Midnight Shift. It’s a space where victims of homophobia can find supp0rt, people can alert police to problems brewing and can also make suggestions on how we can make Oxford Street a better place.

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