What is the role of police in Australia?
In Australia, police enforce the criminal law on behalf of the Federal, State and Territory Governments. The basic law enforcement objectives of governments are:
• To protect, help and reassure the community
• To preserve peace and safety
• To prevent crime
• To uphold the law in a manner which has regard for the public good and rights of the individual
Australian police and politics
Australian Police Services are not aligned with any political party and there is a definite separation between Police Services and the military forces. Australian military forces have no responsibility for the enforcement of legislation within Australian society. However, on occasions the military forces may be requested to work cooperatively with the police to assist in the event of a serious natural disaster, such as, flood or bush fire.
What other services do Australian police provide?
Police also respond to a wide range of more general needs in the community, these include:
• Investigating criminal and traffic offences
• Assisting emergency services
• Responding to life threatening situations such as fires and accidents
• Assisting in mediating family and neighbourhood disputes including those involving domestic violence
• Co-ordinating the safe and effective flow of traffic
• Working with the community and other departments to resolve issues of concern by providing advice on policing and crime issues
• In some areas, police are also responsible for issuing licenses including driving licenses, and firearms permits.
Police are also involved in various activities to improve public safety and prevent crime. Some of the programs which involve Police Services include Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Stoppers and Safety House Schemes.
What powers do Australian police have?
Police generally have the authority to arrest, detain, search, collect information, and charge a person if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a person is committing, has committed or will commit an offence.
Police have a wide range of powers to enter premises and to conduct searches of persons, of homes and of vehicles. Police have powers to take fingerprints, photographs or DNA samples from persons charged with certain criminal offences.
The use of these powers is controlled by strict rules which police must obey. These rules vary from State to State, but generally ensure that police must act in a manner which has regard for due process and preserves the dignity of the victim and offender.
Each State and Territory has an accountability mechanism to oversee the use of police powers.
How do I report a crime in Australia?
If you become a victim of crime, witness a crime, or believe you have information regarding a crime there are several ways you can contact the police and report the crime:
1. Telephone or go to your nearest police station. If you do not speak English, say 'Interpreter' and the name of the language you speak so the police can connect you to a telephone interpreter or arrange for an interpreter to assist. The police may ask you to come back when the interpreter is present.
2. Call 131 444 and be automatically connected to the nearest police station. This service is only available in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
3. Call Crime Stoppers - All other states: 1800 333 000 Tasmania: 1800 005 555 Toll-free: Monday to Friday 7am-11pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-8pm Crime Stoppers is a telephone information 'hotline' for the community to use to help reduce crime.
• If you do not speak English, say 'Interpreter' and tell the operator the language you speak and they will connect you to an interpreter.
• You can remain anonymous. There is no need to give your name or address.
4. Call 000 (24 hours) The 000 telephone number should only be used for life threatening emergencies or to report a crime in progress.
• When you ring 000 you will be asked which emergency service you require (police, ambulance or fire services). Ask for police emergency.
• If you do not speak English, say 'Interpreter' and the name of the language you speak so that a telephone interpreter can be arranged.
• Tell them your name, address and telephone number.
• Tell them what is happening and where it is happening.
Life in Australia 
