First-time offence program trialled

A pilot program aimed at diverting first-time low-level offenders away from detention will be launched in Broome this week.

Turning Point is a new initiative being trialled by the State Government in conjunction with WA Police as part of a reform strategy to address offending behaviour and offer people an alternative option to avoid going through the judicial system.

Broome is the only regional town chosen to trial the program for the next year.

Eligible offenders who commit low-harm crimes such as disorderly conduct, stealing and damage will be eligible for the program, under which they would enter into a four-month tailor-made agreement to deal with the root cause of their offending.

If the participant breaches the contract by re-offending or disengaging with the program, they will be prosecuted.

WA Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan and Police Minister Liza Harvey will officially announce the pilot in Broome this week.

Kimberley District Superintendent Mick Sutherland said the Kimberley District Management Team and Broome police were excited to be involved in this "innovative" trial.

"We believe that Turning Point will be very beneficial to the Broome community in diverting first offenders away from crime by pinpointing and dealing with the causal factors which trigger criminal behaviour," he said.

"This is a proactive, rather than reactive program, which seeks to address behaviour to reduce crime now and into the future.

"The intent of the WA Police and Turning Point program is to reduce and divert all eligible first-time offenders away from the court and custodial processes.

"Turning Point provides the vehicle to make this happen."

Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said Broome had been chosen because it had a high level of low-harm offences which fell under the Turning Point program and would also help address the issue of Aboriginal over-representation in the justice system.

"We think it will have great benefits for people and help them address their offending," he said.

Police Minister Liza Harvey said the aim of Turning Point was to reduce the chance of reoffending by intervening early and identifying the drivers of criminal behaviour.

"Turning Point is about attempting to stop the cycle of criminal behaviour before it even has a chance to establish," she said.