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Zero tolerance for any trouble

There is a new sheriff in the Kimberley town of Derby and he is determined to enforce a zero tolerance approach to public drinking, domestic violence and disorderly behaviour on the streets.

Senior Sergeant Quentin Flatman is the new officer-in-charge (OIC). He comes to town “Kimberley toughened”, after being promoted from detective sergeant and OIC of Kununurra Detectives, a position he held for almost two years.

Before that he spent a lot of time in the Kimberley during his role in the Perth-based WA Police Child Abuse Squad.

While in charge at Kununurra, his team employed resources such as drug detection dogs and local intelligence from neighbouring colleagues at the NT-based and federally funded Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk.

Sen. Sgt Flatman acknowledges the role of forming partnerships and working groups to achieve policing goals when working in remote localities.

When questioned about a successful major drug raid in Derby recently, Operation PIADRO, he was quick to give accolades to Derby Detectives Johnson and Cleal and their colleagues in Broome and Perth.

Keen to tackle the issue of alcohol in Derby, Sen. Sgt Flatman plans to engage key people from groups such as alcohol vendors, Department of Child Protection, Derby District Hospital, The Sobering Up Shelter and Nunga Women’s Group

– to revive the pre-existing “Derby Accord”.

This community-based agreement was formed to deal with alcohol abuse issues.

“All the Derby liquor outlets are on board, the accord increases communication between the groups with the common goal of reducing alcohol-related harm here in Derby,” he said.

Another community initiative Sen. Sgt Flatman wants to revive is the Blue Light Disco.

Although they have fallen out of fashion, he is keen to bring them back to Derby and is working with the shire to make it happen.

Meanwhile, as the new Derby prison approaches its opening deadline in 2012, Sen. Sgt Flatman anticipates increased visitors to the area and issues related to the release of prisoners will be two factors which may impact on Derby.

“Discussions between police, the prison and the shire are under way to set strategies in place to guard against disruptions to life in Derby, especially in the area of accommodating visitors to prisoners on remand or in jail,” he said.

Community engagement is a high priority for Sen. Sgt Flatman.

“I encourage all officers to call in at any community event they see in the course of their daily duties where time and opportunity permit,” he said.