Community Justice Panels

The Community Justice Panels (CJPs) project started in 1987 as a joint initiative of the Victorian Aboriginal Community, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the Victorian Government. The initiative was a result of concerns about the over-respresentation of Koori people in the criminal justice system. The initial concept was to form a group of people willing to volunteer their time to work with the criminal justice agencies, such as the Office of Corrections and Victoria Police, to ensure the welfare of members of their community in the system.

Currently funded and administered by Victoria Police, 15 local CJPs operate throughout Victoria. CJPs vary in terms of number of volunteers, the size of the area covered, and their focus. For example, some have an emphasis on providing activities for at risk Koori youth, which others focus on police station attendence.

The Victorian Police Operating Procedures in relation to the role of the CJPs are as follows:
“In attaining their objective of ensuring the welfare of Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islanders in custody, the panel members will amongst other things be available to:
• Advise the police of any known medical or behavioral background which may be relevant to the detainee’s health, safety or well-being while in custody.
• Take custody of Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders for minor offences (including drunkenness) where appropriate both before and after arrest
• Converse with the detainees and assist in welfare matters, such as arranging bail, obtaining sureties, proving them with relevant information.
• Arrange legal assistance (if necessary)
• Notify relatives or friends
• Liaise with police regarding problems existing within or confronting the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.”

CJPs currently operate at Geelong, Shepparton, Mildura, Bendigo, Swan Hill, Echuca, Robinvale, Ballarat, Colac, Horsham, Lake Tyers, Central Gippsland, Robinvale, Warrnambool, Heywood. For more information about CJPs, or for regional contact details, contact the Aboriginal Advisory Unit at Victoria Police on 9247 5246.

View the 2001 Review of the Aboriginal Community Justice Program

View the VALS Discussion Paper about the CJP Review