Operation Unite returns for the silly season

ACT Policing today announced its participation in Operation Unite, which will commence across Australian and New Zealand this weekend (7-9 December).

Operation Unite — a multi-jurisdictional operation focusing on alcohol-related crime — aims to draw attention to the broader implications associated with alcohol misuse in public locations, including crime and anti?social behaviour.

Operational Commander Superintendent Brett Kidner said that while the ACT has experienced a decrease in the number of people arrested as a result of intoxication and alcohol-related offences, changing the ‘drinking culture’ was a long-term effort.

“With the festive season quickly approaching, we are asking the community to be mindful of how much alcohol they consume, and how their behaviour may impact on others. We don’t want to see people having Christmas parties, drinking themselves into an unhealthy state, and then getting arrested or lodged in the ACT Watch House or possibly worse, conveyed to hospital,” Superintendent Kidner said.

Operation Unite will begin on Friday night (December 7) and ends Sunday morning (December 9).

“The operation is not about restricting people from having a good time when going out to public places; instead it is about raising awareness in the community about risky drinking behaviours,” Superintendent Kidner said.

“We need to look after ourselves, and our mates, and not allow excessive drinking to be used as an excuse for engaging in violence or anti-social behaviour.”

ACT Policing will be out in force, along with newly graduated Constables of Police, over the course of Operation Unite.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]