Sergeant Stephen Ashley is helping break down barriers between Sudanese youth and authority figures. Picture: Luke Plummer.
By Jessica Craike
DANDENONG Police and Sudanese community leaders have asked the public not to be alarmed at large numbers of Sudanese youth that congregate at local train stations.
Police receive several calls a week from frightened citizens who feel intimidated by Sudanese groups outside train stations.
Sudanese community leader Gatwech Kulang said it was only a “cultural misunderstanding”.
“Back home in Sudan it is natural for young people to congregate together in a public place to exchange news,” he said.
Sergeant Steve Ashley from Dandenong Police said the public should be aware but not alarmed.
“The police will respond any time a member of the public informs us they are afraid,” he said.
The issue was raised at a recent South Sudanese Community Action Network meeting between Sudanese community leaders and police.
At the monthly meeting, they discuss ways to improve the police and youth relationship
While many Sudanese youth cooperate with police, some Sudanese are hostile towards authority.
Sudanese community leaders said many Sudanese young people would cooperate with police, however “some are involved in alcohol misuse, threatening behaviour and foul language”.
Mr Kulang said corrupt authorities in Africa were to blame.
“Members of the Sudanese community expect to be mistreated and beaten by police because of their experiences with police in Sudan and Kenya,” Mr Kulang said.
Sgt Ashley said it was normal for a new culture to have trouble adapting to foreign laws.
He said police received specialist training with Sudanese community leaders on how to deal with cultural differences.
Dandenong Police invited Sudanese community leaders to accompany police on evening patrol.
It will show community leaders “the types of problems confronting police in relation to Sudanese youth,” Sgt Ashley said.
Basketball games and soccer games held between Sudanese youth and police members in the past have improved their relationship.
Sgt Ashley said police wanted to “break down barriers with youth”.
