MEDIA INFORMATION RELEASE FROM NSW Police

Due to increased inquiries from members of the public, NSW Police have posted information about tips for holding safe parties on the Internet.

Assistant Commissioner, Operations Support Command, Mark Goodwin says as well as information on the Internet members of the public can call a police station in NSW and receive information on hosting a safer party.

“The kit provides people with information on how to register a party with police, as well as measures people who host a party can put into place to reduce the risk of a party getting out of hand,” he said.

Such tips include:
· Keep party numbers to a manageable size for the party venue.
· Register your party with police.
· Ensure invites are not SMS messaged or posted on the Internet to reduce the risk of uninvited guests attending.
· If the venue is posted on the Internet put in place extra preventative measures such as more parents, change of venue and tell police.
· Ensure there are non-alcoholic beverages and water available for partygoers.
· Talk to your neighbours. Ask them to tell you if groups gather nearby.
· Limit the number of entry points to the party and ensure they are controlled.
· Act quickly on gatecrashers. Refuse entry and call police if they won’t leave.

Assistant Commissioner Goodwin said NSW Police have handed out safe party packs in some areas since 1998, with many kits developed with the help of community organisations such as local councils and health groups.

“Most parties go off without a hitch. But the fact is that gatecrashers at parties are not a new phenomena and in cases where parties go wrong it’s usually the result of poor planning. This is when trouble can start,” he said.

“But with a bit of planning and sound preventative measures in place, the risk of trouble brewing is greatly reduced.”

Members of the public can obtain basic information on holding safe parties by logging on to the NSW Police website on www.police.nsw.gov.au or by attending your nearest police station.

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Issued by the NSW Police Media Unit (02) 9265 4200
Authorised by Assistant Commissioner Mark Goodwin
(ref:nd:f:meddocs/medrels/June2003/partysafe.170603)

TIPS on Hosting a Safe Party, from the Police, can be viewed here (in MSWord format)