By Peter Douglas
Healesville police Sergeant Stewart Thomson has urged the community to show faith in Victoria Police’s protocols for the pro-active management of sex offenders.
Sgt Thomson wanted to speak publicly on the matter to help ease community concerns, just days after a group of around 40 Healesville residents gathered at Queen’s Park to support calls for sex offender law reform.
The gathering on Sunday 25 March came after news of a man convicted of sex offences in 2015 was to be released and would be living in the vicinity of the Healesville High School.
Sgt Thomson said there are mechanisms in place to ensure community safety.
“Victoria Police has policies and protocols in place to manage a broad range of offenders that pose ongoing risk of harm to the community,” he said.
“This includes the pro-active management of sex offenders.”
Sgt Thomson said Victoria Police will ensure community safety.
“While Victoria Police will not discuss specific management strategies or individual cases, pro-active management of these offenders is conducted at both divisional and local policing levels,” he said.
“The safety of every member of our community is of paramount importance.
“The community of Healesville can rest assured that they can continue about their day-to-day business safely and with confidence.”
Earlier this week, Healesville High School principal Alan Rennick confirmed that CCTV cameras had been installed after advice from the Department of Education.
“We’re convinced that any threat to our students is extremely low, but have taken appropriate measures,” he said.
“We sought legal advice last year, when told that the man was intending to return to Healesville.”
Mr Rennick said an assembly was held on Monday 27 March to reassure students that he was confident of their safety, and that measures had been put in place.
