17/9/05
In an Australian first, Perth bus drivers will be trained to gather DNA evidence as part of the State Government's crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour on buses.
Community Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said drivers would be given DNA kits to capture evidence to help identify and prosecute bus louts responsible for assaults on drivers.
Mrs Roberts said the ability of bus drivers to play a role in gathering evidence would complement the efforts of police forensic officers, who would continue to be called in to analyse serious crimes.
"DNA evidence is a powerful weapon used in frontline crime fighting, and we will soon have hundreds of bus drivers who will be able to help in that battle," she said.
"Effectively, each driver can now collect critical evidence for use against offenders.
"Violent and offensive passengers have been warned - their time is up."
The Minister said a similar DNA program had operated in London with great success.
She said stiff penalties existed for people assaulting bus drivers, who were considered to be public officers under the Criminal Code.
"Passengers need to be aware that all offences against a bus driver are treated more seriously than a common assault against a member of the community and can result in a jail term of up to 10 years," Mrs Roberts said.
She said the introduction of DNA kits on to buses next week, would be backed by an extensive advertising campaign promoting the use of DNA to help solve crime on buses.
The DNA program was part of the multi-pronged Transit Violence (Bus) Strategy, which included increased physical and electronic surveillance of buses and transit stations and the appointment of police crime co-ordinators, who worked closely with bus companies to reduce the number of violent and anti-social incidents.
The Minister said police would also continue to run Operation BUSted, a highly successful sting operation which led to 88 people being caught for vandalism, violence and alcohol-related offences on Perth buses last month.
"Community safety is a priority for our Government and this latest initiative will be another important step in boosting safety on our public transport system," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
