Contact police on 131 444 or in person at your local police station to report crimes that have happened in the past or when police attendance is required.
About the Intervention and Support Program
The Intervention and Support Program helps people who may be at risk of harming others or themselves because of their radical or extreme views. The program focuses on prevention and early intervention supporting the individual to disengage from the path of violent extremism. It is free, voluntary and consent based.
There are many reasons why a person may adopt extreme and/or violent views. The causes are often unique to their situation and reflect their personal circumstances and experiences.
Young people going through emotional and social difficulties can be particularly vulnerable to having their values shaped by harmful violent extremist online content and groups.
This can lead them to embrace extreme ideas or seek acceptance or belonging from extremist groups or individuals. The program’s focus is to help and support the person to address their challenges and vulnerabilities.
The Intervention and Support team works with participants to guide them towards positive behaviours before extremist views turn into violence. This, in turn, builds a stronger, safer, and more cohesive community.
As each participant has unique needs and individual circumstances, no two approaches are the same. The team develops a tailored plan to connect them with the right supports, opportunities, and in some cases mentors to help them make safe and healthy choices.
The Intervention and Support Program case managers work with government and non-government organisations to access support and services suited to the participant’s needs. Examples of support could include:
- assistance to identify suitable, employment, education, and training opportunities.
- linking the participant with mental health support and various types of mentors.
The program is a tailored, prevention-focused initiative. It is led by the WA Police Force, working with a team from both government and non-government agencies who provide specialist advice to support the participant.
If you are worried about someone you know, or are unsure and need further advice, please contact the Intervention and Support Program team.
The program is voluntary. A person at risk can decline the services offered and leave the program at any time.
How to contact the Intervention and Support Program team
The Intervention and Support Program team is here to listen and help you understand if the person you are concerned about could benefit from the program support. They can work with you if you have concerns about your own behaviour and are seeking support.
If something does not feel right, don’t delay in reaching out. The sooner you seek help, the sooner the person, or you, can be supported to make safer, healthier choices. Even if you are unsure whether you should be concerned, contact the team for advice.
The team can provide options and support on how to best help someone you are concerned about.
A collective approach involving families, the community and Government is needed to empower participants to build resilience and improve community safety. The Intervention and Support Program is a multi-agency approach, with everyone working together to help, support and protect participants.
Contact the Team to find more:
Email: WAISP@police.wa.gov.au
Phone: 1300 491 711
The Intervention and Support Program team operates from 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday.
Contact police on 000 in an emergency at any time. This includes immediate threats to people or property or if a serious crime is in progress.
Contact police on 131 444 or in person at your local police station to report crimes that have happened in the past or when police attendance is required.
How the Program has helped
Participants and parents who the program has already helped:
“I would not be where I am today without the support I received from the Intervention and Support Program. I appreciate the fact I never felt interrogated during engagements, ‘hounded’, or pressured by the case managers to do anything I was not comfortable with” ~ Participant
“I was initially apprehensive in participating on the Intervention and Support Program, however after reflecting on my experience as a participant on the Program, I realised how humane the Program was and I am grateful for the support and services I received” ~ Participant
“We wanted to extend our sincere thanks to you. Firstly, for your professionalism and guidance in answering our questions. Secondly, for providing us with excellent resources and most importantly, for being an approachable, respected professional that a family can trust when finding themselves in unexpected and uncharted territory” ~ Parents of participant
“Since engagement in the Intervention and Support Program, his attendance, engagement and behaviour has significantly improved” ~ School and parents of participant.
See also
Recognising the signs
Support and resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Show moreSee frequently asked questions below.
How can I refer someone to the Intervention and Support team?
Show moreYou can email WAISP@police.wa.gov.au or contact the team on 1300 491 711 with information about the person you are concerned about.
The Intervention and Support Program team operates from 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday. If you urgently need help, please contact 131 444 or triple zero (000) in case of an emergency.
What happens once a referral has been made to the team?
Show moreA member of the Intervention and Support Program team will contact you within three business days to have a discussion about the request and obtain additional information to assist with determining next steps.
Will the person I referred (to the team) find out it was me?
Show moreYour identity will not be disclosed to the person you referred to the program, a member of their family, or associate without your consent.
Is a person forced to participate in the Intervention and Support Program?
Show moreNo, the Intervention and Support Program is a voluntary program and requires consent from the participant and/or guardian to participate in the Program.
When should I get in touch with the Intervention and Support Program?
Show moreIf something does not feel right, don’t delay in reaching out.
If you notice changes in someone you know, such as being more detached or withdrawn than usual, isolating themselves from friends or family, changing their appearance, accessing extremist content or showing intense ideological, political or religious interest, you should contact the Intervention and Support Program team.
You can find out more on signs to look out for here.
What if the person I am worried about does not want help?
Show moreThe Intervention and Support Program is a voluntary program, which requires consent from the participant and/or guardian to participate in the Program. If a suitable participant wishes to leave the program, the door is always open to re-contact the program again. Everyone's needs are unique, and they are provided support tailored to their circumstances.
Is referring a person to the Intervention and Support Program the same as reporting them to the police? I can see that the Intervention and Support Program is run by WA Police Force.
Show moreNo, referring someone to the Intervention and Support Program is not the same as reporting them to the police. The program is a tailored approach focused on prevention led by the WA Police Force, and takes a multi-agency, therapeutic approach. However, police will be made aware of concerns regarding criminal activity, or if a credible and immediate threat is identified.
What about if the person I know is talking about or planning to carry out an act of violence?
Show moreImmediately report this to the WA Police Force by contacting 000.
How can I find out more about the Intervention and Support Program?
Show morePlease email the team at WAISP@police.wa.gov.au or contact the team on 1300 491 711 with information about the person you are concerned about.
The Intervention and Support Program team operates from 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday. If you urgently need help, please contact 131 444 or triple zero (000) in case of an emergency.
The Intervention and Support team will aim to respond to you within three business days.
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