This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/aug/28/border-force-police-join-stop-and-search-crackdown-in-melbourne-cbd

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Border force to join stop and search crackdown in Melbourne CBD Border force to join stop and search crackdown in Melbourne CBD
(34 minutes later)
The centre of Melbourne will be swamped with police on Friday and Saturday night in a huge multi-agency operation to target everything from antisocial behaviour to outstanding warrants. The centre of Melbourne will be swamped with police on Friday and Saturday night in a huge multi-agency operation to target everything from visa fraud to antisocial behaviour.
Booze buses, drug detector dogs and number-plate recognition cars will be deployed across the CBD in Operation Fortitude, police said. Australian Border Force, police, and transport officers will take up positions at various locations around the CBD and will “speak with any individual we cross paths with”, said ABF regional commander, Don Smith.
Related: Counter-terrorism laws 'not about targeting Muslims', says justice ministerRelated: Counter-terrorism laws 'not about targeting Muslims', says justice minister
Officers from the transport police, the Australian border force and the sherriff’s office will take part, giving “particular focus on people travelling to, from and around the CBD”, a statement said. “You need to be aware of the conditions of your visa; if you commit visa fraud you should know it’s only a matter of time before you’re caught out,” he said in a statement.
The ABF regional commander for Victoria and Tasmania, Don Smith, is proud the force will be taking part. It was not clear if the operation – codenamed “operation Fortitude” – would involve on-the-spot visa checks or demands for proof of identity. More details were expected at a press conference on Friday afternoon.
“While the ABF regularly conducts a range of compliance fieldwork, this is the first time we’ve been involved in an inter-agency operation of this nature and we’re very proud be able to support each of our organisations to achieve our common mission of promoting a secure and cohesive society here in Melbourne.” In July, the Australian customs and border protection merged with the department of immigration and border protection and launched the Australian Border Force, whose officers have substantially greater powers than either customs or immigration officials. They are permitted to carry guns and have powers to detain.
He added: “ABF officers will be positioned at various locations around the CBD speaking with any individual we cross paths with. Victoria’s police minister, Wade Noonan, has been asked for comment on whether the state government supported the operation or if any consultation took place.
“You need to be aware of the conditions of your visa; if you commit visa fraud you should know it’s only a matter of time before you’re caught out.” Meanwhile Victoria police will be out with detection dogs, booze buses and automated number plate recognition vehicles as part of the Friday and Saturday night operation.
More details are expected to be released at a media conference at 2pm on Friday. Metro Trains, Yarra Trams, the sheriff’s office and the Taxi Services Commission will also be involved.
“For those of you who choose to break the rules expect to be caught by the Operation Fortitude team,” transit and public safety command acting superintendent, Campbell Mill, said in a statement.
“There is a lot of truth to the saying that there is strength in numbers,” he said. “From a policing perspective we will have protective services officers, passive alert detection dogs, police, booze buses and automated number plate recognition vehicles deployed this Friday and Saturday night.”
It marks the first time border force staff have joined with transport and enforcement agencies to target crime in the CBD.