A COOL RESPONSE TO A HOTSPOT

The reluctance of police to stop the sale of heroin from a caravan in a
public lane in Redfern, 150m from the headquarters of the State Police Drugs
and Organised Crime Strike Force, is inexcusable - and that's being polite.

The Daily Telegraph revealed the presence of the van and its despicable
trade on Saturday. Three days later, it is still there, dispensing caps of
misery unhindered.

The excuses offered by police for not taking action are unacceptable, to say
the least.

Redfern police said yesterday there were "other competing hotspots" to
contend with. If this is so, please tell us all and name these locations and
the action taken while these criminals are allowed to continue their operations.

Police have arrested some users and suppliers in Castlereagh Lane but have
protested that because the van is registered, they are powerless to remove it.

If this is the case, it means legislation to stop the spread of drugs in our
community is useless and the millions of dollars allocated to police
services for the detection and apprehension of drug criminals has been
squandered.

In the months the van in been in the lane, the only inconvenience to its
operation has been the issue of $90 traffic infringement notices for being
parked illegally.

These people are dispensing an illegal drug, a crime that carries a lengthy
jail penalty and must be made to feel the full force of the law.

The view that police are hampered by legal constraints is one not shared by
the community.

Police are discussing a range of options with South Sydney Council for the
removal of the van when, in reality, it is not that difficult.

Enter the van and arrest the pushers.

If it is deemed there is no legal basis for such action, a team of police
officers rostered outside the van on eight hour shifts would stop its
business immediately.

The law is being flouted, destroying the lives of our young and the
community demands action. It is the duty of the Police Service to respond.