Inspectors have been told not to chase fare evaders. Source: Herald Sun
TRAIN ticket inspectors have greater freedom to use force to apprehend fare evaders than those on trams.
Metro inspectors are able to use "reasonable levels of force to stop a person from running away" while Yarra Trams inspectors have been told to keep a safe distance between themselves and fare evaders at all times.
Metro spokeswoman Larisa Tait said officers on trains also had a no chase policy, similar to Yarra Trams.
"Our authorised officers are required to make a reasonable attempt using reasonable levels of force to stop a person from running away if they don't have a valid ticket," Ms Tait said.
"If a person does run away our policy is not to give chase to pursue the offender unless a more serious crime has been committed."
A Yarra Trams memo leaked to 3AW said authorised officers on trams must not chase offenders and "must not block the path of, or attempt to physically detain a person who attempts to walk/run away".
It also said officers must always maintain a safe distance between themselves and a person being spoken to - if possible.
"Authorised officers must not surround or corral any person being spoken to regarding an offence," the policy said. The memo said they were also not allowed to chase offenders who had assaulted an authorised officer.
Yarra Trams spokesman Adam Woolcock said the policy reminder was sent to staff after 10 ticket inspectors were injured between January and March.
"The number of assaults in the first three months of this year is double the number that occurred over the same period in 2012.
"Yarra Trams reminded authorised officers that their personal safety, and that of passengers, is of paramount importance at all times," Mr Woolcock said.
"Some fare evaders show aggressive and violent behaviour and it is our duty to ensure the safety of our employees and other tram passengers."
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét