(From front left) Navy Commander Che Padzailman, Rohana and Sibu deputy police chief Supt Martin Koo after the workshop.

SIBU: A safe community can exist if everyone knows their responsibilities through a smart partnership between the police and the public.

Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department chief assistant director (community policing) SAC Datuk Siti Rohana Ahmad said the police are now using different approaches to reduce crime rates.

“Under the Blue Ocean Strategy, every agency and members of the public are to cooperate with one another to reduce crime rates together.

“As partners, there shouldn’t be any finger-pointing but a shared responsibility,” she said at the closing of the 2015 Strengthening of Civilian Patrols Workshop yesterday.

The event was organised by the police, army and Department of National Unity and Integration.

“Times have changed, like it or not, we need to work together,” she said.

Rohana pointed out that working together did not mean the public would take over the responsibilities of the police, but they would be empowered in the fight against crime.

A pilot project of civilian patrols would be implemented in Kampung Jeriah.