School
based police officer
The
School Based Policing Program is a joint initiative of the Queensland Police
Service and the Department of Education and Training which was launched
state-wide in 1997.
The
School Based Policing Program seeks to enhance community safety and security,
and increase community confidence and satisfaction with police. This is done by
building positive relationships and providing a quality policing service to
members of the school community.
The
school based police officer (SBPO) aims to assist the school community and police in:
- promoting
positive relationships between the school community and police
- contributing
to an understanding of the law and legal process and procedures, particularly
in relation to young people
- attending
to police related matters within the school community, where appropriate.
This
is accomplished in several ways:
- identifying
and addressing needs within the school community through proactive policing
strategies
- delivering
presentations and programs which address current or emerging issues
- the
investigation of offences within the parameters of the school
- engaging
with teachers and support staff to develop plans designed to divert and prevent
offences occurring within the school, and in the wider community
- being
present and engaging with staff, students and parents during community and
school events.
The
most rewarding part of the SBPO role, is the opportunity it gives to directly
contribute to the future of the students they come into contact with!