Victoria Police is supporting schools to teach children about important safety issues such as cyber safety, road safety and who to talk to if they’re experiencing family violence in a renewed partnership with schools.
The new Schools Engagement Model, launching today, will involve specialist and frontline police officers working with schools to deliver crime prevention and safety messages to primary and secondary students across the state.
The launch of the new model is part of Victoria Police’s broader focus on community engagement to build strong connections with young people and their families that help to keep the community safe.
Police will be equipped with appropriate information and guidance on what engagement activities are most effective with schools to ensure interactions between police and students reflect good practice and address their specific issues.
Police will draw on advice on how to interact with children and young people in the school setting, and resources on topics such as cyber bullying, road safety, drugs and alcohol use.
The model will enable a consistent approach across the state and was developed following consultation with educators, police, youth service providers and young people.
More information about the Schools Engagement Model can be found on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Chief Commissioner of Shane Patton
“Community engagement is the cornerstone of policing. Our relationships with young people and their families are central to this.
“We want to have a positive impact on young people early in their lives. We don’t want our first contact with young people to be when they’re in trouble.
“Our ongoing engagement with schools and the local community highlights our commitment to strengthening relationships with young people and their families based on mutual respect and trust.
“This new model ensures every interaction with police is having the greatest impact on our young people. It sets us on a path that will see schools getting the best out of their police now and into the future.”
