The Territory Labor Governments school-based policeprogram reinstated in 2018 after it was dumped by the chaotic CLP has beenresoundingly endorsed by schools, students and stakeholders.
The reinvigorated school-based policing model wasintroduced in 10 Northern Territory Government schools at the beginning of Term4, 2018.
A review of the program was undertaken at the conclusion ofTerm 1, 2019 and released this week.
Among the findings, principals acknowledged the importanceof proactive and preventative policing, and noted the positive relationshipsthat had grown between the school-based officers, students, staff and parents.
Students reported positive impacts from the visibility ofofficers in the school yard.
Officers wearing their full accoutrements, as required byNorthern Territory police protocol, has not been identified as an issue by anystaff or students.
The report made four key recommendations around clarifying boththe program and the school-based police officers role, updating a resourcekit, and the provision of program-specific learning, which the Department ofEducation and NT Police will work to implement by the end of 2019.
The new school based policing model was designed incollaboration with the Department of Education and Council of Government SchoolOrganisations (COGSO) and the Northern Territory Police Force.
There were 10 central locations selected as regional hubs forthe program. They are:
Sanderson Middle School
Dripstone Middle School
Darwin Middle and High Schools
Nightcliff Middle School
Palmerston College
Taminmin College
Casuarina Senior College
Katherine High School
Tennant Creek High School
Centralian Middle School
Quotesattributable to Minister for Education Selena Uibo.
The previous CLP Government not only scrapped this program,they slashed $135 million from the education budget and sacked teachers andsupport staff, showing how out of touch they are with the community.
We heard that Territorians wanted this program reinstated. Welistened and we acted.
In the time it has been operating, students,staff, police, parents and caregivers have provided positive feedback about theprogram.
This proactive model of policing in schools enables us tobetter identify at-risk kids, to re-engage them and set them on the right trackto a bright future.
Quotesattributable to Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister, Nicole Manison.
We want to ensure that the early encounters Territory childrenhave with police officers are positive experiences.
Unlike the CLP, who massively cut youth and education services,we are putting children at the centre of Government.
School-based policing adds to the range of health, education,and child and family services this government is delivering to ensure ourchildren have the best start in life.
Quotesattributable to Dripstone Middle School Principal, Robyn Thorpe.
We are thrilled to have our police officer back in school as astrong partner to help our students engage, grow and achieve.
Our police officer has established positive relationships withour students, staff and community, so they can play a supportive and proactiverole.
Being on site means that they can provide intervention,education and support at the right time, with the right people, in the rightcontext.
