Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan, Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman and Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee today announced the state-wide rollout of one of the largest police training commitments supporting a recommendation of the Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland report.
The Vulnerable Persons Training Package is a two day, face to face training session which equips police with the knowledge and skills to work within the new legislative frameworks for domestic and family violence and mental health.
Brisbane Region, Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee said approximately 11,500 QPS members would undertake the training which is being conducted all over Queensland, over 400 sessions in the next three months.
"There is a strong focus on cultural change regarding these issues. We are challenging the way we think and react to mental health and domestic violence situations.
"Mental health and domestic and family violence are often complex and multi-faceted matters. The training gives our officers greater skills so we can be holistic and compassionate. When faced with these often high risk and volatile situations we want everyone to be safe.
"The aim of this training is to improve communication skills when dealing with difficult situations. We also want to strengthen our relationships with vulnerable people so they know police can help them and obtain the support they need," Assistant Commissioner Gee said.
Minister Ryan said the training coincided with the recent Domestic and Family Violence and Other Legislation Amendment Bill passed at the end of last year.
"The Queensland Government is committed to providing the most vulnerable in our community with the assistance they need in their most difficult hour.
"This vital training incorporates the new legislation providing police with a greater understanding of the range of responses available to them when responding to domestic and family violence situations," Minister Ryan said.
The training is being rolled out to all sworn police staff and selected unsworn staff who have regular contact with vulnerable people in the community.
The first day of training focuses on policing responses to people with mental illness and mental health issues with a focus on suicide prevention working in conjunction with partner agencies.
The second day focuses on the challenges of responding to and investigating incidents of domestic and family violence. Officers are provided with a greater understanding of the dynamics of domestic and family violence.
