Queensland Police Service (QPS) is strengthening its commitment to online safety with the launch of an innovative Safer Together: Digital Community Champions Program with Training for: 'Building Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces'.
Developed by the QPS's Digital Intelligence and Community Engagement (DICE) Prevention team, this initiative is the first of its kind in Queensland.
This evidence-based program is designed to bridge the gap between QPS and Facebook community and crime group administrators and moderators. It provides them with the skills, resources and confidence needed to create safer, more supportive and credible online communities.
Facebook community groups have become a vital resource for Queenslanders, offering real-time traffic updates, severe weather alerts and a platform to share CCTV footage, report suspicious activity and help locate lost or stolen items – including pets and missing people.
These groups have evolved into modern-day town squares, where information spreads quickly and a strong sense of community thrives. However, managing these spaces comes with challenges. Volunteer administrators and moderators work tirelessly behind the scenes to combat misinformation, defuse heated discussions and protect members, often without formal training or support.
This new training initiative by QPS aims to empower these volunteers, ensuring they are better equipped to manage their groups effectively and contribute to safer online spaces for all Queenslanders.
Acting Superintendent Honeywood, from Community Safety Group, says the initiative reflects the future of crime prevention and policing.
"Modern policing has always relied on community trust, support and engagement and as our communities increasingly connect online, our approach must continue to evolve to ensure policing remains effective, accessible and responsive," Acting Superintendent Honeywood said
"This training represents an innovative approach to community safety, equipping local moderators with practical tools to address issues in real time, minimise harm, and share credible information.
"It's an example of how collaboration can extend our reach-blending our physical presence with digital partnerships to build safer, more connected communities.
The program was developed in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and has already delivered strong results through a pilot program involving more than 300 moderators from across Queensland.
Through surveys, interviews, and co-design workshops, moderators shared their real-world challenges and helped shape the training content, ensuring it is practical, relevant, and easy to use.
The training includes beginner and advanced modules, a moderator handbook, shareable resources, and short, accessible videos, all tailored for busy volunteers.
Delivered online, the training allows moderators to learn at their own pace, build confidence, and immediately apply new strategies to their groups.
Project lead researcher Doctor Keith Heggart from UTS says the initiative highlights the value of these online communities.
"Facebook community groups are often the first-place people go when they see or hear something in their neighbourhood," Doctor Heggart said.
"This initiative recognises the important work of moderators and empowers them to manage misinformation, support members, and work alongside police in a constructive way."
Moderators who completed the pilot program reported increased confidence in applying fair and lawful group rules, identifying and tracking misinformation, communication and strengthening privacy.
Research also showed a reduction in harmful content, more constructive discussions, and an increase in moderators directing members to credible safety information and official crime reporting channels.
With the pilot complete, QPS is now expanding the program to reach an additional 100 learners.
If you are a Facebook community or crime group administrator or moderator and are interested in participating in the next phase of this initiative, you can now register your expression of interest.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
