Today marks the start of the Territory Labor Governments school-based policing program.
Following its scrapping by the chaotic CLP, the Territory Labor Government have reinvigorated and reintroduced the program into NT schools.
Developed in collaboration with NT Police, Department of Education and Council of Government School Organisations (COGSO) - the program focuses on positive youth engagement and the delivery of vital safety education.
Working alongside the afterhours Youth and Community Engagement Constables School Based Police will be able to identify and proactively work with at risk youth to ensure they are getting all the support they need to stay on the right track.
A report on the progress and effectiveness of the new model will be undertaken in Term 1, 2019.
As noted by Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister, Nicole Manison.
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 our children have the best start in life.
We want to ensure that a childs first encounter with a police officer is a positive one.
As noted by Education Minister, Selena Uibo.
We have overwhelmingly heard that Territorians want police returned to our schools. We have listened and we have acted.
This refreshed and reinvigorated model of school-based policing will help our Territory kids build positive relationships with police and will enhance existing measures to identify children at risk of disengagement.
The CLP cut $135 million from the education budget in their chaotic time in government, in addition to cutting this valuable program.
The Territory Labor Government will always invest in education because all children have the right to a great start in life.
