The Victorian Liberal Nationals call on the Andrews Labor Government to back a formalised Police in Schools program as an important step to improve community safety.
Today’s announcement by Chief Commissioner, Shane Patton of a review into a Victorian Police in Schools program is long overdue after the formalised program was axed in 2005 under the former Bracks Labor Government.
This announced review follows ongoing calls for the Victorian Liberal Nationals and Police Veterans to introduce a structured police in schools program to build relationships and respect between young people and frontline officers.
Under Daniel Andrews, youth offending continues to escalate, with 15-19 year olds now the largest cohort of offenders in cases of violent crimes against the person.
Despite this worsening trend, Victoria remains the only state in the nation without a structured police in schools program – meaning many at-risk youths are falling between the cracks and into a life a of crime.
Daniel Andrews cannot keep his head in the sand on youth crime any longer and must now support the full introduction of a structured police in schools program across Victoria.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police & Community Safety, David Southwick:
“A well-structured police in schools program is an essential step to building respect in young people for police and community.”
“With young offending continuing to spike under Daniel Andrews, early intervention programs such as police in schools are essential to keep at-risk youths out of a life of crime.”
“Daniel Andrews harsh lockdown has driven community confidence in Victoria Police to an all-time low and this would help with a much-needed reset towards community policing.”
