By Cameron Tait
A new program aimed at breaking down barriers between young people and police in Wyndham and across the western suburbs is paying dividends.
The Vision: Police Supporting Young People program uses an early intervention approach and involves officers identifying those who are either engaging in or susceptible to taking part in high-risk behaviour and inviting them to take part.
As part of the program, police will join the young people in a range of physical activities such as bushwalking, orienteering, sailing, vehicle restoration and cooking classes. Police will also provide mentoring and development sessions on topics such as leadership, teamwork, communication, drug and alcohol harm minimisation, and cybersafety.
The program, run by police youth resource officers, kicks off with its first session this Friday.
Policewoman Senior Sergeant Sue Nolan, who developed the initiative, said the program was a chance for police to connect with young people. “The focus is on early intervention,” she said. “We know that the later a young person enters the criminal justice system, the less likely they are to have continued involvement [in antisocial activity].”
Senior Sergeant Nolan said a pilot program that ran last year with 10 young people had led to some positive changes in their behaviour.
“We’ve already seen the program make a difference in young people’s lives,” she said.
“Four of last year’s participants are now mentors for this new program. Other outcomes include an increase in school attendance, decreased conflict in the home and school, and decreased criminal and antisocial behaviour.”
