10158 (2024). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister of Police

10158 (2024). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister of Police: What are the benefits of having Police school community officers?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that the role of the School Community Officer (SCO) is to provide an important and valuable connection between Police and school communities to deliver on programmes and initiatives that focus on preventing harm and offending. As an intrinsic part of the community, schools provide Police with the opportunity to make positive and lasting changes ensuring those within the community are safe and feel safe. A safe environment, whether it is in the school or the wider community, engages and supports students in achieving their potential. The SCO role incorporates building and maintaining open and trusted relationships with schools, students and communities. They partner, network and liaise with schools and community, or government organisations to target interventions or programme delivery to identified areas of risk. SCOs facilitate the delivery of effective safety education and interventions, both crime prevention and road safety. The purpose is to ensure students are aware and able to identify unsafe situations, but also to provide a safe platform in which to report harmful behaviour. Programmes are designed to build students’ resilience, as well as empathy towards others- attributes that are essential as they progress into adulthood. By liaising with other Police workgroups, SCOs are able to provide intelligence and advice to others. This provides connectivity with other Policing teams and ensures a holistic approach in preventing harm and offending behaviour.