Sunshine Coast Police enter the blogosphere

Sunshine Coast police are moving into the digital age with Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers launching myPolice Sunshine Coast this afternoon.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the blog would boost interaction between Sunshine Coast police and the public by giving officers another method of keeping the community informed.

“The blog has a range of features to keep the community up to date at all times,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Through the blog police officers will be able to share crime prevention tips, information on personal safety, keeping property secure and show comfit images or stills from CCTV to a wider audience.”

Mr Dempsey said myPolice Sunshine Coast joined a number of blogs released across the state including Maryborough, South Brisbane, Bundaberg and Gladstone.

QPS Commissioner Ian Stewart said the launch of myPolice Sunshine Coast was an exciting opportunity for police to engage with the community at a local and a digital level.

“The police here on the Sunshine Coast do a fantastic job within the community,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“myPolice Sunshine Coast will give local police a stronger online presence, allowing them to strengthen their bonds with the community and engage with them on a new level.

“This blog provides a platform not only for local residents to engage in a two-way conversation with police, but also for visitors to the area to find out about their new surroundings, including important crime prevention tips and information.

“The immediacy of communication through myPolice Sunshine Coast will let officers target crime and collect community feedback at a grassroots level. Details of crimes – as well as photographs and comfits of offenders – can be posted on the blog immediately after an offence is reported.

“A significant number of road incidents occur on the Sunshine Coast and they highlight the importance of accurate and timely information. Updates provided through the Queensland Police Service Facebook page at the time of these incidents have proved invaluable for residents.

“The myPolice Sunshine Coast blog will be a hub for crucial information for residents and visitors including updates on road closures, weather conditions, and other vital public safety information.

“I would encourage everyone who lives in the area to visit myPolice Sunshine Coast, share their thoughts, and leave some comments on how we can improve the site.”

To access myPolice Sunshine Coast visit mypolice.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoast.

[ENDS] 17 September 2013

Media Contacts: Lea Emery 0417 226 114 or Danny Donald 0439 719 116