Published Thursday, 23 November, 2006 at 12:30 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
INNOVATIVE SAFETY PROJECT DRUMS UP A POLICE EXCELLENCE AWARD
A Brisbane-based police project that has led to a big reduction in chroming in the CBD was recognised today at the 2006 Queensland Police Service Awards for Excellence in Brisbane.
The ‘Beat the Streets’ community drumming project was developed by police in the Brisbane CBD to combat the incidence of volatile substance misuse by young street kids.
Police Minister Judy Spence applauded the project, saying police were working hard to stop young Queenslanders inhale volatile substances such as chrome-based paints.
“Chroming can cause heart failure, liver and kidney damage, central nervous system damage, memory loss, hearing loss – even death,” Ms Spence said.
“Police used the Beat the Streets project to invite young people to drumming sessions where they met and interacted with community support services and police.
“Since the project started a year ago, the number of calls to police in relation to chroming in the city has dropped by almost 85 percent.”
Ms Spence and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson today presented awards to eight crime fighting initiatives specialising in crime prevention, problem-oriented and partnership policing, corporate and support services.
Ms Spence said the projects were a snapshot of the talent and innovation within the Queensland Police Service – innovations that go beyond the boundaries of day to day policing.
“Each project represents a creative solution to specific policing problems such as domestic violence, homelessness, inter-racial harmony and car theft,” Ms Spence said.
“In different ways, they are helping to contribute to a safer Queensland.”
Ms Spence said the awards recognise the hard work and dedication of police officers who are transforming innovative ideas into practice.
“These innovations are continuing to ensure the Queensland Police Service works effectively with, and for, the community,” Ms Spence said.
“It must give the people of Queensland great confidence in the role and ability of our police officers to enhance safety and fight crime - today and in the future.”
Mr Atkinson said he was impressed by the standard of professionalism of all the projects submitted for this years judging.
“Members of the Service are to be congratulated on the great work they are doing around the State,” Mr Atkinson said.
“With police officers and staff members initiating valuable programs such as the ones recognised here today, it only serves to reinforce their dedication to improving policing services to all Queenslanders.
“Each of this year’s winners has identified a problem or opportunity within their area or workplace and initiated a project to address the issue.
“This has resulted in a unique and innovative approach to produce positive results not only for local communities, but for Queensland as a whole.
“The success of the QPS will continue to rely on the input of police officers and staff members from across the State who are committed to improving the quality of service we provide to the community.”
LIST OF WINNERS
Lantern Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented and Partnership Policing:
State Gold Award – “Beat the streets community drumming project.” This program has successfully changed the attitudes and behaviour of marginalized youth in the Brisbane City area by engaging them in a drumming program. Under the program, police regularly invite young people involved in volatile substance misuse (VSM), also known as chroming, to attend drumming sessions. These sessions create an opportunity for police, street youths, support services and community members to meet at a neutral location and interact in a positive way. Since November 2005 there has been an almost 85% reduction in the calls to police in relation to VSM in the Brisbane CBD.
State Silver Award – “Pathways – Leading to a safer home.” This project, led by police in the Metro South Region, was designed to provide information on domestic violence to victims, including children, who had not received information from other sources. An information package was developed by police containing a series of brochures from relevant agencies aimed at providing information on domestic violence, legal issues and agency roles. Youth and Family Support Service have indicated that 23% of their referrals have originated from project Pathways. A reduction of 302 calls for service has been reported against a previous corresponding period.
State Bronze Award – “The Ethnic Communities Council Queensland (ECCQ) soccer tournament.” This unique sporting event was coordinated by police in the Metro South Region to promote inter-racial harmony and address serious community safety issues related to potential violence among disparate community groups. The first tournament was held in December 2005 and involved eight teams. Sixteen teams participated in the 2006 event.
Letters of Encouragement – to the Northern Region for the “Mount Isa Domestic and Family Violence Combined Action Group” and to the Far Northern Region for “Be Strong, Be Heard”.
Award for Excellence in Crime Prevention:
State Gold Award – “U-turn program.” A 10-week course for 15-20-year-olds, intended to address the underlying issues contributing to their offending behaviour and provide post-course support for recidivist motor vehicle theft offenders. The program is conducted at Logan by the YMCA and provides participants with life skills and job skills which enable them to break the offending cycle. During the two year pilot, 86 young people have participated in the U-turn program. Fifty-eight have completed the program; 51 have attained a Certificate 1 (Automotive); 19 are working full-time; nine have returned to other education; 13 are actively seeking work; and seven are being assessed for work experience.
State Silver Award – “UP program.” Due to concerns about the number of juvenile offenders in Wynnum District, and truancy among children as young as 10-years-old, police determined the need for intervention. Primary schools in Wynnum were invited to refer boys in years 4 to 7 who they considered to be “at risk.” The youths participated in the UP program, of which three have now been conducted, where they were taught how to take responsibility for their behaviour. Focus was also placed on raising the boys’ self esteem.
Letter of Encouragement – to the Metropolitan South Region for “Boggo Road busway project safety audit”.
Award for Excellence in Policing Operations:
State Gold Award – “False alarm procedures pilot project.” Aimed at developing more effective, cost-efficient and flexible methods of managing calls for service associated with alarms. The pilot project utilises alternative methods of service delivery for repeat false alarm calls to enable more effective use of operational resources. The project was initially conducted in the Logan police district in 2005 and was extended to the South Brisbane district during 2006.
Award for Excellence in Corporate and Support Services:
State Gold Award – “Incident command virtual reality project.” An important part of training Inspectors and Senior Sergeants to effectively manage high-risk incidents is through the use of virtual reality technology. The QPS previously hired a costly venue for virtual reality training however approval was given for the QPS to develop its own technology. The Incident Command Virtual Reality product was developed, and was implemented in February 2006. Since that time, 15 Inspectors and 49 Senior Sergeants have completed training using the new product and favourable reports have been received as to the value of the training.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491 (Minister’s office)
Police Media: 3015 2444
The ‘Beat the Streets’ community drumming project was developed by police in the Brisbane CBD to combat the incidence of volatile substance misuse by young street kids.
Police Minister Judy Spence applauded the project, saying police were working hard to stop young Queenslanders inhale volatile substances such as chrome-based paints.
“Chroming can cause heart failure, liver and kidney damage, central nervous system damage, memory loss, hearing loss – even death,” Ms Spence said.
“Police used the Beat the Streets project to invite young people to drumming sessions where they met and interacted with community support services and police.
“Since the project started a year ago, the number of calls to police in relation to chroming in the city has dropped by almost 85 percent.”
Ms Spence and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson today presented awards to eight crime fighting initiatives specialising in crime prevention, problem-oriented and partnership policing, corporate and support services.
Ms Spence said the projects were a snapshot of the talent and innovation within the Queensland Police Service – innovations that go beyond the boundaries of day to day policing.
“Each project represents a creative solution to specific policing problems such as domestic violence, homelessness, inter-racial harmony and car theft,” Ms Spence said.
“In different ways, they are helping to contribute to a safer Queensland.”
Ms Spence said the awards recognise the hard work and dedication of police officers who are transforming innovative ideas into practice.
“These innovations are continuing to ensure the Queensland Police Service works effectively with, and for, the community,” Ms Spence said.
“It must give the people of Queensland great confidence in the role and ability of our police officers to enhance safety and fight crime - today and in the future.”
Mr Atkinson said he was impressed by the standard of professionalism of all the projects submitted for this years judging.
“Members of the Service are to be congratulated on the great work they are doing around the State,” Mr Atkinson said.
“With police officers and staff members initiating valuable programs such as the ones recognised here today, it only serves to reinforce their dedication to improving policing services to all Queenslanders.
“Each of this year’s winners has identified a problem or opportunity within their area or workplace and initiated a project to address the issue.
“This has resulted in a unique and innovative approach to produce positive results not only for local communities, but for Queensland as a whole.
“The success of the QPS will continue to rely on the input of police officers and staff members from across the State who are committed to improving the quality of service we provide to the community.”
LIST OF WINNERS
Lantern Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented and Partnership Policing:
State Gold Award – “Beat the streets community drumming project.” This program has successfully changed the attitudes and behaviour of marginalized youth in the Brisbane City area by engaging them in a drumming program. Under the program, police regularly invite young people involved in volatile substance misuse (VSM), also known as chroming, to attend drumming sessions. These sessions create an opportunity for police, street youths, support services and community members to meet at a neutral location and interact in a positive way. Since November 2005 there has been an almost 85% reduction in the calls to police in relation to VSM in the Brisbane CBD.
State Silver Award – “Pathways – Leading to a safer home.” This project, led by police in the Metro South Region, was designed to provide information on domestic violence to victims, including children, who had not received information from other sources. An information package was developed by police containing a series of brochures from relevant agencies aimed at providing information on domestic violence, legal issues and agency roles. Youth and Family Support Service have indicated that 23% of their referrals have originated from project Pathways. A reduction of 302 calls for service has been reported against a previous corresponding period.
State Bronze Award – “The Ethnic Communities Council Queensland (ECCQ) soccer tournament.” This unique sporting event was coordinated by police in the Metro South Region to promote inter-racial harmony and address serious community safety issues related to potential violence among disparate community groups. The first tournament was held in December 2005 and involved eight teams. Sixteen teams participated in the 2006 event.
Letters of Encouragement – to the Northern Region for the “Mount Isa Domestic and Family Violence Combined Action Group” and to the Far Northern Region for “Be Strong, Be Heard”.
Award for Excellence in Crime Prevention:
State Gold Award – “U-turn program.” A 10-week course for 15-20-year-olds, intended to address the underlying issues contributing to their offending behaviour and provide post-course support for recidivist motor vehicle theft offenders. The program is conducted at Logan by the YMCA and provides participants with life skills and job skills which enable them to break the offending cycle. During the two year pilot, 86 young people have participated in the U-turn program. Fifty-eight have completed the program; 51 have attained a Certificate 1 (Automotive); 19 are working full-time; nine have returned to other education; 13 are actively seeking work; and seven are being assessed for work experience.
State Silver Award – “UP program.” Due to concerns about the number of juvenile offenders in Wynnum District, and truancy among children as young as 10-years-old, police determined the need for intervention. Primary schools in Wynnum were invited to refer boys in years 4 to 7 who they considered to be “at risk.” The youths participated in the UP program, of which three have now been conducted, where they were taught how to take responsibility for their behaviour. Focus was also placed on raising the boys’ self esteem.
Letter of Encouragement – to the Metropolitan South Region for “Boggo Road busway project safety audit”.
Award for Excellence in Policing Operations:
State Gold Award – “False alarm procedures pilot project.” Aimed at developing more effective, cost-efficient and flexible methods of managing calls for service associated with alarms. The pilot project utilises alternative methods of service delivery for repeat false alarm calls to enable more effective use of operational resources. The project was initially conducted in the Logan police district in 2005 and was extended to the South Brisbane district during 2006.
Award for Excellence in Corporate and Support Services:
State Gold Award – “Incident command virtual reality project.” An important part of training Inspectors and Senior Sergeants to effectively manage high-risk incidents is through the use of virtual reality technology. The QPS previously hired a costly venue for virtual reality training however approval was given for the QPS to develop its own technology. The Incident Command Virtual Reality product was developed, and was implemented in February 2006. Since that time, 15 Inspectors and 49 Senior Sergeants have completed training using the new product and favourable reports have been received as to the value of the training.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491 (Minister’s office)
Police Media: 3015 2444