Published Wednesday, 14 February, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
SUNSHINE COAST SENIORS RECEIVE MAJOR SAFETY BOOST
Sunshine Coast seniors can look forward to improved safety and regular advice on home security issues, with the appointment of a permanent Seniors Liaison Officer in the region.
Premier Peter Beattie made the announcement on his visit to the Sunshine Coast today and said the role was a Queensland-first.
“Sunshine Coast seniors are the first to receive a permanent Police officer dedicated to supporting their policing needs,” Mr Beattie said.
“The Sunshine Coast has one of the largest seniors populations in the country and local police are doing some great work to help curb seniors' fear of crime.
“Police began trialling the ‘Seniors Liaison Project’ to reduce the fear of crime and social isolation experienced by people 65 or over who are either the victim of a crime, living in fear of crime, or living alone without support with a disability.
“Sergeant Di Kirkman of Kawana Police Station, who has participated in a trial of the position since August 2005, will continue in the role.
“Over the past 12 months, more than 170 seniors who have been victims of break and enter offences or violence-related crimes on the Sunshine Coast have been contacted by Sergeant Kirkman.
“Victims were identified through a weekly analysis of regional crime reports.
“As part of the trial, Sergeant Kirkman contacted each person and in some cases a security audit was conducted of their homes. She also provided information on issues associated with fear of crime.
“Her work has proved so successful and the feedback from local seniors has been so positive that the Police Service has now decided to continue the role indefinitely,” he said.
Police Minister Judy Spence said a telephone survey of seniors who participated in the initial trial found that:
• 73% of respondents indicated that they had improved their home security as advised;
• 73% of respondents indicated that their fear of crime had reduced;
• 100% indicated that the service provided was either helpful or very helpful; and
• 100% of respondents believed the service should continue.
The Seniors Liaison Officer role, a key recommendation of the Seniors Task Force which delivered its findings last November, would work closely with local Volunteers in Policing and the newly-appointed Seniors State Coordinator – another Task Force recommendation.
“Queensland crime statistics show we have one of the lowest crime rates involving seniors in the country, yet the fear of crime amongst the elderly is very real,” Ms Spence said.
“The important message for seniors is that there are many initiatives out there to improve their sense of safety – and a dedicated police service that is only a call away.”
Media contact: 3224 4500
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Premier Peter Beattie made the announcement on his visit to the Sunshine Coast today and said the role was a Queensland-first.
“Sunshine Coast seniors are the first to receive a permanent Police officer dedicated to supporting their policing needs,” Mr Beattie said.
“The Sunshine Coast has one of the largest seniors populations in the country and local police are doing some great work to help curb seniors' fear of crime.
“Police began trialling the ‘Seniors Liaison Project’ to reduce the fear of crime and social isolation experienced by people 65 or over who are either the victim of a crime, living in fear of crime, or living alone without support with a disability.
“Sergeant Di Kirkman of Kawana Police Station, who has participated in a trial of the position since August 2005, will continue in the role.
“Over the past 12 months, more than 170 seniors who have been victims of break and enter offences or violence-related crimes on the Sunshine Coast have been contacted by Sergeant Kirkman.
“Victims were identified through a weekly analysis of regional crime reports.
“As part of the trial, Sergeant Kirkman contacted each person and in some cases a security audit was conducted of their homes. She also provided information on issues associated with fear of crime.
“Her work has proved so successful and the feedback from local seniors has been so positive that the Police Service has now decided to continue the role indefinitely,” he said.
Police Minister Judy Spence said a telephone survey of seniors who participated in the initial trial found that:
• 73% of respondents indicated that they had improved their home security as advised;
• 73% of respondents indicated that their fear of crime had reduced;
• 100% indicated that the service provided was either helpful or very helpful; and
• 100% of respondents believed the service should continue.
The Seniors Liaison Officer role, a key recommendation of the Seniors Task Force which delivered its findings last November, would work closely with local Volunteers in Policing and the newly-appointed Seniors State Coordinator – another Task Force recommendation.
“Queensland crime statistics show we have one of the lowest crime rates involving seniors in the country, yet the fear of crime amongst the elderly is very real,” Ms Spence said.
“The important message for seniors is that there are many initiatives out there to improve their sense of safety – and a dedicated police service that is only a call away.”
Media contact: 3224 4500
Wednesday, 14 February 2007