Published Thursday, 22 March, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
QUEENSLAND STUDENTS EXPLORE THE IMPACT OF CRIME
Queensland students in Years 5 to 12 are being given a chance to become crime fighters – in an initiative that has been welcomed by the State Government’s Youth Violence Taskforce.
Police Minister Judy Spence today launched the 2007 Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge Queensland, which is a new school-based program that enables students to investigate the impact of crime.
“The challenge is for students to work in groups to research a nominated crime trend, which this year is ‘theft’, and to examine its impact on the offender, the victim and the community,” Ms Spence said.
“Students will explore personal values such as respect and responsibility, research what the impact of theft is on their own community, and suggest new initiatives on ways to reduce crime.
“This will give students an understanding of the ethical issues surrounding theft, what motivates offenders, and the personal, legal, economic and social consequences that crime can have on a community.
“Crime Stoppers is already a highly successful police initiative and this new school-based project will be an excellent addition to its community-based activities.”
Ms Spence said the initiative has been welcomed by the Youth Violence Taskforce as it will teach young people about the impact of crime and encourage them to report crime to police or Crime Stoppers.
Ms Spence said the award-winning education program originated in Tasmania in 2002 and provided students with a unique view of crime trends and the impact of crime on offenders, victims and the community.
“The 2007 Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge Queensland asks students to research the impact of theft on their community through a curriculum-based task,” Ms Spence said.
“Schools can register online for the Youth Challenge until 22 June and final entries for the challenge must be submitted by 31 August.
“Education Queensland has worked closely with the Queensland Police Service and Crime Stoppers to help teachers include the Youth Challenge in the curriculum by developing sample tasks for teachers.
“They’ll explore the consequences of crime by researching the issues, the impact and consequences of theft from the perspective of the victim, the community and the offender.
“They’ll also learn about the valuable role that Crime Stoppers plays in keeping our communities safe.”
Education Minister Rod Welford said all Queensland schools were encouraged to participate in this competition, in the upper primary (Years 5-7), lower secondary (Years 8-9) and upper secondary (Years 10-12) categories.
He said students will then be asked to present their findings and recommendations on ways to reduce and prevent theft.
“Two finalists from each age category in every region will then compete for gold, silver and bronze state awards, valued at $2000, $1000 and $500 respectively,” Mr Welford said.
“The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Brisbane in November.”
For more information and to register online visit www.crimestoppersyouth.com.au
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6218 (Minister Spence’s office)
Greg Milne 3235 4593 (Minister Welford’s office)
Police Minister Judy Spence today launched the 2007 Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge Queensland, which is a new school-based program that enables students to investigate the impact of crime.
“The challenge is for students to work in groups to research a nominated crime trend, which this year is ‘theft’, and to examine its impact on the offender, the victim and the community,” Ms Spence said.
“Students will explore personal values such as respect and responsibility, research what the impact of theft is on their own community, and suggest new initiatives on ways to reduce crime.
“This will give students an understanding of the ethical issues surrounding theft, what motivates offenders, and the personal, legal, economic and social consequences that crime can have on a community.
“Crime Stoppers is already a highly successful police initiative and this new school-based project will be an excellent addition to its community-based activities.”
Ms Spence said the initiative has been welcomed by the Youth Violence Taskforce as it will teach young people about the impact of crime and encourage them to report crime to police or Crime Stoppers.
Ms Spence said the award-winning education program originated in Tasmania in 2002 and provided students with a unique view of crime trends and the impact of crime on offenders, victims and the community.
“The 2007 Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge Queensland asks students to research the impact of theft on their community through a curriculum-based task,” Ms Spence said.
“Schools can register online for the Youth Challenge until 22 June and final entries for the challenge must be submitted by 31 August.
“Education Queensland has worked closely with the Queensland Police Service and Crime Stoppers to help teachers include the Youth Challenge in the curriculum by developing sample tasks for teachers.
“They’ll explore the consequences of crime by researching the issues, the impact and consequences of theft from the perspective of the victim, the community and the offender.
“They’ll also learn about the valuable role that Crime Stoppers plays in keeping our communities safe.”
Education Minister Rod Welford said all Queensland schools were encouraged to participate in this competition, in the upper primary (Years 5-7), lower secondary (Years 8-9) and upper secondary (Years 10-12) categories.
He said students will then be asked to present their findings and recommendations on ways to reduce and prevent theft.
“Two finalists from each age category in every region will then compete for gold, silver and bronze state awards, valued at $2000, $1000 and $500 respectively,” Mr Welford said.
“The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Brisbane in November.”
For more information and to register online visit www.crimestoppersyouth.com.au
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6218 (Minister Spence’s office)
Greg Milne 3235 4593 (Minister Welford’s office)