Gympie Police discover the benefits of blogs

Policing in Gympie is headed online after Police Minister Jack Dempsey launched the Gympie myPolice blog this afternoon.

Mr Dempsey said Gympie’s was the sixth police blog in Queensland following the Gold Coast, Dutton Park, Maryborough, Cairns and one dedicated to the Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad.

“Engaging with the community is one of the most important aspects of being a police officer,” Mr Dempsey said.

“myPolice Gympie will be tailored to the needs of the Gympie district and allow the community and police officers to interact and swap information.

“It allows officers to interact with people who may not have time to go to a Neighbourhood Watch meeting or drop into the station to voice concerns.

“This blog provides opportunities for officers to share information on staying safe, keeping their property secure or to show comfit images of suspects to a wider audience.”

North Coast Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Ray Pringle said the launch of myPolice Gympie was an exciting opportunity for local police to forge even closer ties with the community.

“The police here in Gympie are already extremely active within the community and with myPolice Gympie, we can now strengthen those bonds through a stronger online presence,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Pringle said.

“The immediacy of communication that myPolice provides is a great asset. Details of crimes – as well as photographs and comfits of offenders – can be posted on the blog immediately after an offence is reported.

“During the floods in early 2011 Gympie and South Burnett sustained serious damage and isolation and the updates provided through the Queensland Police Facebook page at the time proved invaluable for residents.

“In the event of another emergency situation, myPolice Gympie will provide critical information, with updates on road closures, weather conditions and other vital public safety information.

“I would encourage everyone who lives in Gympie and its surrounds to check out myPolice Gympie, share your thoughts, and leave some comments on how we can improve the site.”

To access the blog visit mypolice.qld.gov.au/gympie.

[ENDS] 16 October 2012

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