One year after the Territory Labor Government reintroduced school-based police, schools have reported higher student engagement and the establishment of positive relationships between students and police officers.

The refreshed school-based police program was introduced in 10 government schools across the Territory at the beginning of Term 4, 2018, after it was scrapped by the CLP.

A review of the program undertaken earlier this year outlined the positive impact and relationships which have grown between the school-based officers, students, staff and families.

Stakeholders who contributed to the review included North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APONT) and the Northern Territory Council of Social Services (NTCOSS).

The new school based policing model was designed in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Council of Government School Organisations (COGSO) and the Northern Territory Police Force.

The 10 schools who are marking one year of school-based policing are:

● Sanderson Middle School     

● Dripstone Middle School

● Darwin Middle and High Schools                

● Nightcliff Middle School

● Palmerston College                   

● Taminmin College

● Casuarina Senior College

● Katherine High School

● Tennant Creek High School

● Centralian Middle School

To view the School-Based Police Program review please click here

Quotes from the Minister for Children and Chief Minister Michael Gunner:

“The Territory Labor Government believes that every child deserves the best start in life.

“We brought back the renewed school-based policing model in 2018 because we know it enables us to identify at-risk kids, to re-engage them to grow, learn and achieve, and set them on the right track to a bright future.”

Quotes from the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Nicole Manison:

“We want to ensure the early encounters Territory children have with police officers are positive experiences.

“School-based policing adds to the range of health, education, child and family services which we’re delivering to ensure our children have the best start in life.”

Media Contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192