PCYC Bundaberg and Bundaberg Police have been actively engaging with local young people over the school holidays to increase positive engagement and reduce antisocial behaviour.
Led by Sergeant John Kendall alongside Police Liaison Officers (PLO) Hami Shelford and Geteno George, the team have conducted regular drop ins at shopping centres and skate parks in town.
Sergeant Kendall emphasised the importance of engaging with young people over the holiday period when they don’t have school to occupy their time.
“The PLOs and I made a conscious effort to get out and engage with young people to not only reduce offending, but to build positive relationships between youth and police,” Sergeant Kendall said.
After regular visits, they said they noticed a shift in attitudes and were able to establish positive relationships.
The team also conducted the PCYC Holiday Drop-in Program for at risk youth who often had a lack of self-confidence and self-belief.
The program allowed police to engage with young people one-on-one as well as running group activities like boxing.
They said by the end of the day, the young people involved had increased in confidence and were already engaging in a much more positive way with police.
“The combination of a positive police presence in the community and running these PCYC programs, I feel we are making a real difference in these kids’ lives and making the community safer,” Sergeant Kendall said.
“The progress we’ve made with the youth of Bundaberg so far has been very positive and we really want to continue this presence until the end of school holidays and beyond.”
The team will continue the program until the end of the holiday period.
- Other news: School Savvy helps families return to school
