August 31, 2012
A Cherbourg Police initiative – the Junior Police Rangers’ Project – won a gold award at today’s Queensland Police Service Awards for Excellence.
The awards, presented this morning in Brisbane, acknowledge and reward individuals and teams for innovative, creative and outstanding initiatives, projects or systems that have been implemented across the state.
Highly Commended, Bronze, Silver and Gold awards were presented for achievement in various fields including: Policing Operations, Crime Prevention, Corporate and Support Services, Problem Oriented and Partnership Policing and the Richard Symes Warry Award for Excellence in Police Education and Training.
Cherbourg Police picked up the major award in the Crime Prevention category.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson congratulated the award recipients and all finalists for their commitment to innovative and improved policing practices.
“In policing, there is no finishing line and we must always be examining ways to do things better and consequentially provide a better service to the community,” he said.
“The members of the QPS who were recognised today are fine examples of this attitude, as they have devised innovative, captivating and successful ways to address contemporary issues.”
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The Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers began in July 2011 with the induction of the first 26 children into the program, aged between 9 and 12.
The program aims to create positive role models and instil a sense of community spirit and pride in participants.
The Rangers meet for two hours every week to engage in activities designed to boost self-esteem and knowledge of their Indigenous heritage.
Activities are planned around the core values of Community, Education, Police and Culture.
Last month, they succeeded in a grant application for $2348 from the Federal Government to help fund two honour boards at the Cherbourg War Memorial.
The honour boards will commemorate local service men and women who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
[UPDATED: September 3, 2012]
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The pilot program was developed in partnership with Cherbourg Police, St Joseph’s School Murgon and the Queensland Early Intervention Pilot Project which is an initiative under the Australian Government’s National Binge Drinking Strategy.
The Cherbourg program has continued since its launch with funding from QEIPP and ACICC.
Cherbourg Police Station Project Officer Louise Thompson said the Junior Ranger Program saw a huge improvement in attendance and behaviour at school from the children involved in the program.
“The program had a positive impact on the relationship between the police and the families of the Junior Ranger participants. It gives the community the opportunity to see police in a different light and not just in their primary role,” Ms Thompson said.
Officer-in-Charge of Cherbourg Police Station Sgt Scott Prendergast said the commitment of the staff involved had been the key to its success.
“The rangers have developed a great rapport with the staff involved and our thanks go to Snr-Const Dan Coleman, Mrs Karen Bond, Mr Eric Law, Mrs Shirley and Police Liaison Officers Victor Alberts and Joe Sullivan who are all involved with this program. Their devotion and efforts make this program worthwhile for the whole community,” Sgt Prendergast said.
“Junior Rangers gave the children a sense of commitment and responsibility. Many children already display an increase in self-esteem and confidence. Generally they show more respect for themselves, others and for the community. It’s very rewarding.”
[UPDATED: September 19, 2012]
