16 February 2018

Victorian Opposition Leader, Matthew Guy, has touted a police in schools policy to counter youth crime. Victorians might be surrprised to hear youth crime has actually decreased, but convincing Victorians there is a crime wave could be a valuable political tool as Victorians face a state election later in the year.

So, do police in schools work? It depends on the model. If we use the UK model, then yes, it can be effective using police to be preventive, to build trust with young people and help identify students at risk. The US model is a disaster, focussing on discipline, even in classrooms. Let's hope Mr Guy doesn't have that model in mind.

Police in schools programs in SA, NT, Tasmania and Queensland are all closer to the UK model. Read more here

Image: A policeman in a Texas school