New Zealand Police are proud to partner with schools on many goals related to safe environments and safe children.
New Zealand Police have been formally involved with schools since the 1930s, from school traffic safety patrols to crime prevention, road safety, and other matters.
Inspector Rob Sum, Manager of Schools and Youth Partnerships, stated Police are aware that for our children and young people, disengagement from education can result in significantly diminished opportunities. It has been found to be an indicator of potential violence later in life, as well as delinquency, substance abuse, suicidal risk, unemployment, and early parenting.
“We are aware that absences can sometimes be tied to health problems or mental health issues, or can be connected to a parent’s own negative educational experiences.”
“We partner with schools to help prevent harm caused by crime and crashes that will affect student’s achievements, as well as provide a response service to support a school’s usual disciplinary and behaviour management practices when a serious crime is committed.
“Many of you are probably familiar with the roles School Community Officers (SCOs) play. While these specialist police officers are our experts who are the most visible in the school community, there are other police who may become involved, such as Youth Aid Officers, who may be involved to address offending by young people in the school environment,” Inspector Sum says.
Youth Aid work with schools to prevent reoffending of children and young people, under the provisions of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. They work with schools to facilitate restorative justice in the Police-school partnership.
How Schools Can Partner with New Zealand Police
Community Constables are another group who may assist and engage with schools about local issues that affect the learning community.
Inspector Rob Sum said Police support a range of education programmes and services many of you are probably familiar with, across a range of themes such as Keeping Ourselves Safe, Successful Relationships, Travelling Safely, Responsible Citizens, Healthy Body Healthy Mind, and Living in a Safe Community.
“This is a great opportunity to remind Principals of your SCO’s ability to work with you to identify issues and plan responses to address and mitigate. SCOs will seek to work with schools to reinforce school approaches. They may have some guidance on resources and /or links with partner agencies,” said Inspector Sum.
Police recommend sharing any concerns with your SCO to ensure a collaborative, consistent and mutually reinforcing response to the challenges of disengaged or disruptive young people in your school.
