School-based police officers officially began their new postings last week.
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Across the Territory, 10 schools were selected as hubs for the program.
In Katherine, Senior Constable First Class Dani Mattiuzzo and Senior Indigenous Community Police Officer James Brooking will be splitting their time between all schools, with Katherine High their main location.
Developed in collaboration with NT Police, Department of Education and Council of Government School Organisations (COGSO) - the program focuses on positive youth engagement and the delivery of vital safety education.
Sen. Constable Mattiuzzo said she is hoping to become familiar with students for reasons other than law enforcement.
“I don’t see this becoming the magic cure for youth problems, but a positive addition to the amazing people working in the sector.”
Working alongside the after hours Youth and Community Engagement Constables – school-based police will be able to identify and proactively work with at risk youth to ensure they are getting the support they need to stay on the right track.
“I hope to become a more approachable person, a person who young people can come and talk to about issues,” Snr. Constable Mattiuzzo said.
“The program is not just for kids, but parents and the whole community. Hopefully we will be able to improve relationships.
“It will be important for early intervention.”
Sen. Constable Mattiuzzo said while the program will see her time split between schools in the region, including Barunga, Beswick, Pine Creek and Mataranka, she expects to predominantly spend the majority of time at Katherine High School.
“I hope to be a positive influence with [student’s] choice making,” she said.
“I have had a long career in policing but tend to bounce back into working with youth.”
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In her third stint of being a school-based police officer, Sen. Constable Mattiuzzo said she loves working with young people.
“It is challenging but interesting. I feel lucky to play a part in influencing life choices,” she said.
The school-based police officers will also be using their time to deliver key programs in cyber bullying, road safety and rights and responsibilities.
Education Minister, Selena Uibo said, “this refreshed and reinvigorated model of school-based policing will help our Territory kids build positive relationships with police and will enhance existing measures to identify children at risk of disengagement.”
“We have overwhelmingly heard that Territorians want police returned to our schools. We have listened and we have acted,” Ms Uibo said.
“The Government will always invest in education because all children have the right to a great start in life.”
A report on the progress and effectiveness of the new model will be undertaken in Term 1, 2019.
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