Smithfield State High School

Constable Sam O’CONNOR

Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 2.30 pm.

Contact details are:

Phone: 4058 4343

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Smithfield State High School is one of forty-seven high schools throughout Queensland who enjoy the support of a School Based Police Officer (SBPO). The School Based Police Officer program is a joint initiative of the Queensland Police Service and Education Queensland. The program aims to assist school communities create an environment that supports student welfare and learning. The SBPO is available to work with both students and staff. An agreement between Education Queensland and the Queensland Police Service provide the guidelines for the duties of the officer in our school.

The role of a SBPO is to work in conjunction with the school to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the school community by offering support to students at risk of offending or becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The SBPO also promotes a positive relationship between the school community and the police. Our SBPO participates in school activities such as school camps and sports days to build a constructive and reassuring relationship with the school and its students.

The School Based Police Office is available five days a week.

Some of the programs the School Based Police Officer are involved with are:

· Road safety

· Safe Driving – click for link

· Alcohol and Drug Education - click for link

· Bullying – click for link

· Protective Behaviour and Personal Safety – click for link

Road safety is one of our most serious public health issues that can affect everyone.

Our School Based Police Officer gives important information that we need to take care of ourselves and respect others on the road. The following issues are addressed when discussing road safety with our students:

· Road rules

· Pedestrian rules

· Bicycle safety and rules

· Road wise strategies

The School Based Police Officer offers a safe driving program directed at Year 11 students. The Safe Driving program prepares students to become responsible drivers and road users. The program covers the following areas:

· Safe driving strategies (i.e. be patient, concentrate on traffic not on the radio, do not be distracted)

· Traffic Law

· Car maintenance

· Statistics on traffic accidents

· Deaths and injuries in QLD dur to traffic accidents

This program is directed at Years 8 through to Year 12. Issues discussed include:

· Law

· Health Issues

· Harm minimization

· Effects on the community and individuals

Smithfield State High School does not accept bullying in any form and wants to give everyone the right to feel safe. Education Queensland is working with school communities to make schools a safer, more supportive and respectful place for all students and staff. Our School Based Police Officer has a program directed at Years 8 to 12 which covers the following areas:

· discussion of different levels of bullying and the effect if has on people

· strategies to deal with bullying

More information on bullying and the schools bullying policy can be found at:

· http://www.bullyingnoway.com.au/

· Speakup Speakout Policy

The Protective Behaviours & Personal Safety program is an initiative of the Queensland Police Service. The program aims to enhance problem-solving and communications skills of people, and empowerpersonal safety to all ages. This program is directed at Years 8 to 12 and discusses the following issues:

· safety strategies

· emplowers students with assertiveness and self belief

· learn about early warning signs, and to trust them

· how to be confidnece in one’s own ability.