Cops in three Coast schools

THE southern Gold Coast wants police officers to be based in schools to stop a shocking teen crime wave, but it is unlikely to happen.

The Bulletin can reveal that no new school-based police officers have been appointed since the Newman Government in 2012.

Data shows that of the 57 officers across the state, the Coast has only three, all in the north at Southport State High, Robina State High and Upper Coomera State College.

Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey told Parliament the Coast in recent weeks had a bikie-linked shooting at Coolangatta, a violent carjacking at Helensvale and a 12-year-old charged after an armed holdup.

The youth armed with a 20cm knife told the attendant “Notes only, bitch” before escaping on a BMX bikie and burying $215 in the garden of his home.

Ms Stuckey said the rising number of youths, some barely in their teens, who were becoming involved in highly risky and brazen criminal behaviours “should be ringing alarm bells”.

The Government could stop the crime wave by appointing school-based police officers, which had the support of principals from both high schools and local police, she said.

“Last week my office was informed that no new schoolbased police officer positions have been committed to since 2012, that is, five years ago,” Ms Stuckey said. “In that time, we have witnessed a frightening escalation in youth crime..”

In responding to Ms Stuckey in Parliament recently, Education Minister Kate Jones said police officers were appointed to schools or a cluster of campuses to fulfil several roles.

Apart from promoting positive relationships between the school community and police, cops developed crime prevention initiatives and informed youths about the legal process. The key issues considered in appointing officers included school population, social issues and other available youth support networks, Ms Jones added.