POLICE LIFT FOR SCHOOLIES

POLICE are preparing for about 150 officers to be dedicated to the Schoolies hub when school leavers descend on Surfers Paradise later this month.

It will be the first time in two years Schoolies has been at capacity after the coronavirus pandemic cancelled the event in 2020 and reduced the size last year.

This year a majority of the school leavers will be over 18.

During an online information session of parents Gold Coast police Sergeant Hayden Strang revealed some of the preparations police were undertaking.

“From a policing perspective we will have over 150 officers dedicated just to Schoolies response,” he said.

“This year they are pretty much coming from all over localised stations from around the Gold Coast so they will have a lot of experience in the area and local knowledge in the area.

“Most have policed Schoolies before.”

Sgt Strang said police would be also targeting e-bike offences as well.

“Be mindful that there could be some hefty fines,” he said.

Sgt Strang said the most common offence they saw was a minor possessing alcohol in public.

He also warned those over 18 that it is an offence in Queensland to consume alcohol in a public place.

“Police do have the power to tip out that alcohol and things like that to prevent the continuation of the offence,” he said.

“So it’s best if you’re going to have any liquor, keeping it in apartment complexes or rooms.”

Sgt Strang said although police would prefer people did not use illicit substances, he urged if people got into trouble after drug consumption to call Triple 0.

He said in most cases it would ambulance who were tasked rather than police.

Schoolies will run from Saturday 19 – Friday 25 November 2022.