PCYC Queensland holds Police Liaison Officer training in Townsville

PCYC Queensland’s Indigenous programs team have delivered customised Police Liaison Officer (PLO) training at the Townsville Police Academy this week, for the second year running.

Delivered in partnership with the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the 3-day workshop aimed to define roles of PLOs in supporting PCYC Queensland service delivery across metropolitan, regional and rural communities throughout Queensland.

The 12 PLOs in attendance this week represented communities from Aurukun, Yarrabah, Palm Island, Cairns, Cloncurry and Townsville.

Through group activities and workshops facilitated by QPS officers and PCYC Queensland branch managers, police liaison officers learnt about what it means to be a PLO at a PCYC Queensland club, roles and responsibilities, community engagement, positive behaviour support, how to deliver programs and services, planning events, fundraising in communities and much more.

Managing Actual and Potential Aggression (MAPA) training, facilitated by PCYC Aurukun branch manager Sergeant Melissa Gilbert, was a favourite amongst many of the participants.

Jo said, “I liked the MAPA training and how to deal with young people that are aggressive, and I will apply what I’ve learnt at the program when working in partnership with other agencies.”

Many of the PLO’s were impressed with the training and provided positive feedback about the opportunity to network with other PLO’s, share experiences, learn about PCYC Queensland programs and how PLO’s fit in, and how other communities deal with their issues.

Zane said, “I am very impressed with the programs running at the PCYC clubs. The training provided a great networking opportunity with other PLO’s, and I got to explore opportunities to offer help for other communities.”

Nikita agreed, saying “This program has given me the skills to be able to better deal with behavioural issues and I learnt a lot about what other communities do.”

For more information on how to get involved in the PCYC Queensland, click here.