~Background~
The Police Link Program was developed as a direct result of a request from staff of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Police to provide living skills to young people who often miss out on this education due to their chronic and often life threatening illnesses.
The program was developed by Sergeant Kevin Beinke and commenced in 1997 in the Adolescent Ward and as a result of positive feedback it was introduced to all wards of the hospital, being launched on 1st April 1998.
The program was formally recognised as a South Australia Police Blue Light Program in 2003 and is now a SAPOL Corporate Blue Light Program.
The Program Patron is Xavier Minniecon from Channel 9. He is active in promoting the program, attending committee meetings, acting as Quiz Master at Quiz Nights (with Sgt Derrick McManus) and attending other functions during the year, and in particular, the annual Christmas Party and Easter visit.
Lesley McAllister of the WCH Foundation is the hospital representative on the committee. <TOP>
~Dates~
11 Jan 08– General Day
~Philosophy~
The
philosophy of the Police Link Program is to reduce crime, through the
provision of appropriate education, and to provide personal and professional
development to both Police Officers and
hospital personnel. This will be
achieved by the occurrence of interaction
between young people Police and hospital
staff resulting in positive relationships.
This
development opportunity is in recognition that all people are ‘products’ of
their environments and due to their various experiences
they may have a negative opinion of other people through stereotyping. This interaction can only
serve to broaden individuals understanding and acceptance of differing cultures’,
beliefs and values.
~Objectives~
The Objectives of the Program which are broadly addressed in the philosophy statement are to:
~Provide professional and personal development to all parties.
~Build rapport between police officers, Hospital patients and young people.
~Deliver educational information on personal safety and crime prevention information
~Raise awareness in young
people
~Activities~
Drug Awareness
This highlights the dangers of illicit drug use from a health, legal and social aspect.
It deals with cannabis, ecstasy, opiates, and methyl-amphetamines and also prescription drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Young people are given the skills to say no to drugs and rehearse the powerful statement of; “I choose not to use……….’ This statement assists young people who may be offered drugs, the ability to communicate that they have made a decision not to use drugs.
Positive thinking
This deals with how to develop a positive mind and uses positive affirmations with explanations to build self esteem in young people.
Road safety
This is conducted to specific age levels and topics typical to the age group, which includes cycle safety, small wheel vehicles (skates etc) to motor vehicle for older patients.
In the past we have included traffic members who have given a talk on the topic and also demonstrated Alco-test and laser radar units.
Personal Safety
This is delivered as one on one or group basis using the SAPOL Crime Reduction Section pamphlet and a point by point explanation of each crime reduction strategy is explained. This gives young people an understanding of personal & home security.
Accessing Police Service
Advice is given using various scenarios as when to ring 000, 131444 or your local police station using SAPOL handouts and pamphlets. This is part of ensuring SAPOL service delivery is as efficient and effective as possible to meet the needs of young people.
Excursions are being planned for the out patients, with plans to visit various SAPOL sections such as Mounted Operations, STAR Operations and Fort Largs for a BBQ.
Achievements
The Police Link Program has donated items to the hospital such as Sony Play Stations, TV’s, Air Hockey Table, and Document Laminators. The program funds paid for re-furbishing the Adolescent Ward pool table and a cash donation has been made to the Cranio-facial ward.