Overview+of+services+and+topics

A Police Youth Education Officer's role is to work in partnership with schools and teachers to educate students from New Entrants to Year 13, in the areas of Road Safety Education and Crime Prevention. We are responsible for training and monitoring School Traffic Safety Teams (STSTs), which include School Patrols, Traffic Wardens, and Bus Monitors.

I am available as a resource person to take classroom lessons in a number of subject areas, and to attend staff meetings and syndicate meetings to assist with the planning of units. I can also supply resources for teachers to use in the classroom. //These are free services.//

The main curriculum areas I work in are Health and Physical Wellbeing, and Social Sciences. However, some of the topics fit equally well into Technology, and Language, and some topics have Maths, Science, and Art components. A Junior Secondary resource, produced by the Police, is the Changing Gear series which consists of six separate modules for English, Health, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Technology.

Below is a sample of some suggested topics. It is possible to adapt current lessons to different age groups, and to write lessons and develop resources to suit specific topic requirements. There are a variety of activities for many of the topics.

I can be contacted via the Morrinsville Police Station and have voicemail on my direct dial number (07-889-3953) however, as I am generally away from the office during school hours, **the best method of contacting me regarding planning needs is via Email:** dianne.reade@police.govt.nz


 * //When doing your planning, please remember that my diary is booked well in advance, however I am happy to pencil in a block of time, prior to specific planning.//**

Looks at such things as the uniform, the car, the different sections of the Police, the Police Officer as a person (i.e. out of uniform), History of the Police, and can also include Search and Rescue, and the Police Dog. Fingerprinting can be covered here and/or under a Forensic topic.
 * //__Role of the Police/Police in the Community__//**

What is a right, and the responsibilities and consequences that go with it? What are our rights and the rights of others around us? Respect. Peer Pressure. Acceptable and responsible behaviour.
 * //__Rights and Responsibilities__//**

What is the difference? How are they made, and how do they affect us? The Children, Young Persons and their Families Act. The Court System. The difference between the Police and the Justice Department. Legal Ages. Laws for alcohol, driving, etc.
 * //__Rules and Laws__//**

Includes Safe Walking, Safe Passenger, Safe Cycling, Safe Skateboarding/Skating, Vehicle and Driver Safety, road signs, and roading issues in the community. Can also incorporate things such as driving with Excess Breath/Blood Alcohol, at senior levels.
 * //__Road Safety__//**

Neighbours. The Neighbourhood. Our Community. A Safe Community. Helping People in the Community. Vandalism. Graffiti. Emergencies. The 111 system. Lost. Looking after our property. Reporting incidents. Being Responsible. Safely Home. Babysitting.
 * //__Community Support__//**

Can include how things get into our bodies, safe things to put in or on our bodies, safe use of medicines, alternatives to using drugs or alcohol, resisting pressure, driving under the influence, information relating to specific drugs both legal and illegal, and consequences of use. This section also incorporates the range of DARE programmes, some of which have been developed for use in the classroom while others are for use in the community. (Refer DARE link below.)
 * //__Drugs and Alcohol__//**

This includes the Kia Kaha (bullying) program, and the Keeping Ourselves Safe program. How to get help. Different kinds of touches. Good secrets/Bad secrets. People we can trust. Saying No. There are also teaching materials about keeping safe at home, babysitting and dealing with anger. 
 * //__Violence Prevention__//**


 * //Other topics are also available, and are often only limited by a failure to think outside the box. When looking at your topics don't just assume that it is not a "Police" topic. For example, any topic that requires a trip away from the school can be an ideal time to incorporate a one-off lesson on bus and/or passenger safety. A topic such as "Weather" can involve looking at wet weather clothing for high visibility, the difficulties for drivers and pedestrians, stopping times and distances in the wet, and the fact that raincoat hoods reduce vision.//**

|| **Click here for an overview of the DARE programme......**
 * **The Police Youth Education website -**
 * has links to a variety of programmes and can be accessed by clicking here...**

||