The Queensland Police Service's (QPS) Blue Lures program has successfully expanded into southeast Queensland, with the intervention program launching its fifth chapter in Broadbeach today.
The program was first developed in February 2024 by St George Police members Constable Daniel Burton and Police Liaison Officer (PLO) Chelsea Beardmore, who is now a Police Recruit.
This early intervention youth engagement program aims to prevent and divert at-risk youth from engaging in criminal activity by teaching them how to fish as part of a safe, inclusive, and positive experience with law enforcement personnel.
The program quickly proved to be an important engagement tool and cultural practice, contributing to an 89 per cent reduction in participant offending in St George.
Constable Burton and Recruit Beardmore were recipients of the 'Working Together' Award at the 2024 QBank Everyday Heroes Award, recognising the program's direct positive influence on the local community and its impact on youth crime reduction.
The program currently operates in five locations, including St George, Innisfail, Bundaberg, Cooktown, and now Broadbeach. A further 26 locations have also expressed interest in introducing the program this year.
The Queensland Blue Light Association Incorporated (QBLAI) supports the program and has secured two state sponsors, including Anaconda, who provide each new location with a $500 voucher to purchase fishing rods, tackle, and safety equipment, and Tweed Bait, who provide bait at no cost to all locations.
QBLAI is a registered charity with a longstanding relationship with the QPS, partnering to deliver programs aimed at at-risk youth through early intervention.
Chief Inspector Michael Volk said early intervention programs are effective ways of deterring offending in Queensland communities.
"We as a service are incredibly proud to see this program unveiled across another location within our State," Chief Inspector Volk said.
"Every day, we see our officers work directly with our community members to find the most effective ways of working together to reduce crime, build rapport, and support those who require it.
"The program is a brilliant amalgamation of each of these things, where our St George officers have applied their local knowledge to community members and filled a gap, creating a framework which is applicable throughout the state."
Recruit Beardmore said it was incredibly rewarding to see how successful the program has become.
"When we first introduced this program, our hope was to provide an outlet for the local community where they would have an opportunity to be themselves and develop positive relationships with law enforcement personnel," Recruit Beardmore said.
"Participants can also learn new skills, appreciate the outdoors, and develop personal growth.
"To see the program effect tangible change within our community is so rewarding."
Constable Burton said giving at-risk youth positive experiences have the power to shape their relationships with law enforcement as they grow up.
"The Blue Lures program was an attempt to connect with our younger community members and encourage them to participate in positive experiences and discussions which would, in turn, encourage them to make healthier decisions in life," Constable Burton said.
"Now the program is not only seeing such positive benefits at home, but in so many locations across the state, and is a prime example of the proven benefits of early intervention programs."
