The University of the Sunshine Coast has teamed up with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to launch Queensland’s first Student Watch – a project similar to the highly successful Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

This initiative will encourage USC students to go online to access safety and security information, including crime prevention messages, strategies and links to important associated websites.

The Student Watch blog page at usc.nhwq.org has been linked to USC’s student portal.

The initiative was launched at the University as part of the Market Day festivities of USC’s Semester 2 Welcome Week.

QPS Crime Prevention Officer Senior Constable Mark Readman said it was a significant step for USC to become part of the Neighbourhood Watch Queensland (NHWQ) community.

“There are currently 32 residential NHWQ groups, 1 Commercial Watch, 1 Beach Watch, and now there will be a Student Watch,” he said.

“Since its inception in 1988, NHWQ has evolved dramatically and new ventures and locations have recently been identified to get the issues of personal safety and security conveyed to a wider audience.

“It is envisaged that by formalising the partnership between USC and Queensland Police, issues surrounding drugs, alcohol-fueled violence, parties, safe night precincts and road safety will be able to be discussed better in a more timely manner.

“It is also likely that new and innovative solutions to these problems may be more readily identified, explored and possibly implemented in the near future.”

— Terry Walsh