Top youth cop to visit Coast today

The top cop for Youth in NSW, Joe Cassar, is set to visit Police Citizens Youth Clubs on the Central Coast today.

Assistant Commissioner Cassar's heading to Umina Beach, Bateau Bay and Morisset PCYC's, to discuss strategies and programs to improve our forces' relationship with young Coasties.

It will involve discussions with youth practitioners about local strategies and programs and the impact they have on youth within the community.

Assistant Commissioner Cassar said it’s exciting to see positive relationships with NSW Police and the young people in communities across the state.

“Programs run at PCYCs across the state are vital in reaching and teaching young people at a grass roots level,” Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.

“The visit is a great opportunity to engage with local police and youth and to obtain feedback on their experiences.

“We also have Youth Liaison Officers, supported by Specialist Youth Officers in each local area command who develop strategies to reduce juvenile crime,” Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.

As part of the visit, there will also be an opportunity of the participants of the PCYC Blue Star Citizenship program being run at the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreational camp to showcase their skills.

“Assistant Commissioner Cassar will have the opportunity to meet the program participants and see firsthand how PCYC and the Police Youth Command are developing our leaders of tomorrow,” NSW Police Youth Commander David Scrimegour said.

The new draft NSW Police Force Youth Strategy outlines that police officers aim to prevent youth from becoming victims of crime, prevent youth from offending, work in partnership to reduce anti-social behaviour and support collaborate approaches in all aspects of youth policing.

More information about the work of PCYC and links to local clubs and initiatives can be found at www.pcycnsw.org.