East Gippsland Police have launched a new community engagement initiative aimed at making it easier for residents to raise local concerns and issues directly with police.
The program, known as East Gippsland Community Connect, uses a QR code system allowing community members to quickly submit concerns via email, including anonymously if they choose.
Police say the initiative has been designed to reduce barriers associated with reporting community-based issues and improve communication between residents and local officers.
Senior Sergeant Mark Jolley said the program would help police gain a better understanding of concerns that may not always be formally reported.
“The purpose is to provide an easier pathway for community members to engage with police on issues or concerns impacting their community which don’t always reach police,” he said.
Examples may include antisocial behaviour, road policing concerns and other ongoing local issues affecting neighbourhoods and towns across the region.
Police say the initiative is intended to create a simple and accessible point of contact while also allowing officers to provide more tailored responses to community concerns.
East Gippsland Police acknowledged some residents may find it difficult to raise issues through traditional reporting channels and hope the QR code system encourages greater participation and communication.
“The aim of this initiative is to reduce barriers associated with reporting in the hope that by creating this simple point of contact, we can better understand and respond to issues important to the community,” Senior Sergeant Jolley said.
Flyers featuring the QR code are expected to be distributed throughout the region as part of the rollout.
