Category: Gangs in the news…
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Queensland Police recognised for Gang Exit Program
Project Kairos: Queensland Gangs Exit Program, Queensland
The Australian Institute of Criminology recently recognised the Queensland Police Service through that Institute’s annual Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. The innovative Project Kairos was established by the Queensland Police Service Organised Crime Gangs Group in 2018 to reduce the harm caused to the community by outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs). The project has four pillars: research, prevention, an exit program and equipping the workforce. The project recognises not all organised crime gang members are created equal. Not all gang members are redeemable or want to be redeemed, but many are. An investment in creating favourable moments for action has the possibility of delivering significant benefits to the Queensland community, the individuals and their families and reducing crime and violence.
Project Kairos leads the nation for innovative prevention and intervention strategies to reduce the crime and violence perpetrated by OMCGs. Queensland is the only Australasian jurisdiction with a structured process for OMCG members to declare their disassociation from a gang. Since 2014, 267 former OMCG members have formally disaffiliated. Project Kairos’ foundational research from 2018 and 2020 found leaving an OMCG is a real turning point for an individual. Criminal offending by this cohort reduced significantly, delivering real community benefits through reduced crime.