The project was developed alongside national security guidelines, with the three-part safety awareness programme set to aid the Queensland Police Service’s crime prevention responses in detecting, deterring and disrupting criminal and terrorist activity.

It is hoped the initiative will increase public awareness and encourage them to report any suspicious activity to either the National Security Hotline, as well as high visibility and specialist officers.

The project was announced by Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan and Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski.

“As the host state for the Games, it’s our role to keep the athletes, tourists, residents and staff safe and secure to ensure everyone has the best time possible,” said Ryan.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to working with police to ensure that our community is well-equipped with the knowledge of what to do and how to respond should a critical incident occur.

“Awareness programmes such as Sentinel Unite are key to getting the message out there that together we can help keep our community safe.

“By accessing the information provided by Sentinel Unite, we all will be in a better position to protect ourselves and our community.”

The project includes behaviour observation and suspicious activity recognition training for police, which was launched earlier this year.

It is hoped the initiative will provide the public with information in the event of a critical incident, particularly in crowded areas.

Gollschewski stated that there was no known threat made to the Games, but measures were made taken to ensure the security of the event and keep the public prepared.

“Sentinel Unite gives the community and business operators practical and easy to understand protective security information,” Gollschewski said.

“I wish to reassure the public that currently, there is no known specific threat to Queensland, or the Commonwealth Games however, we as a community should be aware of how to keep safe if a critical incident should occur.”

The Department of Transport and Main Roads, Gold Coast 2018 and the City of Gold Coast have partnered with the Queensland Police service to support the message that we are all ‘United for a safer community’.

A mobile forensic facility and response motorbikes will be utilised for management of counter terrorism and major crime investigations.

A total of 3,500 police officers from Queensland and 4,200 security personnel will be present at the Games, along with 2,000 members of the Australian Defence Force and 100 officers from the Australian Federal Police.

It means a force of security force of over 10,000 will work together to ensure the safety of athletes, officials and spectators.

Earlier this week, the Commonwealth Games Federation expressed their confidence the Australian Government are taking all measures necessary to ensure the security of Gold Coast 2018.

Commonwealth Games Associations have been briefed on security measures as part of the ongoing Chef de Mission seminar here.

The Games will take place from April 4 to 15 next year.​