Cops, kids and community - CPEC work begins
By Kyra Hoggan
Preventing crime by connecting with kids – that’s the baseline goal of a new RCMP-led initiative at work in Castlegar. Today saw one of the first meetings of a group of stakeholders engaged in the initiative, which labours under the weighty moniker Community Policing Education Continuum (CPEC).
Spearheaded by RCMP Cpl. Marty Kooiman, CPEC is designed to identify and fill gaps in the programming offered to prevent high-risk activities (drinking, drugs, violence, inappropriate sexual activity, etc.) in youth. Representatives from Mental Health and Addictions, School District 20, Castlegar Community Services Society, FreedomQuest, the media and, of course, the RCMP met at the Community Forum today and looked over some of the intervention programming currently being delivered to school-aged children, brainstorming around potential additions that might better equip children to make difficult decisions as they transition into adulthood. “There’s a huge gap between police and the kids in school – some kids are afraid of us, others just don’t know what we do,” said Castlegar RCMP detachment commander Laurel Mathew. “There’s so much more than can be done – childhood isn’t always easy, and if we can intervene early and build relationships with the kids, if we can help with some education and be a positive part of their socialization, we can help them see us the good guys, as people they can turn to.” “I love that so many people and organizations are getting involved,” she added. “It’s not just about policing, it’s about creating healthy community for kids. We want to educate and build relationships rather than just sending cops into the schools with a ‘Thou shalt not …’ message.” Kooiman pointed out, though, that police resources are limited, and some of the more important messages aren’t getting through to kids, or are being communicated to kids at the wrong time in their development – which is why police are partnering with other individuals, political groups and service organizations to shore up the gaps. The group set out some short-term goals in terms of “next steps” and program development – for example, Community Services talked about offering Grade 7 students help in making the segue to high school. Kooiman also made it clear he wants to apply the results on a West-Kootenay-wide basis, engaging the entire region in similar efforts. Watch The Source for more coverage on CPEC plans and programs as the initiative evolves.
