WESTLOCK — A new program aimed at Westlock youth will help bolster a positive relationship between them and law enforcement.
Westlock Community Victim Services, Westlock RCMP and town and county peace officers are teaming up for a new, positive-ticketing initiative dubbed ‘Project High-Five’.
Expected to begin by the end of July and run year-round, the program will see officers hand out tickets to kids for positive actions and behaviour while out on patrol.
Leah Breckenridge, program manager for the Westlock Community Victim Services Unit, said they have been working to bring the new program to the area and welcome the positive impact it will have for many in the community.
“It’s been in the works for some time, to reinforce good behaviours in the community. The RCMP and municipal officers can have interactions with youth and families in the community with a positive spin,” said Breckenridge, noting it helps foster good relationships between youth and families and community building while making these impacts.
Youth will be rewarded with positive tickets for actions and behaviours in several areas. They include practising personal safety and wellness such as wearing a bicycle helmet, good deeds such as helping someone with groceries, participating in community activities such as helping with a local fundraiser or group like the local community garden. Positive tickets will also be given out to kids who demonstrate community pride such as picking up trash or volunteerism, deterring crime and observing rules such as teens driving safely or standing up for others.
“We have approached some of the local businesses and have asked for their support in this and many of them have stepped up quite eagerly,” said Breckenridge. “The sorts of things that will be connected to their ‘ticket’ will be a free slush or free french fries — little rewards. We’ve already received donations from several businesses,” she said, noting positive support from many for the new program.
Breckenridge added that there is no age limit on youth recognized for their efforts via the et program.
“If RCMP is doing a checkstop and one of the vehicles they pull over is a 17 year old they’re respectful in their communication with the RCMP and they are following all the rules, they could get a (positive) ticket,” she said, noting another example of a family riding their bicycles together, wearing helmets could also be ticketed.
Breckenridge noted that too often young people associate law enforcement with being in trouble and she hopes the new program will help strengthen positive interactions between youth, RCMP and municipal enforcement officers.
“We know that in order to make a difference we have to start with the young people,” said Breckenridge. “The intention is to come together as a community and so far, that’s what we’re seeing — the businesses, the town, RCMP and (law) enforcement officers. Everybody that I have spoken with is really excited about being a part of this.”
