CPS Youth Policing Summit
I recently attended a Youth Policing Summit hosted by the CPS and associated agencies. It was a very interesting two hours, and I learned a lot to share with the community. Overall, youth crime was down from 2024, but violent crimes were up by 16%. Interestingly, this increase is mirrored in the adult statistics. Is it because of what is happening in the U.S. or what we see on TV, I do not know. 32 school resource officers provide support at 125 Calgary schools.
Along with the school officers, there is a Youth link centre. The Calgary police outreach centre offers a wide range of resources and programs for families and schools. The outreach program provides information and resources regarding gangs, cyber security, and drug awareness as well as looking at youth crime and the complex issues that surround it.
Gang prevention programs are available for students as young as grade 3. They will show how one decision will change the whole trajectory sometimes with deadly consequences. There is an intervention program in place, a diversion program rather than criminal charges being laid. Their program has had a 92% completion rate and only an 8% recidivism rate, so it seems to be working very well.
Education for parents and youth is the key to prevention of our youth becoming involved in crime and learning how to extract themselves from unsafe situations. With this in mind, Cedarbrae will be working with various CPS agencies to bring a series of sessions to the community centre. They will be free to attend for families and help create connections with law enforcement and programs.
Joyce Wright
CCLA Board Treasurer
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