Cranbrook City Council has approved a $50,000 contribution to a joint youth initiative aimed at strengthening connections between middle and secondary school students and RCMP officers.
The partnership between School District 5 and Cranbrook RCMP will create opportunities for open conversations and positive interactions intended to build trust.
The funding will support a temporary, part-time community engagement coordinator at the Cranbrook RCMP detachment for 12 months.
The coordinator will work with the school liaison and youth officer, school staff and community partners to organize programs involving RCMP members from a range of roles.
The programs will give students opportunities to meet officers in welcoming, non-enforcement settings.
Classroom topics may include online safety, cyberbullying, substance use, personal safety, respectful relationships, decision-making, legal responsibilities and community citizenship.
Planned activities include Police Fitness Days, Fist Bump Fridays, Lunch with a Cop, sports, leadership workshops, service projects and career sessions.
The initiative is intended to help young people feel informed and supported, and more comfortable asking for help or reporting safety concerns.
Organizers also aim to expand youth programming, reduce the risk of crime and victimization, and strengthen cooperation among School District 5, the RCMP, families and community organizations.
Feedback will be reviewed throughout the year to assess whether activities are meeting the needs of local youth and delivering lasting benefits for Cranbrook.
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