Highlights

Youth Advisory Group Project: Twenty-three “E” Division RCMP Detachments participated in this pilot project, the first of its kind in Canada. RCMP members mentored youth advisors and supported them with the implementation of youth-driven school and community-based crime prevention activities. Youth Advisors built connections through an online communications platform called “Community Zero,” and participated in monthly meetings to discuss ideas and solutions to issues related to youth victimization, youth criminal activities and youth relationships with the police. An extensive youth consultation was held during February 2007 to share experiences and successes and to showcase projects and provide input into the prospective path of the program. The project will be evaluated at the end of the pilot year to determine its future direction.

Safer Communities Workshop: The Safer Communities Workshop promotes Crime Prevention through Social Development (CPSD), which addresses the root causes of crime. This crime prevention approach aims to build safer communities by involving a range of partners in addressing the factors that contribute to crime and victimization. The workshop is a two-day program focused on education, training and working meetings. Since the program’s inception in January 2005, 41 workshops have been hosted in BC.

AMBER Alert: Activated when children are abducted, AMBER Alert involves all police, media and numerous partner agencies and stands as an effective example that partnership is crucial in the protection of children and youth. In 2006, the web-based AMBER Alert system was activated three separate times in BC and resulted in the safe return of five children to their homes.

40 Developmental Assets: Developmental asset building resource kits featuring the 40 Assets video, ready-made presentations and information on community change were distributed to “E” Division Detachments. The Search Institute (www.search-institute.org/ assets) identifies 40 assets as essential building blocks of healthy development that support
children and youth to help them grow into caring and responsible adults.

Richmond Youth Volunteers Pilot Project: “E” Division Community Policing Services has been working with Richmond RCMP Detachment to involve youth between ages 16 and 19 as Community Policing Youth Volunteers. Working from Richmond Community Police Stations, the youth receive: orientation, training and supervision; an introduction to community policing and crime prevention initiatives; and the opportunity to build skills and experience the benefits of volunteering.

Making the Youth Connection: Campbell River RCMP members spearheaded the Top Cop Reading Program by infusing books with voice and encouraging children to keep track of the time they spent reading each day. They also collaborated with local First Nations communities for a multi-day youth conference focused on health, recreation and raising awareness surrounding crystal meth.