Calgary police program to help youth from being radicalized gets boost from Liberals

A two-year Calgary police pilot program to help prevent youth radicalization has received full funding from the federal government.

The Redirect program was launched in 2015, to help young people deemed vulnerable to radicalization.

It has received $1.3 million in funding over five years from the federal Community Resilience Fund.

The program looks for at-risk youth and links them with a police officer and a social worker who attempt to steer them from dangerous ideologies.

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Calgary police Insp. Leah Barber said it is aimed at individuals who may be recruited by terrorist organizations like the Islamic State or criminal gangs looking for new members.

She says tips come from parents, communities and schools that may have noticed warning signs of radicalization.

WATCH: Staff Sgt. Claire Smart and Sgt. Paul Dunn join Global Calgary with details on the new ReDirect program from the Calgary Police Service.