Youth in Policing Initiative returns this summer in Guelph

Guelph police is bringing back its Youth in Policing Initiative after being away for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is back this June and the force said it’s looking forward to starting the summer initiative again.

It gives high school students a chance to work with police for the summer, offering them competitive wages along with hands-on experience.

Scott Tracey, media relations coordinator for Guelph police, said the return of the program is a sign that things are getting back to normal.

“I think they’re still sorting out what their involvement is going to be, but I know the students typically do help out at community events,” Tracey said.

“They do have a chance to interact with various departments within the Guelph police and learn about what’s involved in those departments.”

He said it’s a great opportunity not only for young people looking to get involved in a career in policing, but for those who want to work in an interesting spot for the summer.

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He added it’s an interesting place for students to work and probably unlike any other summer job they’ll ever have.

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Tracey said it’s a popular program among young kids, but he expects interest to be even higher this year because of the two-year layoff.

“Certainly the interest in the program is quite high and it is a good way to reach out to the young people in the community,” he said.

“There are people who are not necessarily served by the police, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is certainly good to have the young people being involved in our activities and bringing that youth perspective to a lot of the things we do.”

Tracey added the program will put students in a leadership role, provide them with CPR and first aid certification, and more.

In order to qualify, he said you need to be between 15 and 18 years old, a resident of Guelph and enrolled to return to school in September.

Applications are being accepted until April 29. To apply, go to Guelph’s police’s website and learn more information.