Woodstock’s police department is now accepting applications for an intensive summer program intended to inspire young people to consider a career in law enforcement.
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A collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Community and Social Services, the Youth in Policing Initiative is open to Woodstock students 15 to 18 years old who are eligible to work in Canada and are returning to school in the upcoming academic year.
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The eight-week program focuses on “positive, productive activities in a safe and healthy environment,” police officials said in a press release.
During the program, the students will gain knowledge of the different units within the Woodstock Police Service while helping with office work and assisting the community services officer at community events. The students will also serve as mentors at other children’s summer programming and participate in youth empowerment and inclusiveness training.
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“The goal of the program is to inspire young people to look at policing as a career choice, to become ambassadors by improving police and youth relations and develop employment and life skills,” officials said.
As part of the acceptance criteria, applicants must show how they would benefit from a mentoring relationship with members of the department, as well as how they would learn from this “developmental opportunity” in terms of leadership and civic responsibility.
Students selected for the program, which runs from the first week of July to late August, are responsible for their own daily transportation to the police station.
Students interested in applying need to submit a summary and completed application form via email at [email protected] or in person at headquarters at 615 Dundas St. by 4 pm on Monday, May 6.
More information about the program, and the application form, are available online at www.woodstockpolice.ca/yipi. Applications that are submitted late or are incomplete will not be considered, police said.
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