Police Break Down Barriers In Priority Community

A community policing initiative in the Kennebecasis Valley is paying off, according to one local police officer.

Last year, the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force began working with citizens in a local priority neighbourhood to help break down barriers.

The neighbourhood is one which officers were dealing with on a regular basis, according to Cpl. Kelley McIntyre.

“We worked with the landlord at the time and we went door-to-door and actually met with everyone that was there, talked about issues that they were having in the community and some of their concerns,” said McIntyre.

At the same time, officers wanted kids in the community to feel like they could approach them.

McIntyre said they came up with the idea of throwing a huge Christmas party.

“Instead of picking one family, we thought we would choose all families with children down there,” she said. “Every child ended up with a book, a toy, a meal and a visit from Santa.”

This year, officers and community sponsors threw a party for 40 children and their families.

Officers and civilian staff donated money to help buy toys and McIntyre was joined by two fellow officers — Const. Sebastian Lee and Const. Shawn Toner — to help shop and wrap.

Several businesses in the community also stepped up to donate items for the party.

McIntyre said it has been a really good experience, adding they have started to see an increase in what she describes as “good types” of calls.

“In the past, where maybe we weren’t getting calls about domestic violence, everyone kind of had that it’s-none-of-my-business idea,” she said.

Residents have also started talking to police more about crimes and concerns they have in the community, she said.

McIntyre hopes the initiative will continue to create more conversation between police and the community.