November 25, 2008

POLICE IN SCHOOLS NET POSITIVE RESULTS FOR STUDENTS: MINISTERS– – –
Initiative Produces Increased Graduation Rates, Better Attendance, Improved Motivation


Results of the police in schools initiative show increased graduation rates, improved student motivation and reduced suspension rates, Attorney General Dave Chomiak and Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson said today in announcing a three-year extension of the program.

“We know the police in schools initiative helps to keep students safe, but we are also encouraged to learn the initiative is also improving academic results for students,” Chomiak said. “The initiative has resulted in school suspensions being down 40 per cent and incidents of graffiti dramatically reduced along with loitering, vandalism, bullying and violent acts.”

“Strengthening the relationships between youth, police officers and the communities they serve has proven to be an effective tool that ultimately keeps students safe, motivated and in school,” Bjornson said. “The school resource officers are helping us meet our goal of increasing graduation rates for inner-city and Aboriginal students by supporting their efforts to finish high school and go on to post‑secondary education and training.”

Operated in partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service and the Winnipeg School Division over the past six years, school resource officers (SROs) have worked with students in 15 north end schools to teach crime prevention, safety education and conflict resolution. Officers are based at three high schools and also work with elementary and junior high schools in the communities. Goals over the next three years include enhancing neighbourhood safety, strengthening existing partnerships and adding strategic crime prevention resources.

In addition to providing advice, counselling and mediation services, the officers have held community justice forums, started cadet programs at elementary schools and founded a hockey team at St. John’s High School.

“I was pleased to be involved with this program when it began in 2003 and am very glad to see it continue,” said Keith McCaskill, chief of the Winnipeg Police Service. “The school resource officers have been very effective in building relationships and trust with students, staff, and families in the north end.”

“The Winnipeg School Division has benefited greatly from having school resource officers in our schools. The officers act as positive role models and mentors for our school communities. The board of trustees has heard from students – how they feel safer with SROs in our buildings,” said John Orlikow, chair of the board of trustees of the Winnipeg School Division.

The Manitoba government has undertaken numerous initiatives to encourage revitalization in designated urban communities by helping local residents and community stakeholders identify and address local priorities. The police in schools initiative was expanded to downtown and south-central Winnipeg schools last year.

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