New community officer at Peterborough County OPP
She may be new to the community services and media relations role, but Peterborough County OPP Const. Cass Jackson is no stranger to the area.
She has lived in Peterborough since age five and while many police officers get their first posting in remote locations far from home – she began her policing career at Central Hastings OPP in Madoc in 2014, commuting daily from the city.
Her October 2015 transfer to the Peterborough County OPP detachment reunited her, in a professional capacity, with the city where her family enjoys living.
“This community means everything to me,” she said Monday, explaining how it is the small town feel, but access to bigger city amenities, that she enjoys about living here. “That’s something we do a great job with in Peterborough.”
Jackson, 29, has worked extensively with the OPP auxiliary unit and LGBT community as part of community-based efforts, making her a natural fit for the position – which opened after Const. Jason Folz accepted a new role at OPP headquarters in Orillia.
“I just realized I had a passion for it and the skills as well,” she said, pointing out that she was able to shadow Folz for three weeks before Monday’s official switch.
The transition period, in which the duo travelled around to make introductions with the OPP’s list of community partners and media representatives, helped her learn more about the value of open, positive relationships and the value of community.
Jackson enjoys the work, including telling others about the many efforts of the provincial service at community events such as the recent BEL Rotary Polar Plunge on Chemong Lake and the Peterborough 911 Axe Throwing Challenge.
On Tuesday, she’ll be on the recruitment beat at a job fair at Fleming College. She will also regularly address community groups, such as local seniors’ organizations.
Looking ahead, Jackson said she looks forward to expanding the detachment’s presence on social media, which is becoming more and more important in communications. “I’ve realized that’s the best way to engage people.”
Her new position, a three-year commitment, fosters a variety of skill sets. That could open many different avenues, said Jackson, who is looking forward to where the role takes her. She also enjoys coaching and mentoring.
Jackson also worked as a special constable at Queen’s Park in 2010. In fact, her relationship with the OPP dates back to 2009, when she began a 4 1/2-year stint with the OPP auxiliary in Peterborough.
As part of the volunteer program, auxiliary officers get special training to perform a wide range of duties, such as community policing efforts, regular patrol, crime and disaster scenes and crowd or traffic control.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Jackson enjoys active hobbies such as mountain biking and snowboarding and recently acquired a four-legged companion who will soon be accompanying her on local trails, such as at Harold Town Conservation Area.
NOTE: Peterborough County OPP media relations officer Const. Cass Jackson can be reached at 705-742-0401 and cassandra.jackson@opp.ca .