LESSON IN CRIME-FIGHTING
Kids see police work as ‘pretty cool’
There were people jumping off a building, lots of guns and several explosions — so not your typical school day.
About 2,400 students from 50 elementary schools are getting an up-close look at Windsor police and their tools this week during demonstration days for the Values, Influences, and Peers (VIP) program.
“I just like the canine unit, how he could jump over the six-foot fence,” said Grade 6 student Lucas Rudowicz. “That was pretty cool. And the bomb that went off, that was pretty cool.”
The two days of demonstrations began Tuesday at the police training centre on Sandwich Street. For students, it’s the much-anticipated culmination of the VIP program, which brings police volunteers into schools to teach and mentor Grade 6 children.
“Now they get to see all the different roles and responsibilities that police officers have in an awesome display,” said Chief Al Frederick. “They really enjoy this day. It’s the highlight of the school year.”
Students on Tuesday watched police dogs go through training exercises, agility courses and some “bite work” with handlers showing how they take down the bad guys.
“I found it really cool how they could attack people and just don’t stop, and how they can jump really high,” said Samantha Scott, 11. “It’s very cool.”
The emergency services unit showcased some high-powered firearms along with Tasers, nightvision goggles and body armour. After that, tactical officers rappelled from the top of a building.
Students also got a look at the tactical rescue vehicle and the outdoor shooting range where officers hone their shooting skills.
But the highlight for most was a visit with the explosive disposal unit. After students got up close with the bomb disposal robot and had a look at some protective gear, they watched an explosion.
Police set off a loud and fiery blast, from a safe distance, sparking a chorus of screams from the children.
“It was pretty intense,” said Gavin Bastien, 12.
Frederick said the demonstration days tend to leave a pretty big impression. The VIP program, in general, has always been a good recruitment tool, he said.
“This program in Grade 6 is so impactful that it motivates people to want to become police officers,” Frederick said. “We see that 15 years later when they’re applying and we ask them straight out, why do you want to be a police officer?”
But it also has a big impact on those who don’t follow the path to policing, he said.
“It leaves an indelible mark on all of them to live as best they can and influence others in positive ways,” said Frederick. “And it gives them that strength of character so when they enter Grade 7 and 8, and then high school, they at least understand what values are and how important peers are in keeping good relationships.”
The students each seemed to take away their own lessons from the program.
“Not to be a criminal and not to do bad stuff, and not to put any offence to people,” said Rudowicz.
Meelad Elias, 11, was a little more philosophical.
“Safety is always first,” he said. “Your strongest tool is not a weapon, it’s your mouth and your body.”