Cobourg Police continues to run unique mentoring program with funding from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services
What started as a pilot project in 2012 for the Cobourg Police Service, Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) has been a unique program implemented in Northumberland County. The provincially funded program is a partnership between Cobourg Police Services and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and has been quite successful in mentoring youth in developing job skills and fostering positive community relations.
The Cobourg Police runs the program twice each year; an after school program and a summer program. About 70 youths in Northumberland have been employed in this program since its inception and have helped with events hosted by various local service clubs such as Rotary, the Lion’s Club, and also the Town of Cobourg.
Thomas Wilson, a member of YIPI, talks about his experience with the program.
“My favourite part about the program is the vast amount of knowledge and experience that I receive through the program, which would have been rather difficult to obtain on my own. One skill that I feel has greatly benefited me that developed through the YIPI program, is the ability to better communicate with strangers and the general public”.
When a youth becomes a YIPI, the possibilities are endless. As the Cobourg Police collaborate with the bigger city YIPI programs, a member from Cobourg may visit the Royal Canadian Airforce in Trenton, take a trip to Toronto, or end up on Lake Ontario with the Canadian Coast Guard.
“The objective of this program is to help police and our youths in our community to better interact with each other,” said Cobourg Police Chief Kai Liu. “At the same time, youth are given opportunities to work in our community in many different community centres and organizations. The kids will be challenged to work with groups of individuals that they normally wouldn’t associate with.”
The Cobourg Police are now accepting applications from local youths for the summer program. You can download an application or pick one up from the Cobourg Police Station. Completed applications may be submitted in person at the Cobourg Police Station or by mail with your resume and cover letter.
You can find the criteria and apply online through our website, or you can come into the station at 107 King Street, Cobourg, and apply in person.
If you have any questions, please contact Acting Sergeant Cindy Reeves at 905-372-6821 extension 2281.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
