Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the Canadian Police Association in general and the Brandon Police Service in particular who are in town this week.
The Brandon Police Service has developed an innovative approach to traditional crime prevention, one that is community based with a focus on youth.
In January 1995 to increase informal accessibility of police officers to young people, six Brandon schools formally adopted a cop. The officer is sometimes a guest in the classroom or a walker in the halls which provides students with the opportunity to interact with the officer at whatever level they choose.
Canadian police forces across the country are making great efforts to bring policing closer to the communities and are working with the communities to address issues relating to crime prevention.
I salute the initiative of the Brandon Police Service and the administrative staff of the participating schools. I encourage more involvement of this type across the country.