The Chatham-Kent Police Service was pleased to be involved in The Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) for a second year in a row. YIPI provides an innovative eight-week summer employment opportunity for youth from at-risk communities to work with their local police service organization to develop skills relevant to a possible future career in policing.
The Youth in Policing Initiative is intended for youth who:
- are ages 14-17,
- reside in an “at-risk” community,
- reflect the cultural diversity of the community,
- are eligible to work in Canada,
- seek work experience/job skills training,
- successfully complete the recruitment/background check process,
- agree to a mentor relationship,
- have not completed YIPI in the past; and
- will be returning to school in September
The Youth in Policing Initiative is designed to engage youth by providing a positive paid summer work experience, on the job training, and mentorship opportunities. The primary objectives of YIPI are to:
- Provide a safe and positive summer employment opportunity for youth from diverse backgrounds, who reside in at-risk communities and are reflective of the cultural diversity of the community;
- Enhance relationships and partnerships between police and the communities they serve, by developing a positive working relationship;
- Promote youth participation and exposure to the work environment through diverse, educational and productive work assignments with the police service;
- Promote the Police Service as an employer of choice.
YIPI strives to promote community involvement and partnerships, by creating opportunities and improving outcomes for youth. All youth who participate in YIPI are connected to a Policing Service staff mentor. Mentors are staff persons who have an interest in “teaching/guiding” youth, and who provide a positive role model for YIPI participants. Ideally, mentors are available to spend time getting to know the youth, and engaging youth in discussions to help youth plan for their future.