It's an unfortunate part of the profession, but it's rare that police are involved in good news stories. With the roll out of a new police recognition program at Estevan Police Service, they hope to balance the scales a little.
Through the new program, EPS is continuing to grow its role as a community presence, to work with residents throughout the city in order to maintain safe streets for all. Chief Paul Ladouceur wants the community recognition initiative to demonstrate that anybody in the city can help by not just keeping it safe but making others feel safe and accepted.
"We developed a police recognition program, and it involves looking at members of our community who go above and beyond and do some outstanding things, whether it be volunteer work or just acts of kindness in the community. Things that in turn work well with our police organization within the community," said Ladouceur.
EPS will select a member of the community each month to be invited to the police board meeting where they will be presented with an EPS collector coin, which features the EPS insignia. They will also receive a letter of appreciation.
"I think sometimes people do a lot of outstanding things and really don't get recognized for it. We realize most people don't even want the recognition, but it's a nice gesture, and it involves the community," he said.
They have already distributed one coin, but Ladouceur said the recipient wished to remain anonymous, so they respected those wishes.
"At the next board meeting we'll be doing another as well. It's a good news story," said the chief.
He said the recognition may be awarded to anyone, from a young student to a senior citizen.
"If people witness someone doing something above and beyond, whether it's helping someone cross the street or doing something kind in the community, then certainly they can let us know. It's a good news story for the public and the police. Sometimes it's nice to hear the good news. We want to be involved in a bit of good news, too," said Ladouceur.
Last week EPS also upped their social media presence starting a Twitter account under the handle @Estevan_Police and will use it as a means to communicate with the community with safety tips and general information.
"As a police service, we think it's very important to connect with the community and be involved. The technology has been around for awhile, and we need to jump on board," said Ladouceur.
It also gives the police a chance to easily publicize all of the events they take part in around Estevan. During their first week live on Twitter, they tweeted their involvement in a mock impaired-driving accident at the Estevan Comprehensive School and the annual Relay for Life.
"We're going to share things that often don't get out there because it may not be newsworthy items. It's to engage the community and connect with the community. It's very important to have that relationship," said Ladouceur.
EPS is also developing a new website, to be unveiled in the next few months and ask anyone who has a general inquiry to e-mail EPS at contact@estevanpolice.ca
Ladouceur noted that account is not for emergency service and neither their Twitter account nor e-mail is monitored around the clock.
