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Youth here have more negative perception of police MELANIE HENNESSEY Special to The IFP Young people in north Halton hold a more negative perception of police than their counterparts in the south, according to a study on local youth-police relations. The recently-released document-- prepared by a consultant for the youth-police relations working committee-- sheds some light on how Halton youth aged 12 to 24 years feel about officers and what needs to be done to improve the relationship between the two groups. It identifies that one of the challenges is youth perception of police behaviour, particularly in north Halton. "Youth in the north are more negative about the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), as compared to other police services, than are youth in the south," the study reveals. "They stated that they also were more likely to behave disrespectfully to the police." It goes on to say, "These differences-- whether resulting from inconsistencies in service availability or from behaviours and attitudes of police and youth-- should be further examined." Other key findings in the study include: · Police and youth generally believe they need to have respect for each other and they should treat each other politely. · There's a willingness on the part of both youth and police to learn more about appropriate behaviour, the role of police and the legal rights and obligations of youth. See STUDY, pg. 9 Physical fitness is fun In keeping with recent guidelines from the Ministry of Education to incorporate a minimum of 20 minutes of physical activity into each day, St. Joseph's Catholic School in Acton recently kicked off their Daily Physical Activity (DPA) program with assemblies to show the kids how to do the exercises. Junior Kindergarten student Rylea Wilson got right into the spirit of the program as teachers led the kids in their first DPA. Photo by Ted Brown