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The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 17, 2006 - 3 Police want to build bridges with youth By Howard Mozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Halton Regional Police will not only be stepping up enforcement this summer in east Oakville, they will be building bridges to youth there through a number of proactive measures to cut down on crime. Officially called the Oakville East Team Project ­ Summer 2006, this initiative is a direct response to concerns expressed by members of the Maplegrove/Clearview Community Consultation Committee (CCC) about such mischief-related offenses like graffiti and vandalism. Rather than simply crack down hard on offenders, though, a number of officers who are dedicated to regular assignments in the same area will also get to know local youth, and vice-versa. "Usually when police and teens meet, it's on bad terms," said Const. Jeff Springstead. This is important for several reasons, says Sgt. Steve MacDonald, explaining that 12-hour shifts can be long for officers so smoother relations with youth are important. And, as incongruous as it may sound, he also wants officers to "have fun" while they discharge their duties. RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER POLICE IN ACTION : As part of the Halton Regional Police Oakville East Team Project ­ Summer 2006, an initiative that combines enforcement and improved community relations to cut down on crime in east Oakville, a charity ball hockey game between officers and Oakville Trafalgar High School students was held last week with proceeds going to Halton Women's Place. Former NHLer and Oakville resident Adam Graves (right) played for the cops. To start things off on the right foot, a charity ball hockey game was held May 9 at Oakville Trafalgar High School (OTHS) with a student team playing the police. Spectators paid $1 each to get out of school a little early, with the money going to Halton Women's Place. "The key is building partnerships with youth," said Const. Springstead, who explained problems include garbage and broken bottles left in parks. "We're trying to nip this in the bud." Last Thursday, a special career day was held at OTHS, featuring by K-9, Tactical and Recruiting officers in order to generate interest in and respect for the service. Drawing new blood from local neighbourhoods is important, said Sgt. MacDonald, since job retention is greater than for officers hired from outside. According to Sgt. MacDonald, one tool at their disposal is having plainclothed officers targeting problem areas for three weekends beginning May 5. When this was done several years ago, calls for service on Friday and Saturday nights dropped. Patrol officers, on the other hand, are also encouraged to stop by OTHS just to touch base. "We want to put a positive spin on the spring," said Sgt. MacDonald, explaining how officers also share information with the next shift in order to maintain continuity. "We have had a great response from officers." At stake for CCC members is nothing short of their quality of life, especially issues relating to a fear of crime and the safety of area residents who frequent certain areas during the evening and at night. That's why the East Team Project is employing a variety of initiatives to complement enforce- ment. Crime Stoppers information, such as posters, is being utilized to encourage the confidential reporting to police of such crimes as vandalism. Town of Oakville Parks and Open Space Director Chris Mark has also agreed to receive telephone calls directly from officers in an attempt to expedite the process of cleaning graffiti from Town property. Maple Grove Plaza is one site identified by residents as a problem area so police have been given authority under the Trespass to Property Act for enforcement there if necessary. Foot and bike patrols in relevant areas like trails, parks and forests, will also be stepped up. In order to further bridge the gap with youth, Sgt. MacDonald explained that the CCC is looking for new members, including young people who can hopefully earn Community Service hours. When the Oakville East Team Project wraps up at the end of July, officers will go back to the CCC to find out whether or not the enforcement period made a difference on local crime, as well as to share their thoughts with residents. Monthly reviews also take place. Halton Regional Police divide Oakville into four zones - East, West, Trafalgar and Palermo. 6 GST NOW!! Plus if your Household Drives a: % LIMITED TIME OFFER! 2006 PONTIAC G6, V6 DEMO · Sunfire · Cavalier · Malibu · Grand Am * · Alero · G6 0 $ % You Get PLUS! 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