New police posters target youths Halton police have unveiled a the canvass and get respect as an series of posters aimed at not only artist and not as a criminal. stemming the number of youth The words Give Respect-Get related crimes, but also countering Respect accompany Cananzi's the negative stereotypes that have painting of people silhouetted been slapped against youths as a against a beautiful sunset. result. The second poster deals with Dealing with such themes as youth on youth robbery (also property crime, robbery and the known as jumps, rips or punk-offs). perception people have about Police noted this theme was youths, the three posters are the chosen because during 2006 more work of the Respect Youth Action than half of robberies were perpePlan committee, a special group trated by youths with the majority comprised of young people (some who got caught not even realizing of whom have had contact with they had committed a serious police and the justice system) and offence. two police officers who work "Most recognize that stealing is together to spread education and wrong, but there is often a great awareness about the pitfalls of sense of surprise when the charge criminal behaviour. is elevated to robbery," said Shelley "Our strategy and goals were O'Donnell, a probation officer and simple," said youth worker Inspector Jackie with the Gordon, who foundMinistry of ed the group. Children and "By empowering Youth Services youth in the proband Halton lem solving process Youth Justice and educating them Program. about key issues, we "There's a could change things real need to get for the better." the message out The first poster to youth before in the series was they find themcreated during last selves in trouble year's Oakville with the law." Waterfront Festival. The Youth At the event the One of the new posters. Respect Action young members of Plan committee the Respect Youth Action Plan poster presents youths with a simcommittee organized and ran an ple equation. Urban Art Competition for the Physical Assault or Threat + waterfront festival's 10,000 teen Theft= Robbery. and twenty-something visitors. Police point out that beating In an effort to drive home a mes- someone up and stealing their iPod sage against graffiti and other can have much more serious conforms of vandalism and property sequences than many youths are crime the special event gave youths aware. the opportunity to legitimately disSuch an act can result in a crimplay their art with 45 large-scale inal record, which can hinder a pieces being created over the week- person's ability to get a job. end. It can restrict freedoms because In the end a painting by after being apprehended the person Oakville's Alexandra Cananzi was may be required to follow a curfew chosen to become the Respect or stay away from certain people or Youth Action Plan's first promo- places or all of the above. tional poster. Having a criminal record can Carrying forward the message also make it difficult to rent an against property crime the poster apartment and can result in denial calls on youths to save their art for of entry into the United States or other countries. Being convicted of a crime may also require a person have regular visits from a probation officer and if the person over 18 is simply arrested for robbery their name may be released to the media for publication. The final poster addresses the issue of how youths are perceived and calls on the public not to make snap judgments about someone based on their appearance. "I used to go job hunting with a friend who didn't pay as close attention to his appearance as me," said Lynn, a 19-year-old Oakville youth and member of the Respect Youth Action Plan committee. 9 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Bra & Swimwear Antigel Promo July 16 - 18 20% off Swimwear with purchase of Antigel bra An repre tigel sent from Mon ative tre be in the s al will to July 1 re on 7 See Police page 11 LESS THAN LEVEL BAR AND GRILL For all your sports and entertainment needs. T.H.E. 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