Transcript Youth Police Academy (October 2013)

Youth Police Academy
(July 2 - 6, 2013)
Information update
Natasha Goudar, Manager
Equity, Diversity and Human Rights
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Youth Police Academy
Objectives
1. To build trust between the EPS and Injera communities (Somali,
Sudanese, Ethiopian, Eritrean and Oromo);
2. These communities gain a better understanding of police roles and
responsibilities;
3. Shared understanding of cultural safety;
4. Quality feedback about community priorities.
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Academy Curriculum
• Curriculum built in partnership with Injera communities, EPS,
and the Centre for Race and Culture.
• Topics included:
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Accountability and Integrity
Gang and Drug
Sexual Assault
Recruit Skills Challenge
Proactive problem-solving walk with Beat officers
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Program Accomplishments
• 45 Youth participated in the program;
• 80% of the youth felt more comfortable around police
officers;
• 90% said they felt more confident to talk to a police officer in
their community after participating in the YPA.
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Shared Lessons
• Knowledge gained at Academy must be shared with other EPS
members;
• Relationships built through Academy must be sustained and
expanded;
• “Community-driven; Police supported”
• “It’s checking myself, making sure I’m not coming across as a
dominant cop.” – EPS Presenter
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Principles for future Academies
1. Academies must be developed in partnership with community and EPS;
2. Presentations tailored to the audience in a culturally sensitive manner;
3. Community partners are vital;
4. More opportunities for youth to share their priorities and concerns;
5. Dialogue, debate, questioning, inquiry, and cultural awareness are vital.
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Youth Police Academy Questions
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