The Meadow Lake RCMP will be out giving away voucher for a free item from one of the participating local businesses as a reward for positive behaviour this summer. (Submitted Photo/Maryah Walker)

By Elliott Knopp

Positive Ticketing

Meadow Lake RCMP community engagement campaign promoting positive relationships with local enforcement

Apr 28, 2021 | 1:21 PM

The Meadow Lake RCMP detachment has launched a campaign with the intention of fostering positive interactions with residents in the community.

Throughout the summer, members of the Meadow Lake RCMP will randomly reward residents with a small gift voucher that can be redeemed for an eligible beverage or snack of their choice from either Eatery on Main or City Convenience.

Community program officer Maryah Walker explained residents can land themselves one of these sweet treats simply through interacting with an officer patrolling the area. Officials could approach people they see engaging in outdoor activities like children biking with helmets on, a family strolling through the park and other activities.

“We always want to do things in the community that give us an opportunity to have positive, impactful interactions,” Walker said. “So much of the work that we do in Meadow Lake is reactionary. We’re crisis responding a lot of the time, especially recently with the amount of work we’ve been doing with respect to the gang suppression strategy in the community. So this is an opportunity for us to have different interactions with the community, and have the community see us in a more positive manner.”

Members have already started doing foot patrols in the downtown areas of Meadow Lake with the intention of changing the way people perceive local law enforcement. Walker stated some officials have already received a few positive reactions from residents.

Election Profile

Mauri Young seeks second term

3h ago

New cabinet

Cockrill and Harrison take on new responsibilities as Premier appoints cabinet

Nov 07, 2024

Warm weather continues

Warmer-than-normal weather continues through the weekend

Nov 07, 2024

With the Meadow Lake detachment’s presence in news cycles being heavily focused on their gang suppression efforts, officials believe this campaign will help the public see members of the detachment in a different role separate from their enforcement duties.

“The members that I work with are working so tirelessly day in and day out that these opportunities to have a positive interaction with the community is good for them. It’s good for the community to be able to connect with members in a positive way to be able to sustain, build and maintain those pressing and positive relationships with the community. It’s mutually beneficial for everyone whenever we can build those positive relationships in the community.”

—

elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp