NEWS

"Interacting With the Community" The Royal Canadian Mounted Police

By: Jennifer F., Roncalli Central High School, Port Saunders, NF

“License and registration please,” these are the dreadful words that most people think of when they hear the letters RCMP. It is sad to say but in today’s society most people have a negative outlook on the RCMP. They think that the only interaction our national police force has with people is giving tickets, and the occasional surprise road block. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are more than just law enforcers. They are teachers, role models and above all friends.

The RCMP in interact with the community on a regular basis. They are an open house to people who want to learn more about their work. Schools make frequent visits to the Police stations. They see the prison cells, have their finger prints taken, sit in the police car with the lights flashing and siren sounding and much more.

Student summer RCMP employee Rebecca Ryan from Port Saunders, Newfoundland is helping the RCMP conduct “Bicycle Rodeos,” She stated, “The police conduct, “ Bicycle Rodeos,” every summer. They inform bike riders about the importance of bicycle safety and teach them the rules of the road. They try to prevent bicycle accidents from happening.”

They provide, “ Ride Alongs,” for people who are thinking about becoming a member of the RCMP. They get to accompany a member of the RCMP for a full day or night. It gives them a chance to really see what the RCMP does for society.

The RCMP also partner with the area in a program called Crime Stoppers. This program, Crime Stoppers is a community-based program that brings the public, the media and the police together in cooperative effort to help solve crime. This is accomplished by offering Cash Awards and guaranteeing anonimity to persons who furnish information leading to the arrest of or laying of charges against criminal offenders. Check out the Crime Stoppers website!

Don Tulk, teacher and parent commented on his outlook on the RCMP, “Members of the RCMP do more than “just ride around in cars and eat donuts”. They go out of their way to enforce laws, maintain stable communities and above all, keep people safe.”

So the next time you hear the words, “License and registration please,” don’t complain. Remember how the RCMP helps you and society.

If you want to learn more about the RCMP visit their website www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Check out the video of kids at the Police station!