Giving Back

One thing I have really enjoyed doing and started last year, was giving back to the community and volunteering my time to people that need help. I suppose that is all about being an officer. I have found, not only is giving my time rewarding, but I am making a difference. We all know our world is not perfect and nor is it ever going to be, but I do think it can get better and stronger if we learned to accept people more and to become open minded.

I am a strong believer in rehabilitation. I think if there were more programs set in place for offenders to teach them not to re-offend we would have safer communities, less tax dollars spent on the court, less crowded jails and a feeling of knowing that not all offenders are bad people. Currently, I am tutoring inmates at our local prison, and boy what an eye opener. Most of the male population within the jail are re-offenders, with little or no education. So what does that tell us? Were they misunderstood as a child? Did teachers give up on them? Bad parenting? Labeled as a criminal? All these factors psychologically play into why they offended in the first place. Well why not stop that? Change it, and start to show them that they are not misunderstood, labeled or dumb.

One inmate I worked with was unfortunately under one of those categories. I was there to help him get his high school education and to make a positive change to his life. Don't get me wrong, not every visit is a picnic. It is an unknown and intimidating environment. Walking into a male prison and I being a female can be nerve racking, but after my visits I was always thanked for my time and I got to see progress. He is now finishing up high school and aiming to go onto college for a heavy equipment mechanic diploma.

This organization that I am with is a pilot project and we are always looking for new learners within the prison. The program can always be shut down if we don't get the interest, however we have been successful within the last two years and we will hopefully go on. The prison also offers programs for the guys to work on woodworking projects and bike projects. They don't just sit in their cells or fight in the yard, they work and they all have to. Close people to me thought I was nuts for volunteering for this organization, one person said, "you are crazy for 'wasting' your time on these type of people". These people. There's that label again. All I know is that, yes, there are some people that do deserve to be behind bars, but then there are others that just need a little help. If I can make a difference in their lives and prevent them from re-offending and it's making your community safe, then I am happy and will continue to give my time for them. Maybe look within your community and find something that allows you to give back and make a difference to someone's life.


------buzzing off


Hint #3 As discussed, volunteering your time is a rewarding experience, but it is also a basic must for your application process. The police departments need to see you are a giving and compassionate person that will give up your time for others. That is essentially the job of being a cop. Risking your life for others and helping communities. Most cops still continue to volunteer even while on the force. You are representing Canada, the city, town, or community. So show them how much of an asset your are for their department, by getting your face and time out there. Go and see what volunteer programs are available to you and get started. A good place to start is your local police department :)