LPS expands scope of School Resource Officers, changes name
LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service School Resource Officers will now be known as the Youth Engagement Unit (YEU).
At Wednesday’s Police Commission meeting, details of the re-tooled organization were presented.
The YEU aims to take an analytical, directed, and proactive approach to identify, engage, and intervene with youths who either are, or who may engage in criminal and/or harmful behaviours and help to turn them into successful and law-abiding citizens.
“The YEU will focus on providing outreach in the forms of early intervention, positive mentorship, recommending support services, building positive relationships, and keeping young offenders out of the criminal justice system through diversionary programs where appropriate and where legislated,” reads a section of the report to the Police Commission.