Duane Hicks
Doing everything from conducting traffic studies to patrolling area waters, three local students are getting a much better idea of what policing entails with their summer jobs.
Crystal Lambertson, Tirzah Keffer, and Dayton Brown have been working with the local OPP under the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services’ “Summer Experience Program” since the end of June or first week of July.
Lambertson, who’s entering Grade 11 at Fort High this fall, and Keffer, who’s going into Grade 12, have been on bicycle patrol around town helping to deliver the “Lock It or Lose It” anti-theft program as well as conducting traffic surveys.
Both students said the job has been rewarding so far, and explained why they chose to apply for it.
“I am going into the U.S. Coast Guard out of high school,” noted Lambertson. “Law enforcement has always been interesting to me.”
“I thought it would be interesting, also,” echoed Keffer. “I wanted to get to know it better, see what it’s like.”
“You learn about law enforcement and are involved with the officers on a daily basis, so you can pick up from them,” added Lambertson.
“And the bikes are great exercise. We’ve probably worked off a good five pounds,” she laughed.
A major part of their duties on bike patrol has been the “Lock It or Lose It” campaign, whose purpose is to raise awareness of crime prevention while informing the public how to crime-proof their property.
As such, Lambertson and Keffer have been keeping their eyes peeled for unlocked vehicles, especially those with valuables left inside that may be tempting to thieves.
When they find an unlocked one, for example, they’ll put a “Lock It or Lose It” decal on it to send a clear message to the owner that they’re taking their chances and should secure their vehicle.
“It’s not so much a matter that they’re not locking [their vehicles], but in the summer when it’s hot, they leave their windows down,” noted Lambertson.
“If they leave valuables in there, it’s easy to grab through the window,” explained Keffer.
“It makes it more enticing for the bad guys,” Lambertson chimed in.
“Because the ‘Lock It or Lose It’ program was so successful last year, we wanted it to be continued,” local OPP community services officer Cst. Anne McCoy said.
“I believe it helped significantly lower the percentage of small property crime to almost half what it was before the ‘Lock It or Lose It’ program,” she noted.
“It helps remind people to lock up their valuables and secure their property to prevent minor thefts.”
The “Lock It or Lose It” program extends to unsecured bicycles, as well as homes and garages. Residents are encouraged not to leave items laying out their lawns, or leave their garage open when nobody is home.
Cst. McCoy said both Lambertson and Keffer also have been “proactively supporting safety initiatives” like ensuring children follow bike safety rules and wear helmets.
As well, the duo has been doing traffic surveys on subjects such as stop sign and red light infractions and seat belt compliance.
“Lots of people don’t wear seat belts,” Lambertson said.
“We did a survey the other day. Twenty-five percent non-compliance rate—it’s huge,” she added, noting the survey involved a couple hundred vehicles.
Lambertson and Keffer both noted they were a little surprised over how much paperwork police officers deal with.
“A lot of a cop’s job is writing, documenting,” Lambertson explained. “We have notebooks and we have to document, all the time, every time we do something.”
“You always have to keep notes on what you’re doing,” Keffer stressed.
Cst. McCoy said that on rainy days, Lambertson and Keffer also have been a great help back at the detachment, where they’ve been helping officers with paperwork and lending their computer knowledge to help officers put together PowerPoint presentations, for example.
She added that in addition to being motivated individuals, their computer skills were a factor in hiring them for these summer jobs.
Marine patrol
Brown, meanwhile, who will be attending Brandon University this fall, has been working with OPP traffic officers Pete Drouin and Paul Davis for a second-straight year, primarily doing marine patrol.
This is his third summer working with the OPP (his first year was spent on bike patrol).
Brown expressed an interest in becoming a police officer in past years, and noted “the interest is still there” in an interview last Thursday.
“Last year was very rewarding,” he enthused. “I liked it a lot.”
The experience Brown has gained ranges from public relations and knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act, Liquor Licence Act, and Criminal Code to promoting safety on the road and water.
He also gets experience working with other enforcement agencies, such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Canada Border Services.
While out on marine patrol, the police check for safety equipment and liquor violations, impairment by alcohol (a Criminal Code offence), and operator competency requirements.
“Most people have most of their stuff. The safety equipment’s there,” observed Brown. “For the most part, it’s better this year than last year.
“I think most people are starting to get the message that drinking and boating don’t go together,” he stressed.
The marine patrol also offers assistance to broken down/disabled vessels.
Addressing students who may be interested in applying to be an OPP summer student next year, Brown highly recommended it.
“It’s a fun work environment. I wouldn’t be back for a third year if I didn’t think so,” he remarked.
“I’ve had fun.”
