The School Resource Officer program has been deemed a success by the Lloydminster RCMP Detachment. Const. Michael Hagel presented the RCMP’s annual findings of the program to Mayor and Council during the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Monday, July 15.
Fulfilling their duties as resource officers at the Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) and the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD), Const. Hagel and Const. Grant Kirzinger are welcome authority figures as a confidant and counsellor to Lloydminster’s youth while also ensuring their safety. Const. Hagel, SRO for the LCSD, looks forward to the continuing this role in the upcoming school year.
“If we can make a difference in one student’s life or help (them) get to the right side of an issue, this program is a success,” says Const. Hagel. “I’m excited to get back into the schools next year to continue building the relationships within the school systems.”
Within the LPSD, 118 files were generated this past school year. Const. Kirzinger gave guidance in 589 instances, parents or guardians were contacted/met with 12 times, and 109 school zone patrols were conducted. In the LCSD, 122 files were generated. Const. Hagel gave guidance in 412 cases, parents or guardians were contacted/met with 9 times and 127 school zone patrols were conducted.
Const. Hagel shared with the governance and priorities committee stories of connecting with students who were possibly struggling or needed guidance on an issue or a friend to lend an ear. Upon conclusion, Mayor Gerald Aalbers commemorated Hagel and Kirzinger for their efforts.
“When you hear the successes each officer had, the impact on the students’ lives and the relationships they have built, there’s no denying the program is a success,” said Mayor Aalbers. “The City looks forward to continuing its support of the program and supporting the RCMP in playing a vital role in the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.”
The program is a partnership funded by LCSD, LPSD, the City of Lloydminster and the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation.