Sault Ste. Marie police will return to local high schools.

One high school liaison officer will be split between four Algoma District Board high schools and alternates and one high school in the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board.

“The focus of the high school liaison officer will be on education, awareness and building positive relationships within school communities,” Sault Police explained in a news release.

“By responding to incidents involving students, participating in school activities and informal interactions, the officer will work to support the safety and well-being of students while promoting a deeper understanding of the role of the police in our community.”

Sault police have occasionally visited schools as part of dynamic patrol initiatives, but have not had full-time, uniformed high school liaison officers since before the pandemic.

Find the full press release from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service below:

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) which will see the return of a full-time High School Liaison Officer , in uniform. at local high schools. This partnership will provide students, staff and families with enhanced opportunities for safety, education and relationship building.

The new liaison officer for the high school is constable Lyndsey Pilkington, who has been a police officer for nine years. Prior to joining the Sault Police, Lyndsey earned her Bachelor of Education degree and worked as a teacher in both Canada and Australia.

“Connecting with young people has always been a goal of mine, whether in the classroom or in uniform,” said Constable Lyndsey Pilkington. “I look forward to being a consistent presence and role model in our high schools, supporting students and working with staff to create a positive and safe environment for everyone.”

The High School Liaison Officer will be split between four ADSB high schools and alternative schools and one HSCDSB high school, ensuring that students across the region benefit from the officer’s presence and support. The position will be jointly funded by ADSB, HSCDSB and SSMPS, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering safe and welcoming environments for all students.

The focus of the High School Liaison Officer will be on education, awareness and building positive relationships within school communities. Through responding to incidents involving students, participating in school activities, and informal interactions, the officer will work to support the safety and well-being of students while promoting a deeper understanding of the role of the police in our community.

“We are delighted to see the return of a full-time liaison officer to our schools,” said Chief Constable Hugh Stevenson. “It’s important for young people to connect with police officers as people – not just law enforcement. This renewed partnership is an important step in building trusting relationships and ensuring our students feel safe and supported.”

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has not had a high school liaison officer since before the pandemic. Prior to this renewed partnership, the Sault Police occasionally visited schools as part of Dynamic Patrol initiatives, which provided a visible presence and fostered interactions with students. The new High School Liaison Officer will build on these efforts, providing more consistent support to students, staff and families.

“We are delighted to re-launch the partnership with the High School Liaison Officer and to have Constable Pilkington more regularly at our secondary and alternative sites,” said Director of Education Lucia Reece. “We have had very positive feedback from students, staff and parents in previous years and during the Dynamic Patrol pilot, as many have recognized how this role helps build strong relationships between our students and the police, as well as fostering a of trust and respect. .”

“We are excited to welcome a school liaison officer to our high school as this role will help build strong relationships between the police and our students,” said Fil Lettieri, HSCDSB Director of Education. “Through this partnership, we aim to raise awareness. of important safety issues and to create an environment where students feel supported By fostering these connections, we hope to empower our students to become responsible and engaged members of our community.”

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, in collaboration with ADSB and HSCDSB, remains committed to enhancing safety, education and positive community relations. Agent Pilkington will begin her duties on November 12, 2024, focusing on making meaningful connections and being an accessible resource for staff and students.