Thirteen adults over the age of 55 recently had the opportunity to learn about policing in Durham Region during West Division’s Older Adult Academy.
In partnership with the Town of Ajax and the City of Pickering, West Division hosted the week-long academy in hopes that attendees would share what they learned in their respective communities.
Although based mainly at West Division, the group visited various units and buildings across the police service.
Throughout the week, attendees were introduced to some of our specialty units, heard presentations about fraud awareness, thefts, computer crimes and elder abuse, mental health, and were trained about online reporting. The group also visited the Operational Training Centre, Communications 9-1-1, and the Police Education and Innovation Centre, where they took part in some use of force exercises.
These trained attendees now have the skills and abilities to answer questions in their communities and direct fellow community members to services they may need. Graduates from the academy are encouraged to become mentors and share what they have learned with others.
A special graduation ceremony took place on October 7 to acknowledge the participation and commitment of the 13 attendees. Some of the attendees prepared a graduation lunch and pictures were taken with Inspector Haskins of West Division.
