High school liaison officer returns to local schools

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

A high school liaison officer will be split between four high schools and alternative schools in the Algoma Regional School Board 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 the school community,” Sault Police explained in a news release.

“The officer will work to promote the safety and well-being of students through responding to incidents involving students, participation in school activities and informal interactions, as well as promoting a greater understanding of the role of police in our society.”

Sault Police have occasionally visited schools as part of their Dynamic Patrol initiative, but have not had full-time, uniformed high school liaison officers since before the pandemic.

Find the full newsletter from Sault Ste. Marie Police Department below:

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

The new High School Liaison Officer is Officer Lyndsey Pilkington, who has been a police officer for nine years. Prior to joining the Sault Police, Lyndsey earned a Bachelor of Education degree and worked as a teacher in both Canada and Australia.

“Connecting with youth has always been my focus, whether in the classroom or in uniform,” said Officer 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 among four ADSB high schools and alternative schools and one HSCCDSB high school, ensuring that students in the district will benefit from the officer’s presence and support. The position will be jointly funded by ADSB, HHSCDSB, and SSMPS and reflects a shared commitment to providing safe and welcoming environments for all students.

The High School Liaison Officer’s focus will be on education, awareness, and building positive relationships within the school community. By responding to incidents involving students, participation in school activities, and informal interactions, the officer will work to promote the safety and well-being of students while also promoting a greater understanding of the role of police in our society.

“We are excited to see a full-time High School Liaison Officer return to our schools,” said Police Chief Hugh Stevenson. “It’s important for young people to connect with police officers not just as law enforcement officers, but as people. This renewed partnership is an important step in building trusting relationships and ensuring our students feel safe and supported.”

Sault Ste. Marie Police Department has not had a High School Liaison Officer since before the pandemic. Prior to this renewed partnership, Sault Police occasionally visited schools as part of their Dynamic Patrol initiative, providing a visible presence and enhancing interaction with students. The new High School Liaison will build on these efforts and provide more consistent support to students, staff and families.

“We are pleased to reinvigorate the High School Liaison Officer partnership and welcome Officer Pilkington more regularly across our secondary and alternative sites,” said Training Manager Lucia Reece. “We have received lots of positive feedback from students, staff and parents in previous years and during the Dynamic Patrol pilot, with many recognizing how this role contributes to building strong relationships between our students and the police, as well as fostering an environment 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 HSCDSB Education Director Fil Lettieri. “We aim to raise awareness through this partnership” We aim to address important safety issues and create an environment where students feel supported. “By strengthening these connections, we hope to develop our students into responsible and caring members of our community.”

Sault Ste. Marie Police Department is committed to improving safety, education and positive community relations in collaboration with the ADSB and HHSCDSB. Officer Pilkington will begin his duties on November 12, 2024, focusing on building meaningful connections and being an accessible resource for staff and students.