Programs, Lectures and Services

Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse:

An education program aimed at providing information regarding the affects of alcohol, drugs and other substances; how to identify the signs of substance abuse; where is help available.

• http://elginhealth.on.ca/

Alzheimer Identification Program - Wandering Registry Program:

The Alzheimer Society of Elgin St.Thomas maintains a Wandering Registry - a list of persons with Alzheimer's disease who have the potential to wander or be reported lost. A current list is provided to our Police Service. Our officers receive training on Alzheimer's disease to assist them in identifying and communicating with individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. With this information and knowledge, our officers are better able to deal with situations in the community.

• www.execulink.com/~remember

Anti-Bullying Program:

This is an educational program taught in Grades 2 and 4. Discussions focus on examples of bullying, some possible reasons why bullies bully; feelings of the victims; what you can do if you or someone else is bullied.

Anti-Shoplifting:

An education program for all staff members of retail business in the community; how to detect shoplifters and how to deal with a thief.

Anti-Violence:

An educational program taught in Grade 8 classes. Focuses on the consequences of violent behaviour; what is a criminal record and how does that affect your life; appropriate ways to react to a confrontation.

Bicycle Safety:

An educational program taught in Grades 1 and 4; Safe operation of a bicycle; proper equipment; rule for riding a bicycle on the road.

Business Watch/Robbery Prevention Program:

This program welcomes new business into our community; provides a robbery prevention training program to all staff members; how to reduce the risk of a robbery in their workplace; what to do if a robbery takes place during business hours or after business hours.

Highway Help Program:

Be prepared for roadside emergencies by using the reflective Highway Help sign. The "CALL POLICE" sign is hooked on your vehicle window - it is visible at night and in all weather conditions; Police receive more calls when this sign is used.

Adopt-A-School Program:

The purpose of the Adopt-A-School program is to create an environment in which high school students and police officers can interact as a team in crime prevention. Police officers attend our local high schools to build a rapport with the teaching professionals, parents and students; to compliment the objectives of the "Safe Schools" protocol.

• www.tvdsb.on.ca

Internal Theft Prevention Program:

This program provides information to employers on ways to prevent internal thefts in their workplace; what to do when an employer suspects internal thefts are taking place.

Operation Identification:

Citizens are encouraged to mark their valuables with an engraver (available at the police station) to discourage thieves from stealing their property. It also assists police in identifying stolen property. Warning signs that indicate participation in Operation Identification are available to place in a window.

Tours of Police Headquarters:

Guided tours of the police headquarters are available by appointment made through the Community Service office.

Radar Speed Sign Program:

Donated to our Police Service by the St.Thomas Optimist Club; The sign is posted in school zones and displays to drivers how fast they are travelling. Community groups take the sign out in our community on a weekly basis during the school year.

Elder Abuse Committee:

To address the issue of elder abuse through education, advocacy and liaison with community resources. To raise awareness of elder abuse; how to get help.

R.I.D.E. Program: (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere):

Vehicles are randomly stopped to inspect the driver for signs of alcohol or substance use; a roadside screening device is used to test if alcohol has been consumed. If the test registers a warning, the driver is issued a 12 hour suspension of his/her driver's licence. A failure results in the driver being arrested, transported to police headquarters and an intoxilyzer test is conducted. Criminal charges may be laid for impaired driving. The purpose of the RIDE program is to deter people from drinking and driving.

Robbery Prevention Program:

An education program focusing on reducing the risk of robbery and what actions should be taken by employees and management before, during and after a robbery.

Safety Patroller Program:

Grade 6 students at eight elementary schools in our community are trained by our Community Service officer in the duties of a school safety patroller. Safety Patrollers assist their classmates to safely cross roadways to get to school.

Senior's Taking Extra Precautions (STEP):

An education program focusing on senior citizens; how to increase safety in their home and in the community - reducing risk of victimization.

Stranger Awareness and Street Proofing:

A more advanced stranger awareness program is taught in Grade 3 including identifying the difference between good touching and inappropriate touching.

Unified Response to School Violence:

The Police Service and School Boards believe that a safe school environment is essential to promote respect, responsibility and civility and to educate. As partners in the school system, the police respond to and investigate incidents as well as provide information on the prevention of crime and violent behaviour in the school setting.

Lock IT or Lose IT:

Over the Christmas season St. Thomas Police Cadets will check vehicles and distributing notices within the City of St. Thomas. There are many locations where this program will be utilized including arenas, malls, municipal parking lots, and areas that have experienced past victimization.

The vehicles notices are provided to police services at no cost, thanks to funding provided by the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Lock IT or Lose IT - Click for more details

Youth Connect: Connecting you with resources to help you get ahead

An online resource for youth looking for help on topics ranging from getting a job, talking about problems and being healthy. For more information click on Youth Connect - Connecting you with resources to help you get ahead.