Police operating summer job program again this year

The York Regional Police Summer Student Employment Program continues to provide opportunities for youth by offering positions in the organization to college and university students for summer employment.

This program, which has been in effect for six years, is a learning opportunity for the students who want to find out what it's like to work in a policing environment.

This summer police have welcomed nine students from various educational institutions, each one bringing with them a diverse course of study and an unparalleled enthusiasm for learning. They are working in different areas of the police service, including human resources, purchasing, planning and research, traffic and information technology.

Andrea Anderson, 26, has a wide range of educational background aimed at policing and the law. She is currently pursuing her bachelor of laws degree from University of Windsor, as well as working towards a diploma in police foundations at Humber College.

Anderson is working in the legal services bureau and is providing assistance to the freedom of information office. She has always had an interest in policing issues and thought a summer position would give her some practical experience to coincide with her theory work at school. She questioned what someone in the legal profession could do within a police service, and her current experiences are giving her the answers.

Another student, Alex Harras, 20, is studying political science at Queen's University in Kingston. He is spending the summer in the corporate communications bureau, learning how police communicate with internal and external partners.

"I am hoping to understand how policing works, not just from the outside but from the inside as well," Harras said. "This is an excellent opportunity for students to get involved with a summer job that is not just a job, but is involved with the community on a greater level."

"I am proud that York Regional Police provides summer opportunities for students," said Chief Armand La Barge. "These young people are our future leaders and every year I am impressed with their maturity, drive and dedication. They make outstanding contributions to our service while learning about policing and that brings them a greater understanding of their community as a whole.