Introduction

Peel Regional Police’s award winning Crime Prevention Academy has been adapted to meet the needs, interests and lifestyles of today’s youth.

Recognized by the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners as the best Community Crime Prevention Program in 2005 the Crossroads Youth Academy is designed to serve young adults, ages 13-18 years within a high school setting. The program equips participants with the knowledge and skills to help them stay safe, avoid trouble, and contribute to improved security in their communities.

The Concept

The Academy Phase of the program consists of 8 highly interactive workshops presented in eight during school sessions by expert trainers from Peel Regional Police, Peel Paramedics Association, Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre, and the Bank of Canada.

Workshop topics include personal safety, healthy relationships, drug awareness, internet safety and youth employment awareness "YEA!" and cyberbullying, and counterfeit detection just to name a few. Students that successfully complete the eight week program receive a certificate of achievement and are eligible to receive community service hours to put towards their high school diploma requirements.

The Service Phase

Academy Phase graduates put their new learning and skills into action by developing and implementing programs of service to their school or community under the guidance of a teacher and Service Phase Coordinator. The possibilities for service projects are limited only by the graduate’s imaginations but can include such things as an anti-bullying campaign, student speed watch program, or engraving of school valuables.