The Prince Albert Police Service announced this morning details of its 2018 Positive Ticketing Program.
Sgt. Travis Willie held a press conference at the city police department to explain what the program is and help spread the word.
“The Positive Ticket Initiative is a program in which officers issue youth in our community a positive ticket,” Willie said.
“They can issue that ticket for simple things, like making good choices, being a leader in their community or in their school… or just doing good deeds within their school or community. The positive ticket also gives officers the opportunity to interact with youth in our community in a proactive and positive way.”
Not only do the youth get a positive ticket, but they also get a reward. They will receive a voucher or coupon from one of the following supporters: Prince Albert Raiders, Galaxy Cinemas, McDonald’s, A&W and Minto Bowl.
“The officers let them (the youth) know this is a reward,” Willie said. “For what they’ve done.”
Willie hopes the program will give youth a more positive view of authority figures.
“There are youth that have a real negative view on the police because of some negative experiences, or police being in their home,” Willie describes. “And so, we’re able to maybe change that. That’s the hope, to change that and build that relationship.”
The officers will be issuing hundreds of tickets, writing down the name and information of the youth. In the spring, there will be a draw with all the names of the kids that were issued tickets. Prizes will be movie passes, coupons and even signed Raider jerseys and merchandise.
(PHOTO: Sergeant Travis Willie explains the Positive Ticket Initiative. Photo courtesy of Julianna Maggrah.)