Hitting Moose Jaw schools and building connections with local kids is the goal of the Moose Jaw Police Service’s School Resource Program. 

The program currently has two officers, Cst. Reggie Pawliw and Cst. Rod Zoerb. They spend between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the local high schools as well as giving presentations in elementary schools about subjects such as bicycle safety. 

Pawliw gave a presentation to the Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners on Thursday to give them an overview of the program. 

Pawliw said a big topic of concern, especially with high school students, is safety when it comes to social media. 

“I've probably given three or four presentations weekly now on just social media alone with the teachers because parents are calling, teachers are concerned, principals, everyone is concerned. So, I’m trying to mitigate cyberbullying,” he said. 

He added that they now have offices at the local high schools so it is easy for students to approach them with any concerns. 

The School Resource Program doesn’t stop in the classrooms. Pawliw said he’s also done a number of presentations for the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council. 

He said some newcomers come from countries where they are taught to fear the police, so it can take some time to build their trust and teach them that police officers are their friends. 

“You see things in the movies, you hear things in the news and you think ‘that can’t be real’. But it is. So, it’s scary. It’s been a good connection that way,” Pawliw said.  

“I’ve given four presentations so far with the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council and they also bring their kids sometimes. The kids, again, are scared of the police at the beginning but by the end we’re good. They’re even hugging me.” 

When he’s not in the classrooms or giving presentations, Pawliw said they were usually out on foot or bicycle where he can get out and meet members of the community.