A Moraviantown teen is getting some first-hand experience in policing.
Miah Parenteau of the Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation at Moraviantown) has joined members of the Ontario Provincial Police – Elgin County (Chatham Detachment) on patrol as a participant of the Police Ethnic and Cultural Exchange (P.E.A.C.E.) program.
The P.E.A.C.E. program is a collaboration between the OPP and First Nation leadership that employ Indigenous students between the ages of 18 and 20 for an eight-week placement during July and August. The students work under the supervision of OPP officers and learn all aspects of police operations.
The program is facilitated through the Provincial Liaison Team (PLT), of the Indigenous Policing Bureau, as part of their community outreach and engagement initiatives. PLT seek the support of local Band Councils through their hiring of a suitable summer student candidate
The goal of the program is to not only provide participants with greater understanding of police work and assist them in making an informed decision about policing as a potential career choice. But also, allow members of the OPP to gain insight about the experiences, challenges and issues facing young people from Indigenous communities.
