As part of its “Confronting Anti-Black Racism Strategy,” TCHC is starting a Youth Cadet Program in late May or early June 2023.
The Youth Cadet Program, according to TCH, is an initiative to combat youth unemployment and improve community safety by giving young people the abilities, information, and job experience that would enable them to positively impact their communities.
Cadets will have the opportunity to learn about numerous facets of community policing, including community outreach, public safety, and crime prevention, through the law enforcement and community safety-focused program.
Mike Morgan, Community Service Coordinator works with residents and community organizations to identify and support community needs and said this program will benefit the cadets and the neighbourhood.
“They develop a sense of respect and responsibility in keeping theirs and other TCH communities safe and helps them to understand and view the police through a different lens,” Morgan said in an email interview.
“The community will see that police presence can be a positive one and understand why TCH communities need to have a working relationship with police,” Morgan added.
Sashana McKane, a Weston TCHC tenant says she likes the program, but wonders if it will help those who might need it most.
“I think a youth cadet program can definitely be a good thing for young people in general, but I don’t know if it’s going to be effective in helping young people who are at risk of getting involved in crime or who are already on that path,” McKane said.
“Even worse you have to do a background check, so youth who have a criminal background are definitely not getting reached or an opportunity at a second chance,” she said.
Young individuals living in TCH communities who are 18 to 25 years old and have an interest in law enforcement and community safety are eligible for the program.
Additional eligibility involves being a resident of Ontario, preferably in a TCH community like Weston, Morningside, and more.
Successful cadets will receive a salary of $20.00 per hour alongside being granted benefits such as health and dental benefits, three weeks paid annual vacation days, and a defined benefit pension plan with OMERS.
Trevor Searles, Supervisor, Intelligence and Investigations said successful Cadets will be assigned to communities alongside Community Safety Unit staff.
“The selected Cadets will participate in a four-week training course during the initial phase of the program. Upon successful completion of the course the Cadets will be deployed to the community, working with the CSU Special Constables,” Searles said in an email interview.
Responsibilities of the cadets include filing reviews, putting together case packages, courier work, attending community picnics, barbecues, school and community meetings, and other TCHC community events.
Cadets will assist Special Constables and Community Safety Advisors with event planning, organization, and attendance as well.