Published on March 23, 2017 | by Chelsea Williams Photography by Peel Regional Police Media Relations
0Peel Regional Police connect with justice studies students
The University of Guelph-Humber and Peel Regional Police have teamed up to host the first “coffee and donuts with a cop” event.
Students gathered in the atrium to meet with seven different officers from the Peel Regional Police department.
Manny Singh, a fourth-year justice studies student from Guelph-Humber said it was awesome. “It was different from a regular information session where you sit behind a desk and hear a PowerPoint presentation. Interacting with a cop on a one-on-one basis with donuts and coffee was really awesome.”
Most students attended the event to inquire about future career opportunities, whereas some came to ask questions about the police officers and their experiences.
Career services coordinator at Guelph-Humber, Allison Scully, said the relaxed event brought students out of their shell.
“This event was more causal and students felt more comfortable asking questions,” said Scully.
Const. Lloyd Dixon has been working with the Peel Regional Police for 16 years and currently works in the recruiting bureau. He said the event was a good way for police officers to interact with students.
“These types of events allow us to speak to students and persuade them or change their perception. Maybe there’s some answers they need to know and we can provide those answers,” said Dixon.
Third-year justice studies student, Jashan Gill, has been volunteering with the Peel Regional Police as an auxiliary officer since April 2016. He said the event is great for police officers to meet potential candidates.
“They are looking for post-secondary candidates who have a university degree or a college diploma, this is an excellent way for students to engage them,” said Gill.
Although the Peel Regional Police department hires 25 students per year right after graduation, Dixon said he did not land his first job until he was 31-years-old.
“We don’t necessarily hire them [students] right out of Guelph-Humber or any other college because sometimes they need life experiences,” Dixon said.
Const. Derrick Davis has been working with the Peel Regional Police for 15 years in different units. He previously worked for the uniform patrol, criminal investigation and homicide bureau and now currently works for the recruiting bureau.
Like Dixon, Davis did not get hired until he was 30-years-old. He said that he was not focused and it took him a while to get into the industry.
“I’m one of those people who did a long jog around. I was not a great student, I was fixated on athletics, girls, and all the wrong things. I quickly realized, without an education, you’re at a dead end,” said Davis.
Dixon said recruiters can see students may have all the right work experience, like volunteering, but it all comes down to maturity to excel in the job.
“In the first initial interview we do with them, maybe they are missing a few things. Maybe they just need those life skills and they can apply again in a year or two years and then we can hire them,” said Dixon.
Scully also said that recruiters want to see volunteer experience and students getting involved in their community.
Gill agreed, “you gain valuable experience and you can apply this concept while you are on the job.”
Dixon also said recruiters check to see if students applying within the department have maintained a 75 per cent grade average throughout their academic careers.
“It’s not just one thing that determines if you are going to go through, we look at everything,” Dixon said.
On March 30th, York Regional Police will be having a recruitment event where students will attend an information session followed by physical testing in the Humber gym.
About the Author
Chelsea Williams is a student journalist who loves everything fashion and entertainment.
Related Posts
Toronto officer not done with school just yet →
York Regional Police looking to recruit cadets →
Travel can give an edge to students seeking jobs →
