Maria Canton
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 03/99) - A revamped Yellowknife RCMP community policing position will see an increase in police work with youth, seniors and community organizations.

"By taking a pro-active approach through community policing we can help people help themselves," said Const. Denise Potvin, who will be filling the position of community/media relations liaison.

"It's about being involved and promoting education in a positive way."

Potvin will be taking over from Const. Maria Williams, who was the school liaison last year.

"Although the majority of my work will probably still be in the schools, the position will include more involvement with the entire community," she said.

Teaching drug awareness programs in the schools and making regular calls to seniors will be part of Potvin's position, as well as assisting local organizations with their work.

"We help out organizations when they need us," says Potvin.

"Or if someone wants to get started, we can help them too."

If Yellowknife had a neighbourhood watch program, for example, the RCMP would be willing to help them with promotion and patrols.

Schools will also see more police involvement this year with regular calls from many of the officers on staff.

"We have 28 officers on patrol and now all officers will become involved in the schools," says Staff Sgt. Andrew Boland.

"We have officers assigned to a particular school who will be making regular contact with them."

This will allow Potvin to co-ordinate the other members while having time to fulfil other roles in the community. As well as each school receiving regular attention.

"We wanted that position to encompass more activities in the community," says Boland.

"By focusing on youths, seniors, organizations and schools we'll be able to achieve this with a consistent approach."