We acknowledge we are on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

An important question to ask ourselves is how do students create a relationship with the police? It's not with the police officers doing patrol, it's with the School Liaison Officers. They are the bridge between Police Officers and the youth. 

Now, one may question why it's important for this relationship to be built? 

It starts off by understanding that the police are an essential part of the community because violence will never be non- existent. We will never live in a perfect world where we have no violent crime. Hence the reason that building this relationship is so important. We need to move forward and work together.

This begins by students and adults having a better understanding of what the role of a School Liaison officer is. SLO's are not your regular officers. Patrol officers can be intimidating to some, and therefore it's easier for students to approach a SLO who is familiar with the youth, the school environment, and is easily accessible. Students can come into the SLO’s office and have discussions about the law, issues they may be facing at school, and or at home. The SLO is there to support, guide, and keep the information that is discussed discreet and confidential. 

Aside from playing the role of a counsellor and mentor, the SLO also helps organize school dances, events, and programs. These help keep our youth healthy, focused, and out of the streets’ influence. The SLO’s play a vital role in a multitude of programs including VPD Cadets, Indigenous programs, and the VPD Student Challenge. They conduct information sessions during lunch, guiding students into programs that suit their individual needs, providing encouragement to apply, and helping complete applications. 

School Liaison Officers carry an influence that extends outside the school walls. A prime example of this is the Windermere SLO, Constable Zhalovaga. She created a running club that allows students to come together and engage with one another in a friendly environment. This shows that a relationship with an SLO is not only needed when a student has a problem, but can be created for a student that requires a friend.

SLO's come from a variety of different backgrounds as result of the new Vancouver showcasing its diversity. There are more women and visible minority groups in the police force, allowing the police force to better understand the challenges that different groups face. These officers continuously contribute to society, especially helping students including minorities. 

 
This petition is asking for your support to defeat a motion before the Vancouver School Board to no longer have Vancouver school liaison officers in our schools.

The solution of any real or perceived feeling of threat to some minority students can be fixed with open discussion, understanding, training, and appropriate action. To close this service is not an answer to any problem.

Please defeat this motion by signing this petition that shows the need for such a valuable service to our community.