London Chief of police Thai Truong said his planned youth advisory council will give young people a direct voice in policing and the London community.
London Police Services
Truong announced an adult and youth committee earlier this month.
“Youth can expect to have a seat at the table and speak directly with the chief and leaders within the London Police Service,” Truong said. “They can expect to be heard on issues they feel are important for the police chief to understand.”
The council will consist of teens age 14-18, he said. They will be encouraged to share ideas and propose solutions to issues affecting young people and the broader community.
Truong said the council will provide an opportunity for direct dialogue and open discussion between youth and police leadership.
“This is an advisory council that I’m really looking forward to,” Truong said.
“It’s a chance for youth to be heard and to show them that they matter,” Truong said. “Having a seat at the table with police leadership allows young people to help shape policing in their community.”
Fanshawe student Brian Ziolkowski welcomed the council’s announcement, saying the move could help improve relations between police and youth.
“I think it’s good they’ve started to implement it,” he said. “It’s a big city, and it’s hard to get a good sense of the community — both what police see in youth and what youth see in police.”
Ziolkowski added increased communication could help break down barriers between the two groups and lead to more positive outcomes overall.
He said if it works well in London, it could be good to try in other cities as well.
Applications for both youth and adult committee positions remain open until Jan. 23.
