A recent positive policing campaign in Ponoka was a big success for everyone.
The Ponoka RCMP detachment teamed up with Ponoka Victim Services to conduct its first ever Positive Ticketing Program that ran throughout August, winding up with about 44 tickets being issued.
The tickets are redeemable for many different free items courtesy several sponsoring community businesses.
Brittany Sande, Victim Services program manager, explained this type of positive reinforcement has been done in other communities and proven its worth so it was felt Ponoka needed to give it a try.
“The purpose of Positive Ticketing is to build relationships of trust within our community and encourage good behaviour,” Sande said.
“Police and Victim Services don’t always show up in the best of situations, so getting out on a positive note and engaging with the youth and adults is crucial. It lets the community see us in a different light.”
She added the feedback received was really good.
“The kids really enjoyed it and seeing police interact with the kids on a positive note was good and it showed the police are good people and there to help,” Sande said.
“As well, the adults seeing us in a positive light was good, seeing that its not always bad when police show up.”
The tickets (coupons) were dished out for various reasons — wearing safety gear on bikes, properly using crosswalks, drivers following the posted speed limit, use of signal lights and wearing a seat belt.
“The main goal was safety and following rules of the road,” Sande added. “We thank everyone for continuing to keep our community safe.”
Once the campaign was complete, eight names were drawn out of those who were issued a ticket. Those individuals won a prize that was graciously donated by one of the campaign’s many sponsors.
The prize winners were: Deanna Groves, Adam Hoag, DJ Willis, Kasha Maser, Addison Schulz, Brandon Williamson, Jacob Keeping and Dwain Kostiuk.
