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Winners > Constable Andrew Tolchard
Certificates of Distinction
Constable Andrew Tolchard
RCMP, Ridge-Meadows
As a proponent of the Restorative Justice approach to reducing and preventing
youth crime, Constable Andrew Tolchard has created a number of new programs
to support youth in trouble and to divert them from crime by offering creative,
community-based alternatives to the courtroom.
As School Liaison Officer for the RCMP Ridge-Meadows detachment, Constable
Tolchard initiated Family Group Conferencing to deal with disputes and behavioural
issues and he created a Diversion Program to provide alternatives to court appearances
for comparatively minor offences such as possession of drugs, theft, harassment,
minor assaults, etc. In an innovative move, he introduced a system of small
fines as "contributions" to be paid by youth to community organizations
for offences relating to traffic and fireworks.
Over the last three years more than forty students have been "on contract"
as a result of Cst. Tolchard's program of Family Group Conferencing. Contract
terms are agreed upon by all conference participants and focus on immediate
and meaningful consequences for the young person's actions. Two students did
not complete their contracts because they moved away. Only one has re-offended.
The others have kept their bargain and the community has been spared the time
and expense of court proceedings.
Cst. Andrew Tolchard has become a popular figure in the schools where he works
along with youth to deal with issues that concern them. He obtained an $18,000
federal grant to research the causes of school violence. Student focus groups
identified sexual harassment, gossip, put downs and prejudice as sources of
the problem. Learning packages were developed about these issues and are now
being used in the schools.
He is also well known for his work with the school board to create schools
as "drug-free zones" and to promote safety issues such as the use
of bike helmets. In addition he has been instrumental in developing a drop-in
program called "Night Alive" to give youth a place to go during the
"at risk" evening hours.
The Certificate of Distinction from the federal Justice Minister is well-deserved
and comes on top of a 1997 award for Community Safety and Crime Prevention from
the B.C Attorney General.
Contact person: Cst. Andrew Tolchard
604-463-6251
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