Strathroy-Caradoc Police Constable Katherine Lockwood is challenging high school students to find her this school year.
A popular program is back in local high schools, giving students a chance to win prizes while getting to know their local police.
“Where’s Officer Kat Wednesday” has returned for another school year, bringing a little fun and friendly conversation into the hallways of SDCI and HCC.
The program began last year as a pilot project and proved to be a hit with students. Now, every Wednesday during lunch, students are encouraged to find Officer Kat, answer her question of the week and receive a ballot for a chance to win a gift card.
The questions aren’t about schoolwork or policing. They’re simple, everyday topics designed to get students talking.
Lockwood says that’s what makes the program work.
Students can participate every week, collecting another ballot each time and increasing their chances of winning.
The program is about much more than prizes.
Lockwood says building positive relationships with young people is an important part of community policing.
The program runs throughout the school year, with Lockwood visiting HCC from 11 to 11:40 a.m. and SDCI from 12:20 to 1 p.m. every Wednesday.
The goal is to make conversations with police feel natural and approachable, while giving students an opportunity to connect with someone they might otherwise only see in uniform.
And for students hoping to win a gift card, the challenge is simple.
Keep your eyes open, find Officer Kat and be ready to answer her question of the week.
Written by: B. Perreault
