The Weapons Education Presentation called “WEAPONS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW” is the end result of a project that was initiated in May 2023 through the VTRA Regional Committee of Guelph Wellington. The Community partners who collaborated to create this were Sony Brar (Mental Health Lead for WCDSB), Jenny Marino (Mental Health Lead for UGDSB), Greg McDonald (Sgt for Youth Division at the time for GPS), Cst Mason Melitzer (SRO for GPS), Cst. James Nightingale (SRO For GPS) and Beth Hickey (Community Liase/Educator for Guelph Wellington OPP) and Karen Girard of the John Howard Society of Waterloo- Wellington.
‘WEAPONS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW”
This presentation is meant to support and help ensure safer school communities and empower young people through both education and skill building. The goal is that this will foster critical and consequential thinking when making a decision. It is achieved through the School Administrators explanation of the “Safe Schools Act” and “School Code of Conduct” . Guelph Police Services define and explain the laws around possession of a weapon, carry and use of a weapon. The definition is broad and includes untraditional items as well as knives and replica guns. The GPS Constable discusses the YCJA and consequences under the law. John Howard Society provides an overview of the work they do within the parameters of the YCJA. The potential consequences of being charged and the impact of having a youth record are shared. As well as how JHS offers diversion programs such as FLIP a weapons education program. Diversion programs such as FLIP are psycho-educational programs with the aim of mitigating crime through education not demonization. John Howard Society also presents them with an amazing problem solving tool (SODAS-situation, options, disadvantages, advantages, solution) so that they can feel empowered by critically thinking through the situation. The youth are also encouraged to be consequential thinkers and decide if the consequences of those actions to possess, carry or use a weapon is worth it.