EAST HANTS: Students and staff across East Hants will be seeing more of their local RCMP officers in schools and the community this year, thanks to a novel approach to school safety and policing.
With the population growing and 11 schools in the district, having just one school safety resource officer was no longer working.
Staff Sgt. Mike Balmaceda recognized the challenge and introduced a hybrid model that combines school safety responsibilities with community policing.
That means Const. Andrew Ouellette and Const. Mike Woolcock will now share the workload. Ouellette will cover six schools from Shubenacadie through Enfield, while Woolcock will take on Mount Uniacke, Rawdon, Hants North, and Noel.
“Last year, it was tough for one officer to get around to 11 schools,” Ouellette said. “Now, we can divide them up, be more hands-on, and still support each other when needed.”
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The two have already hit the ground running.
During the first two days of school, they teamed up with watch members to conduct radar and bus patrols after a rise in red light violations last year.
“We had a lot of problems with people passing school buses when they were picking up kids,” said Ouellette.
“That’s an issue, along with speeding in school zones. So right away, we made sure we were visible.”
Building relationships in schools
For Woolcock, new to East Hants, the role brings an opportunity to continue work he has done in other detachments.
“I’ve always believed the police are the community and the community is the police,” he said. “It only works if we share information, share experiences, and have those good conversations back and forth.
“I’m hoping Andrew and I can be approachable — whether someone wants to just talk casually or bring a specific issue to us.”
Const. Ouellette, who is starting his third year working in local schools, said familiarity and visibility are paying off.
“When I walk into a school now, kids aren’t asking, ‘Why are the police here?’” he said. “Instead, it’s, ‘Hey Constable,’ with fist bumps and high fives. That’s what we want — for kids and staff to feel comfortable and see us as approachable.”
He added that being active in community sports has helped build trust.
“I’ve coached soccer with East Hants Soccer, basketball with the Tigers, even rec basketball,” Ouellette said. “By the time I walk into a classroom, there’s usually four or five kids who already know me. That breaks down barriers right away.”
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Safety drills and presentations
Alongside relationship-building, the officers will continue important safety work in schools. Twice a year, they will update and practice emergency “safe plans” and Code Blue lockdown drills, ensuring staff and students are prepared.
Presentations will also be a big part of their role, especially for grades 4 to 9.
“Online safety is a major focus,” said Const. Ouellette. “Most kids are on social media, often unsupervised, and that can become dangerous.
“We need to teach them how to behave, what to watch out for, and educate parents too.”
The presentations will be tailored to each school’s needs.
“When I see issues in grades 4, 5 and 6, like bullying, we focus on that,” Const. Ouellette explained. “By the time they’re in grades 7, 8 and 9, it shifts to harassment, because at that point, you’re old enough that there can be criminal consequences.”
Drug awareness, stranger danger, bus safety, and other age-appropriate topics are also on the list.
Teachers are encouraged to reach out if they see a specific need in their classrooms.
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Extending into the community
The new model also frees up time for the officers to be present at community events — something that wasn’t always possible before.
“There are so many things going on — hockey games, school sports, food drives,” said Const. Ouellette. “I never had time to do all of that.
“Now, with Mike and I dividing and conquering, we can adjust shifts and get out there.”
Const. Woolcock agreed.
“These are positive opportunities to interact with people and show that we’re just normal members of the community too,” he said.
“If there’s an event people want us at, we’re open to that. We just need the invitation.”
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Both officers said their goal is to create connections that last beyond the school walls.
“All these kids eventually become adults,” said Const. Ouellette.
“If we’ve built that positive relationship early, it spreads into the community. That’s what this is all about.”
An open invitation
The pair encourage community groups, schools, and residents to reach out if they’d like to see RCMP at an event.
“We want to be more visible in the community where we live, shop and hang out,” he said.
“Just let us know what you need, and we’ll try our best to be there.”
