The Kitscoty RCMP held an open house on Aug. 1 to help build stronger ties with the community.
Families toured the detachment, checked out police vehicles, were “jailed” and spoke with officers. Kids tried on uniforms and learned about police work in a fun, hands-on way.
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Const. Mackenzie Scott, said events like this help show a different side of policing.
“As police officers, we often interact with the community on either the worst days of their life or in a time of crisis,” she said. “An event like this really gives us the opportunity to meet people in an open and welcoming capacity.”
Scott said she hopes the kids walked away with a better understanding of who officers are.
“I always hope that kids remember that police officers aren’t bad,” she said. “We’re not just scary people with guns.”
She also wants children to feel safe speaking with police if something happens in their lives.
“I really hope they feel comfortable around us,” she said. “That they feel like they can have an open relationship with us in the community.”
One community member posted to Facebook about her interactions with police that day.
“I brought my kiddos and they loved it and had so many questions that the officers and staff answered with care!” said Shauna Van Olst. “It was well done and a wonderful part of the community!”
Another mom, Blaire Sebben echoed those praises.
As mom of these kids, I’m pretty thankful as well that the men and women of the Kitscoty detachment put this on,” said Sebben. “I have so much respect and adoration for what you all do, every day, not just on the fun days!”
Adults, who understand better what police do, should also see the RCMP as more than just emergency responders.
“We’re here to provide a service,” she said. “We’re here to help the community in the areas they feel are needed, they have a voice.”
She said the tight-knit group of officers at the Kitscoty detachment care deeply about the people they serve.
“We always show up trying to bring harmony in the community,” expressed Scott.
She thanked everyone who attended and said the turnout was better than expected.
“We’ve had a lot of fantastic families, a lot of great kids,” she said. “Thanks to everybody who came out.”
The event aimed to show the public that police are approachable and committed to being part of the community.
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