Corporate Communications Coordinator, Samantha Wakefield recently sat down with Councillor Tara McCaulley for a candid conversation about her most recent experience and observations during two ride along opportunities with the St. Thomas Police Service.
McCaulley, serving her first term as a City Councillor and a Member of the Police Services Board, which are separate in their own right, inquired about the opportunity to ride along with St. Thomas Police Service to gain a better perspective and understanding of the experiences on the front lines for officers and our community, alike.
“Interesting on a number of fronts. While you are in the car, you hear the radio. The number of mental health calls was eye opening to me” is what McCaulley shared about her experience riding with Constable Armstrong on a night shift. McCaulley shared how each call although unique, was approached with compassion, care and a skill set that could only be learned by answering the overwhelming number of calls for social and mental health issues officers are frequently responding to.
While preparing for her ride along, McCaulley sat with Staff Sgt Jacqueline VanWychen where she learned of the immense and diverse training that takes place at the St. Thomas Police Service. “The sheer amount of training that happens here is incredible; it’s dynamic” states McCaulley.
In her second ride along, Councillor McCaulley walked downtown with members of our Community Resource Unit, Constable McNeil and Special Constable Harlos. While sharing her experience and observations with me, McCaulley spoke of the warmth received by guests of The Inn out of the Cold. “It’s the result of established relationships and a trust that’s been built by the St. Thomas Police Service”
McCaulley shared an interaction she was a part of while walking with Constable McNeil. A resident of St. Thomas, known to police, was happy to see Constable McNeil and was excited to share that he had recently found a place and was getting settled. McCaulley spoke about how wonderful of an interaction it was to witness.
When asked how her experience with the St. Thomas Police Service has affected her as a resident of our City, a City Councillor and a Member of the Police Services Board, McCaulley shared that what she observed gives her confidence. Confidence that our Police Service is using every resource possible and every opportunity that presents itself to become a better service with the wellness of our community in the forefront of what they do each day.
She shares that her biggest take away is the opportunity to have an educated conversation on the approach our Police Service takes. From the interactions she was a part of to the social issues the officers are called to, she can now speak to just how intricate the work of the St. Thomas Police Service is.
“A pretty powerful experience” she will continue to share with members of City Council, the Police Services Board and our community.
Samantha Wakefield
Corporate Communications Coordinator
St. Thomas Police
