The Walpole Police Department came to Walpole High on November 10 to speak about The Student-Police Advisory Council, a new program based on the ideology that engagement of youth in the community is an essential aspect of reciprocal trust and appreciation.

“It shall be the policy of the Walpole Police Department to initiate and maintain a Student-Police Advisory Council to act as a mechanism to enhance the department’s rapport with local youth, provide robust dialogue to correct or address the common spread of misinformation, and create mutual trust and respect between police and youth,” states the Student-Police Advisory Council policy.

The council will consist of six to eight high school students from each grade. In order to join the council, students must complete a preliminary application that is used to get a sense of the student’s personality and interests. The department is searching for a variety of kids who are eager to get involved in the community and contribute their input on certain issues. Once formed, Deputy Chief of Walpole Police John Carmichael will take the council to the police station for an orientation that is geared towards familiarizing the students with the daily activities and environment of law enforcement officers.

Chiefly, the function of the council is to relay pertinent information to the students of Walpole as well as to act as a conduit between the police and the schools.

In addition, Carmichael emphasizes the value of education regarding the practices and procedures of the department as a whole. Through education, the Chief hopes to promote a better understanding of the meaning behind specific policies and inform the youth of safe practices.

Furthermore, the department strives to inform the youth of substance issues, safe vehicle operation, and risk awareness. Chief Carmichael hopes that the council also raises youth awareness of some of the issues that Walpole faces.

“We want [students] to understand that a lot of things happen in Walpole, that [they] probably do not know about,” said Carmichael.

In addition to promoting a coherent understanding of the problems in Walpole, the council is also devoted to emphasizing the fact that the police all have a common goal of helping the youth in the community, not hurting them.

“There are no police officers that would want to see harm [come] to any kids. Our goal is try to and help the kids in the community grow and thrive,” said Carmichael.

Carmichael asserts the fact that they are forming the council to both hear opinions from the youth while maintaining an amicable relationship.

“It shall be the policy of the Walpole Police Department to encourage young citizens to offer input in assisting the department in setting our agenda,” states the council policy.  

The council aims to provide an outlet for the students to express their opinion and make influential advances for the the schools and the community.