Rovers Ready to Serve
With police officers in her family, she aspired to follow in their footsteps.
“I am someone who loves working in the community, I like to give back and I get great pleasure in making a difference,” said the Humber College student. “Being a police officer seems to be the best job to be able to do all of those things.”
Gulam has already started to prepare for her professional career.
The Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) graduate was among 43 new members who were invested into the 22 Division Toronto Police Service Rover Crew at a ceremony on February 11 at the Toronto Police College. Members are all students inHumber College’s School of Social & Community Services.
“I found out about this program before I got to Humber and thought it would be an amazing opportunity to help me get to where I want to,” added 18-year-old Gulam, who is enrolled in the Police Foundations program like all Rovers.
Carl Harvey is also using the Rovers program as a stepping stone to get into policing.
He decided he was going to be a cop when he was in Grade 11.
“When I was at Lakeshore Collegiate Institute, I would see the Rover Crew at Humber and I figured that would be a good opportunity to meet police officers,” he pointed out. “I am enjoying the experience so far. I like the environment and the interaction with other members.”
Briana Laurie said she has already made good friends through the Rovers.
“I like volunteering and I thought being a member of the Rover Crew would be a great way to give back and also make connections,” Laurie said. “I have made really good friends already and it’s made school more fun.”
Founded by Police Foundation students at Humber College’s Lakeshore campus in 2003, the program is designed to prepare young people for the future by encouraging them to give back to the community, while also providing them with an insight into law enforcement.
“Our goal is to help young people develop the skills and experience necessary to be a competitive applicant for a career in policing or any other related fields,” said Constable Scott Walker. “This is achieved through the traditional value-based Scout program and by adding a police theme to it. Our members develop these values while performing thousands of community service hours each year assisting various organizations.”
From the 55 Division community barbecue, to the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the Etobicoke Park Clean Up, to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Red Ribbon campaign, the St. Patrick Day Parade, the Kub Kar Rally, the Humber RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) check and various Santa Claus parades across the city last November, their volunteer work is valued by the Service.
There are currently 87 students enrolled in the Rovers program.
Learn more about the 22 Division Rover Crew
