A member of the local police department is getting some national recognition. Durham Regional Police detective- constable Deborah Knight has been recognized with a Certificate of Distinction for her work with the Youth in Action program. Established in 2008, Youth in
Action helps young people residing in low-income housing to interact with their local police forces in positive ways. Through open dialogue, information sessions and a range of activities,
Youth in Action helps young people in conflict or at risk of becoming in conflict with the law, understand themselves, their strengths and their impact in their communities. Youth in Action is a collaborative effort between the Durham Regional Police Service, Region of Durham Social Services department and Durham District School Board Continuing Education.

It doubles as a Grade 11 credit leadership course, which is offered in the school system and has allowed family, friends and community leaders to be closely involved in the lives and education of the participants. Knight helped to initiate this program, which uses education to engage at-risk youths in their own neighbourhoods. Her efforts have had a positive impact on the lives of countless youth in Durham Region. Knight was recognized at the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) recently in Montreal.

The certificate is part of the annual Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Awards. This year’s main award went to Corporal James Cooley of the RCMP, “E” division. For the past 20 years, Cooley ha given his time to youth in conflict with the law and taught the values of personal responsibility and community involvement.