By: Constable Mark Prophet
Becoming an Elementary School Liaison Officer
In September 2025, I was proud to begin serving as the Elementary School Liaison Officer and help reintroduce this important role to elementary schools in our community.
At that point, I had been a police officer for more than 11 years. My path to policing also included 10 years as a teacher after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Algoma University and a Bachelor of Education degree from Lakehead University. I was excited by the prospect of bringing together two important parts of my career: education and community policing.
Stepping Into the Role
When I first stepped into the role of Elementary School Liaison Officer, I had a clear idea of what I thought the year would look like. I expected to spend most of my time teaching safety presentations, answering questions about policing, and being a visible presence in schools.
While those responsibilities were certainly part of the job, what I did not expect was how much I would learn from the students, teachers, and school communities themselves. Looking back on the past year, the experience was far more rewarding, educational, and impactful than I could have imagined.
At the beginning of the school year, I understood the importance of building trust and creating positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. However, I assumed those connections would take considerable time to develop. I expected many students to be hesitant or nervous around a police officer in uniform. Instead, I was greeted with curiosity, enthusiasm, and countless questions.
Students wanted to know everything—from what police equipment I carried to whether I had ever been in a car chase. More importantly, they wanted someone who would listen to them and take an interest in their lives. Very quickly, I realized that being a liaison officer was less about enforcement and more about connection.
The Power of Small Interactions
One of the most rewarding parts of the role was developing relationships with students over time. Frequent visits to schools allowed me to become a familiar face rather than just “the police.”
The small interactions often had the biggest impact. Greeting students in the hallway, attending school events, participating in assemblies, and joining recess activities helped create genuine connections. As the year progressed, students became more comfortable approaching me to share stories, ask questions, or simply say hello.
Trust is not built through a single presentation or visit. It is built through consistency, reliability, and showing up when you say you will. By being present and approachable, I was able to demonstrate that my role was not only to educate but also to support.
Working Together to Support Students
Another unexpected highlight of the year was the opportunity to work closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff. The partnership between schools and community organizations is vital. When educators, families, and community partners work together, students benefit from a stronger network of support.
The Best Part of the Job
The students themselves were undoubtedly the best part of the job. Elementary-aged children have a remarkable ability to be honest, curious, and authentic. Whether discussing internet safety, bullying prevention, decision-making, or community responsibility, students consistently brought fresh perspectives to every conversation.
Many students were eager to talk about their interests, goals, and concerns. Some wanted to discuss sports, video games, or hobbies, while others asked thoughtful questions about fairness, kindness, and helping others. These conversations reinforced an important lesson: young people want to be heard. They value adults who listen without judgment and who take their questions seriously.
Lessons From Local Youth
Perhaps the greatest takeaway from this year was gaining a deeper understanding of the young people in our community. Today’s youth are growing up in a world that is very different from previous generations. They are highly connected through technology, exposed to vast amounts of information, and often navigating social pressures that can be difficult for adults to fully appreciate.
Most importantly, I learned that every student has a story. Taking the time to listen and understand those stories can make a meaningful difference.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on this past year and look ahead to the next one, I am grateful for the relationships built and the lessons learned. Being an Elementary School Liaison Officer has reminded me that community policing starts long before a person needs assistance. It starts with trust, communication, and positive interactions.
The students, teachers, and school staff I met throughout the year have left a lasting impression on me. They have reinforced the importance of connection, compassion, and community engagement.
While I entered this role expecting to teach and support local youth, I leave this year realizing how much they have taught me in return. The experience has been a powerful reminder that meaningful relationships between police officers and the public are built one conversation, one interaction, and one act of kindness at a time.
