Sault Police Announce Renewed Partnership with Local School Boards to Reintroduce Elementary School Liaison Officer
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) that will see the return of a full-time, uniformed Elementary School Liaison Officer to local elementary schools. This partnership will provide students, staff, and families with enhanced safety, education, and relationship-building opportunities.
The new Elementary School Liaison Officer is Constable Mark Prophet, who has been a police officer for more than 11 years. Prior to joining the Sault Police, Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and geography at Algoma University, as well as a Bachelor of Education degree from Lakehead University. He then worked as a teacher for 10 years.
“Being visible and approachable in our elementary schools is key to building strong relationships early on,” said Constable Mark Prophet. “As a former teacher with more than a decade of experience in policing, I’ve seen how early engagement can make a real difference for youth in our community.”
The Elementary School Liaison Officer will be shared between 17 ADSB and 16 HSCDSB elementary schools, ensuring students from across the region benefit from the officer’s presence and support.
The focus of the Elementary School Liaison Officer will be on education, awareness, and building positive relationships within the school communities. Through responding to incidents involving students, delivering presentations, participation in school activities, and informal interactions, the officer will work to support students’ safety and wellbeing, while also promoting a deeper understanding of the role of police in our community.
“Reintroducing a dedicated Elementary School Liaison Officer is an investment in the well-being of our students and our community,” said Chief Brent Duguay. “By building positive connections with young people early on, we can strengthen trust, encourage open communication, and support a safe and welcoming school environment.”
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has not had an Elementary School Liaison Officer since 2020. In November 2024, the Service reintroduced a High School Liaison Officer, currently Constable Lyndsey Pilkington, in partnership with ADSB and HSCDSB.
“We are pleased to welcome Constable Prophet as the new Elementary School Liaison Officer,” said ADSB Director of Education Lucia Reece. “With his unique background as both a teacher and a police officer, he brings a perspective that will resonate with students, staff, and families. Our high schools have already seen the positive impact of a dedicated liaison officer, and we are confident this same success will extend into our elementary schools. Together, we can continue to build strong relationships, enhance safety, and foster welcoming learning environments where students can thrive.”
“At the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, the safety and well-being of our students are always a top priority,” said HSCDSB Director of Education, Fil Lettieri. “This renewed partnership provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections between our schools, families, and community partners. We look forward to welcoming Constable Prophet into our classrooms and know that his background as both an educator and a police officer will be a tremendous asset in fostering trust, understanding, and a safe learning environment for all students.”
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, in collaboration with the ADSB and HSCDSB, remains committed to enhancing safety, education, and positive community relations. Constable Prophet began his new role on September 15, 2025, with a focus on making meaningful connections and being an accessible resource for staff and students.
Please direct any questions to the representatives listed below.
| Lincoln Louttit Sault Ste. Marie Police Service l.louttit@ssmps.org 705-949-6300 | Fran Walsh Algoma District School Board walshf@adsb.on.ca 705-945-7284 | Kenzie Vandenberg Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board kenzie.vandenberg@hscdsb.on.ca 705-945-5666 |