Town of Innisfail peace officer Ryan Anderson is a cycling man this summer with a special focus on pursuing culprits for ticketing.
But this task is all good.
The Town of Innisfail peace officers and local RCMP officers will be patrolling the streets on cycles until Oct. 31 to reward good behaviour by Innisfail youth.
“It doesn't have to be just for wearing bike helmets and protective gear,” said Anderson. “We will be issuing tickets to youths aged three to 21 from Dairy Queen, Innisfail Pizza, Tim Hortons, Century Theatre, A & W, Subway, D & R Drive In, McDonalds and Innisfail Aquatic Centre, and Discovery Wildlife Park.”
Sharron Matthewman, Innisfail Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) co-ordinator, was out on patrol with Anderson to “catch” kids in action.
“You realize why we're stopping you,” said Anderson to Innisfail resident Brayden Laduke who was wearing a helmet.
The peace officer took Laduke's name and handed him a MacDonald's ice cream certificate before sending him on his way.
“Handing out positive tickets does a couple of things,” said Anderson. “It helps reinforce good behaviour in kids and we are seen in a more positive light by them when they get older. It becomes a win-win scenario.”
During their visit to the Spray Park, Anderson handed out six tickets to youths under the age of 13.
Matthewman defined good behaviour as wearing helmets, seatbelts, pulling cars over before using a cellphone, using crosswalks safely, crossing streets safely, using garbage cans, and reinforcing positive actions by participating in athletics.
“The program is in its third summer with peace officers biking through the community on their own bikes,” said Anderson. “Prior to that we used RCMP bikes for two years. The RCMP will also be patrolling when they are able.”
Matthewman noted that 15 packages of tickets were given to peace officers and RCMP, with 405 total tickets donated by local businesses.
“This is an increase in the number of tickets and business participants over last year,” said Matthewman. “We are pleased with the growth in the program and look forward to seeing them all handed out.”
The Innisfail Positive Ticket Program is facilitated and operated by FCSS in partnership with the Innisfail RCMP detachment and Innisfail community peace officers.
If citizens want to be a part of this community program or have an inquiry, contact FCSS at 403-227-7744.
