(Orillia) - Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop today presented the Orillia Police Services Board with a cheque for $15,460 from the Ernie Eves government. The funding comes from the Ministry of Public Safety and Security's Youth Crime and Violence Initiative (YCVI) grant program.

"Community safety continues to be a priority for our government," said Dunlop. "By supporting local police programs that focus on youth crime, we are providing our police officers with the tools they need to work with young people and help keep them away from a life of crime."

The YCVI grant program was launched on September 18, 2001. Under this program, funds are provided to police services and community groups to support their fight against youth crime by reducing violence among young people and dealing with high-risk youth.

"We are pleased this funding will ensure that we can provide our Youth Liaison Officer with a computer," said Staff Sergeant Chuck Vessey, OPP Orillia detachment. "Our bike patrol officers who serve youth and youth-at-risk in the downtown and park areas of Orillia will also benefit from this funding with updated equipment."

The Orillia OPP Youth Liaison Officer works within four high schools in Orillia. A computer will enable the officer to complete paperwork and reporting right in the schools, allowing for more time to spend with students.

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)

Julie Kwiecinski
(416) 325-6176