The typical OPP cruiser is packed with equipment and communication tools needed for an officer to safely undertake their shift.
One less visible aid to the job is a supply of OPP Community Bears.
OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk explains the purpose and the impact of the cuddly bears.
When OPP officers are investigating a situation involving small children, a Community Bear may be gifted to a child (typically under the age of 12 years) to help them get through a traumatic experience, giving them something positive to focus on.
Children who fall victim to tragic circumstances such as personal injury, traffic collisions and criminal acts including family violence and sexual abuse, are truly innocent victims, stresses Sanchuk.
He explains how huggable bears assist officers in more ways than one.
Sanchuk stresses officers know the trauma children suffer but while attempting to comfort child victims, they often become only one more frightening aspect of an already overwhelming and terrifying experience.
OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk tells myFM the Community Bears will continue to be made available across the province.
Sanchuk adds, “As a father, it breaks my heart to hear about innocent children who have fallen victim to a tragic circumstance.
The Community Bear program is made possible through the support of the OPP Youth Foundation and Ontario Provincial Police Association Credit Union.
