Just The Ticket

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear that somebody’s been given a ticket by police?

Parking infraction?

Speeding?

&^%$#!! radar trap?

How about good job? Admission to a Jays or Raptor game? Or have a free pizza?

Chances are the latest initiative by Toronto Police and the city won’t change your mind about those dreaded yellow tags.

But your kids may want to collect them all.

Cops across the city will soon be giving out rewards for youngsters and teens that are seen doing something positive for the community.

The idea: a reward may want to make them do more good deeds.

The new program is called the Future Aces Positive Ticketing Program, and is open to kids from seven to 17.

“We give tickets to youth who show positive attitudes within the schools and community,” explains police spokesman Errol Watson.

Will it work? The kids think so.

“I just didn't go to class. I didn't come to school,” reflects student Shannon Brown. But when she was rewarded for going back to class through the program, her attitude and her grades both changed.

Adil Abdul has experienced a similar metamorphosis. “Skipping, not going to school, not doing my work,” he recalls about his former self. But since he was rewarded for his good behaviour, he’s turned it all around.

What changed? “My younger brother's applying for university,” he explains. “And I don't want him to graduate before me.”

The initiative has already started in 41 Division and will spread out to other areas of the city over time. It’s the first movement of its kind in the G.T.A. but it’s by no means unique to Canada.

The concept first originated in Richmond, B.C. in 2004 and since then R.C.M.P. officers have handed out twice as many positive tickets as negative ones.

April 4, 2006

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