May 15th to 21st, 2016 has been designated as Police Week in Ontario. Police Week started in 1970 and it is observed every year in May to coincide with Peace Officers Memorial Day, which is recognized internationally on May 15. This year's theme, Discover Policing for Safer Communities, provides an opportunity for communities to discover the many ways police are working to keep their community safe. All citizens are asked to take an active role in helping create a safer community. The Owen Sound Police Service has several events planned throughout the week. Some of these events include:

Monday May 16th - Shop with a Cop

Owen Sound Police Officers will be grocery shopping for a cause with members of the Meaford Optimist Club as well as students from Sydenham Elementary School. The students will be shopping for healthy non-perishable food at Zehrs, while sticking to a strict budget. The team coming the closest to their budget without going over, wins this fun competition for a good cause. With the generous donation and support of Zehrs and the Meaford Optimist Club, all of the food will be donated to the local Salvation Army food bank.

Police Station Tours

Members of the public can get a behind the scenes tour of the Owen Sound Police station, guided by members of the Owen Sound Service and our Auxiliary Police Unit. Building tours will be available by drop in, Monday May 16th from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm and again on Saturday May 21st, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Wednesday May 18th - Chief for a Day

All grade five students from Owen Sound schools have the opportunity to write an essay on pre-chosen topic related to safety messaging as "Chief of Police". The winner of the essay contest will be sworn in as the Chief for the day, have the opportunity to get a close up, behind the scenes look at what it is like to be a police officer.

Thursday May 19th - Chief Citation Awards

Four Owen Sound citizens will receive recognition for their heroic life-saving interventions. The Chief Citation awards will take place at 11:00 am in the Public Meeting Room ( 2nd floor) at the Owen Sound Police station, 922 2nd Avenue West.

Saturday May 21st - Police Station Tours - From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

In addition to these events, the Owen Sound Police Service will be releasing videos throughout Police Week, highlighting a variety of topics and information on services available within our Police Service. In addition, the Chief of Police will answer questions from the community via video response.

source: media release, Owen Sound Police Services