Calgary Police Community Engagement Program, organized by PCCA and Zalmi

Constable Randy Randhawa of the Calgary Police Service emphasized to community leaders the importance of engaging kids and young children in sports and positive, healthy activities to prevent their involvement in other unhealthy activities, which can be very harmful. Constable Randhawa expressed his views while responding to questions from community leaders during this valuable and knowledgeable gathering focused on community engagement.

The Calgary Police Community Engagement session was arranged by PCCA and the Canadian Zalmi Society. This was the first program of its kind, and organizers announced that a second session will be held in the future to continue this important dialogue. The program began with an introduction by Program Director of Canadian Zalmi, Naseer Khan, who introduced the distinguished guest Tanveer Taj from PCCA Alberta. Tanveer Taj expressed his views on why this kind of community engagement is essential, highlighting the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the community to address social challenges and build trust.

Humaira Falak, Co-Chair of the Calgary Police South Asian Advisory Board, welcomed all guests and coordinated the program effectively. She emphasized unity, cooperation, and the role of community leadership in fostering a safe and inclusive environment. Her remarks set a constructive tone for the event, encouraging open dialogue and participation from attendees.

Constable Randy Randhawa continued to answer questions from community members, addressing a range of concerns. He spoke about modern-day challenges affecting youth, particularly the risks associated with excessive gaming. He mentioned games such as Roblox and Minecraft, stating that while these platforms can be entertaining, they can also become dangerous if children are not properly monitored. He stressed that parents must actively watch their children, remain aware of their activities, and maintain open communication to ensure their safety.

A major concern highlighted during the discussion was the issue of drugs within the community. Constable Randhawa described drug use as a significant and growing problem, urging families and community leaders to remain vigilant. He reassured attendees that the Calgary Police Service is always ready to help and is committed to providing a safe environment for all residents. He encouraged individuals to reach out for support whenever needed and emphasized that policing works best when there is strong cooperation with the community.

Constable Randhawa also expressed pride in the Calgary Police Service, stating that it is among the best police services in Canada. He noted that the department continuously works to support the community and build positive relationships, especially with young people. He encouraged youth to consider joining the police service as a career, describing it as an honorable and rewarding profession that allows individuals to give back to their community.

The gathering also included discussions about traffic and related issues affecting residents. Community members raised concerns, and Constable Randhawa addressed them thoughtfully, offering insights and potential solutions. He further mentioned that the Calgary Police Service can provide presentations on various topics in the future, including safety, crime prevention, youth engagement, and traffic awareness, to better educate and inform the public.

At the conclusion of the event, Jay Choudhary, Diversity Resource Volunteer with the Calgary Police Service, extended thanks to all participants for their presence and active engagement. He appreciated the collaborative spirit of the gathering and acknowledged the importance of continued dialogue between the police and the community.

The event saw participation from several community members, including Asjad Bhukhari, Arshad Choudhary, Ali Rajpoot, Tanveer Choudhary, Irfan Sabir, Jamsheed Qureshi, Shah Sawar, Salman Saeed, Amir Ali, Mashood Qazi, Sher Akber, Dr. Muhammad, Mudaassar, Dr. Khalid Junejo, and many others. These participants actively engaged in the session, asked questions, and contributed to meaningful discussions.

Overall, the gathering served as an important platform for strengthening ties between the Calgary Police Service and the community. It highlighted the shared responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of young people and emphasized the role of parents, community leaders, and law enforcement in guiding youth toward positive and healthy lifestyles. The announcement of a second session further reflects the commitment of organizers to continue this initiative and expand community engagement efforts in the future.