Beyond the Badge: Calgary launches peace officer program for grade 9 classrooms
The City of Calgary has officially launched “Beyond the Badge,” a free educational initiative that brings Community Peace Officers directly into Grade 9 classrooms to teach students about citizenship, community safety, and public service career pathways.
Designed to connect classroom learning with real-world issues, the program integrates curriculum-aligned lessons across Social Studies, English, and Health. Through interactive activities, students explore local bylaws, rights and responsibilities, and the role peace officers play in maintaining safe neighborhoods, while also practicing practical skills like teamwork and critical thinking.
Participating teachers receive an online, ready-to-use manual developed jointly by certified educators and Community Peace Officers. The guide includes lesson plans and classroom activities that prepare students for a hands-on, culminating experience: a live classroom visit and mock interview session with active Community Peace Officers.
“Beyond the Badge gives students a unique opportunity to connect what they are learning in the classroom to the communities they live in every day,” said Lucy Roy, Community Liaison Officer with Community Standards. “By exploring citizenship, civic responsibility and community safety in an engaging way, students gain a deeper understanding of how they can make a positive contribution to their communities.”
In addition to building civic awareness, the initiative aims to highlight public service career opportunities and foster a sense of shared community responsibility among youth.
“We want students to see that community safety is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a role to play in creating strong, vibrant neighbourhoods,” said Rajdeep Gill, Community Liaison Officer with Community Standards. “Beyond the Badge provides hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to think critically, work together and explore future career possibilities.”
The program is offered at no cost to Grade 9 classrooms across Calgary. Educators can review materials and schedule officer visits through the official Beyond the Badge webpage.