Salute to First Responders Sponsored by #Ivegotyourback911
Yasmine Arabi, a Police Constable with the St. Thomas Police Service, embarked on her career in law enforcement, deeply inspired by her stepfather, Lance, a former U.S. Army veteran and corrections officer. “My family showed me unconditional support in pursuing law enforcement,” Yasmine shares. “They encouraged me to step into male-dominated spaces unapologetically.” Lance’s pride and sense of duty resonated with her, motivating her to pursue a career in policing, despite it not being a common path within her family. Reflecting on her early days, Yasmine described her first experiences as a cadet in the communication centre as overwhelming. Between handling emergency and non-emer- gency calls and listening to officers on the radio, the challenge was immense. However, this phase proved instrumental in determining whether policing was the right fit for her. Her transition to becoming a sworn constable involved completing the Basic Constable Training program at the Ontario Police College. Yasmine recalled her first day on the road vividly, noting that her coach officer’s approach to task management, overwhelming her with follow-ups and paperwork, helped her develop critical organizational skills. “I was a sponge, taking in as much as I could because I knew that after ten blocks I would be on my own,” she explains. “My first day alone was stressful like a mother bird letting her baby bird fly for the first time. Just as ungraceful as you would think too.” Despite the initial challenges, Yasmine found joy in the unpredictability of the job. Each shift brought something new, whether it was handling different types of calls or engaging with the community during events like Oktoberfest and Stuff the Cruiser. “It’s at events like these where I can build rapport and better the public’s perception of police officers,” she adds. One of the proudest moments in her career came during her swearing-in ceremony. The sense of accomplishment she felt, seeing the pride in her mother’s and Lance’s eyes, made the journey worthwhile. However, the role comes with its challenges. Yasmine cited the increasing number of mental health and drug-related calls as one of the most difficult aspects of the job. While the St. Thomas Police Service works alongside the Canadian Mental Health Association to provide support, the unpredictability of these situations can pose safety risks.
“The recent increase in violence against police has changed how I approach certain calls to reduce risks,” she says, expressing frustration with the criminal justice system’s release of violent offenders struggling with mental health or addiction. “There is a lack of long-term solutions for them. This same frustration leads into individuals we deal with daily being released back into society who are prone to reoffending. Ideally, in a more well-rounded system, other agencies, the criminal justice system, and stakeholders would receive funding and directives to prevent police from becoming a catchall for all social issues.” Managing stress is crucial for Yasmine. She emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from work during her days off, often finding solace in nature through activities like boating, fishing, or kayaking. Seeking support from colleagues and mental health professionals also helps her cope with the pressures of her role. Despite the difficulties, Yasmine remains committed to her career choice. “There are many positives in this career that outweigh the negatives,” she says, adding that she continues to look forward to learning and growing in her role. Yasmine’s resilience, dedication, and passion for making a difference are evident. Her journey reflects the challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement, showing that with the right support and mindset, it’s possible to thrive in even the most demanding roles.
Page 4 Hometown St. Thomas • November 2024
To advertise here contact Geoff@VillagerPublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs