PROSE - Police Resource Outreach Supporting Education

PROSE Logo

Grand Erie conducted an evidence-based review of police programs in schools. The result was the Police Resource Outreach Supporting Education (PROSE) program.

Police Resource Outreach Supporting Education (PROSE) is a collaborative initiative designed to empower students, educators, and communities with knowledge and practical strategies related to safety, justice, and civic responsibility. 

Developed in partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board and local police services, the PROSE modules address a range of contemporary topics from consent and internet safety to restorative justice and human trafficking. The modules reflect real-world challenges faced by youth and society today. 

The PROSE modules aim to:

  • Provide accurate, age-appropriate information about legal concepts, personal safety, and social issues relevant to students' lives;
  • Encourage learners to explore divisive perspective, analyze scenarios, and reflect on their own beliefs and decision-making processes;
  • Create a supportive environment for discussing sensitive topics, building discussion norms, and respecting the experiences and emotions of all participants;
  • Equip students with practical skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and digital citizenship to respond effectively to challenges and contribute positively to their communities;
  • Highlight the roles of police officers, educators, and community organizations as partners in supporting student well-being and safety.

Module Overviews

Aligned with the Ontario Curriculum, the POROSE modules are designed to be flexible and adaptable for various educational settings and grade levels.

They invite active participation and ongoing dialogue in the classroom among students, educators, and police partners.

By engaging with these modules, learners not only build knowledge but also the confidence and skills to navigate complex social issues and contribute to safer, more inclusive communities.

Explore the modules below to learn when each presentation is offered and what students can expect to learn.

Consent (Grade 9)

Courses taught:

  • Health and Physical Education (PPL1O)

Overview:

  • Students learn what consent is, why clear communication and mutual respect are important, and how consent applies in everyday relationships and interactions.
  • Participants explore personal boundaries, healthy relationships, and the skills needed to seek, give, refuse, and respect consent.
  • The module reviews Canada's age of consent laws, including key exceptions and situations where consent cannot legally be given.
  • Students discuss real-life scenarios to build communication, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills that support personal safety and respectful relationships.

Key Takeaway: 

This module promotes healthy relationship skills, respectful communication, personal boundaries, and an understanding of the legal and ethical principles surrounding consent.
Human Trafficking (Grade 12)

Courses Taught:

  • Challenge and Change in Society (HSB4U)

Overview:

  • Students learn what human trafficking is, why it is a human rights issue, and how it can affect communities across Ontario and Canada.
  • Participants explore common warning signs ("red flags") of trafficking, online safety risks, and the role social media can play in exploitation.
  • The module addresses common myths and misconceptions about human trafficking and helps students develop critical-thinking and digital literacy skills.
  • Students discuss how to respond to concerns, access support resources, and take positive action as informed and responsible citizens.

Key Takeaway: 

This module promotes awareness, personal safety, informed decision-making, and knowledge of available supports while helping students understand the importance of recognizing and reporting potential concerns.
Internet Safety, Online Behaviour, and Consequences (Grade 10)

Courses taught:

  • Career Studies (GLC20)

Overview:

  • Students learn about the benefits and risks of using social media, online communication, and other digital technologies.
  • Participants explore strategies for staying safe online, including managing privacy settings, protecting personal information, and recognizing scams, cyberbullying, and online exploitation.
  • The module discusses responsible digital citizenship, the impact of online behaviour, and the potential legal and social consequences of harmful online actions.
  • Students learn how to identify warning signs, respond to concerning situations, and access trusted supports and reporting resources when they need help.

Key Takeaway: 

This module promotes safe, respectful, and responsible online behaviour while helping students develop the skills to recognize risks, protect themselves, and seek support when concerns arise.
Modern Policing (Grade 11)

Courses taught:

  • Understanding Canadian Law (CLU3M)

Overview:

  • Students learn about the Canadian justice system and explore common misconceptions about Canadian laws and policing.
  • Participants examine the role of police officers in their communities, including how laws are enforced and how officers support public safety.
  • The module introduces the concept of police discretion and explores how officers make decisions based on laws, policies, safety considerations, and the unique circumstances of each situation.
  • Students analyze real-world scenarios to better understand decision-making, problem-solving, and the factors that influence police responses.

Key Takeaway: 

This presentation helps students develop a better understanding of modern policing, the Canadian justice system, and the role of informed decision-making in promoting community safety and trust.
Restorative Justice (Grade 12)

Courses taught:

  • Challenge and Change in Society (HSB4M)

Overview:

  • Students explore different approaches to policing and justice used in Ontario and around the world, and how these systems reflect the values and needs of their communities.
  • Participants examine how societies balance public safety, individual rights, accountability, and community well-being within different justice systems.
  • The module introduces restorative justice, focusing on repairing harm, taking responsibility for actions, and supporting positive outcomes for those affected by crime.
  • Students learn how victims, offenders, and communities can work together to promote healing, rebuild trust, and strengthen community safety.

Key Takeaway: 

This presentation helps students understand different approaches to policing and justice while exploring how accountability, healing, and community involvement can contribute to safer and more supportive communities.
Role of Police in the Legal System (Grade 11)

Courses taught:

  • Understanding Canadian Law (CLU3M)

Overview:

  • Students learn about the role of police in Canadian society, including their responsibilities in crime prevention, public safety, emergency response, investigations, and supporting victims.
  • Participants explore how policing relates to the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and discuss the shared role that communities and individuals play in maintaining public safety.
  • The module examines real-world examples of citizen involvement in law enforcement and encourages students to consider different perspectives on justice, rights, and public responsibility.
  • Students reflect on the qualities and characteristics that contribute to effective policing, including fairness, honesty, professionalism, compassion, and accountability.

Key Takeaway: 

This presentation helps students better understand the role of police within the Canadian legal system, the relationship between police and the public, and the personal qualities that support effective and community-focused policing.
Technology and Challenges and Changes in Policing (Grade 12)

Courses taught:

  • Legal Studies (CLN4C)

Overview:

  • Students explore how technology is changing modern policing, including the use of tools such as body-worn cameras, drones, digital forensics, artificial intelligence, and cybercrime investigations.
  • Participants examine both the benefits and challenges of emerging technologies, including their impact on public safety, efficiency, privacy, and accountability.
  • The module introduces legal and ethical considerations related to technology, including privacy rights, data protection, bias, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  • Students critically evaluate how laws and policies adapt to new technologies and discuss how society balances public safety with individual rights and freedoms.

Key Takeaway: 

This presentation helps students understand how technology is shaping modern policing while encouraging thoughtful discussion about privacy, human rights, accountability, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Types of Violence, Strategies, and Consequences (Grade 9)

Courses taught:

  • Health and Physical Education (PPL1O)

Overview:

  • Students learn to recognize different forms of violence and harmful behaviour, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, social bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment.
  • Participants explore the impact these behaviours can have on individuals, relationships, and communities, as well as the legal consequences that may apply under Canadian law.
  • The module examines practical strategies for responding to unsafe or unhealthy situations, including communication, refusal skills, conflict resolution, and seeking help from trusted adults and community supports.
  • Students develop skills to promote respectful relationships, make safe decisions, and contribute to positive and inclusive school and community environments.

Key Takeaway: 

This presentation helps students recognize and respond to harmful behaviours, build healthy relationship skills, and access supports and resources when they or others need help.