Ex-teacher turned cop connects with Sault students in liaison role

CTV News

6 hours ago

As the 2024–25 school year concluded, Const. Lyndsey Pilkington of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service reflected on her inaugural year as the city's High School Liaison Officer – a role revitalized last fall through a renewed partnership between local police and school boards. Pilkington, a former teacher turned nine-year police veteran, has spent the past eight months bridging gaps between youth, educators, and law enforcement, emphasizing trust and community over enforcement.
A role reborn: From classroom to hallways
Pilkington's appointment in November 2024 marked the return of a full-time liaison officer to Sault Ste. Marie's schools after the program had been halted prior to the pandemic. The position, jointly funded by the Algoma District School Board and Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, serves five high schools, blending crime prevention with mentorship.
Pilkington talks with school boards
Const. Lyndsey Pilkington's first meeting with the two Sault-area school boards that partnered with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service to restart the High School Liaison Officer program in November 2024. (Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)
'Connecting with youth has always been a focus of mine, whether in the classroom or in uniform,' Pilkington wrote in a blog post reflecting on her first school year in the role last month.
Her dual background proved pivotal: 'This opportunity was the perfect fit for me.'
Breaking barriers: 'Showing up as a human first'
Initial skepticism from students – a challenge Pilkington anticipated – gave way to trust through consistent engagement.
'Policing can come with preconceived notions,' she said, but transparency and casual interactions, like handing out free Frosters coupons for positive behavior, helped dismantle barriers.
Operation Freeze
For a school project, Gracelyn had to interview a community helper, she chose Const. Lyndsey Pilkington. As a thank you, she received a sweet treat: a coupon for a free Froster from Circle K as part of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service's Operation Freeze. (Sault Ste. Marie Police Service/Instagram)
By year's end, Pilkington noted she 'exceeded even [her] own expectations' in building relationships. Highlights included mediating conflicts, celebrating graduations, and connecting students with community resources.
'It's about more than just being present,' she wrote.
'It's acting as a bridge.'
Chain of Life - Sault
As Students Against Impaired Driving Week came to a close on May 16, 2025, students from White Pines Collegiate & Vocational School visited Sault Police at Division 2 to take a photo with their 'Chain of Life' - a powerful visual project made up of pledges from students across local high schools and elementary schools who have committed to not driving impaired or distracted. (Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)
Community impact: Small gestures, big ripples
The liaison role's success hinged on visibility. Pilkington attended school events, posed for photos, and leveraged initiatives like Circle K's 'Operation Freeze' to reward good behavior. Algoma District School Board Education Director Lucia Reece praised the program's revival when it was announced, citing 'stronger relationships between students and police.'
For Pilkington, the rewards were personal: 'Watching this year's graduates cross the stage, knowing I'll meet a new group in September, reminded me why this role matters – for safety and community'.
Sault elementary track meet volunteers
Const. Lyndsey Pilkington stopped into observe a local elementary school track and field meet in Sault Ste. Marie in June 2025 and observed some familiar faces volunteering from the high schools she serves. (Sault Ste. Marie Police Service/Instagram)
Looking ahead: A foundation for the future
With summer underway, Pilkington anticipates her second year, buoyed by support from school boards and the police service, who called the partnership 'a critical step in rebuilding trust'.
Pilkington - pickleball
High School Liaison Officer, Const. Lyndsey Pilkington, having a great time playing pickleball with students from the Kina Awiiya Secondary Program and Prince Charles Secondary School at the Waterfront Adventure Centre in June 2025. (Sault Ste. Marie Police Service/Instagram)
'Thank you to everyone who welcomed me,' Pilkington concluded.
'I'm already looking forward to another great year.'