Our relationship grew deeper as a result, and more complex. There are more opportunities to interact and share information. Officers have a more intimate knowledge of our services, which makes their jobs easier. When an officer brings a family into Horizons' offices, it is with more of a sense that we are all part of a team. As we rub shoulders in the building, we each have more confidence in the other's role, more understanding and appreciation of what the other does.
Horizons is a tremendous asset.
Horizons fits perfectly within the community policing mold of reaching out, helping parents, working with kids and supporting alternatives in enforcement. It isn't always easy to understand and convey that police and counselors can work together. Everyone is busy, and it can be hard to maintain that broad vision we are working toward. Counselors should be required to do ride-alongs with officers and go to police briefings regularly. Officers can learn what we are about, and we can hear their perspective.