Suckers may even give police a break downtown

The following article appeared in the December 16 edition of the Guelph Mercury:

Guelph Police believe they have a cure for rowdiness and fighting downtown: lollipops.

On Oct. 29, several police officers handed out lollipops to patrons exiting bars in the city’s core. The Halloween weekend was chosen as it ensured it was a busy night.

The idea was brought to city police at a Guelph Nightlife Task Force meeting by councillor Ian Findlay who was forwarded a press article from Victoria about the concept being tried in the western city.

Guelph Police have tried a number of tactics to reduce violence downtown, Findlay said. Officers have now switched to patrolling the downtown on foot, instead of merely in their cruisers, he said.

“(Police) saw this as an easy, non-threatening way to approach people as part of their community engagement,” Findlay said. “By giving a little gift, it shows patrons that police are a partner in the community.”

Findlay said the desire is to have people come downtown, enjoy themselves and also be respectful.

The lollipops were purchased by the Downtown Guelph Business Association and enough stock is on hand that police are considering trying it out again on homecoming weekend, St. Patrick’s Day and possibly for some R.I.D.E. programs.

“We don’t have any conclusive evidence that it stopped any fights, but it was an incredible conversation piece,” said deputy police chief Bryan Larkin.

He said police did not engage in any large scale marketing campaign because they wanted to first try out the initiative quietly.

Findlay said the lollipops served as icebreakers between the bar patrons and police. The sugar in the system will also help people recover from the alcohol, he said.

“Once they have a lollipop in their mouths, they are less likely to be yelling and hooting,” he said.

Edmonton police as well as police in England have also tried out the concept.