Syrian refugees on P.E.I. learn not to fear police

Charlottetown police are making efforts to dispel some of the misconceptions and fears Syrian refugees on P.E.I. may have about police.

Officers, with the help of an interpreter, have been speaking to some of the refugees attending language training courses at Holland College.

It seems to be helping them understand policing in Canada and to feel more comfortable with officers, according toConst. Ron Kennedy.

"Some of the people arriving, you know, their trust in the police is not that great ... We did dispel a few of the myths that were out there," said Kennedy

"One gentleman was under the understanding that if you got out of your car in Canada and you started to walk back towards the police, you were going to be shot. And I said, 'No sir, that's simply not the way it's going to happen.'"

Already making a difference

Officers also speak with the refugees about how there is zero tolerance for domestic violence in Canada andto never be afraid to approach police with a concern.

Kennedy believes the sessions are already making a difference.

He recently waved as he was driving past a group of refugees hehad spoken toa few days earlier, and they all waved back. He'snot sure that would have happened before the talks.

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