Mohawk College CICE program partners with Hamilton Police Service
We are pleased to announce a new partnership between Mohawk College’s Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE) program and Hamilton Police Service (HPS). This collaboration will provide CICE students the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience through placements within HPS.
Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to meet, engage with, and work alongside police officers and staff in various departments and roles. These experiences will help students develop practical workplace skills, build confidence, and strengthen their understanding of teamwork, communication, and community service.
The CICE program offers students with intellectual disabilities and other significant learning challenges the opportunity to pursue a postsecondary education, prepare for success in entry-level work, build independence, and self-advocacy skills for adult life.
CICE graduate Cody Simms was the inspiration behind this new partnership.
During his 2016 placement with the City of Hamilton By-laws & Enforcement, Cody met Detective Constable Mike Kinniburgh of Hamilton Police Service. Through this community connection, Mike and Cody developed a meaningful relationship that has continued over the past decade.
Inspired by the spirit and goal of the CICE program, Hamilton Police Service Detective Constables Mike Kinniburgh and Hajanthan Ratnam worked closely with Mohawk College to develop this new partnership.
The first CICE student to take part in this opportunity is Saif-Ur Rehman, who is in his third semester. Saif has been an incredible asset to the program throughout his time in CICE. He can often be found assisting professors and supporting his classmates. Saif plans to continue his education after he graduates from the CICE program this June.
The partnership will enable Hamilton Police Service staff to connect with and support individuals with diverse abilities, while fostering a more inclusive and understanding city.
The college looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes this partnership will bring for our students and the broader community.