Oak Bay switches up school liaison officers

Const. Sandrine Perry takes over the role of school liaison officer in Oak Bay come fall.

“I’m super excited. I love working with kids,” Perry said. “The school liaison officer has that special time in a kids life where you can set up positive relationships with them.”

Perry and current liaison Const. Markus Lueder make the rounds today (June 8) meeting principals across the community.

“I’m really excited. It’s really fun to be able to kind of put your own stamp on something and make another positive difference in the community,” she said.

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A parent herself, Perry sees Lueder’s work in the role, which changes every two to three years, as a prime example of positive policing with youth.

A key example is the ongoing bike theft issue near Oak Bay High, where Lueder crafted an operation using a bait bike. He’s also a regular face in school speed zones.

“He’s out there, he sees issues that hew schools have and he fights for it which is what a good school liaison officer does,” Perry said. “Luckily I can work with him (this summer) and her suggestions he has … maybe come up with new ideas and build on those.”

“Markus is a self starter who cares very deeply for the kids of Oak Bay. He’s exactly who you want serving this community and, while he won’t officially be in the role, you’ll certainly still see him in school zones,” said Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties. “Sandrine is enthusiastic, compassionate and brings a ton of experience to the role.”

The Oak Bay Police Department pair will work together on the same platoon through the summer to create smooth transition, says Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties.

Pleased to name Cst. Sandrine Perry as our new School Liaison Officer. She's going to do awesome in the role! Many are sad to see Markus go to patrol but don't fret, he still passionately cares about your kids so he'll still be in school zones! Big thx to him for a fantastic job! pic.twitter.com/7e339tI9Jo

— Oak Bay Police (@OakBayPolice) June 8, 2018

“Each will bring their own skills and experience to the role and connect, in their own way, with the students,” Bernoties said. “We’re just so lucky to be able to switch out one star for another.”