YouthLink Interpretive Centre opens at Calgary police headquarters

Guns, gangs, police dogs and cybercrimes:those are just a few of the areas of policing children can explore at Calgary Police Service's newYouthLink Interpretive Centre.

Thefacility opened today and features videos, photos andinteractive displays.The centre aims to educate students and prevent crime by building positive relationships between kids and officers.

• Police hope new YouthLink centre will deter children from crime

"It really is an opportunity to speak to kids and to teach them about the realities around gangs, around drugs, around bullying and some of those issues that are really tough to speak to kids about," said acting deputy chief Trevor Daroux.

Located in northeast Calgary

Housed at policeheadquarters on Westwinds Drivein Calgary's northeast,YouthLink specifically targets Grade 6students with classroom curriculum activities that will reach about 15,000 students every year.

"The work that the police service here in Calgary is doing in engaging youth is fantastic," said Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley at thegrand opening Monday.

Much of the funding for the centre came from a $500-million Calgary Police Foundation contribution.

"Our focus is on early intervention, prevention and education for our children," said foundation chairBrian Ferguson. "This is an amazing world-class facility."

The centre will be open tothe public on Fridays and Saturdays with free admission starting Oct. 2.