Students of Durham Region starting Grade 5 this fall can enter for their chance to become the Chief of Durham Regional Police for a day.

The 15th annual essay contest, which asks students to write a 500-word essay entitled “What I would do if I were Chief for a Day” launched Monday (Aug. 21).

This fall, the top Grade 5 finalists from school boards across Durham Region will be picked up at their schools by police cruisers and escorted to Durham Regional Police headquarters. They’ll then have the chance to read their winning essays to a community panel of judges, including Chief Paul Martin, members of the Police Services Board and members of the Police Appreciation Dinner and Awards Night Committee.

On Oct. 24,  the winner will serve as Chief for a Day. Two days later, they will be the guest of honour at the 15th Police Appreciation Dinner and Awards Night at Deer Creek in Ajax. The theme of this year’s awards night is “You Gotta Have Heart”.

Submissions for the essay contest must include the name of the student submitting the essay — the student must be entering Grade 5 in September — the name and location of the student’s school, and the name of the school board attended by the student.

All entries are due Sept. 19 and can be submitted via email at chiefforaday@drps.ca