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During the past few years, the Moose Jaw Police Service has
been involved with a unique community project. In collaboration
with the Associated Canadian Travelers, the Service has
been able to provide Calvin Peyton as a guest speaker to local schools and
community groups.
Calvin Peyton’s life story is quite remarkable.
Peyton shares with students a glimpse into his childhood characterized by
alcoholism, drugs, and physical abuse. Peyton entered the justice system in
his mid-teens and became a permanent fixture by his early twenties. He has
been charged with murder, attempted murder, and numerous assaults that
include over twenty stabbing victims.
Peyton’s experience in jail was very negative –
involving more drugs and even more
violence. For most of his twenty-three years of incarceration, Calvin Peyton was an
extremely dangerous individual. In fact, Peyton spent a significant amount
of time in a Special Handling Unit due to his violent and aggressive
behavior.
So, what does a man like this have to offer our
youth? Peyton’s
most important message is the power to make a positive change.
Peyton talks about the wasted years of his life, time that he
can never get back. Peyton readily admits that his life is full of many
regrets, and he urges kids to avoid the same bad choices he made. Because of his
unique life story, Peyton’s “learn by my example” really hits home with students.
During his last years in custody, Peyton
completely turned his life around. After hitting rock bottom, and feeling
like he had no reason to live, Peyton reached out for help. Peyton found the
assistance he needed and was able to salvage his life. He was able to leave
the drugs, alcohol and violence. According to Peyton, if he did not get the
help that he desperately needed, he would likely be dead or still in jail.
Since his release from prison in 1995, Peyton has moved on with his life
finding a formula for success. With help from a number of caring people who
put faith in him, Calvin Peyton now has the life he had
long been searching for. He resides in (small town) Saskatchewan and works
for a meat processing company. Even more importantly, Peyton is happily
married with a daughter and three stepchildren. For the longest time, Calvin
Peyton never believed that he could have a “normal” life. The lesson he
shares is powerful - everyone has the power to change and make good choices.
The Police Service plans to continue bringing Calvin Peyton
to Moose Jaw 3-4 times a year
to visit several schools. His unique message has a positive impact on our youth.
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