The Richmond RCMP Detachment’s new youth squad program celebrated the graduation of 45 students in December.
The program was launched by the detachment’s youth section in partnership with the school district in the fall of 2013 and introduced Grade 10 to 12 students to various aspects of policing and other emergency services.
There was a significant amount of interest from students; to qualify they had to demonstrate their good character and produce an essay explaining why they were interested in learning about policing and emergency services.
Those accepted were offered the opportunity to spend three hours each Monday evening at the detachment, where they got to meet and learn from members of the RCMP, military, fire rescue, ambulance service and others. Specific to the RCMP, students learned about the tactical team, protective policing, general duty, forensic identification and drug sections, depot division, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, history of the RCMP uniform and much more.
The program culminated on the final evening with an RCMP recruiting section presentation and a graduation ceremony in the detachment atrium attended by parents and school district representatives.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for Richmond members to work in partnership with other emergency services personnel in delivering career oriented information to the youth in our community,” said youth section Cpl. Anette Martin, who conceived, developed and spearheaded the program.
“The Richmond RCMP Youth Section is dedicated to the youth of Richmond and we look forward to continue to deliver the program in coming years.”
Print this page
