by Stephen Dafoe
St. Albert – Though spring break is many months away for Morinville high school students, they will soon have the opportunity to trade holiday time for an inside look at policing and the opportunity to earn some credits in the process. St. Albert, Morinville and Stony Plain RCMP Detachments are teaming up for the 3rd Annual St. Albert RCMP Youth Academy takes place at Bellerose High School from Mar. 28 to Apr. 3, 2014 and is open to Grade 11 and 12 students.
Youth Academy is a five-credit work experience course that provides an introduction to policing through a hands-on look at the work and life of RCMP members. Students spend the week as an RCMP troop living at Bellerose High School under the supervision of RCMP members.
“It is a great opportunity for any students considering a career in law enforcement, criminal justice, law, or other careers where an understanding of police work would be an asset,” said Corporal Laurel Kading of the St. Albert RCMP Detachment in a release Wednesday.
Youth Academies held in 2012 and 2013 attracted troops of 20 students each and the most recent edition included four Morinville Community High School students. In addition to learning a variety of policing skills, including the obstacle course at Edmonton’s K-Division headquarters, students spend the evening applying skills towards investigative scenarios.
The week concludes with a graduation ceremony for family and friends that includes a troop marching demonstration.
Students interested in taking part in the program are asked to talk to their school’s Work Experience Coordinator or call Cpl. Laurel Kading or Constable M-J Burroughs of the St. Albert RCMP Detachment at 780-458-7700.
