Eskasoni RCMP Detachment has a new face joining its ranks to get a first-hand look at policing for eight weeks as part of the Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program (APTP).

The program offers Aboriginal Canadians between the ages of 19 and 29 the opportunity to get an inside look at daily police work. APTP candidate Gerard Francis completed a three-week session at the RCMP Academy, Depot Division on July 4th, 2014 and will now join us for the second part of the program. ‘Having a young person like Gerard who is born and raised in the Mi’kmaq culture receive this kind of exposure to the RCMP creates a positive role model for youth and certainly helps increase the level of rapport between the community and the RCMP,’ says S/Sgt. Dan Morrow, Detachment Commander.

APTP candidate Francis, age 20, from Eskasoni, will work alongside officers in areas related to crime prevention and community piolicicng initiatives.

To graduate from the Depot part of the program, the candidates must:

· demonstrate a level of personal, professional and social deportment that is consistent with the core values of the RCMP;

· work effectively as part of a policing team with colleagues, supervisors, clients, and partners in policing;

· work with diverse communities and participate in creative and collaborative problem solving;

· demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for the diverse individuals and groups within the community

· know the Criminal Code, RCMP policy and Code of Conduct sufficiently to ensure that good judgment is exercised responsibly and lawfully.

‘I had a great experience at Depot. I learned a lot and did a lot of running. I lost 14 pounds. It was an eye-opener for sure! I would recommend this program to anyone because it helps a person decide if this is the career for them or not. I cannot wait to go back to do the full program. I plan to prepare for the exam over the summer and apply for the full Cadet Training Program,’ says APTP Candidate Francis.

Since the inception of the program in 1996, 470 candidates have completed the program and on average about half have gone on to apply to the RCMP. Approximately four dozen candidates have successfully become RCMP officers and about 20 are employed in other capacities within the organization.

Of the RCMP’s approximately 19,000 police officers across Canada, 7.9% self-identified as Aboriginal in 2013. The RCMP is committed to increasing the ranks of Aboriginal police officers to 10% to better represent the communities we serve across the country.

Visit the RCMP’s Recruiting website www.rcmpcareers.ca for more information on Aboriginal development program.

Source: Release