All cadets who train at the RCMP Depot Training Academy in Regina have at least a couple things in common: they all want to play a role in public safety and they all took the leap to become police officers in our country. However, each cadet comes with their own background, their own career goals and a personal wish list of locations they wish to be posted to first upon graduating. For some cadets, their minds are made up before ever arriving for training – some hoping to return home, some with their sights set on a province of interest. Others, however, may not have made this decision yet and may be looking for change or new adventure – a thought which sparked officers of the Saskatchewan RCMP, to use as an opportunity to showcase our province to cadets who may not know much about Saskatchewan.
"I can't think of a better way to promote our province to cadets than by taking them on an in-person adventure to experience some of our detachments," says A/Commr. Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP. "We have a unique opportunity at our fingertips with the Training Academy being located in our backyard, where we can put cadets on a force plane or drive to detachments across Saskatchewan on the weekends and show them more about our province and our officers, and allow our cadets the opportunity to imagine themselves policing here."
The newly offered Saskatchewan RCMP Cadet Experience does just that and more – offering cadets the opportunity to visit various RCMP detachments, see Saskatchewan, learn more about front-line policing, speak to officers, visit a variety of communities first-hand and see the amenities they offer including RCMP force housing where applicable. The first weekend had six cadets – originally from Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, St. Johns, Whitehorse and Regina visit the northern community of Big River.
Sgt. Heath Robinson, Detachment Commander of Big River Detachment, showed the group around the community and noted that parts of the visit that interested the cadets most included the force housing options available in the community, the types of calls for service, as well as scheduling, etc. – all of which are important factors to acquire a good work-life balance and a huge consideration when finding a good fit for an officer and their family.
"I appreciated the opportunity to share my experience of working in Saskatchewan and in Big River Detachment specifically and showcasing the hard work by all of the officers who make this location a great place to be. We work hard at maintaining our office space and force housing as well as our various tools and equipment to do our jobs safely and efficiently. These may seem like routine things to do, but it matters to officers when considering a division or detachment. Highlighting the opportunities and amenities first-hand as well as dispelling any myths of a division is vital to attracting more resources to the division," says Sgt. Robinson.
The group of six were not ready for their tour to end. Upon their return to Regina, one cadet shared: "I can't overstate how valuable the trip to Big River was in helping me make a decision on possible postings. Not only the visit to the area, but the insight you were able to provide in a bit more of an informal setting," also going on to say that Saskatchewan is now a number one contender for them as a posting choice.
Next week, a new group of cadets will travel to another Saskatchewan community where they will have the opportunity to imagine themselves policing there upon completion of training.
Although posting requests are not guaranteed, A/Commr. Blackmore hopes this initiative helps cadets when it comes to making future staffing decisions. She said she can't wait to welcome excited new officers to the province - officers who may have been one of those very cadets who originally didn't imagine themselves choosing Saskatchewan.