On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at the RCMP Academy, the Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training Program (IPTP) troop celebrated the completion of the 2024 session with a graduation at Depot. The RCMP also celebrates 30 years of running the program since its inception in 1994.
Candidates arrived at Depot from across the country to take part in this three-week program designed to give young First Nations, Inuit and Métis people a first-hand look at a career in policing.
The program began with a visit from the Commanding Officer of Depot Division and a blessing from Knowledge Keeper of Treaty 4, Mr. James (Jim) Pratt.
Throughout their training at Depot, participants, aged 19 to 29, learn about various RCMP career specializations, cultural diversity, policing techniques and meet with Indigenous RCMP officers from across Canada. Many of these RCMP officers and mentors also took part in the IPTP program.
Much like cadets enrolled in the Cadet Training Program, the IPTP troop lives in dorms, dines in the mess, and upon completion of the program, they take part in a graduation ceremony. They also have a sibling troop, that act as mentors and guides during their time here at the RCMP Academy.
Once candidates have completed the program there is ongoing support and guidance if they choose to continue through the RCMP's police officer application process.
For more information on the IPTP program, please visit Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training Program.
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It gives Indigenous youth the opportunity to experience a training session and a first-hand view of what a possible career in police work could entail.