New Westminster police have wrapped up another successful student police academy.
The two-week program is aimed at introducing high school students in grades 11 and 12 to a career as a police officer. Participants have to apply to be a part of the academy in the spring and, if selected, get an inner look at policing.
The program is divided into classroom time and real-life training exercises. This year, it included a presentation by the New Westminster Police Department’s major crime investigators, a tour of the local detachment and presentations by the RCMP dive team and K-9 unit. To cap off the two weeks, the students attended a graduation ceremony at the Justice Institute of B.C. where they were recognized for their hard work.
“It was evident from attending the graduation at the JIBC this past Saturday, the students had taken advantage of this great opportunity and really gelled into a cohesive team,” said Staff Sgt. Chad Johnston in an email to the Record. “We certainly hope to hear from these students in a few years when they are ready to make the jump to a career in policing.”
