The Richmond RCMP Youth Academy is not only about learning how to train as a police officer, but it can develop skills for life.
This is the message three Richmond youth academy graduates have for young people interested in getting a glimpse into a career as a police officer in Richmond.
The Lower Mainland RCMP Youth Academy used to be held annually with students coming from across B.C. to a week-long program.
That is until the COVID-19 pandemic shut the program down.
During the 2021-2022 school year, the Richmond RCMP detachment began a week-long program for Richmond students. This is the third year they are running the youth academy.
Adriana O’Malley, spokesperson for the Richmond RCMP, said the academy's purpose is to allow students, who are curious about what being a police officer is like, to learn in a controlled environment while simulating real police training and work.
“The goal is for students to have gained sufficient understanding regarding policing as a career by participating in a program which tests their personal strengths, weaknesses and ability to overcome challenges,” said O’Malley.
She added the skills students leave the academy with can be used in any career outside of policing.
McMath grads Keisha Walrond and Eric Haidar were both in the first intake of 32 students in February 2022.
Walrond, who comes from a family of law enforcement officers, said she was encouraged to join the program despite not being sure whether she wanted to pursue a career in policing.
“I just didn’t think it was going to help me," said Walrond. "But then once I took part in it, I realized it helped me in other ways even though I didn’t want to be a police officer,” said Walrond.
“The program taught me a lot of discipline that wasn’t necessarily for my career, but to have discipline for yourself.”
Another big takeaway from the program was learning about teamwork, something she can apply as she pursues a career in business.
This aspect of teamwork is always in the back of her mind both in her personal and professional life, said Walrond.
Haidar on the other hand had always been interested in becoming an RCMP officer, but the youth academy solidified his career choice in law enforcement.
“(The program) allowed me to see all the different specialized units and resources that the RCMP has,” said Haidar.
Furthermore, making connections with police officers and his peers and seeing people from different backgrounds come together "made the long training days worth it."
Haidar is now in his second year at the Justice Institute of British Columbia and is looking forward to graduating and applying to be an RCMP officer in the future.
Youth academy moved to summer
While the Richmond RCMP youth academy was running over the past two years, students learned through classroom lectures and scenario-based training over four 12-hour days at Richmond Secondary School.
The program was previously held in February, but this year it is being moved to the summer to accommodate conflicting school exams, homework and graduation events, explained O’Malley.
This would extend the program to six days with students attending only eight hours a day.
The program teaches youth about police duties, conflict resolution, teamwork and organization. They also work on skills such as public speaking, self-reliance and discipline.
Special in-class topics include the Criminal Code and Motor Vehicle Act, police and public safety and the court system.
O’Malley told the News they have experienced a higher interest in volunteer work with the detachment after youth attend the program.
“These volunteers are of high calibre and tend to participate within the program for long periods,” she said.
McRoberts student Selina Yan is currently volunteering with the Richmond RCMP after completing the youth academy program last year.
“After the academy, I really liked the relationships I built with the RCMP officers and those working there. So, I decided to apply as a volunteer. It was the community that the program built for me and I want to give back to it,” said Yan.
The youth academy and volunteering has helped her see the impact the RCMP has and what they do to keep the community safe, she added.
For Richmond students interested in applying to the RCMP Youth Academy, they can do so through their school’s career counsellors.
Students who live in Richmond but attend a school outside the city can email [email protected] for an application.
Applications are due Feb. 29.
