LAC LA BICHE - Earlier this month, 14 students training to become Level 1 Community Peace Officers in Alberta officially graduated after an 11-week program filled with tactical, physical, and educational requirements to prepare the new officers.
“The cadets have learned incredible skills that will protect the public, protect themselves and their partners. They have come so far, and it is amazing to see how much they have developed personally and professionally,” said Chris Clark, lead instructor and the County’s manager of enforcement services.
The 36th class graduated from the Community Peace Officer Induction Program (CPOIP) on Nov. 3 during a graduation ceremony held jointly at the Protective Services Building and Portage College’s McGrane theatre. The unique program offered in Lac La Biche County is done in partnership with the College and approved by Alberta’s Peace Officer Program, and Justice and Solicitor General Training Academy.
Prepared officers
The program was offered for the first-time last year in the County and is celebrating the second group of graduates. For two of the cadets who will be headed to serve in Lethbridge this year, their service will support the community’s policing needs, said Lethbridge police Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh, who was in attendance during the graduation.
“We are very excited that we have two graduates today in this class that are going to add to the community’s needs. We’re continuing to hire more to fill the vacancies.”
Mehdizadeh, who has over 30 years of policing experience throughout Canada, says the program led by Clark has prepared his new officers and all the graduates to continue to grow in their careers while serving and protecting the community.
“Having Chris taking the time, energy and enthusiasm to actually deliver the program is really good for us because when we are getting these folks back in the community, we know they're ready to go, and they just had sound basic training that we can continue to add to so that they can become successful for years to come.”
Developing skills
The program includes over 200 hours of performing hands-on policing skills along with over 150 hours of classroom theory and examinations. The program is a journey of growth, resilience, and is filled with fond memories, said Clark. For his students, he hopes to see them thrive, while also serving their communities well.
"Always trust your decisions and if you make a mistake correct it. We represent our community, and we are accountable to them. We have a fine line to balance between enforcement, education and doing what the public would expect. We are part of the community and need to balance everyone's best interests.”
Recruiting
As the group of 14 head out to begin their careers, anybody interested in law enforcement and becoming a peace officer is encouraged to get involved, says Staff Sgt. Christy Woods, Lethbridge Police Service recruitment and training officer.
“We encourage people with just basic core skills to apply. We’re looking for competencies like stress tolerance, and interpersonal communication. These skills are things that they bring to the table regardless of where they come from. So even if you don't have law enforcement experience, we can teach you the rest… we encourage them to come to us with life experience,” said Woods.
Program continues
A milestone for the rurally offered training program in Alberta, which will continue to be offered permanently in the community, will see two courses offered next year train Level 1 Community Peace officers, said Clark.
“The program will remain the same and we will continue to exceed the province's expectations for our two classes in 2023. We have Lethbridge Police Service and other large municipalities who have already confirmed taking seats on our next courses and are very impressed with the level of training and skill set taught to their staff.”
For the public who will be interacting with the new officers across the province, Clark says the job is about more than just policing. It is about being present, educating the public and making a difference.
“Community Peace Officers aren't just out there writing tickets. They are protecting our community by doing patrols and interacting with the public. They provide education. They work to make our communities more visually appealing,” he explains.
“We will be changing the face of peace officer training and authorities over the next few years. The program and the role of community peace officers will definitely be growing.”
The 36th class of Level 1 Community Peace Officers
Hussein Ismail, Ben Laboucane, Jonathan Day, Adeline St. Hilaire, Nolan McElroy, Shawn Heer, Sarah Rempel, Polly Savelieff, Lara Wells, Austin Lamontagne, Devan Jaeger, Kevin Petker, Harpreet Panesar and Joel Flemmer.
