Unique training program returns to MHPS

By Peggy Revell on January 9, 2018.

prevell@medicinehatnews.com @MHNprevell

Education, hands-on learning, and even friendship: That’s the goal as the Medicine Hat Police Service officially welcomed 11 cadets Monday as part of a one-of-a-kind training program in Canada.

“It’s really groundbreaking stuff,” said MHPS Chief Andy McGrogan during the official launch of the program, which has cadets train and take classes directly with the MHPS.

Once the 20-week program is complete, MHPS will recruit from the cadets to fill vacant positions within the service, while the program will also count toward academic credits with Lethbridge College’s Criminal Justice Police diploma program.

This cadet program was first hosted by MHPS in 2016, then Lethbridge Police Services the following year, and now returns to the Hat.

“As we go, every year it will get better,” said McGrogan, adding that as far as he knows this is the first type of program in the country where cadets are paired directly with a police service and granted academic accreditation.

Adding to the uniqueness this time around is the inclusion of three Blood Tribe Police Service cadets.

“It’s been a long process to get there. This is huge for Alberta,” said Lethbridge Police Services chief Rob Davis about having the BTPS cadets involved with the program.

Training for First Nations police forces is usually done with the RCMP, so this will be a first to have BTPS cadets train with a municipal force, said Davis, who himself started his policing career with the Six Nations Police Force in Ontario.

And a program like this ties into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as implementing the report’s recommendations are more than just a powerpoint and checking items off a list, said Davis.

“It starts like this,” he said, with “real integration,” learning, and friendship between the cadets that they carry with them into the future.

“You’re a significant step forward for relationship building in Alberta,” he said.

“I look at your faces, and I remember when I was there,” said BTPS chief Kyle Melting Tallow. “Today is a new start for you guys, and I’m very proud of you for choosing police … We need you as leaders out there.”

Offering traditional prayer during the first day was Mary Fox, chair of the BTPS commission.

“I’m very pleased to be here … all police services are really essential and a significant part to maintaining the peace and safety of our society,” said Fox, noting the Blood Tribe is the largest reserve in Canada.

“When it comes to the (Blood Tribe) police, performing their duties, it’s a big job,” she said, wishing the cadets all the best in the upcoming weeks.

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