Four MHPS cadets and one Blood Tribe Police Service cadet began a 24-week police training program Monday. This year MHPS has partnered with Medicine Hat College to provide the required in-class training.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Four Medicine Hat Police Service cadets, joined by a lone cadet representing the Blood Tribe Police Service, began their 24-week training program Monday, the first new police training program between the MHPS and Medicine Hat College.
The five cadets will undergo intense training over the next six months while completing the competency-based curriculum that will provide them essential police skills for their careers.
Cadets will undergo control tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, de-escalation and crisis management. Additional training sessions focus on mental health and community policing and problem solving “that fosters trust, respect, diversity and partnerships.”
They will also receive in-class training at MHC that includes investigative skills, legal studies and report writing.
“The MHPS is proud to host the first cohort of our newly developed police training program,” said chief Alan Murphy in a press release. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to our community while equipping our officers with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to meet today’s complex challenges.”
Student actors from MHC will also be used in training purposes to simulate many services as well as real-life emergency scenarios.
“As a college committed to community impact and collaboration, this is an exciting milestone for us,” said Joalee Zanidean, regional training strategist at MHC. “This dynamic program is a testament to the shared dedication of MHC and MHPS to delivering exceptional training and education. It is a wonderful reflection of a community partnership enhancing and strengthening our work.”
Previously MHPS collaborated with Lethbridge College (now Polytechnic) to offer similar police training exercises and classes to cadets. MHPS is planning to host two rounds of training in 2025, with another planned for the fall.
