LAC LA BICHE - On Monday, Aug. 21, 16 cadets from across Alberta and other regions of Canada began an 11-week program to learn the finer points of becoming Community Peace Officers (CPOs).
Chris Clark, director of the Law Enforcement Training Program at the Protective Services building in Lac La Biche, stated that this class of future CPOs - prior to receiving their graduation certificates – is required to absorb a considerable amount of knowledge in disciplines ranging from defensive tactics to traffic stops and writing tickets, as well as being comfortable operating vehicles in emergency situations.
“Our cadets receive 110 hours of training in control tactics, which includes using tools such as a baton and pepper spray, but also how to make arrests,” he explained.
Cadets also rehearse as many as 300 different scenarios they’re most likely to encounter while on the job. One scenario involves learning how to respond when stabbed, shot, or otherwise injured while in the line of duty. To simulate this situation, instructors shoot their subordinates with paintballs.
And while community peace officers in Alberta don’t carry firearms as part of their daily duties, while at the academy, they are provided with 40 hours of training with shotguns.
LAC LA BICHE - Before one is qualified to enforce municipal bylaws, traffic and gaming and liquor statutes and in some cases, criminal code offences, they must first become familiar with the laws of the land.
“Throughout the 11 weeks the cadets are in Lac La Biche, they will spend 40 hours studying law, including the Criminal Code of Canada,” Clark explained. “They also learn about human behaviours and proficient notebook writing.”
While at the academy, cadets are not only schooled in safe driving practices during daylight hours – but they also learn how to do so at night.
“This is the only facility in Alberta that provides night driving training to law enforcement officers,” he said. “I’m a firm believer that learning how to safely operate vehicles at night – especially during the winter months – gets officers prepared for what they will experience while on duty, especially in rural Alberta.”
Physical fitness is also a major component of the program, and throughout the course, cadets spend plenty of time not only practicing defensive fighting techniques, but also running, doing push-ups, and hitting the gym on a regular basis.
According to Clark, this group of eager future CPOs is quite diverse.
“The youngest cadet is just 19 years of age while the oldest one is 49,” he said. “They come from every background imaginable – some were carpenters or sold cars for a living before deciding to enter this field. Others previously were corrections officers or sheriffs.”
There are two avenues to be accepted into the Community Peace Officer Training Program. The first one involves a candidate being hired by a municipality in advance and sent for training before returning to work in that location. While most cadets enter through this door, a few others opt to pay for the training themselves, and are required to go through a screening process to be accepted.
Once a cadet has successfully graduated from the program and finds employment, there are lots of opportunities for career advancement.
“They begin with the rank of officer and from there can be promoted to Sergeant, Inspector, and Superintendent,” Clark explained. “The guidelines for being promoted vary between municipalities, but generally, these are positions that are posted and can be applied for.”
