LAKELAND - As part of National Police Week, which runs from May 12 to 18, the Cold Lake RCMP reached out to the community with a special event designed to bring people together and offer insight into the work they do.
A barbecue took place on May 11, along with an open house featuring detachment equipment like skidoos, squad cars, and boats on display.
“It’s a great chance to meet some of the members and talk about whatever they want to talk about,” said S/Sgt Wes Bensmiller of the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment, the day before the event took place.
The event aimed to foster community engagement and served as an opportunity for the public to learn about crime prevention, auto theft, and other safety tips.
While the event was not specifically a recruitment drive, the RCMP is always on the lookout for new talent. A recruitment drive and a career presentation did take place in Cold Lake on April 16, and Bensmiller says more will likely be held in the future.
During the barbecue and open house, members of the public could ask questions about the recruitment process and learn more about career opportunities with the RCMP. Bensmiller also clarified the basic requirements for those interested in joining the RCMP.
“You have to be over 18, have a Grade 12 education, a driver's license,” he said. After applying to a recruiting board in K Division, candidates must go through a series of steps in the application process.
According to Statistics Canada, with 70,566 police officers responding to over 11.9 million calls for service in 2021/22, the need for dedicated law enforcement personnel is clear. Despite an overall decrease in police strength per 100,000 Canadians, the RCMP continues to be a vital part of Canada's policing landscape.
“Everybody's in need of more officers for staffing levels, just to meet the demand from retirements,” Bensmiller pointed out. “We're always encouraging people to apply.”
The Cold Lake RCMP is also well supported by the communities it serves, which has enables the detachment to maintain adequate staffing levels.
When asked why people should join the RCMP, Bensmiller said, “It just [offers] a lot of opportunity - different opportunities that you probably wouldn't get anywhere else - a career unlike any other.”
For those seeking more information about the RCMP and its career opportunities, Bensmiller suggests visiting RCMPcareers.ca.
A shared responsibility
Bonnyville RCMP were also willing to bring their perspective and initiatives on recruitment, and the significance of National Police Week.
Cst. Kyssrell Paler of the Bonnyville RCMP highlighted the proactive recruitment efforts and community engagement taking place.
“Recruitment is a part of the proactive duty we have as a police officer, especially in our day-to-day interactions with the community. Recently, our newest member, Cst. Hogan, was doing a recruitment drive at the C2 Centre as part of the trade fair. Personally, every time people ask me about how to become a police officer, I am always game on answering the questions since I was that individual not too long ago, asking questions and going on every ride-along program I could be in,” said Kyssrell.
National Police Week supports these goals, and the RCMP’s K Division Recruitment team is always promoting the RCMP.
Kyssrell stressed the ongoing need for RCMP officers, acknowledging the challenges inherent in the profession.
“There is always a need for an RCMP officer, especially nowadays when becoming a police officer is not an easy job - it comes with its own ups and downs.”
Despite the challenges, he says there is a supportive environment within the RCMP team and encourages individuals to consider joining.
“Our K Division recruitment team is supportive of the efforts of the general duty members in proactively recruiting people to join the RCMP since general duty are the front line in dealing with people... Myself along with my colleagues are always game to answer any questions that potential candidates have, and I encourage everyone to not hesitate asking these questions that they have when they see us in the field.”
Kyssrell added, “I think that the best way to reach out with potential recruits is in the field and just chatting with them while we are out on our patrols, or sometimes during our calls for service. We do have ride-along programs where potential recruits can sign up. All they have to do is inquire within the Bonnyville Detachment so they can start that process.”
He also believes that life experience and volunteering are important pieces if someone is interested in becoming an RCMP officer.
“If applicants can do some volunteering... it shows to us that you are willing to help out without expecting anything back. Moreover, I think that the big thing for people who want to become a police officer is their willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. Policing is a stressful, and mostly thankless job, so candidates need to know that they have to be willing in any situation to help without expectations,” said Kyssrell.
He added that “National Police Week is important... [for] every police officer in Canada since it showcases increased awareness about the services police provide. It is a way for police to connect with the community.”
And to residents, he notes, that while people may not differentiate between patches or names on a uniforn, everyone wants the same thing – safety.
“In order for us to deliver that, it is a shared responsibility between us and the community we police.”
