Student Police Academy

The 2012 Student Police Academy will be the 12th class that the New Westminster Police Service has conducted. Developed to provide grade 11 and 12 students with a realistic perspective in policing, Student Police Academy #12 is a cooperative effort of the New Westminster Police Service and the Justice Institute of BC-Police Academy.

The Student Police Academy is approximately 60 hours of instruction. When completed, these hours may be applied to students’ work experience activities for Education Portfolios for grades 11/12.

Participants

Approximately twenty-four grade 11 and 12 students selected from various high schools in the Lower Mainland area, based on the following application process:

1. Interested in exploring a career in policing.
2. Good health.
3. Good standing in all classes and has demonstrated a good attendance record.
4. Willingness to work in a team environment.
5. Formal application.
6. Resume.
7. Letter of recommendation from school staff (teacher, counselor, etc.)
8. Interview.
9. Able to pass a criminal records/security/driving computer check.
10. Parent/Guardian Permission Waiver.
11. Medical Waiver.
12. 800 word essay.
13. $50.00 application fee (cheque).

Application Process

An information package and application will only be available on-line at www.nwpolice.org, sometime at the end of January 2012. Completed applications and supporting documentation must be submitted prior to March 9th, 2012.

Applications must be sent through a local school principal or counselor with a supporting letter of reference from the school to the New Westminster Police Service, 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster BC V3L 1B2, Attention: Constable Jackie Suchodolski, School Liaison Officer.

All applicants will be contacted in writing in regards to their application. Approximately thirty applicants will be selected for an interview that will take place in April or May 2012. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend the interview and any questions can be answered at that time. Unfortunately, not all applicants will receive an interview, but all candidates will be notified in writing regarding their participation in this year’s academy.

Successful applicants will attend the nine day Student Police Academy #12. The Student Police Academy will be held at the Justice Institute of BC in New Westminster 715 McBride Blvd, New Westminster, B.C. The hours of training are from 0900-1530 hours (9am to 3:30pm). A graduation ceremony will occur on the last Saturday, July 14, 2012. After a luncheon and certificate presentation, students will be dismissed around 1pm. Parents/guardians, family, and friends will be invited to attend the presentation.

In order for a student to be accepted to the Student Police Academy, the applicant must be clear of any other commitments for the period of the academy. Students will not be dismissed until 4pm each day. They are expected to be at the JIBC at 9am sharp each morning.

Only those students who are able to commit to the required workload and full attendance should consider applying. This has been a very popular program and positions are highly sought after.

Curriculum

Students will receive instruction in the following subjects, based on current Police Academy curriculum:

1. Physical Training – this will involve running or exercising each day. The Police Officers Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) will be given to all students. This is the test all police applicants must pass to be considered for policing in BC. Students MUST be prepared to run at least 2 kilometers and be free of any injuries.
2. Legal Studies – current criminal law and Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
3. Investigation/Patrol/Traffic Studies – traffic enforcement, general uniform police duties, use of force and specialized sections.
4. Human Relations– history of policing in BC, diversity training, and general recruiting process in BC.
5. Firearms Safety/Driving Instruction/Marine Patrol and Disaster Response.

Participating Sponsorship

The Student Police Academy is a joint effort between the New Westminster Police Service and the Justice Institute of BC – Police Academy. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion from the New Westminster Police and Justice Institute.

Rules of Conduct

 

All students attending the New Westminster Police Service Student Police Academy are expected to maintain a high degree of respect for others, display a positive attitude, and openly cooperate with staff and instructors while in attendance. The Justice Institute of BC is a world-recognized professional training and education institution and our students must maintain the same standard expected by all professionals who attend the institute.

 

Financial

There is a $50.00 application fee for the students to attend the Student Police Academy. Payment can be made by cheque only and payable to the New Westminster Police Service. Student NOT accepted into the academy will have their cheque returned.

 

Supplies/Equipment

A New Westminster Student Police Academy hoody, baseball hat, shorts, T-shirts, water bottle and sports bag will be issued to each student upon arrival at the Police Academy. Students are expected to wear an issued T-shirt with their own khaki-style shorts or pants to class each and will be considered their uniform for the two weeks.

Students will be required to bring appropriate running shoes (non-marking runners) for physical training. 

Change rooms, lockers (bring your own lock) and showers are available at the JIBC. 

 

Meals

A cafeteria is open each day for students to access at the JIBC. Students are responsible for providing their own lunch, and are welcome to bring their own food from home. A small luncheon on the final graduation day (Saturday) will be provided to the students. No participants will be allowed off-campus for lunch.

 

Transportation

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Justice Institute each day. The JIBC is conveniently situated on local bus routes.

 

Downloads

• Student Police Academy 2012 Information Package.
• Student Police Academy 2012 Application Form.
• Student Police Academy 2012 Clothing Issue Form.
• Consent For Criminal Record Check and Waiver Form.
• Parents/Guardians Permission and Liability Waiver Form.
• Letter for High School Career Program Facilitators/Coordinators.

If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact

Constable Jackie Suchodolski at 604-862-6142 or email jsuchodolski@nwpolice.org

Any further information not provided here will be offered at the Student/Parent/Guardian interviews in April/May 2012. All students will be notified in writing of the date, time and location.