Through the RCMP’s Aboriginal Pre Cadet Training Program, aboriginal youth not only participant in training at the RCMP’s Training Academy (Depot) for three weeks but they also spend the summer months assisting police officers in various aspects of regular police duties which will vary depending on the needs of the detachment and will include crime prevention and community policing initiatives.
The program offers Aboriginal Youth the opportunity to experience daily police work with the RCMP. The summer program provides candidates with hands on experience in the RCMP’s training program and unique opportunity to work in their community with police officers in the RCMP.
It develops candidates as role models in their communities and demonstrates positive alternatives to other Aboriginal Youth, prepares Aboriginal youth mentally and physically for training in the RCMP training academy, and encourages Aboriginal youth to pursue careers in the RCMP.
“The Aboriginal Pre Cadet Training Program was a positive experience. I have decided to continue on and make the RCMP my career choice,” said Simon Courtoreille, a 2006 APCT Cadet, who is now an RCMP member in Williams Lake.