PM Academy promotes careers in policing

Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 19, 2010 7:00 PM

Senior high school students contemplating a career in the police or law enforcement can attend a special week-long academy with such a focus. Applications are now being taken for the annual RCMP Jean Minguy Memorial Youth Academy, slated for May 2 to 8 at the Vernon Army Camp. “This is a great chance for students in Grade 11 or 12 to participate in a unique work experience in policing,” said Vernon RCMP Const. Kathy Szoboticsanec, who helps oversee the academy. “Students who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement will get very good insight into the training and demands placed on police officers.” The academy is open to students in the North, Central and South Okanagan school districts, and will also accept students from the Kamloops region this year. Students will stay in the barracks at the army camp, and will be given instruction by current RCMP members. They will be challenged in their leadership and physical abilities, and mental toughness.

Up to 40 students are involved in a mini training camp where they are instructed in law, procedures of law and the role of police officers in the community. “Last year, we had the maximum 40 students who came from Enderby all the way to Oliver,” said Szoboticsanec. More information on the academy and an application form are available from high school counsellors, or on the Vernon School District website, www.sd22.bc.ca. The application deadline is Jan. 29. The camp is named in memory of Vernon RCMP Const. Jean Minguy, a strong advocate of the camp and a popular academy instructor. Minguy drowned while on duty in Okanagan Lake in 2005.