Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 25, 2010 6:00 PM
Vernon taxpayers could join forces with the police to support opportunities for youth. The city is considering a request from the local detachment to provide at least $1,000 a year to the Jean Minguy Memorial RCMP Youth Academy. “It’s a way of introducing our kids to the RCMP,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “It encourages some of them to pursue it as a career or to keep them on the straight and narrow.” The academy — which takes place at the Vernon Army Camp — recreates one week at an RCMP training depot. While there, they learn about the law, police tactics, self defense and coaching in self discipline, team building, integrity, respect and tolerance.
The detachment is considering funding sources after the Vernon School District had to withdraw its financial participation because of tight budgets. “There’s been downloading from the provincial government again,” said Spiers. “They cut off schools from gaming grants.”
The goal is to develop consistent funding for the program. “We are approaching our local community partners for support,” said Supt. Reg Burgess in a letter to the city. “I will be asking my neighbour detachments, Kelowna, Penticton and Kamloops, to seek similar consistent support in their communities.” About seven businesses have agreed to sponsoring the academy, but based on the 40 students that participated this year, about $8,000 is required.
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