A program that introduces youth to law enforcement has Vernon’s financial endorsement.City council agreed Tuesday to provide $6,000 a year, over three years, to the Jean Minguy Memorial RCMP Youth Academy. “The educational component is important. They do good work there,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. The academy, which was started in 1999, is held at the Vernon Army Camp and it replicates one week in the RCMP’s national training centre. Cadets are exposed to lectures on law and police tactics as well as practical experience in drill and self-defense. They receive coaching in self-discipline, tolerance, team building, integrity and respect. “The students are expected to demonstrate these newly acquired skills in role playing scenarios which are facilitated by RCMP officers and community volunteers,” said Terry Pakenham, academy spokesman. However, putting together the average annual operating cost of $37,000 has been a challenge. “The future of the academy is always in jeopardy,” said Pakenham. Each cadet pays a fee to participate, and support is currently being sought from Thompson-Okanagan local governments, school districts, the RCMP, service clubs and businesses to ensure sustainable funding. Of the total budget, about $23,000 goes to food. “Trying to feed a teenager three meals a day can be an onerous activity,” said Pakenham.
Forty students participated in the academy last year, with seven from the Vernon School District, 16 from Kelowna, eight from Kamloops, nine from the North Okanagan-Shuswap and the remainder from other communities. Some of the academy graduates have pursued careers in policing, but many have also gone into the social services sector. “They look at this seven days as life-altering,” said Pakenham. “This is a value-added project for any community that sends a cadet to the academy.” Coun. Buffy Baumbrough defends council’s decision, saying there is a need to support an initiative that has a long-term impact on youth. “There’s an opportunity for youth to learn teamwork, respect and accountability,” she said.
1 comment:
60 thou to show teens how to eat doughnuts and ignore criminals? Of course it's worth it. I vote in favour.
Post a Comment