City backs police academy

By Darren Handschuh - CASTANET Sep 12, 2016 / 2:41 pm

The city of Vernon has once again thrown its support behind a North Okanagan project that introduces youth to the rigours of police training. Const. Daniel Cocks, school resource officer for District 22, requested council approve $6,000 for the RCMP Jean Minguy Memorial Youth Academy. Cocks told council at the regular Monday meeting that last year “troop 17” graduated, calling it a “great success. “This initiative brings lots of positive exposure to police as well as other emergency services to these young people.” Cocks said the week-long training session, that is held at the Vernon Cadet Training Centre, gives students a better idea if a career in law enforcement is for them. Coun. Bob Spears prompted his fellow politicians to take immediate action, making a motion the city approve funding of $6,000 a year for the next three years. Council approved the motion unanimously.