LLOYDMINSTER — Twenty local youth traded their summer routines for handcuffs, crime scene tape, and marching drills last week as Lloydminster RCMP hosted its three-day Youth Academy.
From July 22-24, the youth were exposed to different RCMP units such as Police Dog Services, Forensic Identification, ALERT, and National weapons enforcement. The youth experienced hands on activities from touring a police vehicle and trying on police equipment to matching suspect fingerprints on a mock case file. They also participated in the RCMP PFA fitness test and learned how to march as a troop from Sgt. Major of K Division Leilani Collins.
This event allowed the participants to develop their interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate their abilities to work as a team. On day three of the academy, Mayor Aalbers and Inspector Brian Nicholl joined the youth for the certificate ceremony and to offer a special congratulation to the troop.
“We believe these opportunities are important for our youth” said S/Sgt. Bruce MacLean, Operations NCO of the Lloydminster RCMP. “Allowing them to see firsthand what police work can be while building up their skills will help them decide if this career is right for them. Even should they choose otherwise, we believe that the learning done here will stay with them for years to come.”
