Local RCMP take to the ice to support RCMP recruiting initiative

January 30, 2026 - Fort St John, British Columbia
From: Fort St. John RCMP

Content

Over the weekend of January 23^rd to the 25^th, two Fort St John RCMP officers from the Indigenous Policing Services (IPS) unit attended two Prince George Cougars hockey games in support of a local Indigenous Policing recruiting initiative. 

Constable Caitlyn Rissanen and Constable Chad Neustaeter along with other IPS officers from across northern BC including Prince Rupert, Burns Lake and Chetwynd, enjoyed the opportunity to represent the E Division (BC) IPS to interact with hockey fans of all ages, promoting employment opportunities with the RCMP with an emphasis on Indigenous recruiting reflecting the RCMP’s commitment to building a more inclusive and representative police service among the BC First Nations. 

A recruitment booth was set up with give away items for people of all ages.  Safety Bear was in attendance to interact with children and an officer in serge was present for photo opportunities with the public.  Individuals who attended the table could put their name in a draw for a safety kit and RCMP IPS swag which received a very positive response during both games.  

Constable Rissanen and Constable Neustaeter, along with Safety Bear and the officer in serge, also had the opportunity go out on the ice to throw out collectible sasquatch stuffies with the IPS logo on them to awaiting fans. 

Attending police officers were able to promote the newly launched RCMP Northern Recruiting Initiative whereby applicants interested in joining the RCMP who want to live and police in the North can be identified through the recruitment process to do just that, providing they are  suitable and qualified applicants.   

“The RCMP has over 150 different career specializations which people usually don’t know about.  The RCMP offers everything from frontline policing to explosive disposal, from the K9 Unit to cyber crimes; it just depends on your passions and abilities as you move through your career,” said Constable Chad Neustaeter, Fort St John RCMP, Indigenous Policing Services officer.  “This was a great opportunity to speak to people of various ages, to hear their stories, answer employment questions and build positive relationships.”

If anyone is looking for more information about a career with the RCMP they can check out the RCMP Northern Recruiting Initiative or visit the RCMP Careers webpage. 

Quotes

“The RCMP has over 150 different career specializations which people usually don’t know about.  The RCMP offers everything from frontline policing to explosive disposal, from the K9 Unit to cyber crimes; it just depends on your passions and abilities as you move through your career.  This was a great opportunity to speak to people of various ages, to hear their stories, answer employment questions and build positive relationships.”

Constable Chad Neustaeter, Fort St John RCMP, Indigenous Policing Services officer.

Associated links

• RCMP Northern Recruiting Initiative
• RCMP Careers Webpage

Contacts