News release
Applications now open for the 5th annual Richmond RCMP Youth Academy 2026
February 20, 2026
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Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
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Richmond RCMP is inviting motivated Richmond students in Grades 10–12 to apply for the 2026 Youth Academy—a six‑day immersive program designed for students interested in a career in law enforcement or a related field.
This six‑day program will take place at a local secondary school in Richmond from August 10 to 15, 2026. Selected participants will engage in hands‑on training that provides an understanding of what police officers deal with on a daily basis, including:
- Learning about police duties and criminal justice in Canada
- Developing skills in teamwork, public speaking, and self-discipline
- Participating in physical fitness drills, tactical training, and scenario-based exercises
- Being mentored by a police officer
The program will be delivered by various RCMP specialty units, including specialized police instructors, RCMP fitness coordinators, Police Dog Services, Forensic Identification, Emergency Response, and more. Under the guidance of Richmond RCMP officers, students will gain valuable life skills such as self‑confidence, discipline, and respect, as well as insight into a career in law enforcement.
“Youth Academy is an amazing opportunity for students to connect directly with officers and develop some of these skills early on,” says Constable Das Dhillon, the programs lead and a Richmond RCMP Youth Liaison Officer, “We have past Youth Academy graduates who are now Richmond RCMP Volunteers, and some are in the application process of joining the RCMP as officers. We look forward to seeing more of our graduates go on to become volunteers, officers, or contribute to public safety in their own way.”
Transcript
Video description: A video showing the benefits youth can obtain from the Richmond RCMP Youth Academy.
[A teenager from the Richmond RCMP Youth Academy speaks to the camera.]
“Youth Academy was a place to be!”
[A Drill Sargent leads a group of students in RCMP formations.]
[A student uses a brush to dust finger prints on a bottle.]
[Close up of finger prints being dusted on paper with forensics tools.]
[An RCMP dog sits beside a RCMP officer in front of a group of students.]
[A student practices putting handcuffs on a person.]
[Students do exercises.]
[An RCMP officer speaks to the camera.]
Cpl. Phill Wu
“What is Youth Academy?”
[An RCMP officer shows a student how arrests are made outside a police car.]
[A student practices arresting a person.]
[An RCMP officer speaks to students in front of a slide show that reads: “Richmond RCMP Youth Academy”.]
“Youth Academy gives students, grade ten to twelve, the opportunity…”
[A student gives an RCMP officer a handshake and a hug.]
“...to work side by side with RCMP officers…”
[A police dog sniffs out a locker with students.]
[Students run lines for exercise.]
“...and train as if they were going through real police academy.”
[An RCMP officer gives directions to students in a line formation.]
[An RCMP officer directs students in a formation.]
“They learn about the law…”
[Two officers teach a group of students in a classroom.]
“...forensics…”
[A student uses a brush to dust finger prints off a bottle.]
“...how to work effectively as a team…”
[Three students show off their finger print lifting on a piece of paper.]
“...and so much more!”
[The RCMP officer speaks to the camera.]
Cpl. Phill Wu
“We would love to have you join our next RCMP Youth Academy. What are you waiting for?”
[An RCMP officer plays basketball with a student. The student gains control of the ball.]
[A title reads: “Richmond RCMP”, “Youth Academy” and, “Ever thought about a career in policing?”. Yellow police tape appears with the words “Apply Now” on it.]
[The video fades to black.]
[RCMP/GRC copyright notice appears]
[Government of Canada wordmark with a waving Canadian flag appears.]
How to apply
Interested Richmond students can obtain an application package from their school’s Career Information Advisor, online through the Richmond School District website, or by contacting Richmond_Youth@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
The application deadline is Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
This is a competitive program. Successful candidates will undergo a selection process that includes a background check, fitness assessment, and interview.
The cost to attend is $200, which covers meals, uniforms, and training materials. Financial assistance is available for students who demonstrate need.
For more information, please contact Richmond_Youth@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, speak with your school’s Career Information Advisor, or visit the Richmond School District website for applications, photos, and the promotional video.
History of the Youth Academy in Richmond
The Richmond RCMP Youth Academy was developed in 2022 by two Richmond RCMP School Liaison Officers and has been hosted annually since then by the Richmond RCMP Youth Section. The Youth Academy is made possible through the support of Richmond RCMP officers, employees, volunteers, the Richmond School District, and the City of Richmond.
