Week 2: The new normal
During the second week, cadets start hands-on sessions in police skills.
Police defensive tactics
The first thing cadets learn is the Incident Management Intervention Model. It is what RCMP officers use to assess and manage risk in all encounters with the public. It helps to determine what intervention to use, such as verbal de-escalation or the use of another method.
In this week, cadets learn basic officer safety and how to keep a safe distance.
Firearms
Cadets learn the basics of shooting, and most importantly firearms safety.
Cadets receive their service pistol, the firearm they will carry throughout their career. For many, it is their first interaction with firearms.
What surprised me was how many little parts are needed to make a gun. Not only that, the requirement that's needed to keep them clean. The guns are also quite heavy which is something that I need to work on.
Police driving
Cadets start to switch from civilian driving to police driving. An important part of this training is defensive driving tactics. They must also unlearn the bad habits they picked up as civilian drivers.
Cadets also learn how to use police radios. This includes memorizing 10-codes and the phonetic alphabet.
Fitness
The Operational Conditioning Unit helps cadets develop a skill set that is beneficial for career readiness and provides the potential for lifelong fitness. This week, cadets start endurance training with weights.
While at Depot, cadets must complete at least 5 fitness workouts each week. This includes a mix of cardio and resistance training.
Highlights
Posting spotlight: Buffalo Narrows Detachment, Saskatchewan
Buffalo Narrows is a village in northern Saskatchewan. This small detachment serves roughly 1,200 residents in and around the village. This is a remote posting, and the police officers live in RCMP housing. Meadow Lake, the nearest urban centre, is located 246 km to the south.
Buffalo Narrows Detachmenthas conventional police trucks, snowmobiles, ATVs and a boat. Many community members live in areas that are not always accessible by road. These vehicles help officers respond to calls wherever they are needed.
The Buffalo Narrows Sand Dunes Park is a popular attraction in this area. The dunes stretch for 10 km, and are one of the few nesting areas for the rare piping plover bird.
Cultural and spirit-based support: Chaplain and Multi-faith Rooms
Depot has a Chaplain who conducts ecumenical services to cadets and staff. Cadets can speak with this confidential resource for spiritual and emotional support. The Chaplain helps cadets connect with religious leaders of their faith while training in Regina.
There are 2 multi-faith rooms at Depot. These are welcoming and accessible spaces for cadets to practice their faith. The Chaplain works with cadets to ensure they have what is needed to practice their faith in these rooms.
Did you know: RCMP Chapel
Built in 1883, the RCMP Chapel is the oldest standing building in Regina. It was actually built in Ontario and moved by flatcar, steamship and ox team to Saskatchewan. It served as a guardhouse and mess hall before the conversion to a chapel.
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