RCMP's Junior Police Academy well received in Nass Valley

Training Day for youth in the Nass Valley who took on the
challenges of a Junior Police Academy in August
(Photo from BC RCMP)

 

When students in Nisga'a communities of the Nass Valley go back to school next week, some of them will have a pretty good "What I did on my summer vacation story" to share with teachers and classmates.

The summer vacation period comes to an end with a note from the Lisims Nass Valley RCMP that highlights the success of a recent summer event experience.

A Background item from the BC RCMP notes of the interest shown in the Junior Police Academy experience which took place in Gitlaxt’aamiks on Saturday, August 26, 2023. 

The program for youth saw nearly 20 local youngsters, between the ages of 5 and 12 years, embark on a journey that provided them with a small glimpse into the day to day work of a police officer.

Among some of the actiivites:

The day started with a test of their physical abilities. They began by running an obstacle course similar to the PARE test. 

 

The troop learned how to take fingerprints and all about the equipment a police officer has so that they can safely do their job. 

After a lunch break, the members of the troop received their first assignment, a scavenger hunt, where all the evidence was quickly collected resulting in a successful investigation. 

The newest cadets then inspected the police vehicles to ensure that the lights, sirens and all equipment were in working order.

The end of the day wrapped up with a first aid presentation and each of the troop members received a certificate, as well as some highly sought after RCMP prizes. 

Each cadet was presented with a gift of a BC RCMP Indigenous Policing Services blanket.

Lisims Nass Valley RCMP Detachment Commander Sergeant Louis-Philippe Gendron-Fafard noted of the opportunity the experience provide for all in the region. 

 "This was an amazing opportunity to better connect our officers and our local youth. We are always looking for opportunity to make a difference into our interaction with the Nisga'a community and this was a remarkable happening for all involved" 

The full information releas along with photos can be reviewed here. 

The success for the Nass Valley experience may be something that the RCMP looks to expand on to other communities of the region. 

 More notes on the work of Emergency Responders across the Northwest can be explored here.