RCMP youth academy makes its return to Vernon Army Camp

Vernon high school students will soon get a hands-on experience exploring their career interests in law enforcement.

The Jean Minguy Memorial RCMP Youth Academy — a collaboration between the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the Vernon School District — begins Sunday, May 8, and runs through to graduation on May 14.

The program provides immersive work experience in a simulated police academy format to students aged 16-18.

This year’s 27 selected candidates will spend a week training, learning and living together at the Vernon Army Camp. There they will take part in simulated police scenarios, practice daily physical training, learn foot drills and receive basic instruction in police tactics, use of force, law, community policing principles, and related academics.

Guest presenters will give the students a closer look at some of the RCMP’s specialized units, such as Police Dog Services, Underwater Recovery Team, Indigenous Policing Services, Emergency Response Team, Forensic Identification Services and others.

Partner agencies such as BC Prosecution Service, Vernon Fire Rescue Services, and BC Emergency Health Services will also be on hand.

“This year, we are fortunate to host a special presentation by Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, spokesperson for the BC Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit,” said media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski.

“Sgt. Winpenny will provide an overview of CFSEU-BC including their mandate as the provinces anti-gang agency, the different units that make up CFSEU-BC, history of the gang landscape in B.C. and an in depth look at their education, awareness and prevention initiative, End Gang Life.”

The Academy is named after the late Const. Joseph Martial Maurice Jean Minguy, who died while on duty in Vernon on June 3, 2005.