The graduation ceremonies of the 2018 Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) and Blood Tribe Police Service (BTPS) Cadet Training program took place in Medicine Hat on Friday afternoon.
Eleven cadets took part in the 20-week training program, including eight MHPS cadets and three BTPS recruits, who met or exceeded provincial standards in the areas of police recruit training. The cadets also received academic accreditation through Lethbridge College for the knowledge and skills they have acquired through this competency-based educational program.
The training program is the result of a collaborative partnership between the MHPS, BTPS, Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) and Lethbridge College. The training program is unique as although a traditional classroom environment played an important role, much of the learning and assessment took place in real-life settings throughout the community.
“As a college, we are proud of our history of recruit training in the province,” says Lethbridge College President and CEO Dr. Paula Burns, “and we value the opportunity to work with our community partners at the MHPS, LPS and BTPS in this innovative program. Helping to train new officers and contribute to their lifelong learning is just one way the college works towards its goal of leading and transforming education in Alberta.”
“From our organization’s perspective this training has been a tremendous growing and learning opportunity,” says MHPS Chief Andy McGrogan. “Because of our strong partnership with Lethbridge College and a strong recruitment process, we are confident that we have highly skilled and trained police cadets as a result.”
“We are very proud to be a partner in this training program with the MHPS, LPS and Lethbridge College,” says BTPS Chief Kyle Melting Tallow. “Competency based training is key to the success of these cadets as they transition into the organization and begin to work in the community. We are very proud and excited to see our three cadets graduate from this program.”
Following graduation, the BTPS recruits will join the ranks as front line police officers on the Blood Reserve. The MHPS will engage in an evaluation and selection process which will see many of their cadets transition to positions as front line officers in Medicine Hat.