13 grads earn certification in specialized peace officer-based training
April 10, 2015 - Residents in a number of Saskatchewan communities should be able to rest a little easier these days. Saskatchewan Polytechnic's inaugural six-week Community Safety Induction Training program, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, concluded with a recognition ceremony in Regina this afternoon. The program's 13 students - six women and seven men, are now ready to apply their specialized training in their home communities.
"This program draws on our strengths in applied learning and on our commitment to working with partners to meet employer and community needs," says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech's president and CEO.
The Community Safety Induction Training program was developed when Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) identified a need for a specialized community-based safety training for employees working in bylaw enforcement and building inspection roles. The program falls under the ministry's Building Partnerships to Reduce Crime initiative, which works with communities to find new approaches to prevent crime in Saskatchewan.
"On behalf of the provincial government of Saskatchewan, I extend congratulations to the first graduating class of the Community Safety Induction Training program," said Minister responsible for Corrections and Policing Christine Tell. "Government is a proud partner in this program, and we look forward to seeing these graduates do their part to keep our communities healthy and safe."
The Community Safety Induction Training program provides a peace officer-level of training that includes 19 days of on-site courses in defensive tactics, tactical communication, law and the criminal code, traffic training, interviewing and report writing. This is combined with 11 days of online courses in mental health, crisis intervention, CPIC, and investigations. "The training blends practical applications with online learning curriculum components from the Canadian Police Knowledge Network," says Dawn Fleming, Saskatchewan Polytechnic program head.
Communities from across the province including Kindersley, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Onion Lake First Nation and the Rural Municipality of Edenwald sent individuals to take the training. The certification allows individuals to be able to handle areas of traffic, liquor and bylaw enforcement as well as act as a community liaison with members of the RCMP. The 6-week training program can take up to 30 applicants annually.
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Printable media release (pdf)