Northern College program gives youth hands-on look at policing

Northern College's first-ever summer police academy aims to tackle national recruitment shortages head-on, giving more than 20 youth hands-on experience.

Police services across Canada are facing challenges recruiting new officers and a new program at Northern College in Timmins is hoping to help.

The college has launched its first Summer Police Academy, a week-long program designed to give youth a hands-on introduction to policing and encourage interest in law enforcement careers.

More than 20 students are taking part in the camp, which includes activities such as traffic enforcement demonstrations, equipment exploration and interaction with local officers.

“In policing right now across the country, there’s a lot of people that are not applying -- there’s no interest in it,” said Northern College police foundations coordinator Rick Lemieux.

For participants like Grade 8 student Sadie McLaughlin, the experience is a dream come true.

“I’ve been wanting to be a police officer for a lot of years now … and it’s been, like, my passion,” Sadie said.

“When my mom said, hey, like, there’s this police camp going on … do you want to go? I was like, oh my God … I was really excited.”

Throughout the week, students will also learn about drones, forensic science and conduct their own investigations, while working alongside members of the Timmins Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.

“It doesn’t come by very often, having an opportunity to speak to a police officer,” said Const. Joel Faubert of the Timmins Police Service.

The Summer Police Academy runs until July 10.