Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Jan 13/99) - For Const. Brock Linaker, his first posting to Rankin Inlet as a member of the RCMP is the achievement of a goal he's chased since his teenage years in Swan River, Man.

Linaker came to the Keewatin straight from Depot in Regina, Sask., the RCMP Training Academy. He said he listed the North as one of his choices for his first posting and, when the territories were offered to him, he thought it would be a nice challenge and something different.

"I'm single and the challenge of the territories really appeals to me -- getting to know the different cultures and meeting new and different people," said Linaker.

"It's different from just your basic small-town Prairie policing and a great opportunity to get to put into practice community policing."

The unpredictable Eastern weather delayed Linaker's arrival in Rankin for a day, but he finally touched down on Dec. 14 and began his Northern experience. The amicable young officer said his first impression of Rankin was that it's a lot different from what he was used to.

"Swan River is heavily treed with a lot of forestry industry. I think that was the first thing I noticed, that this area is really barren. The people in the town are really friendly. Everybody is really accepting of you, so I think it's going to be a great place to get to know and work in."

In his spare time, Linaker enjoys snowmobiling and other outdoor sports. He said he's looking forward to doing some hiking and scouting around when the summer arrives, but, for now, he dabbles in some TV hockey.

"I enjoy watching hockey, although I've never actually played the game. I don't really follow any specific team. I used to follow the Winnipeg Jets, but they're history now. I really watch baseball more than hockey."

Linaker has worked towards being a member of the RCMP since his high school days and said it was the only real career choice for him.

"I enjoy dealing and working with people. Being able to help people out is what I enjoy most about being a RCMP member. This is, definitely, a people-orientated business and that's what I always wanted to do."

Linaker said the prevention aspects of policing are heavily stressed now in training, with more emphasis on proactive, rather than reactive, policing. It's an approach, he believes, is paying off across the country.

"When you're out there and involved in the community with prevention programs such as DARE, that's going to pay off down the road. It's never too early to get the message of healthy lifestyle choices out to the kids."

"The more you're in the community, the more people get to know you as a person and as a member of the community, not just the bad guy who comes along and takes you to jail. That type of a relationship between the police and the community can only be a positive thing."