Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 05/02) - He's only 25 years- old but the invaluable experience gained working for the RCMP in the North is second to none.

Const. Andrew Hobson is leaving the North after five years of policing. Currently posted as the court liaison officer, Hobson is soon heading off to Ottawa to take on a tactical RCMP position.

At the ripe age of 20 Hobson moved to the North just after completing his RCMP training in Regina. He served for one year in Rankin Inlet, one year in Cape Dorset and has been posted in Yellowknife since March 2000.

"A few years up North are equal to much more in most southern postings in terms of what you do, the level of responsibility, the sheer volume of work, the variety and just the unique opportunities to see Canada from the policing perspective," he said.

Reflecting on a conversation with a fellow officer posted at his side in Cape Dorset, Hobson recalled a week that would be considered particularly interesting for any civilian. But, until after it was over, Hobson didn't think much of it.

"We went up in a helicopter on a search and rescue, then we hopped on a plane to do a prisoner escort to Tulita, Norman Wells, Inuvik and backÇ that's a trip of a lifetime but for us it was another day," he said.

Since January, Hobson has been spending his days and some evenings at the court house. As a court liaison officer Hobson acts as a link between the RCMP detachment and the justice system.

He escorts prisoners to and from the Yellowknife Correctional Centre, prosecutes accused individuals appearing in justice of the peace court, organizes paperwork, swears out informations charging accused and conducts other administrative duties.

Hobson is a friend to the court staff, but not the criminals. There have been a few incidents with prisoners since he took the position in January, but he hasn't lost one yet.

"There have been escapes, there always are every once in a while, but generally speaking those are rare.

"It's just like on the street, they're upset, they're agitated, they're at a bad state in their life," he said.

But Hobson doesn't let the prisoners' mentality get to him personally. He has to always remember to stay calm while keeping a close watch on the prisoners at all times.

"I've had guys who were going back to YCC just thoroughly upset, cursing and swearing at themselves ...

"But I open the door in the same way, I'm still in the same position to respond if they do something, maybe we make small talk in the van on the way back or maybe not. "Unless something really dramatic happens, it's all the same."

Hobson finds his duties very interesting and has learned to be a better police officer now that he has become more familiar with courtroom procedures. Working in court means he learns something new every day.

"It makes you a better policeman because you know what's important and what's not and how to conduct a successful investigation when it comes to prosecuting the case in court."

Although he doesn't come from an RCMP family or a policing background, being a cop is all Hobson has ever wanted to do. He's extremely excited to take on his new position in Ottawa.

"I'm going on my fourth posting after just five years of service, and most of my troop-mates are still on their first."

But no matter how many cities or small towns you work in, being a cop is all about providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

"The hallmark of successful law enforcement is to keep people happy and safe, and the five per cent that see fit to beat each other to a pulp on a regular basis, unfortunately that's what we deal with.

"As long as people don't feel a daily fear for their safety and security," he said.