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Youth train for policing career Students visit Iqaluit for program with focus on the North
Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Tuesday, July 9, 2013
KIVALLIQ
Youth from across the Kivalliq region and Nunavut travelled to the territory's capital city last month to participate in a training program focused on policing in the North.
George Dunkerley, left, Const. Chris Main and Austin Ford-Rogers were among a group of youth from the Kivalliq region who travelled to Iqaluit for the Nunavut Police Experience Program Training June 24 to 28. If someone faulted, everyone had to do pushups during the training. - Miranda Scotland/NNSL photo
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Once they returned to their communities the 10 students started work at their local detachment.
Rankin Inlet's George Dunkerley is among the youth involved.
He's a few days in and already he is considering a career with the RCMP, he said.
Dunkerley likes that he can connect with the community and ensure residents are safe and happy. Plus, it's always changing, he said.
"Like one of the posters says, it's a career no where near the ordinary," said the Grade 12 student.
"There are always set challenges ahead and there are some people like myself who want to go up and meet that challenge."
The Iqaluit training program ran from June 24 to 28. During that time participants were taught the importance of communication, police defensive tactics, note taking, operation of radio equipment and suicide prevention, among other skills.
The students went on a ride-along, toured the dispatch office and spoke with an emergency response member.
The next eight weeks or so students will spend at their local detachments will give them a deeper look into the police world, said Cpl. Yvonne Niego.
It's a learning experience for everyone.
"The students learn a lot about what the police culture is like. What it's like to work and go call to call and try to make a difference in the community," she said.
"It's helping the territory build up future leadership. Also, if students are interested in a career it gives them an introduction."
Meanwhile, the officers who aren't originally from the area pick up community and cultural knowledge from the students, said Niego.
In his few days at the detachment, Dunkerley has gone on a few patrols and guarded an inmate overnight, he said.
"It's my fourth day on the job since I got back to Rankin Inlet and I love the program.
"I would highly recommend it to anybody," said Dunkerley.
"Right now one of the struggles is the language barrier we have. The more people in the RCMP who can translate, the easier it gets for both sides."
Vanessa Mimialik of Chesterfield Inlet said she joined the program for the experience.
However, unlike Dunkerley, she isn't yet sold on the idea of starting a career with the RCMP.
"I'm still not sure," she said.
For now, Mimialik's future plans are to go to Ottawa to take a course on Inuktitut, Nunavut land claims and agreements, and Inuit culture.
Once she finishes she might consider policing more seriously, she said.
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