Prince Albert Police recruiting

Aug 5, 2018 | 9:00 AM

The Prince Albert Police Service is taking applications ffrom problem solvers, team players and good communicators.

They have openings for four new police officers for their next training session beginning in January. While tactical skills can be taught, Staff Sgt. Travis Willie said the police service wants people who are involved in their local community, are honest and have good character.

“At the end of the day, we’re looking for the best people, the best applicants,” Willie told paNOW.

“There’s a huge focus from the Prince Albert Police Service on community involvement, people need to see us in the community as leaders and role models, and it’s also important for people to see us just as people in the community as well.”

The police hiring process includes a written test, mental and physical testing, personal interviews, medical and eye exams and a polygraph test. The process also involves a lengthy personal disclosure form with questions about your past, including any indiscretions for which you may not have been arrested or charged, such as driving while impaired.

“You really evaluate yourself,” Willie added.

Applicants must have their Grade 12 and be Canadian citizens, or have their permanent residency. The police service gives priority consideration to applicants with at least two years’ university.

With just over 100 members, the Prince Albert Police is a lot like a family, Willie says. Every new police hire starts out on patrol, he adds, although there are numerous opportunities for more specialized training in areas such as the canine unit, SWAT, traffic, major crimes or ICE units.

“The continuing education and training opportunities as a police officer are second to none,” Willie said. “In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over North America to continue my education and training.”

The police service works in the community to promote opportunities, attending community events, career fairs and meeting with residents and newcomers to Canada. Willie said the Prince Albert Police Service will head to Calgary this fall to participate in a career fair with the police force there and has plans to do more recruiting across northern Saskatchewan as well.

Willie said the police service is always accepting applications and encourages anyone interested who has questions or wants to learn more to visit the police service website, or get in touch.

“As a brand-new officer on patrol, you are going to be exposed to a little bit of everything,” he added.

Today, the Prince Albert Police Service has 105 members: 97 sworn officers and eight Community Safety Officers in the bylaw unit. There are 16 female members of the police force, 10 officers and six special constables.

Here are some other facts about the early days of the Prince Albert Police Service:

  • The Prince Albert Police Service was formed in November 1885.
  • Prince Albert’s first constable made a daily salary of $2.50. His duties were to control packs of dogs running around the community. Some of the constable’s other duties involved filling holes in streets, cleaning manure from main roads and impounding wayward cows and pigs.
  • The first female officer, Marilyn Lewis, was hired in 1977.

Source: Prince Albert Police 100 Years 1886-1986

 

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt