The Prince Albert Police Service and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan have entered into a partnership to recruit more Indigenous police officers.
MN-S Western Region Two has provided $100,000 in funding to recruit two candidates this year.
Prince Albert Police Chief Jon Bergen said the force needs to reflect the community it serves as part of building trust.
“When you reflect your community, you have a different understanding or better understanding,” he said. “We know there’s definitely community trust that comes with that and we really do value that.”
Bergen said at present roughly 30 per cent of the police service identifies as Indigenous.
In a press release, MN-S Western Region Two Area Director Sherry McLennan said the mentorship program is an opportunity to build on the organization’s existing relationship with the police force.
In the same release, Prince Albert Police Association President Josh Peterson said the association recognizes the importance of having a service that reflects the community and welcomes any initiative that seeks to do this.
Over the course of 20 weeks, the candidates will enhance their skills in critical thinking, communications, knowledge of the legal system and fitness.
As part of the mentorship program, they will get an inside look at policing and learn what it takes to be a police officer.
Upon completion of the mentorship program, the two successful candidates will move on to Regina to begin formal training at the Saskatchewan Police College.
For more information and to access application forms, go to the Prince Albert Police Service website.
(PHOTO: Left to right, Prince Albert Police Chief Jon Bergen, MN-S Western Region Two Area Director Sherry McLennan, MN-S Youth Representative Cody Demerais and MN-S Local #28 President Lucille Tetarenko. Photo courtesy Prince Albert Police Service.)