Surrey RCMP is inviting youth who are curious about policing to apply for a spot in its first Youth Police Academy, taking place next fall.
Students going into Grades 10, 11 of 12 are eligible to apply; they must complete and pass a criminal record check and be available to attend all eight evening sessions, set for Wednesdays from Sept. 16 to Nov. 4.
The academy is designed to give Surrey youth an inside, interactive and fun look at policing in the city; to foster a better understanding between youth and the RCMP; and to explore how to enhance public safety.
Topics covered by officers and staff are to include a day in the life of a patrol officer, forensics, police dog services, traffic investigations and the courts.
Insp. Ghalib Bhayani said the academy is "another way that we are striving to build positive relationships between our officers and young people in the community."
“By engaging with youth and empowering them to make good decisions, this will have significant impacts, not only on crime prevention, but on the long-term health of our communities,” Bhayani said in a news release.
The deadline to apply for the academy is June 30.
Forms are available at www.surrey.rcmp.ca
For more information, email Surrey.CPA-EPA.Surrey@rcmp-grc.gc.ca