Cpl. Jonathan Iron speaks to the convention about the cadet program. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Supporting Young People

RCMP program aims to engage youth

Nov 9, 2019 | 2:00 PM

The Saskatchewan RCMP’s Indigenous cadet program is going strong.

The initiative is a youth program which provides younger people the chance to learn about police drill. Those who take part also have the opportunity to earn medals and awards.

Cpl. Jonathan Iron said the initiative is currently going in a number of communities across the province.

“We have probably about 12 cadet cores right now from north to south, as far north as Black Lake, Stony Rapids is coming online probably within the month,” he said.

Iron spoke about the program at the Prince Albert Grand Council’s First Nations Policing and Indigenous Justice Symposium Wednesday in Saskatoon.

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Along with giving kids in communities something positive to do, Iron said the program helps RCMP officers connect with the communities they serve.

“Our police officers get to show that they’re people, so they get to know them, outside the parameters of just doing the job as a police officer, they got to see them as a volunteer,” he said.

Iron explained volunteers from the community take the lead in setting everything up. RCMP than can be called upon to provide support and other help.

The program is having a positive impact in communities where it has been implemented. Iron said there are cases where it has been able to help kids who have got into trouble.

Iron said there was one man in a community who was having run-ins with the law. The youth was introduced to the cadet program by a court worker who volunteered with the initiative.

“He got involved and started, and he started progressing through the cadets,” he said.

Iron said the young man has gone on to university and now volunteers with the program when he is at home helping others.

Iron encourages anyone interested in bringing the program to their community to contact him at his office in Prince Albert.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn