Cst. Aron Popescul and Sgt. Kelsey Bighetty pose for a picture inside the South Hill Mall during the Prince Albert Police Service recruitment fair. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Serve and Protect

P.A. police engage with community about the job

Mar 17, 2021 | 5:01 PM

The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) has continued their recruitment efforts hosting an on-site fair at South Hill Mall.

On Wednesday officers from the recruitment committee spoke with curious residents who picked their brain about a career in policing.

Sgt. Kelsey Bighetty told paNOW there was a steady flow of people interested in applying. He added the fair is just one of the different ways the committee has thought of to interact with people.

“So far it’s been pretty successful. People have been interested and coming in and talking to us,” he said. “The goal here is to get more interest with our police service and being a little more interactive because people don’t pick up the phone and call the police service and ask for recruiting.”

PAPS released a new recruitment video last month and most recently announced a partnership with Metis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2 creating a six-month partnership program.

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Bighetty said the ideal candidate for the police service would be a well-rounded individual. They’re not looking for a certain age or ethnicity. Some of the attributes they look for include being a team player, someone who shows commitment in what they do, and physical fitness among, other things. The minimum age requirement is at least 18 but they’ll also accept applications from those over 40 years of age.

Sgt. Kelsey Bighetty speaks to a curious resident during the recruitment fair. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

“Basically, if somebody’s a well-rounded individual in all aspects of life, [and] good head on your shoulders, that’s who we seek,” he said.

Some of the most common questions they’ve received include: what to expect once they’ve completed their initial application, and questions related to the overall process such as what physical abilities they test for. The department has details on recruitment on its website.

“There’s [also] questions on why we became police officers… and I’m hoping it’s inspiring to them as they go towards their career goal into policing,” Bighetty said.

The committee is actively recruiting so if people didn’t make it to the fair on Wednesday Bighetty said there are other recruitment initiatives in the works including a Facebook live event. Those interested in applying can also call 306-953-4215 or visit the website.

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12