Calgary police welcome new Auxiliary Cadets

Today is graduation day for 22 new Calgary Police Service Auxiliary Cadets who will soon be supporting police officers in district offices across the city.

The third class of graduating Auxiliary Cadets officially completes their training on Friday, June 12, 2015, in a ceremony at HMCS Tecumseh. After the ceremony, they will boost the ranks of the Auxiliary Cadet Corps back to the full strength of 50 members.

Auxiliary Cadets mainly work at the front counters of Calgary Police Service offices to help the public with paperwork, filing reports and finding information. They also work alongside police officers and civilian staff to help with the administrative work that keeps the Service operating smoothly.

The Auxiliary Cadet program was started two years ago as a way to help young people bridge into a career as a police officer, and to help police better serve the public. It is designed for individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 that have an interest in a policing career, but it is open to anyone.

Over the course of their time as an Auxiliary Cadet, the new grads will learn skills and knowledge that are foundational to being a good police officer, including how to resolve disputes, how to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and how the legal system works. Auxiliary Cadets also learn leadership skills and improve their physical fitness throughout the program.

The program has become quite competitive over the last two years, with over 300 people applying for the 22 positions available this year.