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Youth Recruit Academy

Are you a high school student who wants an inside look into what it takes to fill the boots of an EPS recruit constable?

The Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) Youth Recruit Academy (YRA) offers high school students in Grades 10, 11 or 12 interested in, or learning more about, a career in policing a small look into what it takes to fill the boots of an EPS recruit constable.

The YRA was developed in 2015 to give youth the opportunity to gain insight into the first year as a police recruit. Youth will be able to work alongside EPS members, ask questions, and meet peers who are also interested in a policing career.

For the first time, the 2024 Academy will run two sessions:

  • July 2-5, 2024, at EPS' Northwest Branch (18440 127 Street NW). 
  • August 19-23, 2024, at EPS' Northwest Branch (18440 127 Street NW).

The Academy sees YRA participants learn the value of physical fitness, develop team building and leadership skills, and participate in police-structured lectures and scenarios from various police units such as Canine, Robbery, Air 1, Traffic, and Forensics.

Details and more information is available below.

For questions about the application process, please email youthrecruitacademy@edmontonpolice.ca

Thank you for considering the Edmonton Police Service YRA.

How to apply

Thank you for your interest in the Youth Recruit Academy!

Applications are closed.

Please check back next year as applications are accepted between April and May of every year.
Requirements

The YRA program takes 40 outstanding high school students. A selection process will take place on all applications depending on the requirements outlined below:

You must currently be in Grade 10, 11 or 12, with good attendance.

You have no criminal convictions for which a pardon or record suspension has not been granted.

You have no associations with those who are known to have an extensive criminal record.

Must be committed to attending all four full days, from 0800 to 1600.

If accepted, you will be required to attend an evening meeting with your parent/guardian prior to the YRA start date.

Selection to the program will take place after the application deadline.
Fitness

A high level of physical fitness is an essential aspect of a recruit constable. Being physically fit is not only a significant part of the application process but also throughout Recruit Training and into a future policing career.

The YRA will put your physical fitness to the test—a fundamental part of EPS’ own Recruit Training Unit. Workouts may include cardio and strength conditioning, ranging from a long run to a circuit-style activity.
Come prepared

Each training day, our recruits must ensure they have the essential items in their kits to succeed in that day's activities.

For YRA, it's no different. You will need to come prepared for both indoor and outdoor components. Before the start of the week, YRA participants will be provided with a kit that will include the following:

  • T-shirts
  • Shorts

The academy will continue operations, rain or shine, so make sure you pack your kits with the following personal items:

  • Hat
  • Running shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch
  • Long-sleeve shirt or sweater
  • Light jacket
  • Change of clothes

Please note that lunches and snacks are not provided.

Educational Resources

Interested in sharing YRA in your school? Download the YRA one-pager to share with staff or students.