While most high school students were enjoying the last days of summer vacation, 36 youth were experiencing what it is like to be police officers in the EPS Youth Recruit Academy (YRA).
The youth recently graduated from the five-day academy at Northwest Campus, where they participated in policing presentations and training activities to develop team building and leadership skills for the future.
This year’s YRA saw a record 200 applications, which required the creation of a class in July and another in August.
Acting Sergeant Amanda Hinks attributes this popularity to the enthusiasm of the youth and members of the EPS School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit who coordinate the program.
“The youth bring a desire and drive to become police officers, and the SROs foster that dream, mentoring and encouraging them to continue their journey. Many of the YRA participants go on to become police officers and continue to be involved as mentors.”
None of this would be possible without the support of EPS Recruit Training and other units from across the service, the Edmonton Police Foundation, Edmonton Police Association, H & W Produce Victoria Trail, and EnviroShred.
Congratulations to all the graduates of Youth Recruit Academy 2024!