The image of the everyday police officer is changing.
In the past, children could have been too intimidated to approach a police officer; however, today’s police force is making great strides in an effort to become more approachable. Officers like RCMP Const. Morroco Johnson are in the schools teaching children about making the right choices in life, and stressing to those children that peer pressure will always be a force with which every person will have to deal. The presence of such officers will go a long way in easing the intimidation of children when it comes to talking to police officers.
Events like the Mini Mountie Camp and the upcoming Cop Camp will also prove to be a useful tool in this endeavour. Both camps also help to provide some insight into exactly what it takes to be an RCMP officer. Many children dream of one day becoming a police officer, but with the aid of these camps, they can get a feel for what life will be like as an actual law enforcement officer. It will show them the trials and tribulations of the everyday life of a police officer, and it will give them hands-on experience to let them make an informed decision on what they want to do for the rest of their lives.
This year’s Mini Mountie Camp has come to a close, and by all measures, it was another great success. Local youth were challenged throughout the week to think the way a police officer thinks. They were put through the paces of a new recruit, and shown the different sides of law enforcement.
By no means will Morroco and her team rest on their laurels. They are now getting ready for Cop Camp. Teenagers interested in gaining a glimpse into the life of the cop need not wait any longer, and they’ll get an up close and personal view. It’s a camp that is aimed at youth between the ages of 14 and 17, and is intended to expand on the Mini Mountie Camp.
Participants will be taken to the Edmonton Police Service Training and Recruiting Centre in the City.
The Cop Camp came from an idea to expand the Mini Mountie Camp, focusing on the older youth of the community, and about half of the participants who have registered have already expressed interest in policing as a career, and it’s an excellent opportunity for those youth who are curious about policing.
Having people like Const. Johnson and events like Cop Camp will help bridge the gap between the community and the police force. Furthermore, youth will learn that police officers are indeed part of the community, and hopefully it will prevent potential crimes from happening.
