By Brian Sauvé
A recent story questioned the efficiency, practicality and curriculum of the RCMP’s training centre, known as Depot (Cops, judges push for national police training college, Jan. 5).
As noted by the Civilian Management Advisory Board, Depot is a world-class and internationally recognized training facility. It provides a welcoming learning space with highly skilled instructors to support cadets in addressing the emerging issues of our changing world and country.
The RCMP is made up of about 20,000 police officers across Canada and beyond, and they have one thing in common: They have passed a consistent and highly professional training program with centralized instructors, facilities and equipment in Regina.
The 26-week curriculum is anything but basic and is the longest cadet training program for policing in Canada. Over six months, cadets attend 820 hours of unique and specialized training that will prepare them for the challenging yet rewarding career of law enforcement. This does not just include classroom time but also scenario and virtual reality training, and practical sessions.
The RCMP has professional and designated curriculum designers who ensure that Depot training aligns with the challenges of modern policing, including implementing recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission report.
During training, cadets engage in simulation and role playing, with a focus on de-escalation and less lethal tools. Cadets go through Indigenous cultural sensitivity training, driving courses and rigorous physical testing.
While the RCMP’s minimum requirement for applicants is a high school diploma, the average age of a cadet in 2023 was 29 and most applicants bring post-secondary education, combined with career and life experience across a range of fields and cultures.
After success at Depot, members undergo two years of probationary mentorship with an experienced police officer (over 4,000 hours) plus many hours of ongoing, mandatory training to develop the unique skills required for policing and specialized services. By comparison, Air Canada requires pilots to have 2,000 hours of flight time.
To both air passengers and those relying on the police in a crisis, experience and time in the role matters beyond diplomas or certificates.
It’s important to note that many Canadian post-secondary institutions recognize RCMP training as accreditable for those pursuing public safety credentials.
I was present when the MCC commissioners tabled their report and will repeat that they were unequivocal in their comments that no person or organization could have predicted that tragic event, and first responders acted appropriately and courageously in an extremely dangerous environment.
As the union representing and ensuring the safety and well-being of RCMP members, we are working with and monitoring the progress of the RCMP committee charged with reviewing and implementing the MCC’s recommendations. Many have already been implemented and more will follow thoughtfully and strategically. Members have our eyes and word on that.
Brian Sauvé is president and CEO of the National Police Federation in Ottawa.
