Cadet Training Program

Quick facts

• For the past five years, the average age of RCMP recruits has been 27 and older.
• In the next five to seven years, Depot will train approximately 1,020 cadets per year.
• Every year since 1999, an average of approximately 8,530 applicants wrote the RCMP entrance exam.
• Prior to enrolling in cadet training, RCMP applicants must obtain the following:
  • keyboarding/ typing certificate (18 wpm, no errors);
  • Valid first aid certificate from an organization approved under the Canada Labour Code.
  • A valid Police Abilities Requirement Evaluation certificate
  • Cadets must also meet minimum vision standards.

Overview

The Cadet Training Program has a long and proud history of preparing Canadians of all backgrounds to enter the evolving world of policing.

Since 1885, cadets looking to join Canada’s national police force have traveled from all across the country to train at Depot, the RCMP training academy in Regina, Saskatchewan. All cadets must complete their basic training at Depot before they can be recruited as peace officers for the RCMP.

The purpose of the Cadet Training Program (CTP) is to provide cadets with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in Canadian society and to enable them to realize and further the objectives of community policing.

Training

The CTP is based on principles of adult-learning and community policing. It revolves around a system that teaches cadets to focus on the client’s perspective in any given situation.

Cadets are responsible to a large extent for their own learning and development. They are required to seek out appropriate information, resolve problems in consultation with partners, and ensure continuous assessment and improvement of work practices. Assignments and training activities are completed individually and in groups.

Training is delivered using a variety of methods, such as scenario training (problem solving exercises), role play, lectures, panel discussions, research, presentations and community interaction. The emphasis is on life-like scenarios. In 1996, a model detachment was constructed at Depot, to simulate a realistic work environment and to enable cadets to develop skills in an operational context.

Cadets

The RCMP cadet is part of a 32-member troop, diverse in composition. Cadets undergo an extensive 24-week basic training course, which is offered in both official languages, English and French.

A typical day for a cadet is from 6:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Cadets are also expected to participate in several program-related duties after hours.

Throughout the training program, cadets live together in modern barracks.The academy covers costs for food, accommodation, insurance and travel to and from Depot.

In June 2008, the RCMP announced that it would begin providing $12,000 as a cadet recruitment allowance to each cadet during their 24-week training period at Depot. The cadet recruitment allowance has been effective since June 16, 2008, and provides cadets with a $500/week allowance while they are attending training.

After successfully completing the CTP, cadets may be engaged as regular members of the RCMP and given peace officer status. If hired, they must then undergo six months of field coaching where they are involved in everyday policing duties under the supervision of an experienced trainer at a detachment.

Cadets hired by the RCMP become Level 1 Constables and are able to receive medical and dental benefits, contribute to their pension, and have the option to purchase a comprehensive life insurance package.

Upon successful completion of field coaching, regular members are promoted to Level 2 Constables and receive a salary raise.

A promotion to Level 3 and another increase in salary are received following a successful assessment at the end of the 18-month probationary period.

Postings

Prior to enrollment, cadets agree to accept postings anywhere in Canada.

The actual province or detachment where a member will be posted is dictated by operational needs of the RCMP. Members can identify their preferences and, when possible, they may be accommodated.