The Elk Valley RCMP, in conjunction with School District 5 once again planned and participated in an annual Law Camp held May 17 to 19.
The Law Camp is a three day program designed for East Kootenay youth who are interested in a law enforcement career. The Law Camp was held at the United Church Camp at Rock Lake near Elko, B.C.
Cst. Reutgen and Cst. Patchett were the primary facilitators from the Elk Valley Detachment and arranged for a wide variety of representatives from all areas of law enforcement to attend and deliver presentations. Outside agencies included the B.C. Conservation Service, commercial vehicle inspectors, Canadian Border Services, Victim Services, Crown counsel, and a provincial court judge. RCMP representatives from outside the Elk Valley Detachment included Forensic Identification Services, Police Dog Services, and Traffic Services. In addition to the specialized presentations noted above, the youth received presentations on general duty policing, impaired driving investigations, physical fitness, use of force, RCMP training academy and recruiting. Attending this year’s camp were 18 youths aged 16 to 17 from the Elk Valley, Creston, Kimberley and Cranbrook.
As the detachment Operations NCO, I am always encouraged to see our members pro-actively involved with our youth. It allows our membership to interact with and relate to the youth on another level and it allows the youth to develop a greater understanding of the role of police in the community.