Have you ever thought of becoming a member of the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS)?

If so, there's an upcoming program being offered that will help get you started.

The Citizens' Police Academy will provide citizens with an inside look at the Moose Jaw Police Service through a series of lectures, demonstrations and an optional ride-along.

"We'll get you out for a couple of hours on a Friday or Saturday night and you can see what we see," explained Staff Sergeant Taylor Elder. "You'll be going to calls with the officers, you'll be hearing the information that comes across the radio. You'll be hearing the information that comes across the radio. You'll be seeing the different vehicle stops or whatever goes on downtown. You'll have front-row seats to all the action."

While the exact dates of the course have not yet been set, the program is expected to run one day per week, for a total of four weeks, during the month of April. 

Topics will include Canine, Criminal Investigation Section, Tactical Response Team, Firearms, PACT (Police and Crisis Team), and Victim Services. The ICE (internet child exploitation) unit will also be on hand one evening to give a presentation.

Elder says the program has been running in Moose Jaw for many years, but had to take a few years off due to the pandemic. He was a participant as a young adult. 

"I always wanted to be a police officer and taking the Police Academy Program, it only reinforced my belief that this was a career that I want to pursue," he commented. "I'm living proof of it. I think if people are on the fence, if this is something they want to do, it's a great chance for them to take a quick look and see if it's something that fits for them."

Applicants must be at least 19 years old and submit a criminal record check. MJPS will be accepting roughly 20 people into the program. Elder says they've already had a few people of varying ages sign up.

There's no cost to participate.

Those interested in the Citizens' Police Academy can email Staff Sargeant Taylor Elder at telder@mjpolice.ca before March 31. He can also be reached by phone at 306-694-7659.