News Article

Police training offered in Labrador


4/8/2005 12:02:25 PM


Dr. Azmy Aboulazm, Campus Administrator at Labrador West campus, left, and Bob Garland, Inspector with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Labrador West attachment, both agree that the recent partnership will be of great benefit to students. (Photo:Peter Genge)

By Ngaire Genge
Reprinted with permission from 53 North

Inspector Bob Garland of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Labrador West detachment, is delighted with the “speed and cooperation” with which the local College of the North Atlantic moved to assist in the delivery of police training pre-requisites. Says Garland, “Dr. Aboulazm has made it possible for youth in this region to avail of a great program – at relatively little cost!”

The RNC is ready to begin stepping up its recruitment efforts in the province and, thanks to CNA-Labrador West, students here can get a very practical start on a career Garland describes as “a life-long opportunity with great potential for advancement.”

When Garland was advised that recruitment would be stepping up soon, he immediately contact Aboulazm to see what portion of the program could be undertaken locally.

“It’s a huge expense for students to study outside,” said Garland. “But, thanks to Dr. Aboulazm, students can finish their entire program with only two semesters spent away from home. Once the local college had a list of the program prerequisites, they moved very quickly to ensure the availability of the entire first year here.”

The recruitment program has three parts. The first year program, which can now be delivered locally, ensures all the candidates complete the enrollment requirements in communications, psychology, and other courses. The second part is a two-semester program from Memorial University’s St. John’s campus. If students complete these two requirements, they are offered an on-the-job training placement from April to September. And, if that goes well, “…students can expect to be offered a full-time position in September.”

Garland says the program is a real opportunity for the right person. “The cost of courses here at the Labrador City campus for the whole year is just $1,450 plus their books. Students can live at home, which is a tremendous savings to their parents and the students. They can work in Labrador West their first summer – as the RNC itself generally hires eight or more students – and they can tuck away money for those two semesters in St. John’s.”

The second summer placement, with the Constabulary, “is a paid position, and students could easily earn enough to pay off their living expenses from their semesters in St. John’s if they are posted in Labrador West for their on-the-job experience,” says Garland.

It is entirely realistic that students offered positions in September could “start off their careers with absolutely no debt, and enjoy the full benefit of a good living salary from day one, with no student loans hanging over their heads.”

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary polices just three areas in the province: St. John’s, Corner Brook and vicinity, and Labrador West. That’s a positive for most students too, says Garland.

“If not posted in their home town, they at least know they won’t spend their posting in a really remote place. Both St. John’s and Corner Brook have a lot to offer young people starting out.”

Dr. Aboulazm was very pleased to be able to provide local support and programming.
The college should be able to provide local support and programming. “The College should be a resource to its community, and give students an edge in starting life. It has been very satisfying to work with the RNC on ensuring local delivery of their prerequisite programs.” He says the college will continue to work with any potential employer to customize course offerings.

Says Garland, “For the right young people, this is certainly a win-win situation and nothing would please me more than to see students from Labrador West join our ranks.”

Once members, new officers can complete degree programs with the RNC picking up 50% of their education costs, says Garland.

“The sky really is the limit. Our officers have a number of opportunities offered them on an on-going basis. Any of our officers would be happy to talk about their own experience. Just ask.”



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