Indigenous Junior Police Academy
The Calgary Police Service is excited to announce a new program, the Indigenous Junior Police Academy, designed exclusively for Indigenous youth aged 12-16. This unique program, which is funded by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, provides an immersive experience into the world of Calgary police officers, covering various aspects of law enforcement, including HAWCS helicopters, Canine Unit, Mounted Unit, Tactical Team, Hate Crimes, Drill, Dress and Deportment, Fitness, and much more. Facilitated by our Indigenous Relations team, participants will gain valuable insights into the role of a Police Officer.
On the final day of the program, families are invited to attend a Graduation ceremony. This is a chance for parents and guardians to witness firsthand the achievements of their children as they complete the program. Following the graduation, all are invited to participate in an Indigenous Cultural Celebration, hosted by members of the Indigenous Relations team. This event promises to be a memorable and inclusive gathering, uniting participants and their families in a celebration of culture and community.
The Indigenous Junior Police Academy is one of many collaborative initiatives planned in 2024 between the Calgary Police Youth Foundation and the Calgary Police Service as part of the Bridges to Brighter Futures program – proudly supported by the Shaw Family Foundation. Bridges to Brighter Futures provides children and youth the opportunity to positively interact with CPS officers in their community while learning about staying safe from victimisation and crime.
Program Objectives
- Positive police interactions: Create positive interactions between police officers and Indigenous youth.
- Educate: Educate Indigenous youth about the role of the police and the Calgary Police Service.
- Community building: Foster a sense of community and collaboration between the police and the Indigenous Community.
- Diverse policing aspects: Expose Indigenous youth to various aspects of policing.
- Encouraging further participation: Motivate participants to engage in other youth mentorship programs, such as the Calgary Police Cadet Corps and PowerPlay.
- Reducing barriers: Reduce barriers to accessing support and programming for Indigenous youth.
It is an opportunity to work alongside members of the Calgary Police Service and experience what it is like be a police officer.
Who can Join
- This program is only open to individuals who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples of all genders.
- Applicants must be 12-to-16-years-of-age.
- Applicants must live in Treaty 7 Territory and surrounding area including the Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani, and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation, Nose Hill Métis District 5 or Elbow Métis District 6.
Schedule
Monday, July 29 to Friday, Aug. 2, 2024
- Monday – 5 to 8 p.m., for uniform fitting, paperwork
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday – 8: 30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for participants; 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. for the graduation ceremony
How to Join
If you're interested in joining the Indigenous Junior Police Academy, complete and submit the below application form and include a short essay, no more than 250 words, expressing your interest in participating in this program.
Click here to download the application form.
Completed application forms can be submitted through one of the following ways:
- Email: IndigenousJPA@calgarypolice.ca
- Mail: Calgary Police Service, mail code 598, 5111 47 Street N.E., Calgary, AB, T3J 3R2
We will be accepting 24 participants for this program. For more information email IndigenousJPA@calgarypolice.ca