ACC graduates join First Nations police ranks
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/04/2024 (636 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Manitoba Public Safety Institute at Assiniboine Community College — in partnership with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service — celebrated 10 new First Nations police officers at their graduation ceremony on Friday in Southport.
The new officers are part of the first intake of police training recruit students in the Assiniboine partnership with MFNP, with the new program representing another milestone in the growth of public safety training at Assiniboine.
Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe congratulated the officers for completing their comprehensive training at the college, saying it will equip them with the tools they need to excel on the job.
Ten new First Nations police officers attended their graduation ceremony on Friday in Southport. (Submitted)
“Our government is proud to support the expansion of First Nations policing as part of a commitment to reconciliation and fostering nation-to-nation relationships,” Wiebe said. “We will continue to support the exceptional work officers do daily to keep their communities safe.”
The college, in a statement issued on Friday, said the MFNP partnership is a response to the growing demand for trained police officers within First Nations communities, adding it aimed to deliver a comprehensive recruit training program.
Leveraging the college’s expertise in public safety training, Assiniboine adapted its current curriculum to meet the specific needs of First Nations policing.
The college’s public safety academic chair, Jack Ewatski, said the students take a Cultural Diversity Communications course, which is focused primarily on Indigenous awareness and knowledge building.
“This recruiting class also had several visits and presentations from knowledge keepers from various First Nation communities that the MFNP serves,” Ewatski said.
“The training is comprehensive and the first of its kind for Assiniboine. Graduates of this program can enter the policing world as full-fledged peace officers ready for deployment to their respective communities.”
The program, which started last October at Assiniboine’s Southport site, welcomed students with a range of prior experience. Participants underwent rigorous training in various operational skills, including firearms, use of force and police vehicle operations.
Const. Sean Fisher, a current member of the Brandon Police Service, and Cpl. Derek Smoke from the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, guided participants.
Fisher, lead instructor of the program, said the force is immensely proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the graduates.
“Their commitment to serving and protecting their communities is truly commendable, and we have no doubt that they will make invaluable contributions to the Manitoba First Nations Police force,” he said.
Following their graduation, the newly minted MFNP constables will be assigned to various MFNP detachments, where they will begin their careers as front-line officers.
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