The West Kelowna Police Department hosted 16 young people last month for a Depot-type mini-experience called “Cop Camp”, with an emphasis on shedding a positive light on RCMP for young indigenous children. The children were given matching tracksuits, placed in a dormitory environment and instructed on a wide variety of subjects under the RCMP. The four-day event introduced young people to the importance of fitness, exercises and demonstrations featured by various sections of the RCMP, such as police dog services, forensic recognition, emergency response team, traffic services and recruitment. Const. Rolly Williams – who organized the event – says the goal was to pique the children’s curiosity and show them a snapshot of the Depot experience, as well as explore career opportunities as a police officer. “These young people are our future. My job here is to get some kids out of the camp and get them interested and excited to become RCMP members. “With a career at RCMP, they can go out and make a difference in the world,” Williams explained. The experience came two years after its postponement due to the COVID pandemic. Photo: RCMP
