Family Information Guide to Depot Division
I am pleased to provide you with this information guide. Its purpose is two-fold: to help you through this transitory period by giving you a glimpse into our world, and to secure your help in ensuring that cadets receive the on-going support from home that is pivotal to their success at the Academy.
The RCMP is an organization that is focused on family and that values the contribution of each of its members. You are now part of the extended RCMP family. We trust that the guide will answer any questions that you might have. Should there be additional questions or if you wish to provide comments, please feel free to email us at depot.division@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Welcome to the RCMP Academy!
Chief Superintendent Sylvie Bourassa-Muise
Commanding Officer
Table of Contents
- Welcome
- Cadet Training Program
- Cadet Resources
- Compensation Services
- Relocation Services
- Career Development & Resourcing Services (Staffing)
- Graduation
- Graduation Program
- Maps
- Cadet Training Program at a Glance
Welcome
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude. You have passed on to your family member, the fortitude, conviction and determination necessary to secure a place at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Academy, Depot Division. You have instilled the core values that have helped them achieve this goal and that will see them through training. You have made numerous sacrifices and will likely be called upon to make more. You are deserving of our recognition and we wholeheartedly say thank you!
The RCMP is one of the most respected police forces in the world, and Depot becomes a second home to the proud men and women who aspire to maintain the safety of our homes and communities. The Cadet Training Program (CTP) is an extensive, 26-week, basic training course. Upon successful completion of the CTP, cadets are offered employment as newly engaged members of the RCMP and are granted peace officer status. Once employed, they are required to complete a six-month Field Coaching Program at a selected detachment, where they are involved in everyday policing duties under the supervision of a Field Coach.
Cadets face numerous challenges while at Depot. The training is intense and they must commit several hours beyond a standard workday to succeed. The purpose of this guide is to give you insight into the CTP and its many milestones. These include benchmarks, exams, posting interviews, etc. It is our hope that this small glimpse into our world will ease the transition from home life to Depot and better position you to offer the support and encouragement your family member needs as they complete training and prepare for an exciting career in the Force.
For those planning on visiting Depot, please note that cadets may have guests at the RCMP Academy on weekdays after training hours (4:30 p.m.) and on weekends. We ask that you find your own accommodations, since guests may not stay on base overnight. Please sign in at the Guardroom upon your arrival and ensure that you are accompanied at all times by a cadet or an RCMP employee. Remember that the RCMP Academy is a secure facility and access to certain areas is restricted. This includes dormitories and some training areas.
Welcome to Depot, you are now part of our family!
For information about Regina, also known as home of the RCMP, please visit the Regina tourism site at www.tourismregina.com
Email and care packages can be the highlight of a cadet’s day! They raise spirits in ways that you cannot imagine. If you wish to send a package, please use the address below to ensure proper delivery.
Cdt. John Doe
Troop #__
RCMP Academy, Depot Division
PO Box 6500 or 5600 11th Ave
Regina, SK S4P 3J7
Cadet Training Program
Units
The Cadet Training Program (CTP) consists of 785 hours and is broken down into seven disciplines or units. It involves a combination of classroom time, scenario training and practical sessions.
Unit | Number of Hours |
---|---|
Applied Police Sciences | 373 |
Police Defensive Tactics | 75 |
Fitness and Lifestyle | 45 |
Firearms Training | 65 |
Police Driving | 65 |
Drill, Deportment and Tactical | 43 |
Detachment scenarios, exams, research, etc. | 120 |
In addition to this, cadets are expected to work after classes in order to successfully complete the program and meet the high standards of the RCMP Academy.
Facilitators
The CTP is delivered by facilitators. The majority are police officers—regular members—with a minimum of five years’ experience in law enforcement. They have worked in a variety of capacities in detachments across Canada and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Academy. As a rule, they will spend three to five years at Depot. In some cases, Depot employs public servants with specialized backgrounds in fitness and retired police officers in driving and firearms. The goal of all facilitators at Depot is to provide cadets with the tools required to assume their duties as future members of Canada’s national police force.
Applied Police Sciences
Applied Police Sciences (APS) constitutes the bulk of the training curriculum. Cadets are taught to use the CAPRA problem-solving model (Clients, Acquiring and Analyzing information, Partnerships, Response and Assessment), the Incident Management Intervention Model (IMIM), RCMP service standards and core values to deal with problem-based situations presented to them in class or in practical scenarios. During training, cadets progress from a basic call for service to high-risk situations involving weapons/firearms in an adult learning environment. The APS program consists of 15 modules. Each module presents a new offence and builds on the legal requirements introduced in previous modules. A number of outside resources come speak to cadets on specific topics such as human rights, youth, aboriginal issues, domestic violence and addictions, just to name a few. Cadets apply their knowledge to scenarios involving volunteer actors from the community.
APS Benchmarks/Milestones
- First detachment - week 12
- Midterm exam - week 13
- Progress report - week 14
- Second detachment - week 17
- Final exam - week 22
- Final detachment test - week 23
- Final progress report - week 26
Police Driving Unit
While undergoing training at the Police Driving Unit (PDU), cadets develop multi-tasking skills through increased observational skills and safety techniques. The driving program helps cadets transition to specific operational duties. They learn about laws and policies pertaining to the use of police vehicles in emergency situations, as well as their limitations and capabilities as drivers.
PDU Benchmarks/Milestones
- Patrol drive 1 - week 3
- Patrol drive 2 - week 7
- Collision investigation - week 9
- Patrol drive 3 - week 11
- Be On the Look Out (BOLO) - week 14
- Highway/gravel drive - week 16
- Advanced track - week 18
- Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVO) - week 22
- EVO exam - week 23
Firearms Training Unit
Facilitators at the Firearms Training Unit (FTU) teach cadets the safe handling, use and storage practices of RCMP service firearms in a safe, controlled atmosphere.
FTU Benchmarks/Milestones
- Benchmark 1 - week 7
- Benchmark 2 - week 13
- Pistol qualification - week 20
- Shotgun qualification- week 21
Police Defensive Tactics
The goal of Police Defensive Tactics (PDT) is to help cadets acquire safe and effective skills in order to conduct not only proper arrests using the appropriate handcuffing techniques, but also proper searches incidental to arrests. Cadets also develop officer survival skills.
PDT Tests/Milestones
- Test 1 - week 6
- Exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray - week 7
- Conducted Energy Weapons Orientation (CEW/Taser™) - week 8 (not a test)
- Rings (strikes) - week 10 (cadets must participate)
- Defensive baton - week 11
- Test 2 - week 14
- Carotid control - week 15
- Ground fighting - week 19 (cadets must participate)
- Test 3 - week 21
Drill and Deportment Unit
The aim of the Drill and Deportment Unit (DDU) is to develop in cadets a sense of confidence, alertness, discipline and self-control that will assist them in performing their duties. Drill fosters a sense of interdependence, co-operation and esprit de corps, thereby enabling cadets to work as part of a complex team.
While at Depot, cadets participate in two types of parades. Morning parade is for roll call and prepares cadets for the day while the Sergeant Major’s Parade re-enacts a long-standing tradition when roll call was taken and missing members would be found and disciplined by the Sergeant Major.
Many of the following milestones are privileges that must be earned by the troop as a whole and that can be lost at any time along the way.
DDU Milestones/Achievements
- Marching with ankle boots instead of doubling
- Wearing blues instead of fatigues (Blues Challenge)
- Wearing boots and breeches instead of blues and ankle boots (after High Brown boot lecture)
- Dorm inspections; informal, formal
- Training Officer’s inspection - week 12
- Commanding Officer’s inspection - week 24
- Wearing of red-stripe epaulets and Stetson - the most senior troop on base
- Peer performance - week 26
Operational Conditioning Unit (OCU)
Operational Conditioning is designed to provide cadets with the tools needed to remain fit for duty for the duration of their career.
Operational Conditioning Benchmarks/Milestones
- Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) #1 - week 1
- First 5 km timed run - week 9
- PARE #2 - week 11
- 8 km run - week 17
- PARE #3 - week 19
- Second 5 km timed run - week 22
Learning Assistance
In the event of an initial failure of a benchmark or an exam, the cadet will be offered learning assistance as outlined in the CTP Assessment Procedures. The amount of learning assistance varies according to specific program areas. Once the learning assistance sessions have been completed, the cadet will be provided with a second opportunity to successfully complete the benchmark or the exam. A second failure will generally result in a termination of the Cadet Training Agreement.
Cadet Resources
Resources
Cadets go through many emotions while living at Depot. Balancing Depot and family life can be difficult, as cadets often feel that they are not in a position to fully support their spouse or parents who are often left behind to deal with family emergencies. Furthermore, they are not always able to attend key events in their family’s lives. However, cadets are not alone and have access to several support services, which will assist them in managing their stress level.
Depot Chaplaincy Program
The chaplains constantly make informal contact with individuals in the various areas of Depot. Their mandate is to provide spiritual and religious care in a multi-faith, pluralistic environment while respecting spiritual sensitivities, religious heritages and diversity of faith traditions.
Cadet Resource Officer
The Cadet Resource Liaison (CRL) is a resource available to cadets to assist them with any issues that may surface during their training. This could involve questions about the CTP, clarification of file reviews and assistance in dealing with personal problems and issues with facilitators.
The CRL is not part of APS or any other skill unit and is removed from the assessment processes. The CRL will assist the cadet in finding a viable resolution to the problem at hand. This is another resource available to cadets to ensure they have all the available tools to be successful in the CTP.
Clinical Psychologist
The clinical psychologist works with cadets who consult on a voluntary basis and counsels them on a wide range of issues such as:
- stress and resilience training - strategies to improve performance in various skills or test situations and to develop greater tolerance for difficult experiences;
- counselling on interpersonal difficulties - whether difficulties arise within troops, elsewhere on base, or in personal relationships;
- counselling on personal problems - whether difficulties result from specific past traumatic events, significant losses, or other difficult experiences;
- vocational counselling for individuals who are unclear about the career path they want to follow.
The following pages contain useful information provided to cadets from other administrative units such as Cadet Allowance and Compensation, Relocation Services, and Career Development and Resourcing Services (CDRS) or Staffing. During training, each unit gives a presentation to cadets to discuss entitlements and procedures. Cadets receive a package well in advance of the presentations, so that they may discuss their content with you in the hope of minimizing any issues that may arise before, during or after the presentations.
Compensation Services
Compensation
While at Depot, cadets receive an allowance of $525 per week to a maximum of $13,650.
Benefits Plan Lecture - Week 1
Cadets are required to participate in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cadet Group Benefits Plan under which supplemental health coverage is included. This supplemental health coverage reimburses eligible medical expenses at 100% with no annual deductible. Dental coverage for routine items such as cleaning, fillings, etc. is not included in this plan. Additionally, there are annual and lifetime limitations on many items. For example, cadets are entitled to a maximum of $500 per calendar year for chiropractic services. Supplemental health coverage for a cadet’s dependents (spouse, common-law partner, children) is equal to the cadet’s. Cadets are required to maintain their own provincial health coverage throughout training.
Dental coverage may be provided when a cadet suffers an injury to their teeth during training and subsequently requires dental surgery or care to treat the injury. Coverage is subject to approval by Great-West Life (GWL). For more information, please ask the cadet to provide you with a copy of the plan.
Benefits Plan Lecture - Week 19
Cadets are asked to decide on life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefits coverage for which they will be eligible once they are regular members of the RCMP.
How much should the cadet have? Does the cadet’s spouse have life insurance already? If so, for what amount are they insured? Is this sufficient? Does the cadet have life insurance with another company? How much? Can it be transferred? These are important questions and cadets are required to make important decisions in a brief period of time. Thought should be given to this prior to the outgoing lecture, which not only covers life insurance but also identification and election of prior pensionable service (if any) and supplemental health coverage for the cadet’s eligible dependents by way of the Public Service Health Care Plan.
Note that the paper work must be completed during the lecture. Although changes may be made at a later time, there may be costs involved and it may delay implementation.
Relocation Services
Cadets join Canada’s national force for a variety of reasons including the chance of living and working across the country. From urban centres to small towns, from Eastern fishing villages to the far North, whatever the location, a career in the Force affords countless opportunities.
Approximately four weeks prior to graduation, cadets will meet with a Relocation Reviewer to determine their family’s relocation needs. These are assessed according to the newly engaged member policy.
Points to Consider:
- All effects must be in one place. Movers will transport household effects from one location only (pre-engagement place of residence).
- During training, there must be a contact person at the preengagement place of residence for household-effects moving estimates.
- Movers are required to pack everything.
- Newly engaged members must be home to supervise the movers when they pack and load the belongings.
- The RCMP will not pay to move recreational vehicles.
- Newly engaged members are responsible for any decisions made regarding:
- the sale or rental of any existing property (home, condominium, etc.) and all fees associated with the sale or lease of the pre-engaged place of residence and the lease or purchase of the residence at the new location;
- pet relocation.
Your family member is about to embark on a new adventure. They will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to their new community and in turn, will acquire new life experiences. It can be challenging; however, other members and their spouse will be there to offer support and guidance.
Career Development & Resourcing Services (Staffing)
Posting
As an organization, the RCMP values its employees and cadets. The Force recognizes the importance of meeting and listening to its future regular members. Organizational needs and those of the cadets are continuously being balanced in order to find the best fit for a future posting. The duration of a posting is from three to five years.
Knowledge of both official languages is an asset for cadets wishing to be posted to New Brunswick, Quebec and certain parts of Ontario.
For organizational purposes, the RCMP has divided the country into a number of divisions, each with a letter designation.
- British Columbia, E Division
- Alberta, K Division
- Saskatchewan, F Division
- Manitoba, D Division
- Ontario, O Division
- Quebec, C Division
- New Brunswick, J Division
- Nova Scotia, H Division
- Prince Edward Island, L Division
- Newfoundland and Labrador B Division
- Yukon, M Division
- Northwest Territories, G Division
- Nunavut, V Division
- National Capital Region, National Division
- Depot Division
Week 1
On their first day of training, cadets meet their assigned Career Development and Resourcing Advisor (CDRA) during a 50-minute presentation. Cadets are provided with an overview of the staffing process and presented with the realities of filling vacancies across our expansive country. A map of Canada is shown highlighting the percentages of constable positions across the country; 75% in Western Canada and 25% in Central and Eastern Canada. Cadet postings mirror these numbers.
At the end of this session, cadets are given the opportunity to ask questions that may ease their transition from civilian to Depot life.
Week 15
The assigned CDRA for the troop meets all cadets as a group during a 50-minute session. Cadets are requested to complete a “posting document” that enables them to tell their story. The information will include their marital status, number of children, special skills and financial situation, as well as any issues (restrictions) that may impact their posting such as being married to a member or special medical needs for their children.
Cadets are encouraged to discuss the matter with their families well in advance of week 15. The discussion should take into account educational institutions, real estate markets, job markets, medical facilities, recreational activities and other areas that may affect your lifestyle.
Week 16
Each cadet is scheduled for a personal interview with a CDRA. During the interview, cadet and advisor review the training file along with the posting document. This interview allows cadets to ask any questions relating to their current and future status within the organization. Cadets are viewed as an asset to the organization and reminded of this during their interview. A report is completed by the CDRA following the interview. This document captures the content of the interview on paper and is retained in the cadet’s staffing file.
Following an extensive consultation with all CDRAs involved in the interviewing process, a meeting is held with the troop’s APS facilitation team to determine the division (province or territory) in which each cadet will be posted. The cadets are advised within days of their interviews.
A report is sent to the respective divisions along with a separate document completed by the cadet which allows them to highlight issues such as family restrictions, special skills and a list of their preferred detachments (three to twenty). Divisions will take into account divisional needs as well as the information received from the CDRA prior to selecting a detachment for the cadet. It is in everyone’s interest to find a suitable posting.
Weeks 18 to 20
Cadets are assigned to a detachment by that division’s staffing unit. Throughout their 26 weeks at Depot, cadets are encouraged to contact their advisor with any concerns or questions.
Graduation
Once all the benchmarks, paperwork and postings are completed, the end is in sight. It’s time for graduation when families and friends reunite and celebrate a job well done! This is the day on which cadets become newly engaged members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Graduation is an opportunity to share this important milestone with family and friends and includes the following:
Day before:
- RCMP Chapel Ecumenical Service
- Family Workshop
Day of:
- Swearing-In Ceremony
- Sergeant Major’s Parade
- Dismounted Cavalry Drill Display
- Badge Presentation Ceremony
- Formal Graduation Banquet
While it may be difficult to understand, cadets typically refrain from discussing graduation details until they are confident that they will successfully complete the CTP. On occasion, a cadet’s stay at the Academy may be extended because of an injury or the need to perfect a particular skill. Family and friends are therefore encouraged to look into flight cancellation insurance when making reservations.
Each troop has a designated graduation committee that will take care of logistics such as selecting a hotel and blocking a number of rooms. Cadets are responsible for reserving rooms and car rentals. Some troops will plan other activities. These provide a chance for family members to meet one another. The troop will provide additional information as the graduation date approaches.
Note: If you wish to fly home with your family member following their graduation, please ensure that your return tickets correspond with theirs. The RCMP will not be responsible for any modifications to the newly engaged member’s existing flight reservations.
Even though graduation is typically a very busy time, you will have the chance to tour Depot Division and visit the RCMP Heritage Centre. While at the Academy, you may find that perfect graduation gift or other memento at either the Trading Post at Depot, located in C Block, or the RCMP Heritage Centre Gift Shop.
Activities
The formal activities outlined here are structured and must start on time. Your punctuality is greatly appreciated. Note that there will be many opportunities to take photos during the formal activities. Have your camera ready and be sure to take extra batteries along. Troops will often hire a professional photographer to capture key milestones.
Graduation activities take place on the grounds of Depot Division and all buildings are within walking distance. However, given the Saskatchewan climate, it is best to pay attention to the weather conditions.
Please notify the Academy prior to your arrival if you require any special assistance by calling the Guardroom at 306-780-5777.
Graduation activities are generally held on a weekend with the formal graduation held on Monday.
The graduating troop performs a drill display (Drill Hall) in front of their peers the week prior to graduation (peer performance).
Graduation weekend begins with an non-denominational service at the RCMP Chapel. The entire troop attends and guests are invited and encouraged to share in this celebration. The service lasts approximately one hour. You will be given the opportunity to take photos of the troop as per the chaplain’s instructions.
The troop will be dressed in their Walking Out Order: red serge, overalls, congress boots for men, and red serge, long skirts and heels for women. Most troops hire a photographer to take formal photos after the chapel service.
Graduation Program
RCMP Chapel Graduation Celebration
- Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Dress code: Business casual—no jeans.
- Men: suits, sports jackets, optional tie, collared shirts, sweaters, dress pants, etc.
- Ladies: suits, dresses, skirts, dress pants, sweater, etc.
- RCMP members in attendance: uniform (review order or service order) or civilian attire
Family Workshop
- Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Family Workshop helps family members and friends gain a better understanding of what police work involves. The troop’s facilitators will explain some of the challenges faced by new members and their families when they relocate to their new communities. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
Swearing-In Ceremony
- Monday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Dress code: Smart casual—no jeans.
- Men: collared shirt or golf shirt, dress pants or casual pants (e.g., Dockers or similar style)
- Ladies: suit, dress, skirt or dress pants/casual pants (e.g., Dockers or similar style) and a blouse, turtleneck or sweater.
- RCMP members in attendance: uniform (review order or service order) or civilian attire
During the Swearing-In Ceremony, all cadets are officially sworn in as regular members of the RCMP and sign their engagement documents. The troop will be wearing their working uniform with breeches and high brown boots. You will be able to take photos of your family member as they sign the documents.
Lunch
Lunch may be provided if prior arrangements have been made by the graduating troop. The location is determined by the troop’s graduation committee.
- Monday: 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sergeant Major’s Parade
- Monday: 12:50 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.
The graduating troop will be in their full red serge uniform and will be the first troop on parade. The Commanding Officer of Depot Division will inspect the troop and may be accompanied by a special guest for the day.
Dismounted Cavalry Drill Display & Badge Presentation
- Monday: 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The graduating troop will perform a drill display followed by the badge presentation. The Commanding Officer will present the badges to the newly engaged members. Families will be given an opportunity to take photos as the exercises unfold. The event concludes with a valedictorian address and the troop’s final commands given by the Commanding Officer.
Formal Graduation Banquet
- Monday: 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Dress Code for Guests: Semiformal—no jeans
- Men: suits, sports jackets, dress pants, shirt and tie, etc.
- Women: cocktail length dresses, skirts, blouses, pant suits, etc.
- RCMP members (guests): Walking Out Order or Mess Kit
Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The evening includes a number of toasts and an address by a keynote speaker, before concluding with the traditional changing of the numbers.
Note: There is usually a professional photographer in attendance, so you will have the opportunity to have a family picture taken. The photographer is not a Depot Division employee. Cadets or family members are asked to contact the photographer directly for photos or if problems arise during or following the graduation ceremonies.
We hope that the information provided in this guide will assist you in making your arrangements for this memorable celebration.
It is a very proud moment for the newest members of the RCMP, for yourselves, as well as for the Academy.
We look forward to seeing you soon… safe travels!
Map
Cadet Training Program at a Glance
Week | Unit | Milestones | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Fitness | PARE 1 |
|
2 | |||
3 | PDU | Patrol drive 1 |
|
4 | |||
5 | |||
6 | PDT | Test 1 |
|
7 | PDU | Patrol drive 2 |
|
FTU | Benchmark 1 |
|
|
PDT | OC Spray (pepper spray) |
|
|
8 | PDT | Conducted Energy Weapon/Taser™ |
|
9 | PDU | Collision investigation |
|
Fitness | First 5 km run |
|
|
10 | PDT | Rings (strikes) |
|
11 | Fitness | PARE 2 |
|
PDU | Patrol drive 3 |
|
|
PDT | Defensive Baton |
|
|
12 | DDT | Training Officer’s inspection |
|
APS | First detachment |
|
|
13 | FTU | Benchmark 2 |
|
APS | Mid-term exam |
|
|
14 | APS | Progress reports |
|
PDT | Test 2 |
|
|
PDU | Be On the Look Out (BOLO) |
|
|
15 | CDRS (Staffing) | Posting process |
|
PDT | Carotid control |
|
|
16 | PDU | Highway gravel drive |
|
CDRS (Staffing) | Divisional postings |
|
|
17 | Fitness | 8 km run |
|
APS | Second detachment |
|
|
18 | PDU | Advanced track |
|
CDRS (Staffing) | Detachment postings |
|
|
19 | Fitness | PARE 3 |
|
PDT | Ground fighting |
|
|
Pay & Compensation | Insurance benefits |
|
|
20 | FTU | Pistol qualification |
|
21 | PDT | Test 3 |
|
FTU | Shotgun qualification |
|
|
22 | APS | Final exam |
|
Fitness | Second 5 km run |
|
|
PDU | Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVO) |
|
|
23 | APS | Final detachment test |
|
PDU | Emergency Vehicle Operation Exam (EVO) |
|
|
26 | APS | Final progress reports |
|
DDT | Commanding Officer’s inspection |
|
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