A few years back, while sitting in class at Kensington Intermediate Senior High School, Viccent Simba Hove had no idea the person who was coming to speak to his class would have such a profound effect on his future. Corporal Ellen Peters, the lead recruiter for PEI RCMP also walked into that same classroom, with the hope that maybe, just maybe, someone from the class might think about applying to join the RCMP. Well, as of April 17th, 2024 these two are now working together, and Simba is the newest member of the PEI RCMP recruiting team.
"When I heard what Cpl. Peters had to say about opportunities within the RCMP, and the different types of jobs that are available in the organization, I knew that was the place I wanted to make my career happen," says Simba. "Then I heard about the D-I-C-E program and that was really the door that opened up for me to apply," he adds. The Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience (DICE) is a new RCMP recruitment and retention initiative focused on removing barriers that impact racialized and underrepresented groups who aspire to join the RCMP. It's specifically geared to encourage people from several key groups to think about careers with the RCMP, and give them a chance to experience what a job with the Mounties could be like. Those groups include:
- Newcomers to Canada (that is new Canadian citizens or permanent residents)
- Persons from diverse ethnic and cultural groups
- Members from a visible minority and persons from racialized communities
- Persons from all employment equity seeking groups
Applicants are paired with an RCMP employee mentor who provides their mentee with support and insight into a career with the RCMP. Mentors will assist Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience candidates with the Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience application process, the training experience, and police officer application process should they choose to apply. The program also provides a three-week training session hosted at the RCMP Academy, Depot Division, in Regina, Saskatchewan for candidates who are identified to benefit most from the experience.
"My experience in Depot had its good days and its challenging days, but overall it really helped confirm for me that this was a job I really wanted to pursue," says Simba. "I'm currently getting education in psychology, while working with PEI RCMP, but definitely will be applying to become a regular member with the Force," adds Simba. He's working alongside Harleen Kaur, who also completed the DICE program, and together they are actively working to support RCMP efforts showcasing the value of this program and the world of opportunities available within the Force.
"Every time I go out to make presentations to schools, or I'm at a career fair, I'm hoping I'll meet the next person like Harleen or Simba who wants to join the RCMP", says Cpl Peters. "The DICE program is such a great entry point and it really does give candidates an insiders view into working the RCMP, without the full on initial commitment," adds Peters.
For more information on the DICE program, contact PEI RCMP Recruiting at LDiv_Recruiting@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or check out the website - Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp.ca)