Strathmore RCMP working with summer students

Times Contributor

 

This summer the Strathmore RCMP have been working with summer students finishing their degrees in Criminal Justice. One studies, Carolyn Lavallee, originally from Quebec, who studying Criminal Justice at Mount Royal University, worked extensively with the Strathmore RCMP to complete her practicum, the in-the-field aspect of her degree. She has now applied to work for the RCMP and for the Calgary Police Department. 

“The people [at the Strathmore RCMP] are really nice and welcoming,” said Lavallee. “[It was] a good experience and I got to learn a lot; from office work to field work to the police office work … I got to do a little bit of everything so that was a good perspective on those aspects of police work.”

Cnst. Shannon White worked with Lavallee and explained why she likes to work with summer students.

“I just think they’re so eager for knowledge and to get out there and see it in practice, it’s very exciting for them,” said White. “I like it because I can impart some of my knowledge as well and they get to see it go from theory into practice so I think it’s enjoyable for both.”

Lavalle certainly learned a lot from her summer in Strathmore, mostly about what her future job is really going to be like. 

“I think [the students] get just a really good sense of what just an average night would be. For example Carolyn rode with me one weekend night and saw the diversity of calls we answer, anything from armed robberies to a found wallet, we’re just across the gamut in general duty,” said White. 

“You never know what type of day you’re going to have,” Lavelle said. “It’s not the expected.”