Dream of policing comes true

Times Reporter 

 

You often hear that those that get into police work were born knowing they would join the force one day. In the case of one of Strathmore’s newest RCMP constable, Erin Peters, that old stereotype holds true. 

“It’s always been an option for me, I was that little kid that always wanted to be a police officer, and I don’t really have a rational reason for that, but I was that little kid that always said I want to be a police officer,” said Peters. 

After high school Peters went to university before moving to New Zealand for a year.  Once she came back from her yearlong adventure she immediately applied to RCMP Academy. 

The toughest thing she found while at the depot was a build up of all the little stuff; she said you are pushed to every capacity while there. She found it was about learning to manage your time and finding balance between having so much to do and sort of maintaining your own personal hobbies as well. 

“It’s a little bit tough sometimes, but you really have to make a conscious effort. Strathmore is really good because it provides a lot of opportunities with gyms, parks and things to do, it gives you a lot more options of things to do,” said Peters. 

Fitness is emphasized, but Peters said the Academy offers a balance of training between both academics and fitness. 

“You have to be able to contribute equally in everything. It’s not just a matter of being able to run eight kilometres the fastest, you have to be able to also learn your laws. Learning other tools like communication and sort of analytical tools to help you as well. They really try and prepare you for every situation.”

Being a member of the RCMP was once a career most commonly picked by men, but when Peters was in training she said it was a fairly even mix of men and women. 

“There’s definitely been a huge shift…not necessarily even (in) attracting women, but women being attracted to the jobs and realizing that there is a lot of potential and opportunity there for them,” said Peters. 

She graduated from the academy in February, and immediately went home to pack her bags and come to Strathmore. Since being here she has had a number of interesting experiences, but there are some that stand out more than others.

“I think one of the more interesting experiences because you sort of see it on TV was participating in locating some individuals with the assistance of the helicopter, the HAWC from Calgary, that was definitely a really good opportunity that a lot of people may not get in other areas if it’s not available to them,” said Peters.

“I’d say that’s got to be one of my highlights, sort of like being a kid watching a helicopter chase except you’re in it this time.”

Having a chance to grow in her career, and be able to expand on her skills and move into different policing areas are just a few things that attracted Peters to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 

“I think for me it’s the level of opportunity that’s available with the RCMP. You sort of have the excitement of general duty policing which you do now and then you can build up to more specialized sections in federal units as well, which isn’t an opportunity that everyone has in this line of wok,” said Peters. 

“And the red serge is just kind of nice looking.”

She said it was funny about the serge because you see it and it’s really cool, but she said once you literally sweat and bleed for it, it’s a really nice feeling to have made it and finally have it on.