By Tarrah Harvey

Police academy puts students to the test

Mar 23, 2016 | 6:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP has been joined by some young counterparts this spring break; a group of high school students are taking part in police training at Brock Middle School as a part of the RCMP Youth Academy.

It’s part of a week long program for high school students who are interested in police work or law enforcement as a possible career choice, and gives a rare opportunity to the 16 – 18 year olds to get some hands on experience including role playing scenarios.

“We were learning how to use batons and pepper spray, we did an arm take down which was really cool, I enjoyed that” said Rayne Atkins, an Academy student.

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: KSACC disappointed at Kamloops MLAs' vote to advance human rights code bill beyond first reading

16h ago

TWO & OUT

PETERS: U.S. Olympic men's hockey team celebration was extremely political - whether players recognize it or not

20h ago

Looped in

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: February 26, 2026

Feb 27, 2026

As well as being physically challenging, the week is mentally demanding with a number of lectures in law, police tactics, social skills, and self-defense.

Whether the students decide to pursue a career in this field or not, the experience is unlike anything they have experienced before.

“One of the things that I’ve asked them is at the end of this just to consider whether a career in law enforcement is what they want, and regardless of that choice, this experience will make them successful in life and better people at the end” said Superintendent Brad Mueller from the Kamloops RCMP.

Midway through the grueling week, students were excited about the idea of a possible career in the field.

“I might start with the military and then join the RCMP later, or I might just go straight into the RCMP because the presentations we’ve had, everything I’ve experienced this week, it’s really been a game changer for me” said Atkins.

The Kamloops high school students will be taking part in the training until March 25th.