Recruit Training at the Saskatchewan Police College

Once hired and sworn in by a Saskatchewan municipal police service, the candidate attends the Saskatchewan Police College for the 18-week Recruit Training program. This program is designed to help the candidate develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudies needed to perform as an effective police officer within their community based policing environment. Investigative procedures, laws and their application, defensive tactics, and human behavior are emphasized. The course is designed to facilitate the growth of the total officer and person rather than to merely create a specialist in policing. Self-discipline, fitness as a lifestyle, an astute sense of morality, social awareness, and an esprit de corps are also stressed throughout the training program. Since officers frequently work alone, it is important for recruits to develop a capacity for sound reasoning and good judgment.

The course incorporates three major components of training:

• The physical component stresses physical fitness as required for effective self-defense, control, and a healthy lifestyle. It includes training in defensive tactics, drill, and tactical training.
• The academic component involves three key components: Criminal Law, Criminal Justice and Human Behaviour. A variety of other topics ranging from general communication skills to precise police procedures are also woven in with opportunities for practical application of knowledge and skills throughout the program.
• The practical skill component provides recruits with the opportunity to practice investigative techniques and operational procedures such as note taking, report writing, problem solving, and crisis intervention within scenario situations. These sessions allow recruits to apply the theory and skills covered throughout the course.

Together, these three areas of training form a comprehensive and integrated developmental training program for police officers.