Lethbridge Police Service Hosts Women-Only Boot Camp Series – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

The Lethbridge Police Service is piloting a new recruiting initiative aimed at increasing diversity within the service.

The latter is aimed at women with a series of female-only boot camps.

Const. Molly Murray is the head of the show. He was previously a probation officer in Edmonton before joining the LPS a few years ago.

“I like that every day is a little different for me on the street,” he said. “I can talk to a lot of different people, solve problems, and think on my feet so I don’t get bored.”

Murray said the process to become an officer can be overwhelming and stressful. Recruits must complete a disclosure packet, as well as go through an initial interview, psychological evaluation, panel interview, and background check.

But most overwhelming can be passing the Alberta Police Officer Physical Readiness Assessment (APREP), which is required for everyone. APREP is the provincial standard used to determine the physical fitness of recruiting agents.

For the first time, the LPS is conducting four boot camps for potential recruits who are considering applying to join the service. They include a combination of strength training, such as deadlifts and squats, and cardiovascular exercises designed to challenge participants and improve their confidence as they prepare for APREP.

“The idea is just that we can all work together, that they can ask us questions, get to know each other,” Murray said.

“I know I’m a lot less intimidating without 25 pounds of gear.”

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The first boot camp was held on Friday night at the CrossFit Framework. Attendees were excited about the opportunity.

“I wanted to be a police officer for a long time,” said Sarah Dyck. “And when I saw this, it was a wonderful opportunity to get in shape and see what the fitness test will be like.”

“I think it was about an hour after their press release was published. I texted Const. Coop and I was like, ‘I want to move on,’ ”Rochelle Shouting said with a laugh.

Being in good physical shape helps with Murray’s physical and mental health, but it also keeps her safe at work.

“Sometimes we have to go after people. Sometimes we have to use physical force against people and we want to make sure that we can protect ourselves and subdue people as quickly as possible so as not to be overwhelming with them. “

Protecting your community is one of the work aspects that Dyck is attracted to.

“I believe in protecting and serving,” he said. “I believe in defending the community and I think we need a new generation to do this.”

Being part of the change and having the opportunity to train with members of the LPS is what excites Megan Grosventreboy.

“Diversity is very important to me because I’m from First Nations and I think it’s great for communities to come together,” she said.

“I know that diversity within the police system with indigenous peoples is very low, so I want to be part of that. I guess it changes the system a bit. “

Murray said she is excited to bring in a group of women and help them achieve their goals in a field that can be intimidating.

“Fitness is not a one-size-fits-all, so he scales it to where he is and competes with himself. Challenge yourself to be better at the end of this and don’t worry about what other people do. “

Registrations for the remainder of the women’s-only boot camp series are complete. For more information on the recruitment efforts or to submit an application, you can send an email to [email protected].