Police academy satellite school opening in Fredericton
12 cadets will make up the first class starting in January 2025
The Fredericton Police Force is opening a satellite program to start training new recruits to join their ranks.
The program is a partnership with the Atlantic Police Academy at Prince Edward Island's Holland College, using its instructors and curriculum.
"So, the beauty is that we find people within our community who will live here, train here, and serve here," said Chief Martin Gaudet.
Applications for students are open now until June 14, he said. Selected cadets will go through about five months of in-class training followed by three months of on-the-job training.
Gaudet said the prerequisites for applicants include being at least 19 years of age, being a Canadian citizen or resident, and to have completed high school or obtained the equivalent, the Canadian adult education credential.
Post-secondary training is "highly recommended," and the force is targeting New Brunswick residents.
"Once they've completed their course, their accredited course, which is a Holland College accredited course, they will join our ranks," he said. "The only difference is they're not going to the Island, they're staying here."
Tuition will be about $30,000, Gaudet said, but the force is trying to make it more accessible for those who may not be able to afford that initially.
"In the following years, while they're members here, they can repay that through salary deductions," he said, with a starting salary at about $70,000 annually, rising to $110,000 after 2½ years of service.
"We are a growing city, and the organization is growing as well," said Gaudet.
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