FSJ RCMP officers assist with Indigenous policing recruitment at PG Cougars games

FSJ RCMP officers Caitlyn Rissanen and Chad Neustaeter attended Prince George Cougars hockey games Jan. 23 to 25 to speak with fans and encourage them to consider careers in Indigenous Policing.

The two officers, both part of Fort St. John’s Indigenous Policing Services (IPS) unit, partnered with IPS officers from Prince Rupert, Burns Lake and Chetwynd this past weekend for a regional Indigenous policing recruitment initiative.

“The RCMP has over 150 different career specializations which people usually don’t know about.  The RCMP offers everything from frontline policing to explosive disposal, from the K9 Unit to cyber crimes; it just depends on your passions and abilities as you move through your career,” said Constable Chad Neustaeter, Fort St. John RCMP, Indigenous Policing Services officer.  “This was a great opportunity to speak to people of various ages, to hear their stories, answer employment questions and build positive relationships.”

Officers met with fans of all ages at all three games to discuss career opportunities with the RCMP, emphasizing Indigenous recruiting initiatives and the RCMP’s commitment to developing a police service that more accurately reflects the communities it serves throughout B.C.

A recruitment booth complete with giveaways, RCMP IPS merchandise and a draw for safety kits was set up at the event, while the Safety Bear made appearances with kids in attendance and an officer dressed in serge was available to take photos with fans. According to organizers, the booth had an overwhelmingly positive response on both nights.

Both Constables Rissanen and Neustaeter joined Safety Bear and the officer in serge on the ice to toss Indigenous Policing Services branded sasquatch stuffies into the crowd.

Officers were also on-hand to educate fans about the newly launched RCMP Northern Recruiting Initiative. 

The new program will allow recruits who are interested in policing and living in northern communities to be identified throughout the recruiting process, if they meet RCMP suitability and qualification standards.