RRHS students learn what being a cop is all about

RRHS students learn what being a cop is all about As reported in the Rainy River Record on December 16, 2014 By Ken Johnston Several Rainy River High School students were pitched a career in policing last Friday when four Ontario Provincial Police Officers visited the school. Community Services Officer and former RRHS graduate, Guy Beaudry, introduced the other three officers and went over the basic requirements to become an O.P.P. officer. “You need a minimum of grade 12 education, but it is better if you get college or university as well,” explained Beaudry. “You also need to be mentally and physically fit, as well as possess a driver’s license. Good vision (20/40) and good hearing is also important. An applicant must also pass a background and criminal record check and an aptitude test. Once all these criteria are met, then a person can apply to the O.P.P. “The application process is a long one,” said Beaudry. “It can take from six months to a year. If you pass that step then you can go to OPP Police College.” RRHS teacher, Jenelle Lowes, asked if a person’s internet activity would be scrutinized, given that kids today live with social media so much. Beaudry said all of a person’s background will be looked at. “As an O.P.P. officer we are held to a higher standard.” Beaudry then outlined what happens when a person graduates from Police College. “You will be asked where you would like to be posted. Here in the north you get bonus pay if you get posted in the region.” As for pay, Beaudry said after about three years a person can expect to make about $80,000. To advance in the ranks, Canine O.P.P. officer Chris Halverson told the students, “It is the hard working officer that progresses through the ranks.” Halverson spoke with great enthusiasm about being a Canine Officer and his duties. A 15 year veteran, he became a Canine Officer about five years ago. “We do tracking, drug/weapon detection, search and rescue and back up officers in maintaining public order.” He introduced the students to his partner, Diesel, a five year old German Shepherd dog. The students witnessed several demonstrations. Diesel performed a training exercise with Halverson and volunteer Constable Kevin Orchard. When ordered, Diesel took down Orchard who was wearing a special training sleeve on his arm that Diesel grabbed onto. Once back in the classroom, Diesel also was ordered to sniff out pre‐planted drugs. Constable Orchard also spoke to the students about his job. A 27 year veteran, he has been a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) for Northwestern Ontario. While he does general duties, he is always on call for ERT. “Sometimes we do search and rescue, others we do evidence searches and even back up the Canine unit. We also do VIP security for the likes of the Prime Minister or the Premier.” They also do witness protection and warrant services. He noted that ERT members can be called out at all hours of the day. “But it is always something different. That is what is neat about the O.P.P., there are different aspects to a career with it.” Locally stationed Constable Chris Spence also talked about what he does in addition to regular duties. An eight year veteran, he is also a Scene of Crime Officer. He uses specialized equipment to investigate small crime scenes. “I can make casts of foot prints, tire tracks, search for finger prints, etc.” In this area he mostly deals with Break and Enters and death scenes. “I assess whether a sudden death is suspicious or not. If it is, I work with the coroner’s office.” Constable Spence noted that while he did not join the O.P.P. until he was 35, he did serve as an O.P.P. Auxiliary member. He said that if someone is not sure if the O.P.P. is for them, the Aux. Is a good place to get a feel for what it is about. While it is voluntary, it does have a screening process and training. Then Aux. members get to ride along with real O.P.P. officers. Beaudry said that the O.P.P. is actively recruiting as in the next four years it is expected that some 6,000 uniformed officers will be retiring. He encouraged the students to consider a career in the O.P.P. Lowes asked what percentage of the force is women. Orchard said the number is growing, but noted that the O.P.P. is looking for good quality people in general, both male and female. Halverson explained that all the tests to become an officer are non‐discriminatory. In the RR District, Beaudry said there are about 60 officers and he believes that 15 of them are women.

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