Winnipeg police working to recruit female cadets
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is looking to recruit more female cadets into the program.
The police service is using targeted recruiting ads to get women to join the Auxiliary Force Cadets program, with the recruiting team opening a specific window for women who are interested.
According to WPS cadet Bobbi-Jo Warkentin, the reason for this push for representation is due to a critical frontline need for more women.
“A large part of that comes from compulsory safety searches – a female can only be searched by a female cadet or a female officer,” she said in an interview with CTV Morning Live on Wednesday.
In addition to the searches, Warkentin said women bring a different perspective to the job, including sometimes having an easier time building rapport.
“For whatever reason, whatever case you’re there for, sometimes females, children and sometimes even males, they’re just more comfortable speaking with a female as opposed to especially a male in uniform,” she said.
Warkentin’s inspiration to become a cadet came from her mother, who was an RCMP officer.
She said she loves that her job provides both challenges and rewards, and that she gets to help her community.
“No day is the same and I think that’s great, and it’s such a stepping stone to further your career,” Warkentin said.
It’s a lengthy process to become a cadet Warkentin said, adding the most difficult aspect for her was the Police Officers Physical Abilities Test.
She noted that it is also a good idea for those interested to work on their physical health, ask the recruitment team any questions they may have, and volunteer.
“Get out there, get in your community, get involved,” she said.
“I find that’s always really helpful. You learn a lot of skills from volunteering that you don’t even realize are crucial to furthering yourself.
Those who want to find out more about the recruiting process and what it entails can find out details online.
Applications during the recruiting window for women will be accepted until Jan. 6.
- With files from CTV News' Nicole Dube
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.