CORRECTIONS TRAINING
Facility moving from Depot
After just two years in operation, Correctional Services Canada’s (CSC) training facility, located at the RCMP Academy Depot Division in Regina, is being relocated.
The facility was initially created to centralize and standardize the training of correctional officers in Canada. Prior to its opening, training was delivered in several regions across the country, but resulted in inconsistencies, according to CSC.
The two-storey facility had minimum-, medium- and maximumsecurity simulation areas, including a recreational yard and cells to give trainees a more realistic idea of what to expect once they get out on the job.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, speaking in Regina on Monday, said the decision to close the facility here is a positive one for the RCMP.
“The issue is a very practical one and essentially it’s good news,” said Goodale, who was present for the ribbon cutting when the facility was opened in 2015. “Depot simply needed the space to accommodate the regeneration of the RCMP.”
According to Goodale, the RCMP will see an increase in graduates of 30 per cent next year and an even higher increase the year after that. He said the force is growing to meet the demand for services across the country.
In an emailed statement, the RCMP confirmed it “anticipates an increase in the number of recruits required over the next few years and will require full use of the training facilities at its academy.” The email also stated that the cadet training program will be extended by two weeks.
Goodale said as far as he knows, there isn’t any tension between the RCMP and CSC in the wake of the decision. He emphasized that due to the nature of their work, the two organizations do work together closely and are experiencing operational challenges because they both need more officers.
“They’re realigning and rearranging their facilities and their services to get that job done,” said Goodale.
Avely Serin, senior communications adviser, said in an emailed statement that the CSC is “exploring options to permanently relocate the National Training Academy” and that in the meantime the correctional training program will be provided in Kingston for three to five years until a permanent solution is found.
The email emphasized CSC’s commitment to a centralized program, which standardizes training nationwide as well as a hands-on approach that is more reflective of the situations corrections officers will actually face in the field.
“It is important for CSC recruits to have a dedicated place to learn, train and connect with others — a place that fosters confidence, pride and teamwork,” reads the email.
Goodale said the financial investment made by the RCMP two years ago will not go to waste, as the facility will be reconfigured for RCMP purposes. The CSC, which shared the cost of the creation of the facility, was unable to comment Monday on what financial impact the relocation will have.
The Regina facility will officially close April 1, 2018.