Niagara College welcomed participants from the Niagara Regional Police Service’s (NRPS) Youth in Policing Initiative to its Welland Campus on July 30, offering an immersive look at NC’s industry-leading training facilities and the hands-on learning opportunities available to students preparing for careers in law enforcement.
“The Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) is an eight-week summer employment program for youth aged 16-18, offered in partnership with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services,” said Zora Bura, Talent Acquisition and Development Manager with the NRPS. “The youth selected go through a competitive recruitment process, and those chosen for the program represent the motivated, engaged and community-minded young people in the region. The program provides a safe, fun and educational summer employment opportunity, exposing youth to various roles and units within the Service. Ultimately, this enhances the connection between the Niagara Regional Police Service and the communities we serve.”
A Youth in Policing participant tries NC’s immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation.
In total, nine participants took part in the visit, including Jake Smith, a graduate of NC’s Police Foundations program. Smith engaged with the other students, shared his experience as an NC graduate, and explained the specialized equipment used in their training. The group also explored the College’s specialized learning environments and learned more about the practical training available to students preparing for careers in policing, border services and investigations.
The group toured NC’s state-of-the-art Justice Studies Simulation Lab, where they participated in realistic police use-of-force exercises using an interactive floor-to-ceiling simulation system. Participants also experienced immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations and took part in scenario-based exercises that replicated real-world law enforcement situations.
Each participant was able to try NC’s specialized law enforcement driving simulator.
The experience continued in the Justice and Fitness Training Centre, where participants completed the PIN (Police Fitness Test), the physical assessment commonly used in policing recruitment. The evaluation measures push-ups, core endurance, flexibility and shuttle run, giving participants valuable insight into the physical demands of a career in law enforcement.
“Niagara College is proud to offer a broad suite of programs and a top-notch learning environment that provide students with hands-on, real-world experience and the practical skills needed to pursue careers in policing, border services and investigations,” said Scott Wade, Associate Dean, School of Justice and Fitness Studies. “Our partnership with the Niagara Regional Police Service is an important part of preparing the next generation of police professionals. Equally important is engaging with young people early — introducing them to the opportunities and responsibilities of a career in policing, building positive connections with law enforcement, and inspiring them to consider this rewarding career path. By working together with our community partners to reach youth before they enter post-secondary education, we can help develop strong, diverse and well-prepared future police officer candidates.”
To learn more about NC’s programs that support careers in law enforcement, please visit the School of Justice and Fitness programs page.
