Police academy satellite school opening in Fredericton

The Fredericton Police Force is opening a satellite program to start training new recruitstojoin their ranks.

The program is a partnershipwith the Atlantic Police Academy at Prince Edward Island's Holland College, using itsinstructors and curriculum.

"So, the beauty is that we find people within our community who will live here, train here, and serve here," said Chief Martin Gaudet.

Applications for students are open now until June 14, he said.Selected cadets will go through about five months of in-class training followed by three months of on-the-job training.

Gaudet saidthe prerequisites for applicants include being at least 19 years of age, being a Canadian citizen or resident, and to have completed high school or obtained the equivalent, the Canadian adult education credential.

Post-secondary training is "highly recommended," and the force is targeting New Brunswick residents.

"Once they've completed their course, their accredited course, which is a Holland College accredited course, they will join our ranks," he said. "The only difference is they're not going to the Island, they're staying here."

WATCH | Fredericton police chief answers questions about new training academy:

Police academy satellite school to open in Fredericton

4 months ago

Duration 1:19

The Fredericton Police Force is accepting applications for 12 cadets at a new satellite academy with the goal of joining the local force when they finish their training.

Tuition will be about $30,000, Gaudet said, but the force is trying to make it more accessible for those who may not be able to afford that initially.

"In the following years, while they'remembers here, they can repay that through salary deductions," he said, withastarting salary at about $70,000 annually, risingto $110,000after 2 yearsof service.

"We are a growing city, and the organization is growing as well," said Gaudet.