The following story originally appeared in the spring edition of Bridges, the glossy magazine published by the TRU Alumni & Friends Association. —> View the pdf.

By Bart Cummins
TRU Marketing and Communications

You never know what can come out of an informal suggestion over coffee — the Police and Justice Studies program is a shining example of that.

In 2004, Brian Cassell, then a member of the RCMP, and Andrew McKay, then Continuing Studies Director for TRU, sat down for a coffee and Cassell floated the idea of a police academy at TRU, believing the Interior of BC needed one and Kamloops would be a perfect location.

After four hard years of prep work, which included needs assessment research, getting the go-ahead from the university, finding money to buy equipment, writing the curriculum, and hiring faculty, the first cohort of students began classes in the Fall of 2007. The program is two years long and during that time, students balance applied courses related to policing and a required number of academic courses in business, compositional English and presentation skills, philosophy, political science, and sociology.

June of this year will see the biggest graduating class to date, and where these 31 students end up working or how they choose to continue with their schooling, is part of the program’s appeal. Graduates have a competitive advantage in applying for entry-level police and other justice-related positions, or may ladder into degree programs such as TRU’s Bachelor of Arts or Business Administration.

Brian Cassell with a Class of 2012 graduate of the Police and Justice Studies diploma program.

Graduate Brad Walsh (2012), chose to apply to the RCMP’s six-month training program. Being accepted into “Depot” as it’s called is a dream come true that came about in part because of the program at TRU.

He’s found the blend of hands-on and academic training puts him in a better position to be a well-rounded officer. The sociology, psychology and even philosophy have provided the understanding needed to better interact with people of different nationalities and walks of life — something that’s becoming increasingly important in a country known as a melting pot of nations.

“The academic courses give you an understanding of what to expect with people and why they act they way they do,” offered Walsh. “You begin to see how all the courses are all connected and how society is connected. You come away with a better idea of why problems occur.” McKay said, “Academic courses are important. “because they increase the laddering opportunities for students who choose to finish a degree, students gain a stronger foundation as informed citizens, and these courses require our students to take classes with the larger university community, rather than always being isolated as a cohort.”

Meanwhile, Jennifer Aviss is taking a different route to a career in policing. After graduation she will ladder into a Criminology Degree by distance through Royal Roads.

“At first I wanted to be a sheriff, but now I want to go into policing,” said Aviss, who also works as a loss prevention officer — someone who apprehends shoplifters in stores. It was that job and the Police and Justice Studies program that helped change her mind.

“In my job, I like seeing what it is in their lives that brings them to where they are stealing. A lot of times they just need to be pointed in the right direction, know that there is help for them.” It’s at the time of apprehension that Avis is able to offer guidance.

For those who aren’t as self-directed or are younger than the minimum age of 19 to apply to the RCMP, the TRU program has become an avenue to test the waters and get experience at the same time.

“This has exceeded my dreams and I never thought it would be as successful as it is,” said Cassell, who became an instructor in the program and retired from the RCMP. “It has exploded more than I thought possible.”

Part of the explosion is because the instructors teaching the policing portion bring a wealth of real-life stories that help illustrate concepts and put the theory in context. The academic courses help develop the critical-thinking skills needed in today’s policing world, where officers require grace under pressure and the ability to successfully interact with people.