Desperate to attract new officers, the RCMP is launching a landmark recruiting campaign in British Columbia.
The force is offering potential recruits guaranteed positions in the Lower Mainland once they're hired. It's the latest attempt to fill 1,792 members a year for the next five years.
"This is something that's never been done before anywhere in Canada," says Const. Tara MacLean from the RCMP's recruiting section.
Hundreds of hopefuls packed a New Westminster theatre today for the kickoff of the RCMP's "Lower Mainland Postings Guaranteed" campaign.
"We have been completely overwhelmed with the turnout," says Const. MacLean.
The promise of returning home and staying in the Lower Mainland is a major selling point for many of the people who attended the seminar Saturday.
"It'll be nice instead of getting posted somewhere where the family is not around," a potential recruit told CTV News.
"We have kids, so we'd like to stay here," another said.
The application process has also been streamlined, meaning some people will go from writing an entrance exam to training in Regina in just 83 days. The process normally takes an average of 333 days, or close to a year.
According to the RCMP, retirements and growing communities are two of the reasons why more officers are needed.
"The third reason is that the law is getting harder and harder to prosecute, so we just need more police officers so a file that would have taken 10 police officers ten years ago, now takes probably 50," says MacLean.
Applicants selected for the accelerated program will attend RCMP training for 83 days with a $500 per week allowance for 24 weeks. This includes training, accommodation and meals.
A three-year Constable with the RCMP receives a salary of just over $75,000 plus benefits.
Questions about the new recruiting initiative can be directed to Const. Debbie Hunwicks of the RCMP Recruiting Unit at (604) 264-3066.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
