Halifax Regional Police to train its own new officers

Halifax Regional Police will offer its own police science program and train 24 recruits when it opens a new private career college in January. 

"It was just a good opportunity for us to get to some of the diverse communities and groups within HRM and the province that don't have the opportunity to go away from their families and go to Holland College [in P.E.I.] for that period of time," said Insp. Reid McCoombs.

"The priority of the class was to be reflective of our community."

More than 1,000 people applied for spots in the 38-week program, which will be housed in the Northbrook Training Centre in Dartmouth. Cadets will shell out $10,000 for tuition.

While policing is similar across the country, said McCoombs, the Halifax Regional Police program "can tailor some things that are specific for HRP, where Holland College is training police officers for all of the Atlantic region."

However, he added, the department still plans on hiring graduates from Holland College. In fact, it recently hired 10 graduates from the school.

Forrest Spencer, executive director of the Atlantic Police Academy, said the new Halifax program has already had a direct impact on his program, with enrolment down slightly.

"Last year, we started with a class of 60 people, this year I expect … our class will be about 46 people, so we dropped a little bit," said Spencer.

"And that's concerning, obviously, because we do supply police officers to all of Maritime Canada and beyond."

Spencer said the academy and Halifax Regional Police have traditionally been "great partners," and he's in discussions with the force to determine what impact the new program will have on Holland College. 

Last year, Halifax did on-the-job training with 24 of Holland College's police cadets.

"In all likelihood, they're not going to be able to take that many numbers, they're going to have their own class," said Spencer.

He said the school is looking at its fees and delivery model "with the goal of still providing the best training it can provide."

Meanwhile, McCoombs said he does not yet know the full cost of running the new Halifax program, but it's hoped tuition fees will cover the expenses.

The application and selection process for the Halifax Regional Police program involves 12 stages, include cognitive and physical ability tests, a polygraph test, a medical exam, a background check and psychological testing.

Annual salaries for Halifax Regional Police constables range from $59,155 to $98,592, based on years of service.