Interested in policing and looking for a fun, meaningful way to build leadership skills and take an active role in your community? The Halifax Regional Police Youth Program might be for you.
What would I do as a member of the Halifax Regional Police Youth Program?
- attend regular meetings on Thursday evenings at the Halifax Regional Police Northbrook Training Centre in Dartmouth
- participate in educational, community-related, or recreational activities throughout the year including:
- conducting bike patrols of local parks and neighbourhoods
- assisting community police officers with bike rodeos that aim to teach young cyclists the rules of the road
- appearing in parades and at community events
- suiting up as Blue, the crime fighting dog—Halifax Regional Police’s mascot—at community events
- assisting with Halifax Regional Police events including Police Week
- hosting fingerprinting clinics for children
- going on field and camping trips
Check out the youth program’s Facebook page or Twitter feed to see them in action.
How to join the Halifax Regional Police Youth Program
First things first, you must:
- be 14 to 18 years old
- not have a criminal record
- be of good character
- be enrolled in an approved educational institution and maintain a passing grade point average, or have successfully completed Grade 12 or equivalent
- have an interest in law enforcement and community
- be able to understand direction, use sound judgment, and accept supervision
- be able to work independently or as part of a team
If that’s you, awesome! Complete the application package [PDF] and return it to the Volunteer Programs Coordinator (details below). Please note that youth program applicants are recruited and interviewed during the summer months. Please forward your application by August 17 for a September start date.
By email: hrpvolunteers@halifax.ca
Fax: 902.490.6363
In person at:
- Police Headquarters - 1975 Gottingen Street, Halifax
- East Division - 7 Mellor Avenue, Dartmouth
- Central Division - Halifax Shopping Centre, 7001 Mumford Road, Halifax
- West Division - 15 Convoy Run, Bedford
By mail:
Halifax Regional Police Coordinator, Volunteer Programs, CRCP Office
1975 Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS B3J 2H1
Not sure if you meet the requirements?
Call the Volunteer Programs Coordinator at 902.490.6976 to discuss whether the youth program is a good fit for you and Halifax Regional Police.
What happens after I apply?
You might not hear back right away. Your application will be kept on file until the next recruitment for the program or for a one-year period.
The selection process is similar to a job competition:
- Screening: The Volunteer Programs Coordinator will review all applications and create a list of applicants who qualify for an interview.
- Interview: A panel of two to three people will interview applicants to determine if the youth program is a good fit for them and the organization.
- Orientation and training: Successful applicants must attend weekly training classes and pass an exam to become full-fledged members of the Halifax Regional Police Youth Program.
Annual registration fees for the Halifax Regional Police Youth Program
New members: $60
Returning members: $40
Fees are due in April of each year. Other payment arrangements can be made including payment plans and sponsorship.
The youth program is a non-profit organization; registration fees are used to offset operational costs including uniforms and activities.