Delta Police Launches Innovative “Community-First” Training Program
The Delta Police Department (DPD) is proud to announce the successful launch of its Recruit Community Learning Program (RCLP), an innovative training approach reflecting our community-first policing focus. The program is designed to enhance our recruits’ knowledge of the community they will serve and develop connections with community partners.
In December, four DPD recruits, accompanied by a training supervisor, participated in the RCLP for a week. This program marks DPD as the first in British Columbia to integrate such a community-based training program for police recruits. The program's focus is to deepen the recruits' understanding of the community, its people, available services and resources, and to foster connections with local non-profit organizations. This is especially vital as the role of police work continues to evolve.
The immersive experience saw recruits, dressed in plain clothes, and unarmed, actively engaging with various community organizations. These included the Delta Chamber of Commerce, Reach Child and Youth Development Society, Kennedy Seniors Recreation Center, Guru Nanak Food Bank, Deltassist, Baitur Rahman Mosque, Lighthouse Church, and South Delta Food Bank, covering various demographics.
The recruits' involvement spanned a diverse array of activities and learning experiences. They assisted at food banks, gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges and needs of vulnerable populations. They explored the dynamics of the local business landscape and the wide range of services and resources available. Additionally, they gained insights into various faiths and community support systems. This week was important in enhancing our recruits’ knowledge about the community they are preparing to serve and strengthening valuable community partnerships. The program has received highly positive feedback from both our partner community organizations and our recruits.
Chief Constable Neil Dubord, who joined the recruits during some of these visits, shared: "The insights and relationships our recruits have gained through the RCLP are invaluable. This program benefits our recruits and strengthens the bond between our team and the community we serve. I was fortunate to accompany our recruits on some of these enriching experiences, witnessing the incredible work our community is doing and their contributions to our recruits’ learning and knowledge building."
The RCLP is a shining example of the DPD’s ongoing commitment to championing community-first policing. It represents one of the many innovative and impactful programs we utilize to uphold and advance the standard of excellence in our policing services. Through initiatives like the RCLP, the DPD continues to foster strong community relationships, adapt to emerging needs, and ensure that our approach remains as dynamic and effective as the community we proudly serve.