Law Enforcement Adapts to a Growing Multicultural Community.
Law enforcement in the 21st century has become complex in dealing with the ever-changing demands of a growing multicultural community. Whether it is in a corporate boardroom or fighting crime on the streets diversity is the approach many companies are pursuing in the globalization of our communities. Abbotsford Police is one of these organizations that has taken a leadership role on diversity initiatives and many police agencies across North America are modeling their approach. Abbotsford Police has eight organizational values, one of which is diversity. Last year, the department formed a Chief Constable's Diversity Advisory Committee and Diversity Relations Unit, which have proven to be both successful additions to the 195-member department. Abbotsford Police is the second city police department (after Vancouver Police in the province to adopt such models. When it came to forming the Diversity Advisory Committee the department received overwhelming solid support from the community. The committee meets a couple of times a year or more to deal with issues of diversity.
Meeting with two members from the Abbotsford Police Recruiting Unit Sergeant Jules Tessarolo and Constable Wanda Lane the department is looking to add new members in the coming years. Both Tessarolo and Lane are not shy about the idea that the department is targeting people from various ethic communities. The department currently has a wide range of members from different nationalities who speak various languages and they are looking to add to these numbers in the future. In a time where many departments across Canada are in a hiring phase Tessarolo and Lane are asking applicants to consider applying with them.Abbotsford Police is one of the fastest growing departments in the province to meet the demands of the Central Fraser Valley. Are you fit with no criminal record and looking for an exciting and rewarding career. The Abbotsford Police wants you. The recruiting unit are encouraging candidates who want to pursue a career in policing there is no better time to apply than now. Applicants should be 19 years of age and a Canadian citizen with a valid driver's license and have a minimum Grade 12 education. The selection process is competitive with a written test, a physical component and many interviews. The process can take anywhere from three to six months depending on the individuals background. Candidates who are selected are sworn in as Probationary Recruit Constables and attend an extensive training program at the Justice Institute, which includes three blocks of training. The department is looking to hire recruits for this fall.
The duo member recruiting unit team encourages applicants who are considering applying that good work history solid character with good decisionmaking ability is what they are looking for in a new recruit. Tessarolo and Lane added that they understand people make mistakes but want they are looking for is honesty and what they have done to better themselves. Age is not a factor and applicants who are considering career changes are welcomed to apply. There is currently a recruit who is 37 years old and is in training at the Justice Institute. Tessarolo and Lane express that life experience is valuable in the selection process and on the job. Cst. Lane said, " Diversity is one of our values and as such we work to ensure our department reflects the diverse make-up of our community- it is very important to us. Abbotsford is a diverse community and we recognize in order to provide the best possible police service to our citizens we must have officers that reflect this diversity. We are, and always have been, a department seeking qualified men and women from all backgrounds. We are proud of our diversity." Cst. Nina Brah, the first female Indo Canadian officer to go through the entire selection process and get hired by the Abbotsford Police department in 2006 said, " Abbotsford is a great place to live and work. The entire community of Abbotsford has been welcoming and supportive. Abbotsford Police is a first class organization that believes in diversity and I am proud to be part of this team. I would like to encourage more women to chose policing as a career and make a difference in our community."
Policing has endless opportunities with a competitive salary and benefits with enormous growth potential. Communication is a valuable weapon in policing which opens up arteries in the community. When you have a diverse police body, which includes women, are community becomes an inclusive environment making it safer for everyone.
If this sounds like a career that your interested in please visit www.abbypd.ca and submit your application online or contact Cst. Wanda Lane at 604 859 5225.
KenHerar@gmail.com
Abbotsford Police Recruiting Unit Sergeant Jules Tessarolo and Constable Wanda Lane
Cst. Nina Brah, the first female Indo Canadian officer to go through the entire selection process and get hired by the Abbotsford Police department in 2006
Hello Ken,
ReplyDeleteAfter 10 years of writing this article, you might want to review your article. You have used the quote of Constable Nina Brah who you believed is an honest and prudent officer but is in fact is a incompetent and biased police officer. Unfortunately, the APD has turned a blind eye on her work doings but I will do my best to make her accountable of her arbitrary and abusive authority.