Inspired by his participation in the re-vamped Student Cadet Program at York Regional Police, #2 District Constable Joshua Shymko knows for sure he made the right career choice.
“The Student Cadet Program cemented my decision to be an officer,” he said. “It was invaluable experience I wouldn’t have been able to get any other way.”
The program is designed to mentor university and college students with an interest in policing, in hopes that they will one day join our ranks. Following an extensive interview process, similar to what one would go through to become an officer, eight cadets are currently working 24-hour weeks at YRP while they complete their post-secondary education.
“It was a great opportunity not only for me, but for YRP,” said Constable Shymko. “It gave me the chance to see policing in a real way from the ground level. It also gave YRP the opportunity to see if I was the right fit for a career in policing.”
Current Student Cadet Abdullah Ahmed knew he wanted to be an officer since the day a YRP officer visited his Grade 6 class. After joining the program in 2017, he has gained skills beyond his university classroom by going on ride-alongs and supporting members of the Criminal Investigations Bureau with their caseloads.
“I get to see all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into an investigation. I keep my eyes and ears open to gain the knowledge and experience I need to become an officer with York Regional Police,” Ahmed said.
Each student cadet is granted a one-year contract and can remain in the program for a longer period of time with a positive review from their supervisor.
Based on feedback from Ahmed’s team, it seems that he is making a significant impact.
“Student Cadet Ahmed has a great attitude and is always ready to roll up his sleeves and assist in any way he can,” said Detective Sergeant Patrick Smyth, who oversees the Criminal Investigation Bureau Property Crime Team in #5 District. “He has become a valuable member of our team, supporting us in the work we do to help keep our community safe.”
Our student cadets work alongside investigators and frontline officers, learning skills that will assist them in a future career in policing. Their duties include taking reports, answering telephone inquiries, assisting officers with cataloguing evidence and background checks, storing property and assisting in investigative video review and statement monitoring. Currently we have student cadets at #1, #2, #4 and #5 Districts.
EARLY 1990s – PRESENT
SERGEANT KELLY BACHOO
The original Student Cadet program ran through the early 1990s and YRP Sergeant Kelly Bachoo joined the organization at the young age of 18. A former media officer who has also worked in Community Services, Bachoo is currently working in the Staff Development Unit.
The rebooted program is once again giving young people a chance to experience policing and is helping us cultivate the next generation of officers.
Interested in becoming a student cadet? We’re looking for applicants who are at least 18 years of age, are registered as a full-time student in an accredited college or university and have completed at least their first year of a police related program.
For full application criteria and more information on the student cadet program, email recruiting@yrp.ca. with cataloguing evidence and background checks, storing property and assisting in investigative video review and statement monitoring.
Read the rest of the 2017 Annual Report
Want to know how else York Regional Police made a difference in its community last year? Read our 2017 annual report.