RCMP Officer

Krista, 27, is a constable with the RCMP. After graduating from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, she joined the RCMP and is currently working in the General Duty Section.

Stephanie: What made you decide to become a member of the RCMP? How did you become a part of the RCMP? What specifically do you do for the RCMP?
Krista: I became a member of the RCMP for two reasons. First, it has always been a dream of mine to be a police officer and second, I consider the RCMP to be a highly respected police force, not only in Canada, but throughout the world.

When I became interested in joining the RCMP, I spoke with a member regarding the application process. I attended an information session, wrote the RCMP Police Aptitude Test and continued the application process from there. I spent 22 weeks in Regina, Saskatchewan at "Depot" - the RCMP training centre, and graduated in December 2001. I also spent eight weeks in the field with a field trainer.

I am presently in the General Duty Section, in which we take all in complaints. These consist of Provincial Statutes, Canadian Criminal Code Statutes and Federal Statutes.

Stephanie: What do you like about your job?
Krista: What I like most about the being an RCMP officer is every day is something different. From day to day, you never know what to expect.

Stephanie: What is your least favourite part of the job?
Krista: My least favourite part of job is NOK (Next of Kin) notifications. I don't know any police officer who likes to tell someone their loved one is dead.

Stephanie: What advice do you have for someone considering becoming a member of the RCMP?
Krista: If someone is considering becoming a member of the RCMP, I would advise them to do some research first and be sure it's really what they want to do. If it is, I would advise them to attend an information session at one of the detachments, speak with other members, and become involved in their community. As police officers, we deal with a variety of races, cultures and customs.

Stephanie: What kind of an education do you need to join the RCMP? What kind of education did you get? What are some of the other requirements (i.e., strength, vision standards, security, etc.)
Krista: The minimum education needed to join the RCMP is a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent.

Before joining the RCMP, I graduated from high school and from St. Thomas University with a bachelor of arts degree. I majored in psychology and criminology.

For other requirements and more information about the recruiting process, please visit http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/recruiting/index_e.htm.

Stephanie: Who is your favourite fictional law enforcement person (in a book, movie, TV show) and why?
Krista: One of my favorite fictional law enforcement person is Horatio Caine, played by David Caruso on CSI: Miami because he shows professionalism, teamwork, dedication to helping and protecting others and determination.


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