The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another summertime event.
The Coquitlam RCMP announced Wednesday they would not be going forward with the 2020 Junior Mountie Police Academy, saying it is not possible to run the program given the current physical distancing protocols.
“We are disappointed,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “Obviously, it is a massively important event for the community. It is really a good chance for our officers to interact with the community.”
He added that the Junior Mountie Police Academy, which has run for nine years, takes months to plan. Even if restrictions were eased tomorrow, it would not be possible to have the event ready for August, when it is typically held, he said.
“We are realizing we have pushed it back as long as we can,” McLaughlin said. “It is not practical to suggest we can put together something at the last minute if everything changes.”
The program usually runs for five days in August for students between the ages of nine and 15, giving them the opportunity to see what it is like to be a professional police officer.
Participants get hands-on experience with policing skills like processing crime scenes, conducting vehicle stops and pedestrian safety. They also learn about using social media safely, with the week wrapping up with an emergency vehicle show ’n’ shine.
Read more of our COVID-19 coverage here.
