BURSTA brand-new RCMP program to fast-track experienced peace officers into frontline police officers has begun, and the first troop of cadets will be training in Chilliwack.
B.C. and Yukon RCMP held a ceremony at the BC RCMP headquarters in Surrey where they welcomed 13 peace officers on Oct. 20 into its new Experienced Peace Officer (ExPO) program.
The 13 cadets have joined the RCMP from B.C., Yukon and Ontario and bring previous experience from various provincial, territorial and federal agencies, such as Corrections, Conservation, and Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE).
They will now begin their RCMP careers through an accelerated cadet training program at the Pacific Region Training Centre in Chilliwack, which starts in November. They graduate in March 2027 and members will then be placed into frontline positions throughout B.C. and the Yukon.
Assistant commissioner John Brewer, acting commanding officer of the BC RCMP, said it is a “significant milestone” and a moment worth celebrating.
“Experienced peace officers bring with them a wealth of knowledge and practical experience that will make an impact in our organization,” Brewer said.
The 3.5-month long ExPO training is nearly half the length of the standard six-month RCMP Depot training, which is only offered in Saskatchewan. The ExPO program was launched by BC and Yukon RCMP in July, and it is scheduled to expand to other provinces and territories in the coming months.
RCMP said it recognizes the knowledge, skill and value experienced peace officers bring from previous work in the law enforcement community, and added that “by welcoming peace officers from a variety of backgrounds, the RCMP is strengthening its team while also creating an exciting option for experienced peace officers” to move forward with a career in policing.
“The ExPO program reflects the RCMP’s commitment to exploring innovative approaches to recruitment,” said assistant commissioner Adam Palmer, National Recruitment Transformation. “By building on the expertise of these experienced peace officers, the RCMP has a new pathway which will expand our operational capacities and continue to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”
Applications are open for the next intake of experienced peace officers to join the RCMP. Qualified firearms trained peace officers from Canadian provincial, territorial and federal agencies, currently residing within B.C. or Yukon can contact the ExPO Program at 778-290-3456 or EDiv_ExPO@rcmp-grc.gc.ca to begin the application process.