RCMP

[Rexina]

Cdncop2be,

Again, I'm really sorry about your Interview. I really can relate! Mine was Jan 23 and it's only in the past month that I've really made some kind of peace with it, and decided to stick it out and try again. I struggled with the age issue as well (I'm almost 30) and felt discouraged when I started adding up the two year deferral, and the up to two year wait for the application process to be completed on top of that. And that's IF everything goes smoothly! Feel free to message me if you want to talk about it.

I'm just wondering though; in one of your posts you state that you are only deferred for a year. It's my understanding that the 2-year deferral is mandatory at the Selection Interview stage. Can you shed some light on that? I know that policy is set to change, but I wasn't aware it had gone through yet.

Thanks,
Rexina

[cdncop2be or was]

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. I am still having trouble with this. DT I remember your post when you were deferred. I couldn't beleive it, with your scores and life experience. Then bam, it happened to me. My file manager couldn't wait to send me to depot. Then this hits ya.
Guest, I now can imagine how you feel, and wonder how they hire someone who is 20 years old. Send them to but f## no where and expect them to handle drunken fishermen and loggers...I can, i use to be one of them. Done commercial fishing and logging on the west coast of BC. Come in from camp or months a sea and have some beers at the local watering hole. You bet some of the boys get a little rowdy..lol
Even being a reserve cst I have seen the young ones fly into a situation all full of piss and vinager. While I am more calm and relax and size things up. Sure there are times when you have to just jump in, and I have done that.....
But come on, write the rpat and wait a year or longer to get an interview....
At the end of the interview, no manditory deferral. Just that i can rewrite a year from now...then the one year wait for the interview...I guess there's the two year deferral...
I really don't know what to do..I will try and regroup and apply at a municipal department...I don't think I can go through the long process with the rcmp anymore. It was two years to get to a interview....too long, way too long people..unless your 20 sure you got time on your hands.
Well gonna head to the gym and pump some iron
G

[onedaysoon]

Cops2be

I was looking back a couple years at the posts and saw one from CdnCop2be that ended with something that sums it all up!

"Keep your Stick on the Ice!"

[Rexina]

Then I guess my deferral actually translates a 3 or 4 year, because I can't even rewrite the RPAT until after Jan 23, 2005.

Maybe take it as a positive sign that you got a one-year deferral; like I said, I didn't know that was possible at this stage!

Rexina

[DaveTO]

Ouch! Enough talk about failing...let's have some positive outlook here people.

Cdncop, I'm sorry about the interview. I can understand sort of what it feels like, because I washed out almost at the finish line with TPS. You feel down for a long period of time, but it DOES GET BETTER.

As for me, I got my interview date: July 21st. I'm hoping to add one in WIN column for our group.

Dragon, 100% wear a blazer or suit. If you have to, borrow one. I heard that in most interviews, the decision to hire is made in the first SEVEN seconds of the interview. The rest of the time, the interviewer just looks for justification to back their decision.


J2D, I was thinking the same thing about RCMP recruiting. I don't know if it practical, but maybe they could have 3 or 4 RPAT blocs instead of 2. People who write the test, then have to wait 4-5 months to get an application package become discouraged. I do like that they start 40+ troops per year, as opposed to Ontario, who just recently moved to 6 classes per year (from 3).

[Rexina]

Hear, hear, DaveTO!

If we the deferred look at this as a test of our dedication instead of a FAILURE, perhaps it would be easier viewing it as a challenge, and then rising to it. Think positive, if we let it beat us it would just prove our Interviewer's assessment correct after all! Perish the thought!

DaveTO and Dragon: go out there and knock their socks off, like I know you both can. Win one for the team, guys!

Rexina

[YC]

Good luck Dave~You will make it.

[Bas]

Hi all,

I have a question regarding community involvement.

Background :
I moved to this city 4 years ago for my university studies and I have not been involved in very many volunteer works that involves the community.

Question:
I now would like to make better use of time volunteering and helping others. Which organizations should I start with? I was looking at united way and the canadian mental health association. In additional I will look into getting in touch with the walksafe program on campus.

Please advise.

Bas

[journey2cps-redux]

Soup Kitchens and homeless shelters are a great place to volunteer. It will give you alot of experiences and will really open your eyes after talking to a few people. 99% of them are great people they have just had bad breaks in life...However if your not much on the humanitarian aspect, talk to any of the LEA in the area. All agencies depend on volunteers, and have numerous areas to get involved with. CPS has a victim services unit that is a great place to volunteer, and you can help alot of people...My thoughts.

[macguy9]

Well, if you have a Standard First Aid ticket, I would suggest St. John Ambulance as an option.

I've been volunteering there for quite a while now, and it's been a great experience. It teaches you how to be analytical and calm in the face of great stress, and how to problem-solve on the fly. You also get to get out and meet the community, and most importantly... practice your first aid skills! ;D

Just my $0.02.

[journey2cps-redux]

Good one Macguy!! I forgot about St. John's...BTW, what are the commitment requirments for them?

[rebel2232]

Hi Bas...there are many good organizations out there which NEED volunteers.

I've been volunteering with a Citizens Crime Watch organization. For me it has just been a great experience. I’m out on patrol once a month (or more) getting hands on experience in the use of a radio using the 10 codes, using the phonetic alphabet, attending real police briefings and writing of incident reports. We are on the look out for stolen cars, suspicious activities….even drunks! One of the best feelings was the time that my partner and I watched a drunk drive into a 7-11 parking lot, hit the building, park (kinda), and get out. I was right there providing a description of the suspect, the vehicle, direction of his travel on foot to the police…4 minutes the suspect was in the back of a patrol car. What a great feeling!

Even check out your local SPCA (animal shelter)…lot of these shelters need volunteers for even the simplest tasks such as taking a dog for a walk.

I’m sure that a lot of people have many good stories like mine. The fact of the matter is you should find something that you will enjoy doing.

Reb

[macguy9]

journey2depot said:

Good one Macguy!! I forgot about St. John's...BTW, what are the commitment requirments for them?

Quite reasonable, actually. All they require is that you supply your own uniform shirt and pants (about $80 all together if you buy new, you can go to an army surplus store and get outfitted for $40 or less if you like), that you have a current Standard FA with CPR-C ticket, and that you volunteer a minimum of 8 hours per month.

I average 8-16 hours, but in the summer when it gets busy it's not unusual for me to do 20-30 hours per month. There are some members who do 50-70 hours per month, if you can believe it! But those are the hardcore ones with dreams of oneday working alongside us in the field as paramedics.

Frankly, I think it's a great experience. If I'm going to be a first responder on an accident scene, I'll feel more comfortable with this kind of experience under my belt.

[DaveTO]

Bas, J2D and Rebel give really good examples...Soup kitchens show that you are reaching out to people who are down on their luck. Also, I'm sure that seniors in your area depend on meals on wheels (if you have a car) Really, volunteer somewhere that you enjoy helping. Police are just looking for a steady commitment towards helping out in your community.

Remember, you have to serve the community before you can protect it. For opportunities in your area, try going to www.charityvillage.ca

[YC]

hello macguy,

i am from vancouver as well.i got my CPR and my WCB First Aid.however i would like to volunteer at St John,do you know how to get in touch with them?

thanks ya~