Week 9: Some weeks are busier than others

Firearms benchmarks

Evaluation against benchmarks is an important part of firearms training. This measures a cadet’s knowledge of how to safely handle, use and store their service firearm.

In week 9, cadets take their first test by firing their service pistol at a distance of 15 metres.

Fitness on the go

Cadets learn how to use a variety of fitness equipment while at Depot. This includes a wide range spanning from conventional gym equipment to more portable strengthening and conditioning gear. Building a diverse fitness foundation is important for a career in policing. It helps officers incorporate fitness into day-to-day shift work, time on the road and limited access to a gym.

Prisoner booking and fingerprinting

Another important part of prisoner booking is fingerprinting. In the past, a suspect’s finger was pressed into ink and placed on paper to get fingerprints. Today, with advanced technology, a Live Scan machine takes digital fingerprints. At Depot, cadets learn how to take fingerprints both ways.

Rings

Cadets learn certain techniques that they may need to rely on in the field. The term “rings” may not be well known outside Depot, but it is an anticipated event for cadets. This is a chance to apply grappling techniques in a physical confrontation.

After only a few minutes, cadets learn a lot about endurance and just how tiring this will be in a real situation. Here, this takes place in a controlled environment like a wrestling ring.

Fighting someone for a prolonged period of time is something I’ve never experienced before and it opened my eyes.