NEW TRAFFIC OFFICER TRAINING PROGRAM PRODUCES FIRST CROP OF GRADS

Nine rookie provincial traffic officers were the first to graduate from a new recruit training program today, after receiving their badges from Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard during a ceremony in Regina.

"I wish these new recruits all the best in their careers as they begin their duties throughout Saskatchewan, based out of such communities as Regina, Estevan, Yorkton, Melfort, Kindersley and Swift Current," Elhard said. "This new program offers better and more standardized training, while helping attract and retain new traffic officers."

The new recruits started their six months of training in July with the majority of their overall instruction at Luther College at the University of Regina. The Ministry's Regina and Moosomin area weigh scales were utilized to learn about inspection equipment, while advanced driving was taught at the RCMP Academy. Training covered such areas as the legal process, North American commercial transportation legislation, along with CPR and first aid.

"This centralized approach also helps better document the best practices of our more experienced traffic officers before they retire," Elhard said.

Prior to this new, centralized style of recruit training, the majority of new officer skill development took place in the field in a one-on-one mentorship style with a more experienced officer. New officers were sent on additional courses as required.

"This new training program is more efficient because these rookie officers will have the necessary skills before they are posted to their detachments, which allows them to work on their own sooner," Elhard said. "This gives more experienced officers additional time to focus on other duties, but still be available to guide and coach new recruits, when needed."

The nine graduates are members of the Transport Compliance Branch at the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, which helps ensure the physical integrity and safety of Saskatchewan's highways by monitoring the fitness of commercial vehicles through enforcement, inspection and education activities. This work is done in co-operation with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, a non-profit organization consisting of U.S., Canadian and Mexican officials established to promote commercial vehicle safety.

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For more information, contact:

Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Cell: 306-536-9692