Sault police hope new video attracts new recruits

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is ramping up its recruitment efforts through the release of a new video.

It’s designed to showcase the opportunities and roles available within the force, as well as highlighting the benefits of working and living in the Sault.

The video offers a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of police officers, as well as the career pathways recruits can take.

Insp. Ben Bolduc said it’s a new approach to recruitment for the service, which has had some difficulty hiring new officers.

“I think in the past, we didn’t really have to do things like this,” Bolduc said.

“There was a lineup of people who wanted to be police officers. Now we have to think outside the box a little bit. So, this is one of the steps we took with the recruitment video. Just to show the different things that get brought to the table in policing. I think a lot of people might think that policing is only being in a patrol car going call-to-call.”

Bolduc, who oversees recruitment for the Sault Police, said there are a lot of misconceptions about police work – one of which is that it’s a job only for a recent high school or college graduate.

“When you come here as someone who’s in their 30s maybe, you’re not too old to be a police officer,” said Bolduc.

“You’re probably in the prime of the kind of person that we’re looking for. If you’re a good person and you have communication skills, you’re an asset to us.”

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New recruits are required to pass a fitness test, the details of which can be found on the Sault police website.

Bolduc said those who want a first-hand look at policing should consider volunteering with the Sault Police Auxiliary Unit.