Chilliwack -- A new educational partnership will enable RCMP and other police officers to better meet the needs of their communities. An agreement signed Dec. 3 at the Pacific Region Training Centre in Chilliwack will make it possible for police officers to combine their previous post-secondary education, in-service training, and new university studies at UCFV to complete a Bachelor of General Studies in Policing.

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Bev Busson noted that the agreement "will allow police officers to earn credits and continue their education through the University College of the Fraser Valley, an institution long recognized as a leader in the field of criminology.

"The expected results are promising, and I have no doubt that this degree program will enhance the ability of our police officers to better meet the need of our communities," said Busson.

The new UCFV bachelor's degree in police studies will allow students to specialize in leadership or criminal investigation.

"The result of this innovative partnership will be a degree program that is not only the first of its kind in Canada to offer students an opportunity to gain a university degree in criminal investigation, but also represents the first successful attempt anywhere in North Amercia to truly merge in-service police training with the expectations of university education," said UCFV President Skip Bassford. "It places UCFV and the RCMP in a new role as leaders in police education."

Early indications are that the program will be in high demand. A survey taken recently by the RCMP indicated that more than 500 officers expressed an interest in the new degree program, and in the last month more than 300 have requested or submitted an application form.

UCFV already has a well established reputation in the field of Criminal Justice through its diploma and degree programs. As well, plans are nearing completion for a Masters in Criminal Justice at UCFV, which could start enrolling students as early as September 2004.

- 30 -

Front L - R: Inspector Mike Aubry, UCFV Board Chair, Rob Nicklom, Deputy Commissioner Bev Busson,
UCFV President Skip Bassford. Back L-R: Inspector Terry Kopan, Chilliwack Mayor Clint Hames,
Abbotsford Mayor Mary Reeves, Mission Mayor Abe Neufeld, Harrison Hot Springs Mayor John Allen,
Staff Sergeant Len Hall.