For Constable Jas Dhaliwal, putting on that Mountie uniform was something he’d been envisioning for a long time.
“I’ve wanted to be a policeman since I was really young,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people and making a difference in the lives of others.”
It was a school presentation that sealed the deal. One motorcycle demonstration from the local traffic unit and Dhaliwal was hooked.
Fresh from the RCMP Academy “Depot” Division in Regina, Sask., Dhaliwal has been patrolling the mean streets of Cochrane since November.
He said there’s been a learning curve moving from the structure of training into the unpredictability of reality.
“Working here, it covers such an expansive area,” said Dhaliwal, who previously called Victoria, B.C., home. “Everyday proves to be something different. Thankfully, they (other members of the detachment) have been a great resource for me.”
As a rookie, Dhaliwal will be working under the watchful eyes of more veteran officers. After six months, he’s on his own.
As a general duty officer, Dhaliwal is tasked with responding to all calls for service from the public. This includes investigating crimes, doing preventative patrols and enforcing laws, among other services.
He comes to the job well armed. In addition to his training from Depot, the 24-year-old boasts a degree in criminal justice and has logged countless hours volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, and as a reserve constable with the Victoria Police Department.
Dhaliwal said he’s dedicated to integrating into the communities he’ll be keeping a watchful eye on.
“In small towns, so much comes down to building community relations,” he remarked.
And Cochrane’s lucky to have him, said Cpl. Greg Stannard, Dhaliwal’s supervisor.
“Jas has progressed incredibly well during his time here,” said Stannard. “He’s already a good police officer and he’s going to be a great addition to the team here in Cochrane.”
