In 1994 the Medicine Hat Police Service conducted an internal audit of the programs and services it provided to the community, and identified that a need existed for a program of volunteers that would assist and support the members of the Medicine Hat Police Service. The first class graduated in 1994 and the Auxiliary Program has been a part of the Service ever since.

The Program

The Auxiliary program begins with a recruitment process which is held in conjunction with the regular Police Officer application process. It is the goal of the Auxiliary program to provide mentorship to aspiring Police Officers who intend on pursuing a full time career with the Medicine Hat Police Service. Once selected, Auxiliaries receive training in everything from policy and procedure to Officer Safety. Training generally takes place in the evenings and weekends and concludes with a graduation whereby the candidate is sworn in as a Community Peace Officer. Officers are then assigned to an Officer Coach whom they assist with regular patrol duties.

Each Auxiliary Officer is issued a uniform and duty belt. Although Auxiliaries are not armed with a firearm, they do carry O.C. spray, a police baton and handcuffs. They are also issued body armor. Auxiliary Officers are a valuable asset to the community and the Patrol Section and are at times exposed the same perils and situations as regular officers.

The Auxiliary recruitment process follows the same requirements as the regular Police Officer process. In fact, the Auxiliary candidates are selected from a pool of viable candidates identified through the regular member recruiting process.

To access recruiting information and forms, see the Recruiting Package for Inexperienced Applicants" found here. The Service encourages those aspiring to a career in law enforcement to participate in the application process. Please check our home page for upcoming recruiting processes.

For more information email: recruiting@mhps.ca