ESTEVAN — Ella Gudmundson had a glimpse into what she hopes will be her future.
The Estevan woman, who is enrolled at the Canadian Criminal Justice Academy in Calgary, spent several weeks as a practicum student with the Estevan Police Service. It was an unpaid stint with the EPS that lasted several weeks, but it was still worth it for Gudmundson.
"It was really eye-opening to what the police really do in Estevan and what is going on in Estevan," she said in an interview with SaskToday. "It really was eye-opening for what I want to do for a career."
Gudmundson said she knew from the start of the program that her third semester would be an unpaid 240-hour practicum. When she was looking for a potential location, she thought her hometown police service would be the best option.
"I'd never heard of them [the EPS] having a summer student or any positions like that, so I … sent Chief [Jamie] Blunden an email, letting him know my situation and letting him know I would like to do my practicum with them, if possible. He accepted that, and he mentioned that he had practicum students while he was policing in Weyburn, so he was open to that idea," Gudmundson said.
The EPS brought her on board from early May until the middle of June. She was included in some of the service's training, and she experienced the day-to-day workings of the municipal police force.
"They allowed me to follow their shift schedules and get as many hours in as I could," said Gudmundson, who, among other things, worked nights just like uniformed members of the EPS.
The officers were "absolutely amazing", she said, and made her feel like she was part of the force. The experience left Gudmundson in no doubt that she wants to join the EPS once she graduates next April. She'd still have to go through the traditional process of getting hired by the EPS and attending the Saskatchewan Police College.
"I think the academy has helped me so much by finding this practicum," she said. "And the fact that I've been polygraph tested is huge for security clearance, and they've really just taught us how to pursue these careers, and what we all need to do and things that I've never even thought of before, they cover and make sure that we're prepared for any law enforcement job."
She believes her interest in a career in law enforcement might stem from living close to the Canada-U.S. border. She was initially interested in a career with the Canada Border Services Agency, which she thought would be interesting.
"I've always been into true crime and solving mysteries, so this seems fitting," she said.
Gudmundson started her studies at the academy last September. She is now on her summer break, and is slated to graduate next April. She wanted to attend the academy after she learned about it online; then she filled out their application, which she said was quite extensive.
"It's wonderful, and the education is awesome and it's very hands on. I have great teachers there and other faculty. And they even get us into the … training and fitness for the tests that you need to take when going into these law enforcement careers."
In an email to SaskToday, EPS Deputy Chief Warren Morrical said Gudmundson was the first student placement of this duration for the EPS and she did well throughout her time with the department.
"She was noted to be actively trying to learn from those around her, asking pertinent questions and engaging with our members to let us learn a bit about her as well," Morrical said.
During her deployment to the police station, Morrical said she was provided the opportunity to spend time with frontline patrol members, as well as each of the specialty sections, including the police and crisis team, forensic identification, criminal investigation/drug intelligence, K-9, crisis negotiators, dispatch and court services, and she spent some time with the joint tactical support team during a training day.
"I was very pleased with our members’ inclusion of her in their respective roles and activities and I believe that we were able to really provide her with an in-depth view of what municipal policing is really like. We wish her all the best in her future law enforcement career."
