PARE physical fitness course

[AndyL]

So, before I throw this application in...

I don't know why but there's the requirement to pass the PARE course in under 3:45 (4 laps).

Not exactly a law enforcement position so, not sure why the RCMP physical test requirement but... Government standards?

Is this course setup somewhere public one could run it to see how out of shape one is?

Thanks in advance

[phil98z24]

UofC does training courses and practice setup so you can run it. :)

[AndyL]

2/3rds the laps but same time... I can't decide if I should not worry or be affraid. The weights aren't an issue, but it's been a long time since Ive actually had to try to run for speed.

No don't have months to prep.

[revelations]

Go to a field and just run lap intervals (eg. goal post to goal post) as fast as you can, or as long as you can for as fast as you can.

[Shlade]

PACE YOURSELF

don't kill yourself first go round. A lot of people make that mistake. Keep it under 30 seconds a lap and you're good.

The push + pull sounds easy but its not when you're fully exerted. There's a good video on youtube showing how its done. As far as one being set up I'm not sure who does it.

[swak]

I'm not a huge guy, but run it in 3:20 or so.
4:45 is a light jog. Don't stress over it too much... You'll do fine!

[FraserB]

UofC does training courses and practice setup so you can run it. :)

Does the U of C also offer the fire department physical exam?

[jaylo]

It shouldn't be too hard to condition in a week or two.

The Calgary Curling Club Stairs intervals is a pretty good routine and a push up pull up set.

[klumsy_tumbler]

So I had never heard of this before and watched the overview video on the RCMP site. What counts as a lap? I rep of each stage, or each stage itself? (just out of curiosity)

[AndyL]

My understanding is you run your laps of the course.

Then the push pull immediately after.

Then the carry immediately after that. Not fully understanding how it's timed, guessing it's just the run part?

Kinda surprised with all the outdoor excercise facilities around - there's not a permanent one for training. Maybe this can be our next public art project lol.

[Shlade]

My understanding is you run your laps of the course.

Then the push pull immediately after.

Then the carry immediately after that. Not fully understanding how it's timed, guessing it's just the run part?

Kinda surprised with all the outdoor excercise facilities around - there's not a permanent one for training. Maybe this can be our next public art project lol.

It's all timed except for the bag carry. My recommendation is do the bag right away. You'll be exhausted but get it done and don't take any breaks otherwise you'll get a major adrenaline dump.

Are you sure its only 4 laps? Standard PARE is 6 laps, push pull, and then carry (4:45 or under)

[AndyL]

Only 4 laps - I don't quite understand the reasoning, this is a government job, but not law enforcement... But yes they're using the PARE as their fitness test.

[Swank]

Maybe this can be our next public art project lol. Sorry, that won't cost over $1M so - rejected!

[AndyL]

Add some pre-installed graffiti and you can run it up easy peasy ;)

[Shlade]

Weird. I dunno maybe they don't want fat out of shape possible WCB cases before they hire haha

[phil98z24]

Does the U of C also offer the fire department physical exam?

I imagine they still do. I saw a few prospective mattress backs running it when I did my practice laps there waaaaaaay back in the day, haha.

[Hallowed_point]

Update: no PARE test at the RCMP Duncan building due to changes in the building's security access.

[Hallowed_point]

Did the practice run @ MRU with a trainer yesterday, a tad hung over and didn't sleep well. Passed it. It's pretty tough even if you're in ok shape. Really tests your cardio and fitness as a whole. I took it easy the first 2-3 laps and saved my energy for the last couple. I got 4:45 on the button but had no idea what I was doing. Now that I have a clue, I can train for it for the real application.

I was told by my trainer that the RCMP PARE does NOT allow you to do the bag carry first. You have to do it at the end.

[Rat Fink]

.

[Shlade]

Did the practice run @ MRU with a trainer yesterday, a tad hung over and didn't sleep well. Passed it. It's pretty tough even if you're in ok shape. Really tests your cardio and fitness as a whole. I took it easy the first 2-3 laps and saved my energy for the last couple. I got 4:45 on the button but had no idea what I was doing. Now that I have a clue, I can train for it for the real application.

I was told by my trainer that the RCMP PARE does NOT allow you to do the bag carry first. You have to do it at the end.

Word of advice, don't take a break when finished the push and pull. Go grab the bag right away before your adrenaline dumps too much and get it done and over with. It's NOT times for that portion.

- - - Updated - - -


Hallowed_point, you applying to the RCMP?

Now would be the time.... they're pushing lots of people through. Better get in shape mentally and physically though. Got a couple buddies in Depot right now and they say it's hard as hell. Both smart and fit dudes. They're letting people stay in their home province now though which is nice. And if you want lower mainland BC you'll get it. Just the whole you know, money situation that's the issue

[Hallowed_point]

Yes I am. 32 now and it's time! I have enough life experience through past jobs as well as some second language skills that I feel I'm a good fit.

^Appreciate the advice Shlade!! Now that I have motivation to work out more, and know what to expect I can see the point. I've been doing some online practice
tests as well. Some of them are easier than others, that's for sure. A photo of 20 people and you have to list how many had: glasses, beards, who had the batman symbol
and on what item etc etc. Fun though

[Shlade]

Pm me if you need any help through the process... got a few buddies that are already at their postings for the past while with RC's and a couple currently in depot.

[revelations]

If you're serious about joining the RCs, please read up on the internal rebellion regarding the white shirts. There are a host of problems with the brass and the internal politics are a joke. Also totally depends on what detachment you're posted at.

Many LEOs are leaving the RCs for municipal forces.

[Hallowed_point]

If you're serious about joining the RCs, please read up on the internal rebellion regarding the white shirts. There are a host of problems with the brass and the internal politics are a joke. Also totally depends on what detachment you're posted at.

Many LEOs are leaving the RCs for municipal forces.

I'll check it out. I was considering other agencies, but lack of mobility and some serious internal strife within the ranks made me rethink that. I don't expect any agency to be free of drama or conflict.
I'm quite used to dealing with passive aggressive types at my current occupation. Everyone from homeless folks to ceos and everyone in between. That said, I have lots to learn and am certainly open
to learning.

- - - Updated - - -


Pm me if you need any help through the process... got a few buddies that are already at their postings for the past while with RC's and a couple currently in depot.

Will do, much appreciated. Always good to have an inside line

[revelations]

I'll check it out. I was considering other agencies, but lack of mobility and some serious internal strife within the ranks made me rethink that. I don't expect any agency to be free of drama or conflict.
I'm quite used to dealing with passive aggressive types at my current occupation. Everyone from homeless folks to ceos and everyone in between. That said, I have lots to learn and am certainly open
to learning.

Nothing worse than already dealing with the rejects of society on a daily basis; the liberal, revolving door justice system..... and then to top it off, issues with the local detachment or fundamental issues further up the chain. The wheel of change turns VERY slowly with the RCs. Politics trumps common sense in too many cases.

[Hallowed_point]

Nothing worse than already dealing with the rejects of society on a daily basis; the liberal, revolving door justice system..... and then to top it off, issues with the local detachment or fundamental issues further up the chain. The wheel of change turns VERY slowly with the RCs. Politics trumps common sense in too many cases.

Guess I'd better brush up on my french.

[revelations]

Again, not trying to dissuade you, but go online and check out some of the posting on forums such as Blueline, etc.

In some detachments (like the one I used to be in) many of the members were completely overworked - so much that some guys and gals were expected to come in on days off just to catch up on paper work (no pay).

Its a complete, male ego-dominated, macho culture so if you whine and complain you can be considered a weak member. PTSD issues were handled with a brown paper bag up until recently. The recuiters really need to take a page from the military and screen people better for PTSD tendencies.

[Hallowed_point]

Will do. I am somewhat used to working for free or without O/T as I'm self employed. Not that I'm always happy about that, but it typically allows some flexibility if I have
an appointment or need an extra day off. Also regularly work 9+ hours without a lunch break and haven't snapped yet.

I work with a couple of whiners and have no plans on being that way. I try to use humor on such coworkers to try and motivate them and get them out of a funk. I've learned
a lot over the past 5 years especially dealing with micro managers and extreme Type A supervisors.

I fully expect to have to pay my dues and bust my ass for at least the first 2-3 years.

[Traffic_Cop]

Will do. I am somewhat used to working for free or without O/T as I'm self employed. Not that I'm always happy about that, but it typically allows some flexibility if I have
an appointment or need an extra day off. Also regularly work 9+ hours without a lunch break and haven't snapped yet.

I work with a couple of whiners and have no plans on being that way. I try to use humor on such coworkers to try and motivate them and get them out of a funk. I've learned
a lot over the past 5 years especially dealing with micro managers and extreme Type A supervisors.

I fully expect to have to pay my dues and bust my ass for at least the first 2-3 years.

I personally would encourage you too look to another career.

[ExtraSlow]

Wow, all the cops and ex-cops sound pretty down on the entire concept. That's a sad situation.

[revelations]

And this doesn't even get into the personal issues that being a LEO causes. The RCMP used to have (not sure about today) a 70-80% divorce rate and a big substance abuse (mostly alcohol) issue.

Between moving every 3 years (depends on what mood the top brass is in), not seeing your SO due to shift work, the lack of proper support mechanism for the inevitable mental issues that will come up; its not a surprise.

With the RCMP, other than a Northern tax allowance, you make the same income whether you live in Burnaby BC or Okotoks. In Burnaby, that means you will probably end up in a bachelor or basement suite with no windows.

[Hallowed_point]

It seems that both CPS members I know are trying to steer me that way. But I really feel that the RCMP is my calling. Are you guys telling me to not even consider a career in law enforcement period?
I've never had a problem with drugs or alcohol. Even under considerable stress. I do have concerns about how it will affect the relationship with my gf. She's on board though at this point. She's in the health
care field so she's quite familiar with the ups and downs of this line of work.

This is not a money move, I will be taking a pay cut assuming I'm hired. It will take at least 1-2 years before I'm exceeding my current income.

One of my best friends dad's was a member for over 30 years. A jolly jovial sort of fellow who seemed to handle the job quite well. Happily married,
no substance abuse issues or signs of PTSD that I've ever seen. Not saying it isn't a reality, just that a lot of it surely depends on your coping mechanisms.

[revelations]

I would suggest that, if you've done your homework, readup on the latest issues from actual RCs, have for years wanted to join ..... and are aware of the difficulties and what the job REALLY entails (70-80% paperwork), then by all means go ahead.

The dark side is that you get to experience, at some level, of how corrupt the "system" can be - and Im talking white shirts and up.

I know some people who applied and thought it would be "interesting", but their idea of "interesting" did not include dealing with a particularly bad First Nations reserve, in the middle of nowhere, on an hourly basis, some days.

[Hallowed_point]

I certainly appreciate the inside line from those in the know. I have thought about it for years, actually city policing, but I didn't feel that it was the right fit necessarily.

My current gig involves a ton of paperwork, phone calls and emails. Incident reports etc. I want to be more unglued from the desk. So anything will really be an improvement.
As long as I'm away from the desk for a few hours a shift, cool. Can't wait to learn more performance driving.

Not interested in guns on a hobby basis, but open to learning more about marksmanship.

I have had many encounters with Natives especially when I was a static guard and security supervisor for 3 years. Was it fun? Not really. But I learned a lot about how to DE escalate
a potentially stressful situation and prevent having my face caved in. In three years as a guard, I only had to physically remove or touch about 5 people. And I had one arrest which
did not result in any injury to myself or the fellow involved. 99% of the time (before I was a supervisor) I was working by myself with poor radio reception and at some pretty rough sites.
Considering the next to no training I received, I did pretty well. I have worked with over enthusiastic guards who carry 2 sets of cuffs and wear gloves all shift. I was never like that lol

[revelations]

I certainly appreciate the inside line from those in the know. I have thought about it for years, actually city policing, but I didn't feel that it was the right fit necessarily.

My current gig involves a ton of paperwork, phone calls and emails. Incident reports etc. I want to be more unglued from the desk. So anything will really be an improvement.
As long as I'm away from the desk for a few hours a shift, cool. Can't wait to learn more performance driving.


Your cruiser IS your desk. You will be sitting in it for 8-10 hours a shift, leaning over to the right to type reports, sometimes while driving to a call. You will be expected to maintain a high level of fitness as well.

Anyway, give it a shot if youre well-versed.

[Rat Fink]

.

[Shlade]

I personally would encourage you too look to another career.

I'm curious if you're saying that in regards to his reply, or just policing in general?

[Traffic_Cop]

Honestly? Policing in general. I spent 6 years working with the RCMP, and jumped over to CPS. Ive been with CPS 10 years. I have a total of 16 years in. Most of that has been in a patrol capacity with the exception of about 5yrs I spent in traffic in Cps. I got to ride the Harley have fun etc. Policing has become a strange career, it used to be somewhat of a necessary evil, but it has lost its identity. I laugh every time i hear someone say “im fine ive worked shift work “. Yeah?? Well imagine doing 12hrs on dealing with all dregs of society, maybe giving cpr to a baby, while family members make sure your doing it all properly, then having no breaks. Working additional 5 hours past your shift, 3 hours sleep, go to court. Have to give expert testimony, get named in the papers, then have a 2 hour nap and go back and do it all again. This time your tired as hell, attend a homicide scene, be in a position where you better be taking the worlds best notes. File that and be called on again in 5years at court to remember every explicit detail, or you could face charges of perjury or several other charges internally or under the police act.

If this was 30 years ago, i’d say jump on it. Today?? Mate, runaway.!

Policing is in crisis.

It's not the type of crisis that is being portrayed in the media or by senior officers.

It's not a budget crisis or a training crisis or a "we can't hire the right people" crisis.

It's not a "police are targeting minorities" crisis.

It's not even a leadership or management crisis.

It's an IDENTITY crisis.

Cute hashtags and this week in the newsroom webpages attempting to foster a sense of belonging like a Silicon Valley blue chip really do nothing for the frontline who are increasingly confused by the conflicting tasks, messages and social narratives that are directly affecting policing.

This is what to think. This is how to act. This is what to say.
This is what you can't say.
Woe betide if you don't fall in line.

A frontline trying to adapt to constant change in technology, complexity of investigations and increased workload for trifling and non police matters (because service) while still trying to retain traditions from days gone-bye.



It's a frontline that increasingly feels isolated and unsupported.

A frontline without a voice.

What does it mean to say "I'm a police officer".
What does a police officer do?
What do society and police leadership want?

Arrest suspects for drug offenses? Or assist drug addicts by exercising discretion at safe consumption sites? Or revive drug users who have overdosed thereby putting the officers own health and safety at risk? All of the above? At the same time? What does this mean?

What does it mean to say "I'm a police officer".
What does society and police leadership want?

It means officers are told to write tickets and generate revenue for motor infractions but to exercise discretion when attending social disorder incidents because, basically, there is no money in that and it merely jams the courts up. "It's not really in the public interest."
Besides, mental health, addiction, vulnerability etc. What does this mean?

What does it mean to say "I'm a police officer".
What does society and police leadership want?

It means that officers will be called to action by members of the public on what could be the worst day of their lives or during high risk, volatile, stressful (for the officer) and quickly changing circumstances.
As a result of the decisions made or actions taken a police officer can be disciplined with criminal charges, internal professional standard investigations, civilly sued, called before the Law Enforcement Review Board or have ones name splashed across the media, merely due to occupation. An officer could even experience a combination of all of the above all stemming from a single action, decision or incident.

In civil society this type of relentless pursuit and multiple angles of attack are unheard of. It would likely be deemed a breach of a citizens charter rights if the police pursued a citizen so vigorously.

Is there any other occupation regardless of academic or qualifying standard held up to such scrutiny?

"But police are held to a higher standard." I hear you say.

What does this mean?

Higher than what standard? Higher than who's standard?
Society's standard?
Where are police officers recruited from?
Has it been considered that police officers are increasingly being held to an impossible standard?

It is as if society and management wants robots with AI to replace humans to conduct policing duties. What does that look like? Policing without empathy, compassion, patience, discretion and common sense. What does that look like? Policing without humanity. Policing done by logic programming or mathematical code. Everything done by "the book". The policy manual. What does that look like?

The prevailing thought has been that officers face danger on the street due to an offenders actions.
Increasingly it appears that the real jeopardy is in just showing up for work and suiting up.
Being second guessed and judged by armchair quarterbacks, cop blockers, police administrators and the court of social media.

"You know what you signed up for".

Ask the average officer with any length of service if their expectations and subsequent experiences were accurate and one will hear a resounding NO.

As a result departments are hemorrhaging officers and struggling to recruit.

Are experienced officers recommending the career to friends? Family members?

Policing is in crisis.

It's an IDENTITY crisis.

[phil98z24]

Yeah, that’s pretty much the jist of it. Still love my job but wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking to join. It’s become stressful just showing up before actually doing any of the work, and that’s due to a number of things.

However, I’d still highly recommend against the Mounties. They don’t belong in municipal policing, it just isn’t their thing. They aren’t structured for it outside of being call response/traffic enforcers, and you won’t become unchained from your desk. They do reports on everything and anything, and you’ll respond from a detachment and go back, rinse, repeat.

[Hallowed_point]

Well that's a heavy read but I certainly read through it and do thank you all for giving your first hand experience on what reality is.

I'm quite used to dealing with extreme type A micro managers above me. It does get tiresome sometimes to feel like you've given it all to your
job, nothing left in the tank and someone above you thinks "well, you did that wrong or even better, I don't care."

Supervisors who are black and white to the letter. It's a cliche, but we live in a world of gray especially when it comes to policing or security
or anything really. Each situation is different. You can't just go by the book for everything. Each situation has different circumstances that require
careful thought and consideration. I would've thought that those up at the top who have worked their way up would remember this. You can't just
write a law or bylaw for every situation.

We are human beings and are dealing with humanity. Flaws and all. And you can't teach common sense. Such as the homeless man at work the other week
who broke into our garbage room and was raiding the bottles and cans. I ask him to return the cans and leave and he has a severe speech impediment. We
need to be able to deal with these types of people in a fair way.

I hear you on the Identity crisis. I have always approached security (both when I was a guard myself and at my current gig) from a helpful , friendly point of
view unless the situation dictates otherwise. I always try to approach each person and situation as a blank canvas. Never felt the need to be that crazy guard yelling
at kids or threatening to arrest people or ban them for minor issues that can be talked out. I've learned from some of the best in that regard including my best friends dad who
was with the RCMP for 30+ years (including tac troop in Vancouver, stick fighter/gas man) But I can see how one could get burnt out and jaded running on 2-3 hours of
sleep and then being torn apart in court. This is some heavy reading guys but gives me some important things to consider.

[Hallowed_point]

I have quite a few coworkers who came from the RCMP. Some are considering going back while others won’t ever go back to it. Personally, I’m in a smaller municipal agency and love it. I’m in a patrol unit as well as an explosives disposal unit. When I am not doing patrol work I’m getting fun training days where I am playing with robots, C4, and blowing shit up.

If you are joining the police to help people you may be disappointed. Most of your time will be wasted with the city’s trash calling in about issues they could deal with themselves if they could actually cope with being an adult but you’ll learn to focus on helping true victims of crime and dismissing the pathetic meth head vs. meth head type garbage calls.

For me, a large part of the enjoyment with the job is the great crew I am on. Not sure I’d like it so much being solo in the middle of nowhere with the RCMP.

The shift rotations and pay is great. I have way more time off to spend with family and friends than I ever had with my previous work. I have a lot more time (and money) for my hobbies.

I also agree with the majority of your time being spent on reports, but once you are caught up on paper and your calls and have a chance to get out for proactive policing the job gets really fun. I love packing up our cell block with shit bags haha.

Getting paid to blow shit up! You're living the life! I don't mind reports. I have 10+ years experience of writing detailed reports some of which have been entered as evidence over the years. Also am well used to working alone and having to approach potentially dangerous homeless folks who have passed out in the parkade. Hopefully I'm not always alone if I get hired. That could get a little boring and lonely, however there's always radio banter.

[revelations]

Getting paid to blow shit up! You're living the life! I don't mind reports. I have 10+ years experience of writing detailed reports some of which have been entered as evidence over the years. Also am well used to working alone and having to approach potentially dangerous homeless folks who have passed out in the parkade. Hopefully I'm not always alone if I get hired. That could get a little boring and lonely, however there's always radio banter.

I do think you need to spend more time doing your homework. If you arent even aware that the RCMP are exclusively a 1 member car, then there is a chasm of knowledge you're missing.

Its not just writing reports that makes it dumb, its not being given the time to do your job properly.

[Hallowed_point]

I do think you need to spend more time doing your homework. If you arent even aware that the RCMP are exclusively a 1 member car, then there is a chasm of knowledge you're missing.

Its not just writing reports that makes it dumb, its not being given the time to do your job properly.

But that is not the case when you graduate as a cadet (unless I'm mistaken.) You are under direct supervision until such time as you're deemed "ready" to respond to calls alone. Is this incorrect?

I'm well used to that. Most weeks involve at least 2-3 shifts without lunch break of any sort. 9.5 hour shift. At least in a cruiser, I can pack some snacks with me for energy. And I'm used to being: security
guard, desk guy, building manager, minor maintenance, check the entire 30+ floor building plus parkade for leaks or damage etc, answer phone calls and emails immediately, receive deliveries and more alone.
I'm not saying that I know it all, but I think I have a fair chance at being able to hack it.

Especially, with some training. Heck, I was put in charge of supervising 5 security guards at a condo when I was 22 with no real supervisory experience. My boss saw the potential. I made some mistakes sure. But
if I can handle being thrown into roles with basically zero training, I like my odds with 6 months of actual training.

Man, I probably sound like Seth Rogan Observe & Report here... lol :facepalm:

[Rat Fink]

.

[Hallowed_point]

^ Not yet. I’ve been to an open house. I’ll get on that! Night would probably be good.

[phil98z24]

If you want to come out with me when it warms up or even just sit down for a coffee and we can chat about all this, I’d be happy to help you out. ����

[Hallowed_point]

^Certainly , I’ll send you a pm