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Edmonton Police Service > Join EPS > Youth Recruit Academy

Youth Recruit Academy

Are you a high school student who wants an inside look into what it takes to fill the boots of an EPS recruit constable?

The Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) Youth Recruit Academy (YRA) offers high school students in Grades 10, 11 or 12 interested in, or learning more about, a career in policing a small look into what it takes to fill the boots of an EPS recruit constable.

The YRA was developed to give youth the opportunity to gain insight into the first year as a police recruit. Youth will be able to learn alongside EPS members, ask questions, and meet peers who are also interested in a policing career.

Early registration is encouraged to avoid missing out on this unique opportunity. Applications are open January 19 – February 27, 2026.

The Spring program will run: March 30 – April 2, 2026

The summer program will run: July 27 - 31, 2026

The Academy sees YRA participants learn the value of physical fitness, develop team building and leadership skills, and participate in police-structured lectures and scenarios from various police units such as Canine, Robbery, Air 1, Traffic, and Forensics.

Details and more information is available below.

Thank you for considering the Edmonton Police Service YRA.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 program can be found here. 

Applications are now open and close on February 27, 2026. 

 

 
Requirements

The YRA program takes 40 outstanding high school students in each program. A selection process will take place on all applications depending on the requirements outlined below:

You must currently be in Grade 10, 11 or 12, with good attendance.

You have no criminal convictions for which a pardon or record suspension has not been granted.

You have no associations with those who are known to have an extensive criminal record.

Must be committed to attending all five full days, from 8:00a.m to 4:00 p.m. 

If accepted, you will be required to attend an evening meeting with your parent/guardian prior to the YRA start date.

Selection to the program will take place after deadline closes. 
Fitness

A high level of physical fitness is an essential aspect of a recruit constable. Being physically fit is not only a significant part of the application process but also throughout Recruit Training and into a future policing career.

The YRA will put your physical fitness to the test—a fundamental part of EPS’ own Recruit Training Unit. Workouts may include cardio and strength conditioning, ranging from a long run to a circuit-style activity and other various physical activities. 
Come prepared

Each training day, our recruits must ensure they have the essential items in their kits to succeed in that day's activities.

For YRA, it's no different. You will need to come prepared for both indoor and outdoor components. Before the start of the week, YRA participants will be provided with a kit that will include the following:

  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Hat
  • Water bottle
  • Drawstring bag

 

The academy will continue operations, rain or shine, so make sure you pack your kits with the following personal items:

  • Running shoes
  • Snacks
  • Change of clothes
Contact Information
For questions about the process, please email us.