Page 108 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

Canada

2016

By Lance Corporal Lauren Heathfield

Throughout the year, down time to go out and explore Alberta,
members of the Royal Military which everyone enjoyed. During my time
in Canada, I travelled to Vancouver in
Police regularly deploy to British Colombia, Calgary, Edmonton and
the British Army Training Banff National Park. Some individuals
Unit Suffield in Canada to even travelled to Las Vegas and California.
On a day to day basis we shared the
cover temporary staff posts. Police Station with the Canadian Forces
Lance Corporal Heathfield Military Police. On a Thursday, Friday
and Saturday evening, one member of
of the 4th Regiment Royal the Royal Military Police would deploy to
Military Police describes Medicine Hat, the nearest town, to conduct
her experiences on her first View from Banff Gondola real time joint patrols. This was a great
insight into learning how the Medicine Hat
overseas deployment. On the 29th March 2016, we were all set to Police Service works in high risk situations.

go. However, when we arrived at RAF Brize
Preparation and Departure Norton we were informed that our flight Summary
had been delayed until the 2nd of April.
This proved very frustrating as we were During my deployment I was involved in
I deployed to the British Army Training keen to get out there. The 2nd of April numerous diverse police investigations
Unit Suffield between the 2nd of April soon came around and before we knew it including some serious criminal offences.
and the 31st of July 2016, along with five we were on our way to Canada. We arrived I improved my policing knowledge and
other members of my Regiment. Together in Calgary Airport, Alberta, in the early had the opportunity to work alongside the
we formed the Summer Temporary Staff hours of Sunday 3rd April 2016. Special Investigation Branch.
element of the Royal Military Police This deployment has been the highlight
Detachment. I volunteered to deploy of my career so far and I would definitely
to Canada as I believed it would be an Arrival and Integration recommend it to anyone. It was such a
opportunity of a lifetime. I was over the great experience and I would not hesitate
moon when I was told by my Chain of Once we arrived, we sat through welcome to deploy there again.
Command that I would be deploying for briefs and familiarised ourselves with the
definite. camp. Over the next week, a training World’s largest Tepee at Medicine Hat, Canada
Each individual who had been selected had package was conducted by the Warrant
to sit the Canadian Matrix test. We were Officer in command and the Police Office
also issued our hot weather clothing and Manager. This was a chance for us to get
had our medical and other documentation to know our new hierarchy and to learn
checked to ensure all was in order. I what was expected from us. We conducted
was then given two weeks leave prior to Sexual Offences training and refresher
deploying and I used this opportunity to lessons on various areas of police work.
say goodbye to my loved ones. This was to ensure that every member of
the temporary staff were ready for the busy
work load that was inevitably to come.
Lake Louise, Banff National Park.
Lauren Heathfield is on right of group
Routine

We were organised into four sections and
began working the new shift cycle which
were 12 hour shifts, starting with three
days on, an office day, three nights and
three days off. In my opinion the shift
pattern was great, as we had plenty of

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