Members of the Regina media were able to take part in a demonstration of the RCMP 4X4 track at depot.

The track offers participants the experience to drive over various terrains that can be found across Canada, including log paths, pea gravel, creek rocks and shallow water.

Sergeant Stephane Langlois said cadets are given an hour and a half on the track to practice during their training session.

“They’re exposed to the different components and they’re basically taught how to drive the vehicle safely and effectively through those components without either hurting themselves or being ineffective so that they can actually attend a call that they would be called upon.”

With the RCMP recruiting across Canada, there’s an added importance to ensure cadets are able to navigate any terrain they may come across in the field, especially considering some have never driven a bigger vehicle off road.

Staff Sergeant Duane Bauer said it’s an important tool for police training.

“The driver training program basically is aimed at transitioning them from civilian drivers to safe, professional and efficient police drivers,” Sgt. Bauer said. “The 4X4 track is just another tool to achieve that objective.”

Sgt. Bauer said many detachments in Canada are getting four-by-four vehicles.

“The cadets come into training with varying degrees of experience operating these vehicles, some with little to no experience operating a 4X4 vehicle,” Sgt. Bauer said. “This portion of the track will assist them in order to be able to respond to various calls for service, no matter the location in Canada.”

Sgt. Bauer adds it’s important for cadets to know how to drive a police truck in the terrain, especially if they haven’t driven a truck before, and to understand the size and turning radius of the vehicle.