When Michelle Pickering joined the Estevan Police Service as its bylaw enforcement officer in 2014, her goal was to eventually be promoted to a constable with the force.
That objective has now been met, as she was sworn in as the newest EPS constable on Thursday afternoon during a ceremony at the Estevan board of police commissioners meeting.
“I love the Estevan Police Service,” said Pickering. “I’ve always cherished my time with them, and I’ve always wanted to be part of the Estevan community on a larger level.”
Her time as the bylaw enforcement officer reinforced her desire to be a constable.
“It had its ups and downs,” said Pickering. “As the chief (police chief Paul Ladouceur) said, it’s kind of a thankless job, but it’s given me some great insight, and some great experiences, and I wouldn’t change it.”
She said she is looking forward to dealing with the same people as she does in her current role, but on a larger level.
Pickering added she has learned a lot about working with people and working with the community over the past 3 1/2 years.
Many friends and family were in attendance at the ceremony, including her partner Matthew Beaulieu. She said they have provided tremendous support. She also lauded her family, the members of the EPS, Ladouceur, deputy Chief Murray Cowan and the police board for their support, encouragement, direction and motivation.
Pickering will have to go through the province’s police college before officially becoming a constable. She will start at the college at the end of July, and is expected to be finished before the end of the year.
She will remain the bylaw enforcement officer until the end of next month.
Lacouceur noted that when he started with the EPS in April 2014, Pickering was relatively new to the job. During her tenure, Ladouceur has watched her mature and grow.
“Michelle’s interview process started the day she walked into the door,” said Ladouceur. “There’s a huge advantage when we can look internally to hire candidates, especially when it involves moving up in rank. So this is a very good opportunity for our organization, especially for Michelle.”
Her work ethic and community engagement stood out, he said. She relates well with people, even when it comes to parking and other bylaw infractions.
“The other thing that really stood out is how deeply involved she is in this community,” said Ladouceur. “That’s something we’re looking for when we recruit is how committed these individuals are to our community.”
He noted she did a “phenomenal” job in planning the EPS bike rodeo last month.
She also has a strong attention to detail, particularly when it comes to writing reports and other documentation, which is critical for a police officer, he said.
“Her reports are way above average, and I think they will only continue to improve as she goes through the college,” said Ladoceur.
Other police services were looking to hire her, Ladouceur said, and she was close to being offered another opportunity with another agency, but she wanted to stay in Estevan.
The EPS was looking to hire another officer because a constable is currently on extended leave for personal reasons. Ladouceur stressed Pickering’s promotion won’t affect the budget, because they will find savings in other areas.
But EPS will be hiring a new bylaw enforcement officer. The deadline to apply for the job is June 30. Ladouceur hopes to have Pickering’s replacement hired a short time later.
“That will give a few weeks for Michelle to do some in-house training with the new individual, to at least give them the basic skills,” said Ladouceur.
Ladouceur doesn’t expect a lapse in enforcement once Pickering goes to the police college. Pickering has also said the new bylaw enforcement officer can reach her for advice at any time.
“Every officer within our organization has the ability to enforce local bylaws. They do it on a daily basis,” said Ladouceur. “The bylaw enforcement officer’s job is to pay full-time dedication to those duties.”
There might be a little more pressure on members to help out at first Pickering’s replacement, but Ladouceur said people can expect the enforcement to continue.
