Roland, as he prefers to be called, can be seen driving a cruiser car on the streets of Logan, Keewatin, Riverbend, Point Douglas, the Maples and Garden City, among other areas. He is currently assigned to Division 13, District 3, in the North End.

As a General Patrol Officer, he starts his day when most of us are just getting out of bed. He is at work by 7:00 a.m. sharp and works until 5:00 p.m. The first order of the day is a briefing session before they launch out in their cruiser cars. The calls for service vary – domestic conflicts are common. Certain calls require investigation and, depending on the nature of the call, they may call for other units to help. A neighbour’s dog barking is usually very low on the list of priorities.

The Winnipeg Police Service prides itself with a full complement of two-officer units. They always travel in pairs but Rosales was alone when I spoke with him.

“Today I am the Acting Street Supervisor so I don’t have a partner. The Acting Supervisor rides by himself.”

Wrapped around Rosales’ waist was what looked like a heavy utility belt, similar to Batman’s but without the Dark Knight’s logo. Hanging from it were all the tools needed to protect himself and possibly save somebody’s life – a first aid kit, multi-tool, hand cuffs, taser, hand gun and ammunition, a flashlight, pepper spray and a collapsible baton, smaller than the batuta of the old days. In his car is a laptop computer attached to the dashboard, a GPS, a second cell phone and car radio.

“Technology makes the job easier,” remarked Rosales. “We are well provided with the latest and most efficient in technology. If you have no I.D. on you, I can check in my computer and your picture will come up. So if you say you are someone else, I will know.”

Roland admits that his job can be dangerous.

“You are putting yourself in situations where ordinary people don’t go. But with proper training, common sense and experience, the risks can be reduced.”

Constable Rosales has been an officer for the past 14 years. He joined the Winnipeg Police Service in December 1995 when he was only 24 years old. After passing the selection process, he went to the police academy for six months where he received training in rules and regulations, policy and procedure, firearms, use of force, and many other subjects.

Once new recruits complete the training process, (for which they are paid, by the way), each rookie is put in a cruiser car with a seasoned field officer. Every year there are training courses to update and improve skills. They can go back to the police academy to receive training in CPR, first aid, effective presentations, or training to branch out to a different unit, to name a few.

There are several units in the police service. There are currently two Filipinos in the Identification/Forensic unit (similar to the CSI on television). There are also two Filipinos in the Bicycle Patrol unit. They often serve as community ambassadors in parades, marathons and other event.

Others units include: Homicide, which investigates murders; the Commercial Crime unit, which investigates fraud; the Vice unit, which investigates crimes related to narcotics, prostitution and other public order crimes; the Bomb Squad (SWAT team); Crowd Control; the Canine unit, which uses dog for searches; and the Horse unit, among others.

“If you want to specialize in any of these units, you can give it a try and see if you like it. You have so many options. You can even be a member of several units at the same time.” Roland also emphasized, “There are not too many jobs like this, where you can go wherever your talents and desires take you.”

To Constable Rosales, his career is unlike any other. He finds it very rewarding and satisfying. When asked, “What do you like best about your job?” Roland’s eyes flashed, “Helping people because they need you. Also, no two days are the same. Though most of the calls are about domestic conflict, one never knows what type of day awaits you each morning. Each situation has its unique challenges and I like the variety in the job.”

True enough, a police officer not only meets different people every day, he or she is called to perform a variety of duties. An officer could be acting as a social worker trying to resolve conflict, a psychologist trying to analyze the criminal mind, an officer of the peace arresting a suspect, a teacher educating school patrols or a soldier trying to defend the helpless. The variety is one of the things that make this job so appealing.

The job of a police officer has other perks, too. Did you know that the starting salary for a 4^th Class Constable is $43,000 a year? After five years, you could be earning $78,000 as 1^st class Constable. They also have an attractive benefit package that includes pension, insurance plan, dental plan and vision care. Uniforms, equipment and dry cleaning are provided.

“This job allows you to provide well for your family,” Constable Rosales said. “The work schedule allows me to spend more time with my family, with four work days usually followed by four days off.”

The Winnipeg Police Service prides itself with a membership that reflects the diversity of the city’s population with Filipinos, East Indians, Chinese and Vietnamese members, among others.

When asked what kind of traits a Filipino must have to apply for this job, Constable Rosales responded, “Hard working, willing to learn, a good work ethic and a desire to help others.” And to the younger person who dreams of being a police officer someday, “Try to maintain a clear record. Stay away from trouble.”

After the interview with Constable Roland Rosales, my husband, who was with me during the interview, concluded, “Had I known about this when I first came to Canada, I would have applied for this job. This is something I would recommend to my 20-year old son.”

For more details on the requirements and qualifications to become a Winnipeg Police Constable, please go to www.winnipeg.ca/policerecruiting

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