The RNC is adding 17 new constables to the force – to be split between metro and Corner Brook.

The new officers were sworn in at a graduation ceremony in St. John’s yesterday, surrounded by friends and family.

Lieutenant Governor Joan Marie Aylward and RNC Chief Pat Roche oversaw the ceremony, which featured graduates fresh out of the Atlantic Police Academy in PEI.

Christopher Young, who served as a firefighter for nearly two decades, says serving the community is what motivated him to join the RNC.

“There (are) a lot of similarities. I mean, similar to policing, A firefighter does give back to the community. But with policing, you’re just so much more involved with the community and you give back a lot more.”

The RNC officially welcomed 17 new officers to the police service at a swearing-in ceremony today. 🎉
The newly appointed constables will be assigned to a coach officer with Operational Patrol Services in the Corner Brook and the Northeast Avalon Regions.https://t.co/ftrkY1bTmO pic.twitter.com/7trw7maTYw

— Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (@RNC_PoliceNL) September 3, 2025

“I absolutely love policing so far, and just can’t wait to get into it.”

Chief Roche says the RNC is actively recruiting the next class of police officers.

He says many of the new officers will be on the streets in the weeks to come.

“They will start off as operational patrol services, both here on the Northeast Avalon and in Corner Brook. Some may end up in Labrador down the road, but for now they’ll start off with a coach officer for the …foreseeable future,” says Roche.

“Then they’ll be let go on their own as frontline police officers responding to calls for service.”