It’s not often that you’ll get a close-up look at counterfeit money, much less hold it and examine it.
That will all change for those who take part in a CSI-style class led by the Agassiz RCMP.
Sgt. Kevin Gibson, who took over just a few weeks ago at the detachment, believes the course will bring business owners, employees and other members of the public, the knowledge they need to combat fraud.
He has invited in the Bank of Canada, who will be bringing in counterfeit Canadian and U.S. cash. The difference between counterfeit and real money can be hard to distinguish without training, he says.
Students of the CSI course will learn how to quickly identify any Canadian bill, by simply holding the banknote to a source of light.
But it’s not all about cash. The five night course will also include lessons in identifying illegal drugs and grow operations.
One of the nights will even include a hands-on lesson in fingerprinting.
Gibson says the students will hold a glass, take their own fingerprints, and then go about identifying themselves.
The course is free to take, but limited to 20 people and those who want to participate must pass security clearance.
That shouldn’t deter people from taking the course, he says. It’s the same security clearance needed to do volunteer work at schools, and is easily done at the Agassiz RCMP detachment.
Gibson is hoping the course will protect Agassiz and Harrison businesses from becoming victims of different types of fraud.
The courses start on November 15 and will run Tuesdays and Thursdays for five sessions, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
To apply, phone Gibson at 604-796-2211.
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