People ages 14 to 20 are invited to learn about becoming a Public Safety Cadet and gaining insight into law enforcement and public safety in classes with Farmington police officers.
The classes begin 6 p.m. on Oct. 13 at Farmington Police Department headquarters, 900 Municipal Drive.
Sgt. Devan Steerman, a 17-year police veteran, heads the startup program, which was conceived by the nonprofit organization Public Safety Cadets.
“It’s a national program … a nonprofit organization that was founded by some retired law enforcement officers, as a way to prepare young adults for a career in public safety,” Steerman said.
As lead adviser, Steerman will work with a team of mentors, mostly made up of school resource officers. Mentors include Sgt. Rachel Discenza-Smith, officers Tezz Fernandez, Mark Moore and Kris Kowalski.
To qualify for the program, applicants must be 14 to 20 years old and have completed the eighth grade or have maintained a 2.0 GPA through grade 12. Further, the applicant can have no serious arrests or convictions and must maintain good moral character, pass an oral interview and a background investigation, and demonstrate a willingness to serve and participate in PSC activities.
The program helps prepare students for a career centered in law enforcement. Topics covered include traffic enforcement, case law and police procedure, with the use of actual police academy curriculum and hands-on experience.
“It’s a great career path for those in the 19-20 age group,” Steerman said, because individuals can become paid a community service officer at age 18 and a certified police officer at 21.
Various scholarships are available.
Steerman sees the program as a way to build rapport with the community.
“Ultimately, we would like the public to know that we are here for them,” he said, adding, “It’s a method for us to interact with the public and it’s a recruiting tool, as well.”
Community service officers receive training in police tactical operations and do “ride-alongs” as part of their practical experience.
The program has six students so far, but Steerman would like to see 12 sign up.
The classes will run biweekly on Thursdays. For details, email Steerman at [email protected].