Article by: Courtney Davis Prince George's Community College and Prince George's County Police Department Partner on New Cadet Program
For Immediate Release
LARGO, Md. (February 13, 2018) - Prince George's Community College (PGCC) and Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) announced the launch of a new Police Cadet Program. The cadet program will offer selected applicants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in police work while also earning an income and college credits towards an associate degree in criminal justice. The Prince George's County Police Department will grant cadets administrative leave to take classes as a cohort at PGCC. Once the cadets complete the 2 ½-year program, they must then apply to become Prince George's County police officers. The program goal is to produce more experienced and mature police officers that are ready to serve and protect the residents of Prince George's County.
"At the end of this process, we take a young person from our community who is interested in becoming a police officer, we give them gainful employment and the invaluable opportunity to learn about law enforcement - what it really is, as opposed to what it is portrayed as on television and in the movies which are two totally different things - and they start earning those college credits towards their associate degree before entering the police academy when they turn 21," explained Chief Stawinski.
Major Terence Sheppard, commander of the PGPD Training Academy said, "There are other cadet programs in this region, but our cadet program is unique in the fact that we are tailoring it for individuals to continue their education. We are going to be doing things that no other cadet program in our area is able to do. Our cadets are going to be doing things like crime scene searches, collecting evidence, and taking fingerprints. The possibilities are endless. We want to give them the opportunity to do as much as they possibly can during this 2 ½ year period before they actually enter the academy."
Prince George's County Police Department cadets will earn about half the credits necessary for their associate degree at PGCC, and the remaining half while at the police academy. The cadets will graduate as Prince George's County police officers with an associate degree in criminal justice.
"We are so thankful to our thoughtful and tremendous partner in Prince George's Community College. This is an invaluable collaboration and critical investment in our own community," said Chief Stawinski.
"Prince George's Community College is honored to partner with the Prince George's County Police Department to offer the Police Cadet Program," said Dr. Yvette Snowden, associate vice president for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Prince George's Community College. "Police officers are critical to our community; Prince George's Community College will serve as the foundation for providing the critical thinking skills required to be a county police officer. We are thrilled to be a fundamental part in shaping these cadets to be our future leaders in law enforcement."
Cadets must meet certain criteria to be considered for the PGPD cadet program. In addition to passing a background check, physical test, and possessing a valid driver's license, cadets must be between the ages of 17 ½ and 19 ½ with a high school diploma or expect to graduate high school in May 2018 with a 2.5 GPA or better. For the job description, candidate criteria, and application, please click here. The application process is now open.
About Prince George's Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George's County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George's County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George's Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.