The Indiana University Police Department is welcoming 47 new faces into the department this year, but they still have a lot of training to do. The IU Cadet Program created by IUPD trains students who are interested in becoming police officers. The two year long program allows the full time students to work at the station while still staying on track to receive their degree.
“This program was different at first. I wasn’t anti-social but I was to myself. But eventually when I got to know the others I was like wow, they’re really great people. If I was to do something during the day, I would prefer to hang out with them over the people I used to hang out with,” said Jasmyn Bell.
Bell, who is a junior, says she came into this program with little experience in athletic training. The cadets meet weekly for their 7 am workouts hosted by Det. Nate Koontz. Aside from the workout classes they have intensive law enforcement training and work shifts that allow them to get the full experience of daily officer duties. Once the cadets complete their first and second semester training they are eligible to enroll into the IU Police Academy. While in the academy they are allowed to perform any duties that do not require police authority such as write parking tickets and patrol campus after hours. After graduation from the Academy, the cadets are classified as Officers with complete police authority. Then they will return to campus as a part-time officer working 12-20 hours a week, until they graduate from IU. According to the Officer Program website, hourly wages are paid for formal training and for position duties during the year. Students interested can apply here.
Sgt. Jamie Snyder is the campus coordinator for the program and is a proud alumni of IU. He mentioned how this is the only program in the nation that allows students to work as police officers. The very first cadet program started in 1972 and Snyder graduated from his in 1987.
Snyder also stresses that although this program isn’t a walk in the park he understands these cadets are students too.
“They’re college students we understand that. Concentrate on your grades. Concentrate on your physical fitness. The program is really good about working around people’s schedules,” said Snyder.
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To stay up to date on IUPD and events going on at the station, follow their Twitter page below:
https://twitter.com/IUPD_Btown
IUPD stays very active on social media and creates new posts every time something is going on at the station. For more information on the IU Cadet Program you can head over to their website or contact IUPD directly. Some of the eligibilities for the program include be a full time student in good academic standing, no felony charges and pass a battery of physical and psychological tests. The full list of prerequisites is listed on their website. The program will reopen in the fall and officers are looking forward to the careers of the cadets currently in training.
“I’m looking for something that sets you from everybody else. Whether that’s volunteer service, former military, current military, something that you’re giving back to somebody,” stated Snyder.
