Clay County Sheriff’s Office Launches Cadet Program for Recruitment

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is initiating a new cadet program aimed at enhancing recruitment efforts. This program, introduced by Sheriff Mark Empting, is designed to provide college-aged students studying criminal justice with practical exposure to various law enforcement functions. The announcement was made during the Clay County Commission meeting on January 20, 2024, where Empting emphasized the program’s potential to attract future deputies.

Cadets participating in the program will gain firsthand experience in patrol duties, investigations, court proceedings, and jail operations. “They’d be able to experience all aspects, and I think it would be good for us as far as recruiting in the future,” said Empting. He hopes that successful cadets will be promoted to deputies after completing their education and passing the Police Officer Standards and Training test. The department plans to recruit three to four cadets initially, with the program expected to commence in the spring.

Empting highlighted the practical benefits of the cadet program, stating it would allow students to evaluate whether a law enforcement career aligns with their aspirations. The program not only serves as a recruitment tool but also provides cadets with the opportunity to assist in community events, such as parades and traffic control.

The Moorhead Police Department has seen positive outcomes from its own cadet program, which has been instrumental in addressing staffing shortages. According to Sgt. Joe Brannan, nearly a dozen current officers are former cadets, showcasing the program’s success in cultivating future law enforcement professionals. “I don’t know if we would have been successful filling some of our gaps without the program in place,” Brannan stated.

Moorhead’s cadet program, which began its current iteration in 2022, has evolved to include a range of responsibilities for cadets. They assist with tasks such as managing parking tickets, overseeing traffic at events, and participating in investigations. “They’re kind of a Swiss Army knife for a lot of things,” Brannan noted, emphasizing the diverse skill set cadets develop during their tenure.

Sheriff Empting has ensured that the cadet program will be funded through existing resources, specifically reallocating funds from a resigning variable hour deputy. This strategic approach aims to maximize the use of available budgetary provisions without requiring additional financial support.

During the commission meeting, Commissioner David Ebinger, who previously served as the police chief in Moorhead, spoke positively about the impact of cadet programs on recruitment and vetting processes. “It was an excellent tool for recruiting and vetting people, too,” he remarked, underscoring the long-standing value of such initiatives in law enforcement.

As the Clay County Sheriff’s Office takes this significant step towards enhancing its recruitment strategy, the cadet program promises to not only bolster the workforce but also foster a new generation of law enforcement professionals ready to serve their communities.