Clay County Sheriff’s Office Launches Cadet Program to Boost Recruitment

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is launching a new cadet program aimed at enhancing recruitment efforts. This initiative will provide college-aged students enrolled in criminal justice programs with a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of law enforcement. Sheriff Mark Empting announced the program during a Clay County Commission meeting on January 20, 2024.

Students participating in the cadet program will gain firsthand experience in patrol, investigations, court procedures, 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,” Empting stated. The sheriff expressed hope that cadets would transition into deputy roles after completing their education and passing the Police Officer Standards and Training test. The department anticipates hiring three to four cadets as part of this initiative.

The program received unanimous approval from the commissioners, with plans to launch by spring 2024. Empting noted that this timeline would allow cadets to assist with community events such as parades and traffic control, further integrating them into the department and local activities.

In addition to serving as a recruitment tool, the cadet program will provide students with an opportunity to assess whether a career in law enforcement suits their interests and skills. At the Moorhead Police Department, a similar program has significantly aided recruitment, especially during times of staffing shortages. According to Sgt. Joe Brannan, “I don’t know if we would have been successful filling some of our gaps without the program in place.” Many current officers have previously participated in the cadet program, illustrating its effectiveness in fostering future law enforcement professionals.

The Moorhead department’s program, which began its current iteration around 2022, has evolved to include a variety of responsibilities for cadets. They assist with parking enforcement, traffic control during events, bike impounds, and fleet maintenance. Occasionally, they also participate in investigations. “They’re kind of a Swiss Army knife for a lot of things,” Brannan remarked, highlighting the versatility of cadets in various roles.

Cadets who progress to become officers in Moorhead benefit from an accelerated training process. “It really sets them up for success to really focus on being a cop instead of learning how some of the other basic stuff works,” Brannan added.

Sheriff Empting emphasized that he did not request additional funding for the new cadet program. Instead, it will be financed using funds previously allocated for a deputy position that has been vacated. During the commission meeting, Commissioner David Ebinger, a former police chief in Moorhead, shared his positive experiences with cadet programs throughout his 28-year career, describing them as “an excellent tool for recruiting and vetting people.”

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is optimistic that this cadet program will strengthen its recruitment strategy, ultimately benefiting the community through enhanced law enforcement presence and engagement.