Minneapolis Police recruiting session draws hopefuls amidst tense atmosphere
FRIDLEY, Minn. (KMSP) - Forty aspiring police officers filed into the Emergency Operation Training Facility in Fridley, Minn. Tuesday night.
Each person seated in the presentation room listened intently as they soaked in what it takes to accomplish their goal of becoming an officer with Minnesota’s largest police department—the Minneapolis Police Department.
“As a cadet you get $20 an hour, you get benefits, you’re full-time. That’s pretty awesome!” said Destiny Xiong with MPD Human Resources.
Xiong also assured of the absence of monotony on the force.
“Not one day is the same,” she said.
She explained how the cadets rise through the ranks.
“Being hired as a police cadet, you will have the opportunity to be promoted to police officer upon successful completion of the law enforcement program and obtaining your P.O.S.T. eligibility license,” said Xiong.
“I’m originally from Faribault,” aspiring officer Matthew Truman told FOX 9.
For Truman, the application and enrollment process was seemingly appropriate.
“This is another way to get in without having to do more schooling,” he nodded, “I already have a four-year Bachelor of Science in criminal justice,” he noted of his background.
“We will pay them and get them all the state requirements to become a police officer and all the curriculum that’s involved with [becoming] a Minneapolis Police officer,” said Sgt. Steve Bantle.
While the goal spares Truman money out of his pocket for additional schooling to join MPD, his aspirations are not solely towards a steady paycheck.
“I know there’s a big need for law enforcement,” said Truman.
Meanwhile, another aspiring officer, Chris Sommerfeld, shared a sentiment very much along the same vein.
“Now’s the time to make a difference and get in there and try to turn things around,” Sommerfeld told FOX 9 of his interest to become a police officer despite heightened racial and social tensions.
The trek into the Minneapolis Police Department is an accelerated one that spans the course of 30 weeks.
“We want the best possible people to work the streets of Minneapolis, so that’s why we hold these sessions, that’s why we’re recruiting,” said Sgt. Bantle.
MPD’s next informational meeting will be held August 16th, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Emergency Training Operation Facility at #25 37th Avenue NE Fridley, MN 55421.
To be eligible you must be at least 18 years of age by January 1, 2017.
An Associate or Bachelor’s Degree earned or awarded prior to September 26, 2016 in any field from a regionally accredited college or university is required.
For more information visit: www.minneapolismn.gov/jobs.