Cape Girardeau Police Department looks at different ways of recruitment
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Cape Girardeau Police Department is offering a way to fund new recruits to join the force.
The incentive would give persons the chance to attend the Police Academy sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Police Department while working with full benefits.
Many police departments throughout the nation experienced a shortage in staffing during 2022, and Cape Police Department was no exception. In 2022, the department sponsored a total of five cadets, all of who graduated from the SEMO law enforcement academy and are now assigned to the patrol division.
“It’s extremely important for us to get more officers on the street to protect our community,” said Police information Officer Bobby Newton. “And we’ve got to have the men and women who are willing to go through the academy. I know it’s a huge expense if you have to pay for that out of pocket. I had to pay for it out of pocket and it definitely took a dent, but it’s well worth it, it’s a very rewarding career.”
The police department’s command staff is committed to seeking responsible solutions to provide services the community has come to expect from the police department. The police department offers to support cadets through the academy to reach those goals.
“We have to have new officers, to replace retiring officers,” said Lieutenant Rick Schmidt.
He added that becoming an officer of the law isn’t easy, and that it’s something you have to really want.
“You should become a police officer because it’s what you want to do, it’s the right thing to do,” said Lt. Schmidt.
Newton says that if hired by Cape Girardeau Police Department and sponsored through the academy, cadets will receive a salary and full benefits while attending the Academy to include health, dental, and life insurance.
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FOX23’s Sasha Moore will have more Monday on FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
