Tensions between communities and law enforcement have led to recruitment issues for many police agencies. Recruits and cadets in a few police academy programs in the Mohawk Valley say they want to face this issue head-on and restore trust and positivity.
Many of these recruits and cadets say the issues going on are motivating them to get involved.
Renee Hagerty is one of the recruits in Phase 1 of Mohawk Valley Community College’s Police Pre-employment Training Program. She has been interested in law enforcement for several years.
“I actually did get my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice several years ago, but just recently decided to pursue the career field,” Hagerty said.
Hagerty wants in right now because of the reported tensions between communities and law enforcement.
“It’s just driven me to want to serve our community and show people that law enforcement isn’t as bad as people think that it is,” Hagerty said.
Her fellow recruit, Brady Wood, also wants to make a positive difference. That’s why he’s wanted to work in the field since he was little.
“It’s exciting to get to change somebody’s life in a positive way,” Wood said.
Over at Herkimer College, cadets in the Pre-Employment Police Academy are also training hard physically and mentally. This class has about half the number of cadets than they are used to. And those here have some of the same thoughts as the recruits at Mohawk Valley Community College.
Katarenna Hall, a cadet, says she’s excited about a career in law enforcement.
“I feel more motivated now than ever because I want to be a part of helping rebuild the trust between police and the public,” Hall said.
Another cadet, Trevor Porter, says the same. Law enforcement is in his blood. His dad was the Gloversville Police Chief, and his grandfather worked with State Police.
“It’s definitely hard. It hasn’t always been like this, but in the last couple years the view has changed negatively. I think it’s our job now, like the generation coming up, to try to change the view, and gain more respect and trust from the public,” Porter said.
“Clearly there’s a lot of really good cadets in the class and I think there’s going to be a great next generation of police officers,” Hall said.
