MSSU News

JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - Today's law enforcement officers require training as well as dedication to serving the community. But where will the law enforcement officers of TOMORROW come from?

For the first time ever, a special Cadet Police Academy for up to 25 students, age 16 to 18 with an interest in law enforcement is being created on the MSSU campus. Tim Wilson, MSSU Law Enforcement Academy Training Director, says the Cadets will undergo training at the MSSU Law Enforcement Academy later this year.

"We know younger students have an interest in law enforcement," Wilson says. "However, until now, there has been little locally available to help students explore this area of community service," Wilson says.

"We plan on letting students learning about some of the subjects that police officers must know about in today's world. This will help them decide early on whether they want to pursue this line of work and, possibly, obtain a degree in Criminal Justice," Wilson adds.

The Cadet Academy will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day for a full week. There is no cost to attend. Applications are now officially being taken from students in area schools or, if applicable, from home-school students.

Students must be enrolled in a school or home school, maintain GPAs of 2.5 or better, be of good moral character, have letters of recommendation from school representatives, provide references/letters from school and community officials and be willing to attend the entire week of the Academy.

Cadets will be introduced to a variety of topics within the law enforcement field. These include police and patrol ethics, community relations, first-aid, crime scene investigation, firearms training simulation, police vehicle operation, building search procedures, motor vehicle laws, alcohol and the "Abuse and Lose" law.

Cadets will have the opportunity to interact with local law enforcement professionals on a daily basis in training, classroom instruction and practical exercises. Participants will have a better understanding of the responsibilities and duties that officers are tasked with on a regular basis.

Space is limited. For more information and application, those interested should contact Tim Wilson, Training Coordinator at the MSSU Law Enforcement Academy.

Interested students or members of the news media may call (417) 625-9519 or e-mail wilson-t@mssu.edu.

News Bureau Home