OHIO — A new program that will be implemented at Cedarville University and Central State University this fall semester aims to equip students with the skills they need to pursue a career in law enforcement.
The College to Law Enforcement Pathway Program will be a partnership between police agencies and the universities that will be open to upper-class criminal justice majors who qualify for it.
Agencies that are planning to participate are the Beavercreek Police Department, Dublin Police Department, Fairfield Township Police Department, Fairview Park Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Reynoldsburg Police Department, West Chester Police Department, and Xenia Police Department, according to Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.
Dr. Patrick Oliver, the director of the criminal justice program at Cedarville University, said students will need to meet certain requirements to qualify.
“We’re going to select students that have a 3.0 GPA or higher that meet our attendance requirements, that meet out our six core values and that would greatly contribute to the law enforcement profession,” Oliver said.
Students will also get a background check, physical fitness check and other tests to qualify for the program, similar to what is needed to enter the field.
“We’re going to produce entry-level enforcement leaders that can be hired by participating law enforcement agencies,” Oliver said.
He said recently law enforcement agencies are struggling to hire qualified individuals, and they are having difficulty expanding to a diverse team. Oliver said they plan for the program to address both of those issues.
To learn more about the program, watch the full interview above.
