Robbinsdale’s Police Cadet Program Graduates its First New Officer
The Robbinsdale Police Department is trying to shore up its ranks.
It’s currently five officers short.
But their cadet program is showing promise to fill the gap.
A Day in the Life of a Cadet Graduate
It’s an early start for Officer Tim Jeffs, a graduate of the Robbinsdale cadet program.
Officer Jeffs inside a squad car.
His shift starts at 6:00 a.m.
“We kind of have a little shift brief in the squad room,” said Officer Jeffs. “The night shift talks about what happened, shares any information we may need to know.”
The Robbinsdale Police Officer never knows quite what the day will bring, but he’s ready for it.
“I really wanted to be a police officer. That was what I was going to school for,” said Jeffs. “I just like interacting with people. Hearing their stories and serving the community. It’s a really fun job. You get to be outside.”
While he’s only been in his officer role since September, he’s more familiar with the department than that.
“It’s a small department, really a family atmosphere,” said Jeffs. “Everybody’s willing to help you out.”
Before becoming Officer Jeffs, he spent two years as Cadet Jeffs.
Cadet Program like a Job Interview
Robbinsdale Captain John Elder oversees the cadet program.
Captain Elder at the Robbinsdale Police Station.
“I tell them, this is a two year job interview, and we want to make sure that you are becoming the officer we want you to be,” said Elder.
The cadet program gives post-secondary students hands on-learning at the police station.
“While they are cadets, they are working on the street as well,” said Elder. “Assisting officers, addressing non-police related calls, things like animal calls, parking complaints, things like that and as they get closer to their graduation date, we are integrating them more into the actual police calls for service.”
But the cadets don’t just receive valuable skills.
The city also pays for their police-related schooling if they commit to staying with the department for three years
Jeffs is the first graduate from the program to become a Robbinsdale officer.
“He went through the program. He took it seriously, very mature, and really dug in, learned, and we’re seeing his successes out on the street right now,” said Elder.
And there’s more to come.
Currently, five cadets are learning the ropes so that they too can find themselves where Officer Jeffs is today.
“I think it’s a great choice. If you are interested in law enforcement, and know you want to do it,” said Jeffs. “Definitely get a cadet job because it’s going to give your those foundational skills you need once you become a cop.”
Captain Elder expects to have an open spot for two or three cadets this summer.
The Robbinsdale Police Department has 27 sworn-officers.
