By Michael Letts
The law enforcement veteran and InVest USA founder discusses a new program that could help new police officers find a better route to a future.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen thousands of police officers leave their post. Between the immense pressure that came from the awful “Defund the Police” campaign; the poor treatment by Democratic leaders who don’t seem to understand the value of police officers; and the increase in criminal activity with very little support to fight against it, it’s just a lot for them to overcome.
And it absolutely saddens me. These are good, hard-working men and women that deserve our care and support, and yet their leaders continuously fail them, refusing to provide them with the gear and mental health support they desperately need.
As a result, crime is on the rise; and as you might guess, recruitment is tougher than ever. Some states are dealing with limited budget, put in place by those restrictive leaders. Others simply don’t know the best way to bring in young recruits.
But the Tampa Police Department has a great idea, and I think other states could easily follow suit with it.
The Department recently teamed up with the University of Tampa to provide a partnership that would allow college seniors to complete police academy training during their final semester. And what’s more, students that major or minor in any form of criminology are welcome to apply.
Of course, the usual standards apply, including physical tests, a polygraph and a very thorough background check. But if they meet these terms, they can complete their final semester while attending the TPD academy in a full-time status. And on a paid scholarship no less, with the ability to earn college credits.
Speaking with FOX 13, Carly Hilinski-Rosick, who serves as department chair and professor of criminology and criminal justice for UTampa, noted, “It’s giving them about a semester head start, about a four-month head start on getting into the police academy and getting hired.”
I’ve always said a good education goes a long way – and the right students could very well land a job in the Tampa Police Department far sooner rather than later. And, in turn, that benefits the Department, assuring they won’t be light-handed when it comes to keeping the streets safe from crime.
Officer Stefon Filer, who serves as recruiter and internship coordinator for the TPD, added, “It’s a long term investment. We always have officers that are retiring. So we want to make sure we have the next generation of law enforcement. And what better way than to do that with a partnership with the University of Tampa and some of the best and brightest students that Tampa has to offer.”
It’s terrific. It’s a plan that benefits the young by allowing them to get closer to a dream job; while, at the same time, helping the department from those that leave their post due to retirement or transfer. Leaders already say it’s a program that could boost staffing numbers, and I’m happy to see it.
Now if other states would get on board with such a program. Imagine how quickly New York could turn its problems around with the right education program. Mayor Zohran Mamdani would be wise to hold off on his “let me arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu” pipe dream in favor of something that actually benefits students and officers alike. Show them that he actually cares instead of just muttering that he does.
Obviously some areas are more open to the idea than others. Florida has always done right with law enforcement, and Tampa certainly continues to follow that trend. I just wish others would see the results from this and follow suit, rather than complaining that “police are the problem” or something ridiculous along those lines. They’re not a problem – they’re the solution. I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face.
Here’s to the young recruits that will take advantage of this program and make good with the Tampa Police Department. I’ll be watching their progress as they go on, and cheering on a long, healthy career for them. Welcome!
About Michael Letts…
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
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