Southeast Tech and SFPD Look for Next Group of Career Cadets

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Interviews are underway for the next set of Career Cadets. The program says it’ll leave those involved not only paid but equipped with professional experience for a career in public safety.

Career Cadets is a partnership with the SFPD and Southeast Technical College. Leaders of the initiative said they’re excited to see its success and look forward to the doors it’ll open for those interested in joining.

Lieutenant Rob Forster said he began working towards bringing Career Cadets back in 2020 after the city went years without it. The main goal surrounding the program is to increase access to education for those who may be interested in public safety.

“Giving them kind of a road map of where this career starts at and where you can go over the years is really something that we can put out for people that maybe don’t know what they want to do or maybe they’re 23, 24, 25 and they’ve just kind of been working and they really didn’t know what to go to school for, this is another thing for them,” Forster said.

Once Cadets are officially enrolled, not only will they be paired with a mentor from SFPD, but during their classes at Southeast Tech, they’re able to learn from former police officers, Rich Miller and Kevin Gries.

Miller explained that during class they’re able to teach the basics and give students the knowledge of their first-hand experiences. With this program, he said, “You’re basically a step ahead of those others who are looking to get into law enforcement programs and just kinda get you off on the right track for this type of career.”

In just a few months, the program has seen three students go through Southeast Tech. Two of them are continuing their degrees, while the other just celebrated her college graduation with the announcement of her new job at SFPD.

“She’ll actually start with our June 3 hiring class as a full-time officer here at Sioux Falls Police Department so we’re very excited for that. Given our partnership with Southeast Tech and all of the skills she learned out there,” said Forster.

Interested candidates must be pursuing an associate degree in law enforcement science from Southeast Tech.

To become a Cadet there is still time to apply for upcoming interviews that will take place in June, for more information click here.