FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Police Department is looking to fill 76 vacant positions and is actively recruiting cadets and future officers committed to public service, according to KSEE.
Police Chief Mindy Casto, a department veteran who began her career as a cadet in 1996, said the department is focused on “growing our own” officers. Cadets, some as young as 18, train and assist with non-emergency duties while preparing for entry into the police academy.
| SPECIAL REPORT: The DFR decisions every chief faces before the first drone ever flies
“Our officers who came through as cadets have over a 90% success rate through the training program,” Casto said.
Applicants to become police officers must be at least 21, pass a background check and undergo psychological and medical evaluations. Felony convictions and certain drug use can disqualify candidates, while misdemeanors are considered case by case. The department no longer requires a written exam, according to the report.
“We look into every aspect of someone’s life to see if they’re suitable for a police officer,” Casto said.
Despite staffing shortages, Casto said emergency response times have not been affected. However, more officers would help reduce overtime and improve response to non-emergency calls. Applications have declined compared to years past, when positions typically drew multiple candidates.
Among the department’s recent graduates is Officer Amanda Gonzalez, a former fifth-grade teacher and mother of two. She joined the department at age 33 and earned the top physical training award for women in her academy class.
“We only have like one life, and that’s it. So make the most of it. I have a lot of family members who are in law enforcement … So they were so excited,” Gonzalez told Your Central Valley.
Recruitment opens soon: applications for Cadet II (age 21 and older) begin March 2, and Cadet I (under 21) opens March 30, according to the report.
Looking to fill open positions in your department? Post your job opening on the Police1 Job Board to reach thousands of qualified law enforcement professionals.
Jaahnavi Kandula was hit by a Seattle officer who was driving up to 74 mph as he responded to a drug overdose call; he had his emergency lights on and had been using his siren at intersections
The immigration crackdown, which spanned Minneapolis and St. Paul, resulted in more than 4,000 arrests and extensive protests
The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners voted unanimously to approve putting a $2.1 million donation toward the purchase of 24 drones, docking stations and other equipment
“No porches were harmed in the making of this incident. Sgt. Bennett’s dignity is currently under review,” the Monterey Police Department captioned the video post
As Winter Storms Fern and Gianna moved through in January, FirstNet, Built with AT&T delivered the critical connectivity public safety and essential services rely on
