Law enforcement college degree

For 19 years I have lived in the Mankato, Minnesota community. As small business development consultant with The SBDC, I have been working with new Americans to help them start businesses and develop entrepreneurship. I have been part of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council for the last 5 years as a board member and as chair.

Last spring, the Deputy Chief of Public Safety approached me and asked if I would consider becoming a Public Safety Police Officer. She knew about my extensive evolvement with the local community, especially with the growing population of new Americans. She asked me “Because people listen to you, trust you, respect you, and you are a natural leader.”

I went through POST (Post-board training) for police officers and was sworn in a part-time public safety police officer on August 1st 2014.

I believe in the philosophy of public safety and community policing. Officers need to be visible, approachable, and trusted. 

Mankato’s law enforcement standards require all full-time officers to hold degrees in the field. Therefore, In order to pursue a full-time position with The Public Safety Department, I will need an associate’s degree in Law Enforcement.

The experience that I have had as a part-time officer, and the respect that I have received from other officers and from community members tells me I’m in the right place doing what I’m supposed to be doing. My colleagues are urging me to join the force full-time.

My part-time public safety job and my community work provide for my living expenses but leave no money for college tuition. Since I’m working two jobs, I qualify for no financial aid, and no other funding is available.

I volunteer my time as a police liaison at a local charter school because I believe in the idea of prevention, and it helps me connect with community youth. I answer questions and can help redirect troubled youth toward a brighter future. I also volunteer as a community speaker to other schools and organizations when asked. All this leaves me with little extra time, no extra financial resources, but with a burning desire to get the degree that I need.

I know from experience that I can help shape a positive image of local law enforcement within the community.

Public safety is not high paying career, but I feel as if this community service is a calling that I have to answer.

I’m seeking support for tuition for the first year of a two-year degree, so I can offer my full services to my community.