Sioux Falls Police Department launches program to increase workforce

The goal of the program is simple: to ensure that financial circumstances, family commitments or other barriers do not prevent anyone from a career with the Sioux Falls Police Department.

The department recently launched a workforce program, Career Cadets, designed to increase access to higher education for those interested in exploring a career in public safety.

Participants in Career Cadets will join the department in a part-time, civilian role, learning more about the field through direct mentorship from law enforcement professionals.

“We are always looking for ways to innovate our approach to recruitment, and Career Cadets is another testament to how we continue to prioritize positive community engagement,” Police Chief Jon Thum said in a statement.

“No matter where you are in your career or which field of work you are in, if you are committed to being a positive force in our community and ready to become a law enforcement officer, there is a place for you on our team.”

Through a partnership with Southeast Technical College, cadets who maintain good academic standing will receive a scholarship to cover 12 credit hours at STC. Additional benefits include a laptop from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and access to child care and health care assistance based on financial eligibility and need.

Police Chief Jon Thum; Lt. Robert Forster; Britney Mower, dean of curriculum and instruction, Southeast Technical College; president Robert Griggs, STC; and Benjamin Valdez, vice president of academic affairs, STC.

“As we developed the program, one of our hopes was to further the tradition of community-based policing that has been built in Sioux Falls. Looking back to the beginning of my career, I value the support of mentors who taught me that our mission is to show up for the community each day, no matter what they are going through,” Lt. Robert Forster said. “Our team looks forward to meeting and working with the inaugural class of Career Cadets and seeing all they will do to positively impact the community.”

Learn more and apply today at siouxfalls.org/CareerCadets.

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