Special to the Transcript
This past July 17 to July 21, the Winthrop Police Explorers traveled by plane to Gatlinburg, TN to attend the Public Safety Cadets National Competitive Training Conference – Summer Showdown where they competed against 100 talented teams from across the United States in a week-long competition. The competition focused on the type of calls received by police such as burglary in progress, arrest and search, officer rescue, active shooter, unknown trouble, a person in distress, force options, numerous marksmanship challenges as well as a drill team competition. Cadets also attended training classes focused on topics such as human trafficking, self-defense, and leadership as well as attended a job fair with federal, state and local agencies present. Lieutenant Steve Rogers stated “We are very proud of our cadet program. We have been running our cadet program since 1995. We have over 50 former members serving in federal, state, and local level law enforcement including five on the Winthrop Police Department. It has been a huge success. This conference opens up a wide variety of options for youth interested in a future career in policing, as well as law enforcement and public safety in general.â€
The Winthrop Police Department Public Safety Cadets/Explorers is a career-oriented program that allows young adults to explore a career in Law Enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies. The program is available to young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Cadets participate in numerous activities like community service projects, various training with local, state, and federal Law Enforcement Officers, and compete in regional and National Law Enforcement Competitions.
The goal is to provide youth with a specialized training program that focuses on practical experiences and activities that not only better prepare young adults for a public safety career, but also emphasize the role of first responders in society.