LEXINGTON, Ky. — Madison County is helping young adults get professional experience in law enforcement.
The Richmond Police Department is bringing young recruits to its headquarters through its new Police Cadet Program. It’s a year-round law enforcement training program for young adults ages 16 to 20.
Tyson Yancey has been a detective with the department for seven years and is the program’s coordinator.
“They kind of lose touch or just there’s no real communication once you graduate high school, 18 to 20. So I spent about a year doing research and looking at other programs to develop a program of our own, where we could teach young people what law enforcement is,” said Yancey. “I try to engage with them as a mentor to help them try to figure out life or give them advice, try to help them pursue their careers because a lot of them are in college and they’re coming to the end of that.”
Outside of educational factors, cadets engage with the community and get real-hands on experience. The department is currently working at a local boxing gym, with plans to help get cadets in the field by this summer.
After the program, these recruits could work for the department and, if not, will leave with professional references.
Yancey said participants will help grow this program by leading community projects and creating team-building plans for the next class.
The 12 cadets meet once every other week for three hours, committing to more time to create a professional path forward. The program is currently closed for applications.
Richmond police offers multiple avenues for young people to learn about the profession. Officers teach a dual-credit program in partnership with Madison County Public Schools and Eastern Kenutcky University. The department also offers a summer program for kids ages 8 to 14.
