Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Perhaps you’d just like to know more about what our officers do as part of their routine. If these ring true for you, then you’ll want to take advantage of the community educational programs available through the Rocky Mount Police Department.
These programs are about more than merely lowering Rocky Mount crime; they’re about fostering a sense of community and helping law enforcement and citizens unite for our city.
We’ll take a closer look at some of these programs:
- The Ride Along Program
- Law Enforcement Explorers
- Internships/Service Learning Opportunities
The Ride Along Program
Ever wonder what happens in the life of a police officer? If you’re interested, here’s an opportunity to find out through the Rocky Mount Police Department’s Ride Along Program. This allows you to spend a day with a sworn police officer while he or she is conducting regular duties.
In order to participate, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Rocky Mount resident or work for or own a Rocky Mount business
- Complete an application
- Complete a waiver, which can be found on the department’s website
- Undergo a criminal background check
- Finish all the paperwork at least 10 business days before your requested ride along
If accepted, you can ride up to four hours. You can NOT participate after 2 a.m. and before 7 a.m.
Law Enforcement Explorers
Do you know someone who is in the Boy Scouts? Exploring is an important part of the organization. The explorer program--- Rocky Mount Police Department's Explorer Post #774--allows young men and women from ages 14 to 20 to experience what it is like to choose a career in law enforcement. All participants receive training in criminal and Constitutional law as well as police procedure.
The goal is not only to educate but to also promote good citizenship, develop leadership abilities and grow in personal character.
Participants also get to ride along with officers and help out during any special events. They can even earn rank and participate in the Junior Police Academy, which is held in the summer.
Participants must:
- Have a “C” or better grade average
- Have no criminal convictions
- Not commit any criminal or traffic violations while in the program.
- Not have committed a serious violation of school policy
- Participate in 80 percent of meetings
- Follow the Post’s rules and code of conduct
There is an annual $20 non-refundable registration fee. Members must also pay $5 a month. This goes toward the cost of uniforms and activities.
Internships/Service Learning
Are you or someone you know interested in a career in law enforcement? The Internship/Service Learning program was created to help those in college explore career options with a police officer.
To participate, applicants must:
- Be in a college program
- Complete an interview
- Complete a background check
- Be available to work 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be 18 or older
- Provide a list of references
Want to Learn More About Police/Community Initiatives?
At the Rocky Mount Review, we’re all about working together to make our community a better place. We’ve dedicated several of our past articles to the police/community initiatives that have helped fight Rocky Mount crime. Take a look at a few of them here:
How the Rocky Mount Nextdoor Program Can Help You Fight Crime in Your Neighborhood
Rocky Mount Police Department Has Federal Jurisdiction
Police Complete T.R.R.U.T.H Training
How Does CompStat Help Rocky Mount Police Reduce Crime?
Three Things You Can Learn from the Rocky Mount Citizens' Police Academy
For more information on these and additional community programs, you can visit the city’s website.