A new correctional cadet program that leads to a career path with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety is launching in Bertie County Schools, developed jointly by the school system, community leaders, the Governor’s Office and the Department of Public Safety.
The pilot program is aimed at keeping more young residents of Bertie County employed and near home and at developing a well-trained and eligible workforce for one of the county’s largest employers, Bertie Correctional Institution. The new cadet program was introduced today at the Bertie County Schools convocation by community leaders and DPS officials with a video message from Governor Pat McCrory. The first students are expected to begin classes in the cadet program in January 2016.
Bertie County high school students interested in the criminal justice field may participate as Public Safety Cadets during their 11th and 12th grade years. These students will study a criminal justice curriculum jointly designed by Bertie County Schools and the Department of Public Safety focused on developing integrity, leadership and support for the community.
Successful completion of the high school course work in the cadet program will provide credits toward an associate’s degree in criminal justice at Roanoke-Chowan Community College or Martin Community College. After completing the cadet program and earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice, students will be exceptionally prepared to begin working as a correctional employee in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
This new cadet program will complement the successful Army Junior ROTC and Emergency Medical Service cadet programs already operating in the Bertie County high schools.
For more information about the Bertie Public Safety Cadet program, contact Rhonda Hendricks, Career Readiness Coordinator, NC Department of Public Safety (252) 830-3466 or
rhonda.hendricks@ncdps.gov
