Sacramento State University is partnering with the city and state police to place students in law enforcement positions.
The program is called Law Enforcement Candidate Scholars Program (LECS) and launches next fall. It places qualifying students into internships with programs like the Sacramento Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.
The program is the first of its kind in the nation, it was designed by former Sacramento police officer, now Sacramento State University professor, Shelby Moffatt.
“We want to make sure that each one of these young men and women is responsible, capable, and prepared," Moffatt said. "And when me mean prepared, academically prepared for the rigors of what the job entails.”
Students who qualify and complete training through their perspective academy, will be guaranteed jobs if positions are available.
Moffatt said the partnership can also help promote diversity within the departments.
Student Justin Corpuz has applied for the program and hopes to become a police officer.
“It was something that I kind of grew up with and I’ve always want to make a difference,” Moffatt said. If accepted,
Corpuz said the program could lead him to his dream career.