For many years, the Roseville Police Department has intentionally worked toward building a department that reflects the community it serves. The Pathways to Policing program is one of several proactive talent recruitment measures.
In August of 2021, and again in November, RPD promoted two of the first Pathways to Policing participants to licensed Minnesota Peace Officers - Officer Liz Peterson and Officer Abdi Warsame. The Pathways to Policing program is funded through a grant with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and helps the department to recruit law enforcement students from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.
We’ve continued to refine and improve our recruitment strategy over the years with hopes of giving our department a competitive edge,” says Deputy Chief Joe Adams. “As of mid-February, there are over 30 job postings for community service officers and police officers in Minnesota and every agency is looking to increase the diversity of their department.
The Pathways to Policing program aims to reduce financial barriers and looks to accommodate students who may not have the same opportunities as traditional students. Preferences are given to those candidates who are fluent speakers, readers, or writers of the top 5 non-English languages spoken in Roseville: Hmong, Karen, Somali, Spanish, or Thai.
The Pathways to Policing program was a huge help to me with my journey to becoming an officer,” says Ofc. Warsame. “I am grateful for the training and flexibility while earning my degree and I look forward to continuing to serve Roseville as an officer.
Roseville Police is always recruiting. Contact Deputy Chief Joe Adams to learn more about RPD’s recruitment initiatives. Joe.Adams@cityofroseville.com or 651-792-7275