Pierce College’s sheriff’s cadet program, which was suspended during the fall semester of 2012 for financial issues, has been restored.
There are currently four cadets working at the school’s sheriff station, but the department is looking for hire around six more, according to Pierce sheriff’s deputy Al Guerrero.
Cadets are in charge of parking enforcement, escorting handicapped students and faculty, opening classroom doors and assisting deputies and security officers with general duties.
Upon the program’s cancellation, other sheriff’s department personnel on campus had to take over the cadets’ responsibilities.
“It’s nice to feel their presence always,” Guerrero said. “That way, we [security officers and deputies] can stay with our patrol.”
The cadet program is funded through revenue raised in the parking funds from citations, according to Rolf Schleicher, vice president of Administrative Services.
“It’s driven a lot by budget,” he said.
Prior to the cancellation of the service, Pierce had overrun its parking funds, Schleicher said.
However, upon reviewing the funds during the last quarter, Scheicher and the school’s senior staff realized the necessity of the cadet program.
“The reality of the situation is that the students need them,” he said. “We’re going to hire the best we can to cover our needs.”
Students who are interested in applying for open positions may inquire with the Sheriff’s Station.
Link to application: http://info.piercecollege.edu/offices/sheriff1/ApplicationForm.pdf
