The Metro Police Department today entered into a recruiting agreement with the United States Army Reserve. After their training with the Reserves, soldiers who are interested in working for Metro Police will have a guaranteed job interview. If the soldier is qualified, but no jobs are available, he or she will be notified when positions open up.
The partnership is built on the concept that police officers and soldiers use similar skill sets. Carey Steel is a Metro Police officer and a sergeant in the Army Reserve. He considers his jobs to be two sides of the same coin.
“Your soldier deals with your civilians all the time and they have what’s called ROE, rules of engagement, that they have to obey. Well, the police department has a similar structure in that there are certain things we do and certain things we don’t do. And no matter where you are, the soldier and the police officer both function under those guidelines.”
The agreement gives the department access to candidates who are already screened and who have ongoing training from the military. In exchange, the Army benefits from having reservists whose civilian work hones their military skills.
Major General Adolph McQueen says the agreement forms a total package that his recruits will likely find attractive.
“They’ve raised their hands and said they want to serve their country, and this also gives them the opportunity to serve their communities.”
Similar agreements are now or soon will be in effect with six other law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Memphis and Knoxville police departments.
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