Questar III's Criminal Justice Students Learned Lessons in Decorum from Troy Police Cadets

This week, Questar III’s Criminal Justice students at the Rensselaer Educational Center (REC) learned military police decorum from The Troy Police Cadets.

Most of the cadets are former graduates of the two-year Criminal Justice Program at REC. Students learned proper hand positioning for saluting, how to stand and make turns, as well as practice marching.

Criminal Justice teacher, Amy Gillet, who serves as the only civilian advisor to the Troy Police Cadet program, said the program provides a pathway to post-secondary learning and careers in law enforcement. “Entering the program at such a young age prepares students for the demands of the academy,” said Gillet.

The Cadet program is designed so that students can experience the challenges and rewards of a police officer. Advisers and guest instructors teach police-related topics using both classroom instruction and hands-on activities. After a six-month probationary period, cadets may join police advisers on ride-a-long tours where the cadets will observe actual police calls.

At the end of the class, Gillet asked how many of her students would be interested in applying for the Cadet program; the majority of the class raised their hands. “What better way for my current students to learn than from their peers,” said Gillet.

The Troy Police Cadet Program is funded by the Troy Police Department. To qualify for the program, applicants must be between the ages of 14-21 years of age. Be a resident of Rensselaer County and maintain a C average.