DUBLIN —The recent added strain between law enforcement and the public has played a part in depleting the number of those entering the law enforcement field and even remaining on the job.
Andrew Pait, a master trooper with the N.C. State Highway Patrol, wanted to do something about that.
“I came up with the idea to have a meeting to better prepare the cadets for what they had in store during patrol school,” he said. “The idea is, if they understand and prepare mentally and physically, they will have a better outcome.”
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, Pait held an event at West Bladen High School for the 12 cadets — and their spouses — who are heading to 140th Highway Patrol Fast-Track Patrol School ,which begins Sunday, Aug. 7.
A total of 62 cadets were scheduled to participate in the Fast-Track Patrol School and, on Tuesday, there were nine cadets at the meeting from Troop B, which covers Cumberland, Onslow, Sampson, Duplin, Pender, Columbus, Bladen, New Hanover, Brunswick, Robeson, and Harnett counties. The other three who attended the meeting were from other troops.
The Fast-Track Patrol School is designed for those who have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and received their certification. The cadets are law enforcement officers in the region or have recently became BLET certified.
Jessica Edwards can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.