Do high-profile police shootings hinder law enforcement recruitment?

Recent high profile events involving police officers shine a spotlight on the agencies that serve and protect us.

Some say the events put law enforcement under a microscope.

“You always have to conduct yourself as if someone was watching,” said Brian Green, recruit training officer at College of the Desert’s Public Safety Academy.

Green says the academy prepares recruits for the scrutiny that comes with working in public safety, especially as camera technology evolves.

“We talk to the students about being engaged and that the actions of an officer somewhere else can affect how they conduct their job,” Green said.

“Instructors frequently use these real life scenarios to discuss subject matter,” said Chris Madigan, the academy’s director. “It brings reality to the whole program.”

While some agencies around the country say the recent bad press for law enforcement has decreased recruitment, at COD’s academy enrollment numbers remain strong.

Between 80 and 90 students go through the program each year.

“The last two semesters it has been higher on average,” Madigan said.

“I’ve been here 13 years and I’ve seen it go up and down with no rhyme or reason,” Green said.

Madigan says one thing is for sure: agencies are hiring, and in need of people who will embrace the duty of protecting their communities.

“If anything they’d like to be part of a change if they see a need,” Madigan said.

“The reason an officer gets in trouble is a personal decision and it has nothing to do with law enforcement and it has nothing to do with your desire to serve mankind,” Green said.

For more information on the academy visit: http://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/ap/psa/Pages/default.aspx