Cadiz considers police cadet program, judge’s son proposed as first hire

While other communities have partnered with police academies, Cadiz has not done so until now. Harrison County Judge T. Sean Hervey appeared at the Feb. 12 council meeting to propose a cadet program, with his son, Wyatt Hervey, as the first cadet. Hervey said many municipalities are doing so because it is becoming harder to recruit police officers.

Wyatt Hervey was studying criminal justice in college on a golf scholarship. Hervey said he asked his son what he planned to do with a degree in that field, and Wyatt Hervey said he wanted to be a police officer. Hervey said he then spoke with Police Chief Ryan McCann about his son’s interest and arranged a ride-along with the department.

“They like him, he likes them,” Hervey said.

Hervey described cadet programs as a path to the police force, particularly for younger candidates. He said state police agencies and larger sheriff’s offices also have similar programs.

“What that looks like is that you hire the cadet and he shadows the police officer, and then they will send the cadet to basically a training academy and he’ll be an employee while he’s at the academy,” Hervey said. “And when he comes out of the academy he becomes an officer.”

Hervey said cadets sign a contract committing to stay with an agency for a certain number of years after graduating from the academy. He said there are about 40 cadet programs, including two closer to the area, one of which is a nine-month program.

“At least my understanding is they’re down an officer. They’d like to have an officer as soon as possible, so you can go through an accelerated program that’s about four months,” Hervey said, referring to Cadiz’s situation.

Hervey said the University of Akron is the closest and least expensive program. He said the cost would be $5,400 for the academy, plus $200 for registration, along with expenses for uniform accessories.

Hervey said Wyatt Hervey would be ready to begin March 1. He said the average pay would have been $19.50 per hour, but he proposed $16 per hour. He also proposed reducing the pay rate during academy participation from $24 per hour to $20.

Hervey said Wyatt Hervey would not have arrest powers while riding along and learning procedures prior to entering the academy, which he said would not begin until May 1. Hervey said the commitment after the academy is typically two years, but he proposed an additional year for his son in Cadiz.

“I’m proud of him, but you know, I’m a little scared, being a father, that he wants to go in this line of work,” Hervey told council.

Wyatt Hervey said he was born and raised in Cadiz, was a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout, and likes the idea of serving the community.

“I love serving my community and giving back,” he said, adding that he has wanted to be a police officer since he was 3.

“I just want to do whatever it takes to help them out as quick as possible,” he said.

Village Administrator Brandon Ludwig said an ordinance would be needed to create the position and hire the cadet in the same ordinance, which Village Solicitor Chuck Kidder confirmed. Council discussed reading it as an emergency measure at the next meeting. Councilmember Sal DeLuca said an adjustment in police appropriations may be needed.

Council unanimously approved a motion for Kidder to prepare the ordinance to create the position, pay for the academy and include a three-year contract.