Fairview Heights police to host youth recruitment & development program

Local police and community leaders have announced the creation of a recruitment and development program seeking youths in the metro-east who are considering careers in law enforcement.

According to a statement released by the Fairview Heights Police Department, the Metro-East Cadets of Policing (MECOP) is geared for young men and women ages 14-21 who “will be placed into a learning environment to help prepare them for careers in policing or public service.”

The program, which will be headquartered at the Fairview Heights Police Department, was initiated to help diversify police candidate recruitment in the area, promote positive interactions between youth and police, provide career development skills and promote a sense of community and a dedication to service.

Cadets will learn policing techniques and receive training in ethics and integrity, fitness, communication and career preparedness.

MECOP applications will be accepted starting in October with activities beginning in November. Anyone interested in joining MECOP can contact Amber Hopkins at the Fairview Heights Police Department at 618-489-2150.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 9:45 AM with the headline "Fairview Heights police to host youth recruitment & development program."