BIG RAPIDS - Derrick D. Turner of Flint and Anthony D. Dickson of St. Johns were installed as the Ferris State University Department of Public Safety's first-ever police cadets on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The cadets will assume the duties of the newly created police trainee position to assist certified officers within the university's police department.
Police cadets have for decades been an asset to progressive departments wanting to offer extra services to the public while shaping police professionals of the future. Police cadets are uniformed members of the department, but because they do not take statutory police actions requiring state licensure, they are not armed.
They can support the certified officers and thus the community in countless ways. Specifically at Ferris, the cadets will handle service calls and attend student and community meetings and functions. In many cases, the cadets will be participating with a regular police officer unless operating alone is more warranted under the assignment or circumstances.
Turner is a graduate of Flint Southwestern Academy. He is studying at Ferris, majoring in criminal justice and is a recruit in the Ferris Law Enforcement Academy anticipating a May 2007 graduation. He had his first law enforcement experience at age 15 with the Genesee County Sheriff Department Police Explorers. Cadet Turner has developed his law enforcement experience by assuming duties at the City of Big Rapids Department of Public Safety and the Mecosta County Sheriff Department. Prior assignments with Ferris DPS have been as a service officer and dispatcher.
Dickson's interest in criminal justice came from his life-long desire to help people and make a difference in the community. He recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Ferris and is continuing his education by pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice administration. Cadet Dickson's law enforcement experiences thus far include serving as an undercover decoy in field operations for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, as a senior marine officer for the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office, as a reserve police officer for the City of Reed City, as well as a student dispatcher and student service officer for Ferris DPS.