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06/28/2016 12:00 AMBefore she started with the East Haven Police Department Cadet Program, East Haven High School student Jacquelyn Adinolfi was a little bit wary of the police department.
“I wasn’t super fond of our town’s police department because of the past controversies, better left unsaid,” she says. “I was unsure if I really wanted to step foot in a building where many people, just like myself, didn’t know too much about the men and women inside besides what information the media revealed.”
Now that she’s been through the program, her view of the department has changed. “From the beginning of the program until now, what still amazes me is the passion that every officer has for the safety and well-being of each person in our town...This opportunity has opened my eyes and given me the chance to meet amazing officers and friends, and even make a definite decision as to what I want to do with my own future.”
Adinolfi is one of three 2016 East Haven High School graduates who are the initial graduates of the cadet program. They all plan to pursue a career in criminal justice related fields this fall at college.
In addition to Adinolfi, who will attend the University of New Haven, the graduates include Cathie Esposito, who will attend the University of Bridgeport, and Sabrina Didiano, who will attend Sacred Heart University.
“All three cadets logged in excess of 55 hours at the East Haven Police Department during the school year,” said Lieutenant David Emerman of the East Haven police Department.
“During the program, the cadets were able to observe the various technologies that are utilized in modern policing including dash cameras and body cameras, mobile data terminals (laptop computers in patrol vehicles), license plate readers, and were also able to go on ride-alongs with our officers and see first-hand how they carry out their duties as police officers,” said Emerman. “All three cadets were a pleasure to have and we wish them the best as they begin their undergraduate studies.”
Didiano said she found the cadet program to be a perfect opportunity “to gain more knowledge as well as experience within the field. Talking with officers and acquiring new knowledge made me even more passionate about the field I wish to pursue a career in. Being involved in the cadet program was an amazing experience, and I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to partake in such a beneficial program.”
Esposito agreed.
“While it does require a lot of responsibility, the cadet program for me was most definitely an eye-opening experience. Not only was I given the opportunity to ride in the car with officers and become an active part of the community, but I was exposed to a career I never thought I would fall in love with,” she said.
East Haven High School Principal Vincent DeNuzzo said, “It is exciting to introduce this new collaborative program between the East Haven Police Department and East Haven High School. It is a great opportunity for students who may be considering a career in law enforcement.”
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates can receive additional points on their applications if they decide to apply to become police officers in East Haven.
The cadet program also serves as a means of bridging the gap between law enforcement and the youth of East Haven and is one of several recently introduced programs that aims to improve police-youth relations in our community.
Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., said, “This is just another example of the fantastic strides our Police Department has made during the last two years.
“The new cadet program is just another extension of our department’s continued commitment to increase community outreach in general and develop relationships with the youth of our town in particular,” the mayor continued.