WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Working out in the 30-degree morning weather isn’t for everyone. But for the recruits in the Winston-Salem Police Academy, it’s just part of the job.
“It’s hard to say because I’m not a police officer yet,” recruit Nathan Wise said about his favorite part of the department. “But being on the ride-alongs I’ve been on, it’s different every day, and it’s challenging.”
What You Need To Know
Law enforcement around the country is struggling with staffing shortage
There are several different factors, such as public perception and the rise of easier jobs
Nathan Wise joined the program recently after four years in the Marines
Wise loves the challenge. He joined the academy recently.
“Been in training about two or three months now,” he said.
Wise started his career as an engineer for the Marines. Once he left after four years, he couldn’t ignore the call to continue serving his community.
“It was a childhood dream to either do the military or be a police officer,” Wise said. “Tried the military for four years, and I was like, well, let’s see how the police officer thing goes.”
The labor shortage has hit many industries around the country hard. But one in particular is law enforcement. This class of recruits is smaller than usual. Depending on the year, the academy usually graduates somewhere between 25 and 40 graduates.
This year, roughly halfway through, and it’s down to 17.
“Speaking candidly, I would say that that shortage comes from an unrealistic expectation people have these days,” Sgt. Sammy Langdon said. “Everything looks better on the other side of the fence when you’re having a bad day or when you’re looking for that next greatest thing.”
One factor that could be affecting the shortage is the rise of higher-paying, easier jobs.
“Yes, there are other places where it might look like there is more money for less work. But what we need to do as citizens is sit down and decide is that really what we want to spend the rest of our lives doing?” Langdon said. “Would that bring you the satisfaction of knowing that you did something to make the world a little bit better?”
Other factors include both COVID-19 and public perception of law enforcement after the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in 2020.
Plus, days at the academy can be long.
After early-morning PT, then it’s two hours of academics and four hours of specialized training, like firearms or driving.
The hardest part though, according to Wise, is the mental exercise.
“Toughest part has to be the mental aspect of it,” he said. “Knowing that anything can happen on any call and trying to be as prepared as you can for everything.”
But for the recruits, it’s worth it.
“Just the whole classroom and then bringing it together with hands-on things, such as our specialties, firearms and driving,” Wise said. “Really bringing it all together is what’s made it gratifying.”
For every new officer that comes in, it’s a chance to help the community just a little bit more.
It’s also a very tight-knit academy.
While we visited, some of the officers who were previously recruits took time on their day off to do PT and boost morale.
“I went through this process not long ago, so I know what they’re going through,” officer Dante Tropeano said. “So, it’s just rewarding to me to come out and talk to them and give them some motivating words.”
If you’re interested in joining the department, visit the city’s website.