BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – The City of Blue Springs is proud to announce the Blue Springs Police Department Step Ladder Program in partnership with the Urban Rangers Corps of Kansas City, Missouri. The program will provide a structured way for young men interested in law enforcement to receive guidance and targeted career preparation. Participants will learn through personal interactions with adult mentors and programs tailored to their specific skills and interests.
“This is a great opportunity for young men to learn about police services and receive hands-on career experience at an early age,” said Blue Springs Chief of Police Wayne McCoy. “It’s a new way for the department to connect to young men and provides a way for them to become informed and interested in law enforcement.”
The Urban Rangers Corps of Kansas City has been operating since 2005 as a program to assist boys and young men in discovering their individual talents and developing them in preparation for post-high school careers.
“Our mission has always been to create pathways for boys and young men to develop beyond set boundaries,” said Erik Dickinson, Urban Rangers Corps president. “By partnering with the Blue Springs Police Department, I believe we are providing the urban core youth the chance to build a stronger and more secure relationship with police in the Greater Kansas City community.”
Eligible candidates must be junior or senior young men in high school who have been recommended by the Urban Rangers Corps. Prior to graduation from high school, selected participants will begin an internship tailored to their interests and skills. After turning 18 years of age, program graduates who performed well could be offered a position with the police department and be mentored by Blue Springs police personnel. Candidates cannot be certified as a police officer until age 21 due to Missouri law, but can be offered non-sworn police department positions.
“I believe the Blue Springs Police Department’s partnership with the Urban Rangers Corps creates a new opportunity to cultivate civic stewardship in our youth,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “This organization has a history of producing positively engaged community members and I look forward to meeting program participants.”
The City of Blue Springs is an inclusive community. We support the continued development of all community members and continue to work with residents and business partners to create and maintain career development and learning opportunities for all.
For more information, contact Chief Wayne McCoy at (816) 228-0167, police@bluespringsgov.com or Urban Ranger Program Director Lynn Johnson at (816) 333-6455, www.urkc.org.
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