Protective Services Class prepares Job Corps students for honorable service

PALMER — Alaska State Trooper Sergeant Luis Nieves met with Alaska Job Corps’ first Protective Services class March 10, which started up six months ago. Trooper Nieves explained a number of areas where Job Corps students will be inherently qualified and well prepared for trooper training.

He looked at the whole class and said, “How you prepared for a trooper job — is one of the most important interview questions. Both confidence and fitness are requirements — which are offered in your Job Corps training. These important qualities allow Alaska State Troopers to do successful community policing with less force. We seek to maintain respect and dignity to all.”

As part of the Job Corps program, both swimming and physical fitness are part of the recreation program. Being physically capable is a major requirement now for the state troopers.

“This is what we are looking for,” Nieves said.

Nieves says confidence and honesty are two more necessary components — both of which are drilled hard in the Job Corps program. These focuses will successfully answer the major trooper recruitment question.

He reemphasized the hiring policy, which clearly reflects much of the curriculum of the Job Corp’s Protective Services classes. Class-taught communication, decision-making, observational and monitoring skills will assist with qualification.