Members of the Folsom Police Department gathered Friday, along with City of Folsom staff and others to officially welcome three new faces to its force.
The newest officer to be officially sworn at the ceremony was Officer Stephen Thornton. Officer Thornton came to the Folsom Police Department and spending two years on the Wheatland Police Department force.
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The Folsom Police Department shared with Folsom Times that prior to attending the Sacramento Police academy, Officer Thornton served 4 years in the United States Marine Corp reaching the rank of Corporal before he ventured into the field of law enforcement.
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The event also welcomed new Community Service Officer Kirsten Harrison. Officer Harrison comes to Folsom after earning threee associate degrees in administration of Justic and Law. She is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. When she isn’t working, Officer Harrison enjoys photography, painting, and reading, according to the department.
The third new face to join the force is Community Service Officer Schinthia Islam . Officer Islam holds two bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering and biochemistry.
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After that, she continued her education further, earning two master’s degrees in biomedical engineering and forensic behavioral science. Another interesting note about Officer Islam, she has written a children’s book as well, titled “Mister Moon Where Do You Go.”
The three new officers come as the Folsom Police Department continues to recruit and work to fully staff its department to meet the needs of the growing city of Folsom.
Department continues to recruit
The Folsom Police Department continues to recruit for lateral and pre-service officers to join its growing force.
Below are the department’s minimum qualifications for cadets, entry-level, and lateral applicants. Click here to learn more about the department’s strength and agility testing and how to workout with a recruiter.
Entry-level candidates are currently in a POST Basic Academy, recently graduated from a POST approved Basic Academy, and/or are currently working as a peace officer for a recognized law enforcement agency, but who have not obtained a POST Basic Certificate.
Lateral candidates are currently working for a recognized law enforcement agency, have successfully completed the probation period for that agency, and possess a State of California POST Basic Certificate.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Currently enrolled in or completion of POST approved Basic Academy by hire date (entry-level candidates)
- Possess POST Basic Certificate (lateral candidates)
- 1+ year of law enforcement experience (lateral candidates)
- 21 years of age or older
- Possess a valid California driver license
The department’s community policing approach means that officers work in partnership with the community to solve problems and prevent crime, according to the department’s recruitment page. The ideal candidates would:
- Be good communicators and be able to meet and deal with the public tactfully and effectively.
- Be able to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action.
- Have knowledge of police methods and procedures, criminal law, and criminal procedures.
See the detailed job description and qualifications to learn more about these positions.