A new cadet program for full-time college students in the metro Denver area who are studying criminal justice, or other related degrees, can apply to take advantage of a Regional Transportation District Transit Police program that can earn them a three-hour credit in most college programs.

Cadets will learn about the day-to-day work of transit police officers. The program also offers an emergency management police cadet track.

The program, created by RTD Deputy Chief Steven Martingano, is intended to give students insights about law enforcement and the role of transit police.

“The program dedicates time and resources to make sure someone knows what they’re coming into when considering being an officer,” Martingano said. “Police work is more of a calling and a passion.”

The cadet program provides training in skills needed to pursue a career in public safety and law enforcement including video investigations, integrated security, cyber security and police dispatch communications.

The program gives cadets a head start if they wish to join RTD’s police force.

“If a cadet wants to join our department, they already have the confidence coming in and understanding of the work to quickly complete field training,” said Martingano.

Martingano is acutely aware of the impact of a police cadet program. Without his year-and-a-half experience as a New York Police Department police cadet, “I might never have applied to be an officer.” Martingano originally intended to pursue a degree in accounting. “It’s a job that I’m passionate about,” he added in a news release by the agency.

RTD is also hiring two detective positions in addition to the emergency management police cadet role. The agency continues to add staff to reach a minimum of 96 officers on the force by year end. Martingano noted that a college degree is not a requirement for joining the RTD police.

Visit the Transit Police Careers page to apply for open roles.

RTD has undertaken initiatives to improve system safety this year including adding 60 officers so far, establishing 24/7 police patrolling, and starting an “open door” elevator program at select light rail stations to help deter unwanted or criminal activity, according to the release.

Customers are encouraged to be partners in safety with RTD and download the Transit Watch app to report any suspicious activity discretely or anonymously. The app is available in English and Spanish and iOS and Android versions.