The ceremony recognized 41 officers from across the state. The 635-hour training program includes thirteen written examinations. The officers continue their training with the offices and departments they go on to serve.
“It was truly an amazing experience to be able to address officers who, for the most part, are just beginning their careers in law enforcement,” McCarthy said. “I am used to talking to students who are working toward that goal, so it was a nice change to be able to talk to those who have achieved their goal of being a law enforcement officer and are going out to serve their communities.”
Two Northeast alumni were among the graduates. McCarthy’s son, Eric, Stanton, received his associate of arts (AA) degree in criminal justice with law enforcement concentration in 2015 and is currently serving with the Columbus Police Department. Cash Campbell, Ashland, graduated from Northeast in 2015 with an AA degree in criminal justice with law enforcement concentration and currently serves with the O’Neill Police Department.
At the ceremony, McCarthy emphasized the need for new officers to be aware of their role within the larger community.
“People will look at them differently, regard them differently, and that is a huge responsibility. The public expects them to be experts when they are still learning their craft. They are very privileged to be law enforcement officers, but they are never to act as if they are privileged.”
McCarthy is a graduate of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center’s 100th Basic Training Class.
The associate of arts degree in criminal justice at Northeast Community College gives students knowledge to apply their education directly on the job or to continue study toward a four-year degree. The program offers two interdisciplinary concentrations, corrections and law enforcement.
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PHOTO ID: Matthew McCarthy (left), and Eric McCarthy. (Courtesy Northeast Community College)