Potsdam police academy graduates find opportunity at the U.S. Capitol
SUNY Potsdam’s Law Enforcement Training Institute is busy training the largest cohort in its history and catching attention from afar. In early November, a representative from the U.S. Capitol Police made the trip north to get eyes on the academy in action, and let its leadership know that Potsdam is top of mind when the agency goes afield in search of promising candidates to fill roles in Washington, D.C.
Officer Amanda Aigle, a recruiter with the Capitol Police, toured the expanded home for the police academy in Merritt Hall and met face-to-face with faculty and students during her visit.
“Over the past couple of years, SUNY Potsdam students have set themselves apart by being engaging, respectful, and inquisitive during virtual and in-person presentations. For these reasons, USCP will always dedicate our time and effort to the students and faculty at SUNY Potsdam.”
A recruiter with the Capitol Police in Washington, D.C.
Officer Amanda Aigle, a recruiter with the Capitol Police, (3rd from left) poses for a photo with students in the Law Enforcement Training Institute.
Aigle used the opportunity to talk about the agency’s $77,000 starting pay, federal benefits, and student loan reimbursement program. Law enforcement agencies across the country are hard-pressed to find applicants with the training and temperament to handle the stressors of the job. That creates a favorable market for graduates of the academy’s rigorous five-month training.
Those who distinguish themselves can find careers with rich rewards and variety, Aigle said.
“At USCP, you can travel the world as a special agent protecting members of Congress within our Dignitary Protection Division, be a part of our K-9 unit, investigate threats, screen visitors coming to the Capitol Complex, and so much more,” she said.
In the three years since Dr. David Bugg made contact with Aigle to showcase the value of LETI, Capitol Police have hired five SUNY Potsdam graduates.
Dr. David Bugg teaches Intro to Homeland Security in Satterlee Hall. (photo by Ayisha Khalid '24)
“To put this in perspective, U.S. Capitol Police hires approximately 300 new officers a year, out of an estimated 18,000 applicants,” said Bugg, an associate professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Potsdam. “Beginning in the spring of 2022, we began hosting Officer Aigle once a semester for virtual recruiting events. In the spring of this year, she decided to come in person to visit our cadets and criminal justice students—something that she does not do for all the criminal justice programs in the country.”
Ayo Alao ’24, of Queens, is majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. He was attracted to Potsdam by affordable tuition and the opportunity for college and life experiences beyond New York City. Ayo dreams of relocating to Washington and working in the Capitol Police K-9 unit.
“I've wanted to be a police officer for as long as I can remember. I always enjoy helping people and think of myself as a people person who can handle crisis situations.”
Keen to begin service, Potsdam cadets are planning to visit agencies in Houston over winter break to network with agencies that have gotten wind of their training program.
“We are the only program in the country that combines a bachelor's degree with Phase 1 New York State certification, and law enforcement leadership development with an industry-standard model based on the FBI National Academy model,” Bugg said. “The profession is recognizing our approach, and it is paying off for our students.”
Article by Bret Yager