Ada, Okla. is known for several things. It is home to East Central University and is the birthplace of country singer Blake Shelton. Just northeast of this small Oklahoma town is one more thing that makes Ada unique. It is the home of Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, better known as CLEET. This center for the training of law enforcement professionals recently had three new Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Police officers graduate from the program.
“Being CLEET certified is the highest professional certification for a police officer,” said CPN Police Chief Dr. Jim Collard. “We are excited to have three new officers graduate from the program and look forward to their service.”
CLEET certification requires individuals to participate in a 14 week, 576 hour residential course. The certification covers law enforcement driving education, firearms training, traffic exercises, criminal investigation training, defensive tactics, domestic violence and sexual assault training and industry standard computer logging.
CPN’s new officers Timothy Nichols, Jonathan Sumner and John Earls join a police force responsible for protecting and patrolling a 900 square mile area that is the Citizen Potawatomi Nation jurisdiction.
“This is an opportunity for me to start another career and I’m grateful for the chance,” said Earls. “I look forward to serving CPN and the people in and around the Nation.”
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Police Department was founded more than two decades ago to protect tribal assets and employees, increase public safety and enhance the general well-being of the community.
For more information on becoming a CLEET certified officer visit www.ok.gov/cleet/Peace_Officers.