Fresno PD SkillBridge Program
The Fresno PD SkillBridge Program offers soldiers the opportunity to transition to the Cadet I program. The Cadet I program allows candidates to be sent to an accredited police academy with a full sponsorship, then graduating as a sworn Fresno Police officer. Though this is the intended purpose, it will not prohibit candidates from transitioning to other positions within the Police Department. The Skillbridge Program allows active-duty Service members who have less than 180 days until discharge to receive formal training in a new career field. Service members who want to participate in the Fresno Police Departments SkillBridge Program will need to apply through the Fresno Police Department's VIPS (Volunteer In Police Service) program. Participation will be contingent on the candidate's completion of a PHS (Personal History Statement) and passing of a background investigation. After completion of the VIPS hiring process and approval from their command staff, candidates would begin their participation in the Fresno PD SkillBridge program through the end of their enlistment. The duration of the program will be 180 days. This time frame can be adjusted depending on the needs of the Department as determined by the Chief of Police or his designee. The Chief of Police or his designee reserves the right to terminate the candidates participation in the program at any time if performance becomes less than satisfactory. Program participants would be required to work 40 hours per week. Participants would shadow/train in areas of the department that serve to prepare the participant for a career with the department. These areas are to be determined based on the needs of the department as determined by the Chief of Police or his designee. At the completion, or near the end of their enlistment, participants would have the opportunity to apply for employment with the Fresno Police Department.