Stanley Bell recalls the last recession (2007-2009), he graduated from college in need of a stable career and a steady income. At a time when the housing bubble burst, consumer-related employment dropped and the nation faced a historic decline in spending, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“The economy was very bad at that time — there definitely wasn’t a lot of options for myself and the people I graduated with,” said Bell. “To make matters worse, I was particularly looking for the right career — in the right part of the country — that would be both long-lasting and publically impactful.”
Today, Bell has spent the last decade serving two “impactful roles,” as an officer within the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and as a motor transport operator within the D.C. National Guard.
“I get to make a big difference everyday serving in both positions. And I make a decent living,” Bell added. “I look forward to new experiences and helping people I encounter along the way.”
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia is looking to hire many more part-time service members like Bell. On Oct. 24, Jeffery W. Carroll, assistant Chief of Police for MPDC joined Brig. Gen. William J. Walker, acting Commanding General of the DC National Guard and retired Brig. Gen. Lawrence Gillespie, chairman of the D.C. chapter of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, during a ceremony to sign a formal inter-agency recruiting agreement at the D.C. Armory.
The agreement permits recruiting between the two agencies; allowing new hires to earn additional income, work towards two retirement pensions and receive other benefits for those who take advantage of serving in both components. Moreover, the agreement allows D.C. Guardsmen and MPDC officers to easily serve both capacities.
“Many in the Guard are looking for employment … military personnel are familiar with the rank structure law enforcement operates on, they’re also physically in shape, drug free, and have a clean driving and criminal record … all those qualifications are beneficial when pursuing a career at MPDC,” said Karimah Bilal, public affairs specialist for MPDC. “When prospects join the Metropolitan Police Department they enter a fulfilling career that includes a great salary, benefits, and retirement package like no other … (additionally) MPDC members will be afforded the opportunity to hear about service opportunities with the Guard.”
All new MPDC recruits are required to complete 24 to 26 weeks within the Metropolitan Police Academy to learn laws of arrest, search and seizure, criminal law, traffic regulations, human relations, community policing, self-defense, advanced first-aid and ethics. Starting salary is $55,362, and increased to $60,571 after the first 18 months on the job. New officers are also eligible to receive housing and education funds.
“There are currently 3,830 sworn members at MPDC, and we hope to increase that number to 4,000 very soon,” Bilal added.
Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.