North Kentucky News

Covington, Ky. – Mason Arnold, a cadet with the Covington Police Department, has been sworn in as the department's newest recruit after a year of gaining practical experience. During his time as a cadet, Arnold completed police reports, developed radio traffic skills, learned to use a Mobile Digital Terminal (MDT), and patrolled city streets issuing parking tickets.

Mayor Ron Washington administered the oath of office to Arnold on Monday. Reflecting on his own experience as a former Florence Police Officer, Washington emphasized the significance of the oath. "I don’t think there’s anything more sacred than the oath you’re going to be taking," he said. He acknowledged the challenges of police work but also highlighted its rewards: "You help a lot of people, and a lot of people will look to him for guidance and help."

Arnold's decision to join law enforcement is influenced by family tradition. "During my senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to be a police officer," he said. "I have a lot of people in my family who are police officers and they’re all in Covington."

Police Chief Brian Valenti expressed satisfaction with Arnold's progress through the cadet program. “The cadet program is so good for us,” Valenti stated. “Not only does it give these folks experience out in the field – which is priceless, to be honest – but it also gives us a chance to see what kind of police officer he might be.”

The Police Cadet Program requires 18 months of training within the department where participants learn various laws and gain basic policing knowledge through diverse methods including observation and study.

Arnold is set to graduate from Gateway Community and Technical College with an associate degree in science before attending the Police Academy at the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond.