IUPD-NW cadets' unique experience prepares them for futures in law enforcement, nursing
Indiana University Northwest senior Taylor VanDommelen and junior Brock Schulte quickly wrapped up their classes in May before heading south to Bloomington, Ind. Joined by 20 other cadets, they are spending their entire summer attending the IU Cadet Officer Program offered through the IU Police Academy.
Through the intense 16-week long course, VanDommelen and Schulte are receiving education and training on more than 90 topics, totaling over 600 hours of instruction with more than 16 examinations. The material covered includes federal and state laws, individual rights, investigation procedures, physical tactics, medical aid, emergency vehicle operations and numerous others.
Thus far, the Academy has provided both cadets with memorable, unique experiences.
“Some of the exercises and scenarios we went through during the defensive training week were pretty intense,” VanDommelen said. “As a female, I’m already at a loss, and going through some of the scenarios was very eye-opening in regard to things I might encounter.”
“What’s been most eye-opening to me is the controlled stress that’s put on us,” Schulte said. “It’s like controlling your body with what you’re observing while being able to get a feeling for what you’re observing.”
In addition to their own unique experiences, the program is unique, too, as it is the only program in the United States that allows individuals to be full-time students, earn a college degree, and become certified police officers in the state of Indiana.
Interest in law enforcement & athletics
Both VanDommelen and Schulte come from similar backgrounds. They grew up in families with ties to law enforcement. And the pair also share another common trait: athletic competition.
VanDommelen played volleyball at IU Northwest her junior year, which was her first year at the Northwest campus. Schulte continues running cross country, a sport that earned him a scholarship to attend the Northwest campus.
However, as similar as their paths might appear, their career trajectories are quite different.
VanDommelen is earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice as she pursues an accelerated master’s in public affairs with a concentration in leadership.
Schulte’s area of focus is nursing, which he considers an additional asset to his law enforcement pursuits. He also understands that his nursing degree can stand alone even if he eventually strays from the law enforcement world.
What's next?
After completing the cadet training program, VanDommelen will return to IU Northwest working as a full-time officer with full police authority.
“My plan is to continue to work at IU Northwest while earning my degree and then to eventually work my way up to a federal-level job,” VanDommelen commented.
And as for Schulte, he will also return to the Northwest campus, but as a patrol officer, ready to assist the IUPD-NW force with roles that do not require police authority, like campus safety rounds and directing traffic.
Regardless of where the two cadets land after earning their IU degrees, they both are grateful for the opportunities that have come from attending IU Northwest and becoming vital members of the IUPD.
Thanks for your service, Patrol Officers VanDommelen and Schulte. See you back on campus soon!
Learn more about IU's Cadet Officer Program
