KOLONIA, Pohnpei, FSM: October 23, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph welcomed representatives from the College of Micronesia-FSM (COM-FSM) and the Pohnpei Department of Public Safety in a courtesy visit to discuss an innovative skills training program aimed at advancing law enforcement professionalism and leadership within Pohnpei State. The program, still pending final approval, will allow Pohnpei State Law Enforcement Officers to enhance their skills through courses at COM-FSM under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Training Program.
The program’s vision is to prepare law enforcement officers with specialized training from the Police Academy and provide a pathway to enroll as students at COM-FSM. The curriculum is designed to focus on policing and law enforcement, blending practical experience with academic knowledge to foster skilled leaders within the Department of Public Safety. The program is pending finalization with a Memorandum of Understanding between COM-FSM and the Pohnpei State Government.
Governor Joseph expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing his belief that COM-FSM should be the primary training institution for Pohnpei and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Governor Joseph also suggested that COM-FSM collaborate with Pohnpei State’s annual student takeover day to inspire high school students to pursue careers in law enforcement and other essential fields.
Professor Gardner Edgar from COM-FSM highlighted the program’s broader context, noting that this collaboration marks the second apprenticeship program COM-FSM has launched with the U.S. Department of Labor. The first program successfully led to the certification of an electrician with the Pohnpei Utilities Corporation.
Deputy Chief of Police Bronson Martin expressed deep gratitude for this opportunity, viewing it as a transformative step toward advancing the standards and professionalism of Pohnpei’s law enforcement community.
Dean Phyllis Silbanuz of COM-FSM’s Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) and Vice President Ehmes expressed optimism about the program’s future, hoping it could eventually develop into a full degree pathway, possibly connecting with the Trial Counselor program. It was also made clear that each law enforcement participant will be eligible for federal Pell Grant scholarships, allowing them to enroll as regular students alongside their law enforcement duties.
The Pohnpei State Government, COM-FSM, and Department of Public Safety are committed to advancing this program, which underscores a shared vision to empower Pohnpei’s law enforcement with cutting-edge skills and create leaders prepared to meet the demands of the profession.