SPOTLIGHT: FEBRUARY 2023

Marquise (2023)

Criminal Justice

He is a cadet at the SJR State Criminal Justice Academy. As part of his basic recruit training, Marquise has mastered many techniques, including defensive tactics, officer safety, communications, CPR and firearms.State honors one of its own in an alumni salute, celebrating the career milestones, community contributions and personal reflections of those who began their collegiate journey as SJR State Vikings.

WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER BEFORE ENROLLING AT SJR STATE?
I work in the Police Athletic League (PAL) for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT?
When I worked as a youth developmental professional at the Boys & Girls Club of America (Players Championship TPC location), I mentored, instructed and coached their members. Before that, I played college football, which motivated me to begin coaching high school football as well. I currently assist in coaching at Pedro Menendez High School.
I love helping my community - specifically the youth - and helping them to reach their goals and full potential. I want to pass on my wisdom and help them experience growth the way I have. I want to steer them in the right path of achieving their goals. I do this through athletics.
Going into law enforcement is more than carrying a badge and enforcing the law. I want to be the change and positive role model that my community can count on.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SJR STATE?
I am sponsored by the SJCSO.

HOW IS YOUR TRAINING BEST PREPARING YOU FOR THE WORKFORCE?
In the Academy, we spend a lot of time in the classroom going over material in the book along with statutes, while doing scenario-based training to help us better understand the material.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
How mentally tough it makes you. Law enforcement is not an easy job and it takes a mentally tough person to do this job with everything you will encounter and have to endure.

WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A STUDENT?
My persistence. Being a student in the law enforcement academy is not an easy task. There’s something going on every minute of the day, and you have to be fully focused and engaged. From the countless tests, studying and physical training, to assuring proficiency in high liabilities, the program can take a toll on you and exhaust you. It is your responsibility to keep yourself going and invested. I continue to motivate myself with self-talks to keep me on task and focused on the end goal. Staying persistent and focused on the objective is what has gotten me this far on this journey and is going to keep me going through the finish line!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE CONSIDERING THE PROGRAM?
Make sure you establish a ‘why’ for joining law enforcement and the program. Establishing this early on will keep you on track and will help you along the way when things start to get difficult. Also, focus on your fitness level before starting the program. This will help you tremendously!

WWHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?
I see myself either working in the narcotics or SWAT division within my agency.

INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAM?
Change lives, starting with your own. Complete the intense training needed to become a member of the law enforcement profession.