CDCR recently teamed up with 12 state agencies to showcase the benefits of a career in law enforcement.
Partner agencies included:
- Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
- California Department of Insurance (CDI)
- California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
- Department of State Hospitals (DSH)
- California Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
- Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks)
- Sac State Police
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Activities kept kids occupied at law enforcement career fair
At the one-stop recruitment fair, held at the Department of Motor Vehicles headquarters in Sacramento on May 7, representatives answered questions from visitors and provided information about job openings in their departments statewide. Several booths offered equipment demonstrations, including state patrol vehicles and interactions with K-9 teams. Family-friendly activities like remote-control cars and animals entertained children while parents discussed career opportunities.
Connie Gipson, Director of CDCR Division of Adult Institutions, praised those who currently work or are interested in a career in law enforcement.
“When you say you want a career in law enforcement, what you’re really saying is you want to be a public servant. You’re part of something bigger than yourself,” Gipson said.
The career fair also featured a panel discussion with Lieutenant Guim’Mara Berry (CDCR), Chief Gianni Muschetto (CAL FIRE), Officer Harrold Garcia (CHP), along with Ranger Scott Modeste and Lifeguard Andrew Helble (California State Parks). Each shared stories of how they started their careers in law enforcement and what inspires them to continue to pursue jobs in the field.
“We want people to know there is a law enforcement side to fighting fires in the state that offers a great career path. We hold people accountable for loss, offering justice for someone who may have lost their entire home and preventing more possible damage,” said Muschetto.
Expansions also require hiring new staff.
“We want to spread the word about the Office of Criminal Investigation. Currently we’re a staff of only 10 and growing, doubling vacancies statewide. We’re hiring,” said Tiffany Chavez, a representative of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
College students look into career options
Many visitors attending local colleges, were also looking ahead at careers after graduation. Dean Koutsoulis and Francisco Fraire study criminal justice at Sacramento State University.
“I’m interested in law enforcement because it’s like putting together a big puzzle, but the result benefits others,” said Koutsoulis.
“From an early age, I was pushed to do well in school and do the right thing,” Fraire added.
One of his goals is to help smooth over the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
“I’ve noticed a lot of tension between my community and law enforcement. Because I understand both sides, I think I can help bridge the gap,” he said.
By Tessa Outhyse, Public Information Officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
