Council approves partnership with Minot State University to recruit criminal-justice students as part‑time CSOs

The Minot City Council voted unanimously to approve a recruitment partnership between the Minot Police Department and Minot State University to attract criminal justice students into part‑time community service officer (CSO) roles that can transition into full‑time sworn positions.

City staff said early drafting of the program contemplated housing reimbursements for students, but staff removed housing assistance after receiving guidance that reimbursements could create IRS/tax complications and slow implementation. The approved program as presented will cover tuition and books (subject to available funding), create part‑time CSO positions (approximately 20 hours per week during the student period) and establish part‑time CSO roles designed to transition participants into full‑time officer openings once they graduate.

City officials said the program is intended as a long-term recruitment strategy to reduce vacancies in sworn positions. Staff estimated the current budgeted amount in the amendment would cover roughly four students if the city bore full tuition costs; if the state Career Builders program participates (it can cover up to 50% of tuition), the city could expand the program to serve more students, possibly four to eight depending on interest. Council and staff discussed how these part‑time hires are to be recorded administratively and how the program will be scaled back as full‑time vacancies are filled.

Council action: Motion to approve the partnership and related budget amendment passed unanimously.

What happens next: City staff will finalize program details with Minot State University, recruit students for the fall cycle and monitor headcount and budget impacts during the next budget review.